Lake 50A

Lake 50A sits just outside Cirencester in Wiltshire, a proper working gravel pit that's been transformed into something genuinely worth stopping for. The water's clear and deep, surrounded by rough grassland and mature trees that give it a wilder feel than you'd expect from such an industrial origin.

It's primarily a fishing spot - anglers come here regularly and know what they're doing - but walkers can make a decent circuit of the perimeter if you're after a gentle hour's ramble with decent views across the water. The shoreline varies between open banks and wooded stretches, so there's visual interest even if you're not dropping a line in.

Families with older kids might enjoy it as a break on a driving day, though there's not a huge amount to keep younger children occupied beyond "look at the water". It's more about the landscape than attractions. The lack of formal facilities means it feels properly undeveloped - no gift shops, no crowds, no faffing about.

If you're staying at Malmesbury Glamping at Whychurch Farm just six miles away, Lake 50A makes a realistic morning walk or afternoon detour. Cirencester itself has proper shops and restaurants if you need something more structured. The lake costs nothing to visit - it's an open-access spot - and you can spend as long or as little time there as suits you. Best visited when the weather's decent, obviously, since there's no shelter to speak of.