Pugneys

Pugneys is a proper working lake just outside Wakefield, created back in the 1970s as a result of subsidence from coal mining. What you get now is a genuinely useful spot for a half-day out - water sports facilities, walking trails around the perimeter, and enough going on to keep families occupied without feeling like you're on some manufactured attraction.

The lake itself is the draw. If you've got a canoe or kayak to your name, there's a water sports centre that'll sort you out. Not keen on getting wet? The walking circuit is straightforward and takes about an hour depending on your pace and how often you stop to watch the water. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars - cormorants, grebes, and various ducks use the place seriously.

Kids will get a kick out of it, though don't expect thrills. It's the sort of place you go to stretch your legs, maybe grab an ice cream, watch some paddleboarders messing about. There's a visitor centre with the usual facilities.

For a caravan holiday in the area, Pugneys works well as a quick morning visit before heading to Nostell Priory or one of the other parks nearby. Broadlands Farm is less than a mile away, making it ideal for pitching up and accessing the lake without much faffing. Access is free, though water sports activities obviously come with fees. Go on a weekday if you can - weekends pull decent crowds and the car park fills up fast.