Little Lightmoor Pool

A small lake tucked away in the Herefordshire countryside, Little Lightmoor Pool is the sort of spot you stumble upon rather than plan for. The water itself is tranquil - proper peaceful - ringed by trees that reflect beautifully on calm days. There's not much in the way of facilities or fanfare, which is rather the point.

You're looking at a pleasant walk around the water's edge, maybe 20 minutes or so depending on how you meander. It's the kind of place that appeals to birdwatchers and anyone after a quiet moment away from the noise. If you're based at Doward Park Campsite - just over 6 miles away - it's a decent half-hour excursion when the weather's cooperative. Children won't be bowled over by it, to be honest. There's no playground, no shop, no obvious activity beyond standing about looking at water.

What you get instead is genuine calm. No crowds. No theme park polish. The nearest proper town is Lydney, though the pool itself sits in deeper countryside. It's best visited as part of a broader ramble through the area rather than a destination in its own right. Bring a packed lunch and a decent pair of boots if there's been rain - the paths can get muddy. Free to access and completely ungoverned, which means arriving early in the day if you want solitude. Lovely for photographers after soft light, or anyone after a reset.