Pondarosa

The water at Pondarosa sits proper still on a good day, the kind of lake you find yourself drawn to without quite knowing why. It's tucked away near Swadlincote in Leicestershire, and while it's not going to compete with the Lake District, it's exactly the sort of spot worth knowing about if you're camping nearby at New Forest View or Fire & Stars.

You're looking at a straightforward lake experience here - the sort of place where walkers loop round the perimeter, fishers set up for a few hours, and families with younger kids can manage without it turning into an expedition. The water's the main draw. There's something quite meditative about it, especially early morning or late afternoon when the light gets interesting and you've got the place mostly to yourself.

If you're staying at one of the local caravan sites, Pondarosa works well as a half-day outing rather than an all-day mission. Couple of hours, a decent walk round, maybe a sit-down with a flask. It won't blow your mind, but it's calming and honest. Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching - that's where it genuinely shines. The surrounding countryside is pleasant enough without being spectacular, and you're close enough to Swadlincote if you need shops or tea that isn't from a thermos. Not essential, but solid for a Midlands lake day out.