Lily Pond

The Lily Pond near Hythe is exactly what it sounds like - a serene stretch of water carpeted with water lilies, especially striking in summer when the flowers are in full bloom. It's not dramatic or showy, which is rather the point. You can walk the perimeter easily enough, take photographs, watch for dragonflies and the odd heron, and feel properly removed from the world despite being just outside a Kent town.

This appeals most to photographers and anyone after a quiet spell. Families with young children will get something from it, though an hour covers it thoroughly unless you're genuinely keen on aquatic plants or patient with binoculars. The walking isn't strenuous, which suits older visitors.

Its modest charm makes it a decent half-hour detour if you're based at Marlie Holiday Park and fancy a leg-stretch that's different from the usual park loop. Go in late morning before crowds thicken, or late afternoon when the light softens across the water. If you're expecting something on the scale of a proper lake or reservoir with activities, you'll find it bit limited. But as a quiet green space to collect your thoughts between park activities, it works well.

No idea about admission fees or facilities - worth ringing ahead to check what's there when you visit.