Mammoth Lake

The water's dark and still when you first spot it, surrounded by scrubby woodland that feels properly removed from Leicester despite being just outside the city. Mammoth Lake is a nature reserve that's won itself a real following among birdwatchers and anyone after a quiet walk away from the urban sprawl.

It's a straightforward spot - a lake fringed with reeds and willow, the kind of place where you'll see cormorants, grebes, and if you're lucky, something rarer. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so it's more for people who actually want to watch wildlife rather than grab a coffee and call it a day. You can walk the perimeter, though it takes perhaps an hour at a gentle pace, and the views aren't dramatic - this isn't the Lakes or anything - but they're honest and calming.

Walkers will find it worthwhile, especially those keen on spotting birds. Families with young children might find an hour sufficient before they get restless. Best visited in spring and autumn when migration brings variety to the birdlife.

If you're staying at one of the local caravan parks - Village Farm Getaway or Hill Top are both within easy reach - Mammoth Lake makes a solid morning outing to break up a week. Pair it with other walks in the area for a proper day out. Admission appears free, which is generous, though bring binoculars if you're serious about the birds.