Oakmere

The water here is surprisingly clear for somewhere so close to North London. Oakmere is a proper little nature reserve just east of Barnet, and it's the sort of place that rewards you for bothering to find it. The main draw is the lake itself - a glacial pool ringed by woodland that actually feels quite removed from the suburbs, even though you're never far from civilisation.

Walkers and birdwatchers will get the most from a visit. The paths are straightforward enough, nothing demanding, and you can easily spend an hour or two just pottering about looking for waterfowl. Spring and autumn are best if you're keen on spotting migrants. The surrounding trees provide decent shelter too, so it's not a miserable slog in drizzle.

It's free to access and there's no faffing about with opening times - you just turn up. Allow a couple of hours if you're actually interested in the wildlife; thirty minutes if you're just after a quick stroll with the dog.

If you're staying at any of the nearby parks like Marshmoor Crescent or Cherry Green Trees, Oakmere works well as a half-morning excursion before heading elsewhere in Hertfordshire. It's genuinely worth the short trip from Barnet if you fancy something quieter than the usual attractions. Don't expect drama - this is about atmosphere and fresh air rather than spectacle.