Marina

The water at Marina sits calm and proper, especially on a windless afternoon. It's a lake just outside Melton Mowbray that draws walkers and anglers in equal measure, though it's not somewhere you'd linger for hours unless fishing is your thing. The banks are accessible in places, and there's something rather peaceful about doing a loop of the perimeter - takes maybe forty minutes at a relaxed pace. Birdwatchers do well here. Waterfowl are thick on the water, and the reedy margins attract warblers in spring if you're lucky. Families with young kids might find it a bit quiet and lacking in facilities, but older children who enjoy a gentle walk won't grumble. It's the sort of place where you call in on a morning while passing through rather than plan an entire day around. The nearest proper town is Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies, so you could easily grab lunch after a stroll here. Both The Grange Camping and Caravan Park and Frisby Lakes Lodge Park are within five miles, making Marina useful as a break from campsite routines. It's free to visit, which helps. On a grey day it's melancholy rather than lovely, but catch it in good light and the reflections lift it considerably. Not essential, but convenient if you're staying in the area and want some outdoor time without a major expedition.