Pwll y Maer

The lake sits just inland from Porthcawl, a working-class seaside town that's seen better days but still has its charm. Pwll y Maer is small - you won't spend hours here - but it's the kind of spot locals know and tourists miss, which is often the best recommendation. The water's dark and still, surrounded by rough grassland and a few trees. It's genuinely peaceful, especially on a weekday when you might have the place nearly to yourself.

This is walker territory, really. The path around it takes maybe thirty to forty minutes at an easy pace, nothing strenuous. Kids will enjoy it if they're the type who like spotting birds and splashing about at the water's edge - bring binoculars and make it a proper nature mission rather than expecting rides and ice cream. On a clear day you can see across the wetland towards the coast.

There's no charge to visit, which helps when you're weighing up activities during a week at Trecco Bay Holiday Park up the road. The park's a solid base for this stretch of South Wales, and Pwll y Maer makes a decent morning expedition before heading into Porthcawl for lunch. It's the kind of place that justifies itself not by being spectacular but by being genuinely restorative - quiet water, fresh air, no crowds. Don't expect facilities or crowds. Just bring a flask and some patience.