Lower Lake

The water here is proper serene - a long, narrow stretch of it that catches the light beautifully on clear days. Lower Lake sits in Northumberland's countryside, close enough to Newcastle for a quick escape but far enough that you'll forget the city exists. It's a working reservoir that's been there since Victorian times, and the surrounding banks are thick with trees.

You can walk the perimeter - takes a couple of hours at a reasonable pace - or just park up and sit by the water with a thermos. Birdwatchers do well here; herons and grebes are regular visitors. The path is well-trodden and mostly flat, so it's not demanding, though it can get muddy after rain.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit low-key. There's no visitor centre, no facilities to speak of, and you won't find boats or swimming. What you get is quiet water and countryside, which suits walkers and photographers far more than those after activity-based entertainment.

It pairs nicely with a stay at Wild Northumberland Glamping nearby - the kind of place where you can do a morning walk here and still be back in time for lunch. Admission is free, and there's no set opening hours since it's accessed via public footpaths. Go on a weekday if you want solitude. Worth a half-day if you're in the area, though don't expect crowds or drama.