Green Pond

Green Pond sits quietly on the edge of Windsor and Maidenhead, a freshwater lake that catches you off guard with how peaceful it is given the commuter belt location. The water itself is proper green - hence the name - with reedy banks and decent tree cover that makes it feel more remote than it actually is. You can walk the perimeter easily enough, though the path gets a bit muddy in places, and there's a genuine sense of escape from the A-roads nearby.

It's the kind of spot walkers gravitate towards rather than families with small kids looking for a day out. Birdwatchers do well here too - the reeds attract warblers and the occasional heron if you're patient. The lake itself isn't swimmable for most of the year, and there's no formal infrastructure like cafes or benches, so come prepared. Allow a solid hour if you're doing the full loop, less if you just want to potter about and take in the stillness.

Henley-on-Thames is the nearest proper town, about four miles away, and it's a logical fit if you're based at Embers Camping or SRB Moorings - both within walking distance for a stroll. Hurley Riverside Park is another option if you're campervanning. Green Pond works best as a morning walk before heading into Henley proper for lunch and the Thames-side atmosphere. It's not a destination unto itself, but it's the sort of place that rewards a quiet half-hour on a misty morning.