Far Lake

Far Lake sits just outside Brough in a pocket of East Yorkshire that doesn't get nearly enough visitors. It's a proper working gravel pit that's been left to nature - shallow water, reed beds, the lot - and it's genuinely brilliant for birdwatching. Bring binoculars and a decent camera if you're serious about spotting wildfowl, waders, and the occasional rarer visitor. The walk around it takes about an hour at a gentle pace, though you could just perch on a bench for half that and be perfectly content.

This is very much for naturalists and patient types rather than thrill-seekers. Kids might manage twenty minutes before asking what's for lunch. The access is straightforward enough, with a track that won't destroy trainers, and there's something calming about a landscape that humans have accidentally improved through extraction.

Far Lake works brilliantly as a morning outing if you're based at one of the nearby glamping spots - Little Wold Away or William's Den are both within easy reach and hit the right note between comfort and countryside. Willow Pond Caravan Site is another solid option if you prefer a more traditional setup. It's free to visit and best done in spring or autumn when migration brings the really interesting birds through. Don't expect facilities or crowds - bring a flask, wear waterproofs, and come prepared to stand still for longer than feels natural. That's when the place reveals what makes it worth the trip.