Lea Marston Purification Lakes

The water here is impossibly clear, which feels odd given this started life as a sewage treatment site. Lea Marston Purification Lakes, just outside Atherstone, is what happens when industrial land gets properly reclaimed - the result is a genuinely peaceful spot for a morning walk or afternoon sit-down by the water.

It's essentially two linked lakes created from the old treatment works, now managed as a nature reserve. The banks are reedy and wild rather than manicured, which is exactly the appeal. Birdwatchers will spend hours here; the place pulls in warblers, herons, and if you're lucky, kingfishers. Walkers get a circular route that's dead easy - flat ground, no scrambling about, takes maybe 45 minutes without rushing.

Don't expect a cafe or facilities; this is proper outdoors territory. Bring binoculars if you're into birds, a camera if you're not. Kids will get restless after an hour unless they're the type who genuinely enjoy watching water. Families after a gentler outing might find it a bit too quiet.

It fits well if you're based at Nightingales Rustic Camping nearby - gives you a proper morning out without driving far. The area around Atherstone is quiet Warwickshire countryside, and this lake works as a nice break from driving between bigger attractions. Free to visit, completely open access. Go early if you want the place to yourself.