Mud Pond 2

You won't find tour buses or gift shops at Mud Pond 2, which is rather the point. This modest stretch of water near Newark is the sort of place locals know about and visitors stumble upon by accident - a tranquil spot where the main event is simply sitting, watching, and occasionally spotting wildlife.

It's a working pond, really, which means the water reflects whatever the Nottinghamshire sky decides to throw at it on any given day. Bird watchers come here regularly. The banks are accessible without too much faffing about, and there's a genuine sense of peace that you simply don't get at the more popular nature reserves. Expect reeds, water birds, and the occasional splash of a fish breaking the surface.

This works best for anyone who genuinely enjoys a quiet walk rather than a curated experience. If you need facilities, cafes, or a visitor centre, look elsewhere. If you want 45 minutes of proper solitude within a short drive of Newark, it's worthwhile. Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching - early morning is always best for that.

If you're based at one of the nearby glamping spots like BrackenXcapes or Wigwam Holidays Orchard Stables, Mud Pond 2 makes an easy morning outing before heading to more established attractions. It won't dominate your holiday, but it's the sort of small discovery that makes an East Midlands break feel less packaged.