Gom's Hole

The water here is almost unnaturally clear - that's the first thing that hits you about Gom's Hole, a natural spring-fed pool just outside Bourton-on-the-Water. It's not vast, and you won't find facilities or crowds, but that's precisely why it works. The hole itself is basically a deep basin carved into the Cotswold limestone where the River Windrush emerges, creating this pocket of brilliant turquoise water that seems far too vivid to be real.

Walkers love this spot. It's accessible from Bourton itself - a gentle ramble along the river rather than a proper hike - and makes a proper good reason to leave the honeypot high street behind. The water's cold year-round, so don't expect to swim unless you're the hardy type. Most people just come to look, paddle their feet, and sit on the grassy banks with a picnic.

It works best as a half-day excursion during a wider park holiday in the area. If you're staying at Cotswolds Meadow Glamping just two miles away, you could walk there easily and be back for breakfast. The nearby Bourton-on-the-Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite makes it equally accessible. Aim for spring or early autumn when the crowds thin out - summer weekends can get a bit rammed once word spreads.

The main thing to know: go for the walk and the peace of it more than expecting a major attraction. Kids will be entertained for 45 minutes or so, but it's not a day-long destination. Still, it's genuinely worth fitting in.