Drew's Pond

A shallow pond ringed with reeds and the sort of peaceful emptiness that makes you wonder why more people aren't here. Drew's Pond sits just outside Devizes and works best as a gentle walk rather than a destination in itself - you're looking at twenty minutes round trip from the nearest road, depending on which way you approach it.

The water's murky and shallow, which means it attracts wading birds rather than swimmers. Bring binoculars if you're into that sort of thing. It's the kind of spot where you notice things: damselflies skimming the surface, the particular smell of stagnant water in summer, the sound of traffic from Devizes fading as you walk further in.

Families with young kids might find it underwhelming - there's no facilities, no clear path round, and honestly it's not dramatic enough to hold attention for long. But it's cracking for a quiet walk if you're staying at Mill Farm Glamping nearby and want a break from the site without driving anywhere. Early morning's best if you actually want to see wildlife rather than wade through other visitors.

Park the car near Devizes and ask locally - the access route isn't obvious and there's no official signage. Free, obviously. Don't expect much and you won't be disappointed. It's one of those places that's worth knowing about if you're in the area, but not worth planning your trip around.