Elmore Lake

The water at Elmore Lake sits dead calm most mornings, reflecting the sky like a mirror someone's forgotten to hang. It's a proper little freshwater lake tucked away in Hampshire, just inland from Lee-on-the-Solent, and while it won't compete with the Lake District for drama, it's the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think.

Walkers get the most from it. There's a decent circuit round the perimeter if you fancy a gentle ramble, and the banks are well-established enough that you won't sink into bog after five minutes. Birdwatchers bring their binoculars - you'll spot more than you'd expect for somewhere so close to the coast. Families with younger kids might find an hour enough; there's no playground infrastructure, and it's really about the walk and the views rather than activities.

The lake works brilliantly as a break between beach days if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Solent Breezes is solid, Dibles Park deserves its five-star rating, and even Waverley Park gives you a base within striking distance. It's only four to five miles from your caravan, so you're not spending half the holiday in the car.

Come early morning or late afternoon when the light's proper golden and the place feels a bit quieter. Bring a packed lunch if you want to linger; there's grass enough to sit on. Admission appears free, though facilities are minimal - this is about the water and the walk, nothing fancy.