Oak Mere

Forty acres of water stretch before you, ringed by woodland and surprisingly peaceful for somewhere just off the A556. Oak Mere sits quietly in the Cheshire countryside near Northwich, and while it's not the county's most dramatic lake, there's something properly restful about the place.

Anglers make up most of the regular visitors - the water's well-stocked with carp, roach and perch. Even if you're not fishing, the footpath that curves around parts of the shoreline makes for a decent short walk. Takes about twenty minutes to circuit what you can access, though some sections are private.

Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Wild Shore Delamere or Blakemere Holiday Park often pop over for a quick leg-stretch. The kids can feed ducks while parents enjoy the view, but honestly, an hour here is plenty unless you're planning to fish. No facilities to speak of, so bring your own refreshments.

Best on a calm morning when the surface turns mirror-flat and reflects the surrounding trees. It's free to visit what's accessible to the public, though parking can be a bit hit-and-miss along the roadside. Worth combining with a trip to nearby Delamere Forest if you're making a proper day of it.