Pond C

Pond C sits on the outskirts of Newark, a working water body that's more functional than flashy but absolutely worth knowing about if you're staying nearby. It's the sort of place locals actually use rather than somewhere that makes it onto Instagram, which is rather refreshing. The pond itself is calm and reflective, fringed with trees and accessible for a quiet walk or some gentle birdwatching - bring binoculars and you might spot herons, grebes, and various waterfowl depending on the season.

This is proper territory for walkers rather than families after a full day out. An hour's circuit is about right unless you're seriously into spotting birds or photography. It's free to access and there's no faffing about with opening hours or admission fees, which means you can slip over whenever the mood takes you.

Staying at one of the local glamping spots - BrackenXcapes is closest at under three miles, or Milestone Caravan Park if you want something more conventional - means you've got a decent local escape hatch. Pond C won't keep you occupied all afternoon, but it's the sort of place that rounds out a park holiday nicely. Combine it with a wander into Newark town centre or a longer walk along the Trent Valley paths and you've got a proper morning sorted. Go early or late in the day when the light's better and the crowds are thinner. Even if that's just the occasional dog walker.