Moat

The Moat sits just outside Uttoxeter like a proper secret - a lake that most people driving past on the A50 haven't got a clue about. It's a peaceful stretch of water surrounded by trees, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which is rare enough these days.

What you get here is straightforward: water, walking, and the chance to see a bit of wildlife if you're patient. Ducks potter about, fishermen line the banks with their rods, and if you time it right the light hits the water just so in late afternoon. There's a footpath that takes you round if your legs are up for it - nothing strenuous, just a decent walk.

It's not a destination in itself, to be honest. You're not going to spend four hours here getting excited. But if you're staying at Lane Tree Hideaways - which is barely a mile away - and you fancy a quiet hour away from the holiday park, this ticks the box. Kids will manage a lap and a bit of duck-spotting before they want moving on. Walkers and birdwatchers will find it genuinely worth the detour.

Free to visit, obviously. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the fishermen if company bothers you. Winter's actually better than summer here - fewer midges, better light, fewer crowds.