Lupton Reservoir

The water at Lupton Reservoir sits like a sheet of grey glass between the low Cumbrian hills, and it's the kind of place that sneaks up on you. Just outside Milnthorpe, it's genuinely peaceful - the sort of spot where you can actually hear yourself think, which becomes rarer every year. There's a decent walk around the perimeter if you're after a bit of leg-stretching, though it's not dramatic landscape. More honest, really. You get proper rural Cumbria without the crowds you'd find at somewhere like Windermere.

It's ideal for a quiet afternoon if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Little Acre, Once Upon a Fell, or The Ashes are all within a few miles and make good hubs for exploring the area. Walkers will appreciate the circuit, though expect muddy stretches after rain. Birdwatchers and anglers know this place well; the fishing's apparently decent depending on the season. Families with small children might find it a touch dull if they're expecting dramatic views or facilities, but if your kids enjoy spotting wildlife and aren't glued to screens, the reservoir's got its charm.

Access appears to be free and unrestricted - there's no obvious visitor centre or cafe, so you're looking at a simple, low-key experience. Bring weather-appropriate kit and decent boots. Allow two hours for a comfortable circuit. It won't be the headline of your holiday, but it's exactly the kind of easy, unpretentious place that rounds out a week in Cumbria rather nicely. No fuss, no queues, no Instagram crowds.