Hackett Lake

The water at Hackett Lake is surprisingly clear on a decent day, and if you time it right you'll have the place nearly to yourself. It's a proper local spot just outside Nottingham - the kind of place where dog walkers and anglers know what they're doing, but tourists rarely think to venture.

What you're looking at is a former gravel pit that's become something of a wildlife haven. The water's calm, surrounded by scrubland and trees, and there's a real sense of peace that you don't often find this close to the city. You can walk the perimeter - takes a fair while - and on a quiet morning you might spot herons or the occasional kingfisher if you're lucky.

It's not dramatic. There's no cafe, no visitor centre, no paying admission that I'm aware of. It's just a lake, accessible and free, which is exactly why locals like it. Families with young kids won't get much out of it beyond 45 minutes, but if you've got teenagers into photography or bird watching, they could easily spend a couple of hours here. Same goes for anyone who appreciates a proper walk away from crowds.

If you're staying at Peacock Lake Glamping or Gunthorpe Camping - both solid options a few miles away - Hackett Lake makes a nice low-key morning or late afternoon activity. Don't expect Instagram moments, but do expect space and quiet. That's the whole point of coming.