East Bilney Lakes Ltd

Two lakes carved out of Norfolk countryside east of Fakenham, East Bilney offers a proper escape from the usual seaside tourist grind. The site itself is quiet - a working fishery where locals come to catch pike, perch and roach rather than somewhere the crowds descend on. The water's calm, the banks are peaceful, and if you're not fishing, it's the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. The landscape around here is flat and unremarkable until you realise that's exactly what makes it work - nothing distracts from the stillness.

Families with young kids might find it a bit slow for an afternoon outing. Serious anglers will get hours of contentment here. It's worth a morning visit if you're based at one of the nearby parks - Wild Meadow Glamping is only five miles away, as is Bylaugh Country Park, both excellent bases for exploring this corner of Norfolk. Norfolk Coast Caravans sits a shade further at five and a half miles.

The site works best in early morning or late afternoon when the light's better and the water's more likely to be active. There's little infrastructure and no facilities to speak of, so come prepared with your own refreshments. It's free access as far as fishing visitors go, though I'd check ahead if you're planning to fish - there may be permit requirements. Allow a couple of hours if you're walking the perimeter; anglers will want the full day. Not Instagram-worthy, but genuinely restorative.