Framfield Lake

The lake sits tucked into the Sussex countryside between Heathfield and the rolling Weald - a proper tranquil spot that catches you off guard if you're not expecting it. It's a working fishing lake, so you'll often see anglers dotted along the banks with their tackle boxes and flasks, which gives the place a peaceful, lived-in feel rather than a manicured visitor attraction.

Walking around the perimeter takes a decent hour if you're not rushing. The paths are well-maintained enough, though they can get muddy after rain - proper wellies weather. The water itself is clear enough to spot fish moving beneath the surface, and there's usually enough wildlife pottering about - ducks, herons if you're lucky and quiet enough - to keep birdwatchers happy.

This isn't a destination in itself, to be honest. But if you're staying at Dernwood Farm Glamping or Horam Manor Country Park nearby, it's exactly the sort of local walk that fills a morning without needing to load the car. Take the kids if they're the type who'll spot newts and get excited about it; leave them at camp if they need attractions with ticket booths and ice cream vans.

Heathfield is your nearest proper town for supplies and parking. The lake doesn't charge entry as far as I could establish, and there's usually space to pull in by the access points. Go early on weekends if you want to avoid the fishing crowds - it's nicer then.