Linghurst Pool

Linghurst Pool sits quietly on the outskirts of Retford, a modest lake that doesn't announce itself with much fanfare. It's the sort of place locals know about and visitors stumble upon by accident - which, frankly, is exactly when it works best.

The water itself is ringed by trees, giving the whole thing a sense of separation from the surrounding farmland. You can walk the perimeter easily enough, though it's not a dramatic landscape - no peaks, no vistas that'll make you gasp. What it offers instead is straightforward peace. The pool attracts anglers in particular, and you'll often see them set up along the bank with their gear. Birdwatchers come too, especially in spring and autumn when the lake becomes a stopping point for passing species.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Hallcroft Fishery is just under three miles away, or Olive Tree a touch further - Linghurst makes a decent half-hour detour on a morning walk. It's free to access and you can spend as long as you like, though two hours is probably your maximum before the appeal of walking the same circuit again wears thin. Bring binoculars if you're serious about birds. Leave them at home if you're after dramatic scenery.

For families, it's fine if your kids are old enough to walk without complaining. There's nothing to keep them entertained beyond the water itself, so it's not a day-out destination. But as part of a broader exploration of the Nottinghamshire countryside around Retford, it's worth knowing about.