Digswell Lake

The lake sits just outside Welwyn Garden City, a proper unexpected find if you're exploring Hertfordshire. You can walk right round it - takes about forty minutes at a leisurely pace - and the water's genuinely calm most days, which makes for decent photography if you're into that sort of thing. Birdwatchers do well here. Herons, grebes, the occasional kingfisher if you're patient and quiet.

It's free to visit, which helps. The footpath is well-maintained, though it gets muddy after rain, so wear proper boots. Families with young kids will manage fine - there's nothing strenuous about it - though honestly, after one lap most under-tens start asking when they can go home. The real appeal is for walkers who want something low-key, not a destination in itself.

Timing matters. Early morning is when you'll actually see wildlife. Weekends get busy with joggers and dog walkers, which spooks the birds. Spring's lovely for migrants, autumn for watching the reflections change.

If you're based at Hertford Camping and Caravanning Club Site six miles away, Digswell makes a decent half-day outing - combine it with a walk through Welwyn Garden City itself, which has decent pubs and cafes. Don't expect it to be the highlight of your trip. It's a solid addition to a longer Hertfordshire ramble, not something you'd plan a whole holiday around.