New Fish Pond

Water and woodland collide at New Fish Pond, a proper little lake just outside Doncaster that rarely gets mobbed despite being genuinely pleasant for an hour's wander. You'll find it a good spot if you're after a break from the main attractions - nothing flashy, just water, trees, and the occasional angler casting a line from the bank.

The walk around the perimeter is straightforward and takes about forty minutes at a leisurely pace. There's something quietly absorbing about it: the reflections on the water, the willows bending down to touch the surface, the constant background noise of birds. Families with young kids will find it manageable - flat terrain and not so vast that anyone gets lost - though there's not much in the way of playground equipment or activities beyond watching the wildlife.

If you're camping at Between Rivers, which sits just six miles away, this makes a logical detour on a day you're not venturing further afield. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which counts for something in South Yorkshire. Go on a weekday morning if you want it quieter still - weekends pull in the local fishing crowd, which is fine, but it does change the atmosphere.

Water quality and facilities aren't something we can confirm here, so worth checking locally before you visit. The walk itself is the main draw - if you're expecting a destination attraction, you'll be disappointed. But as a gentle interlude during a park-based holiday? It does the job.