Queen Mary's Dubb

The water here is proper still, reflecting the sky in a way that makes you forget you're just outside Ripon. Queen Mary's Dubb is a small lake - call it a pond if you're being pedantic - with the kind of quiet charm that means it's rarely crowded even on decent weekends. Local legend ties it to Mary, Queen of Scots, though the connection is more folklore than fact. What matters is what you find when you arrive: a peaceful spot where the water catches the light and the banks are gentle enough for a proper walk.

You're looking at a 20 to 30-minute potter around the perimeter, depending on pace and whether you stop to watch the waterfowl. It's the sort of place where kids won't get bored if they're the outdoor type - there's enough to notice, enough space to run about - but it's not a destination in itself. Rather, it slots nicely into a wider ramble around the area or a break between visits to Ripon's main attractions.

If you're staying at Riverside Meadows Caravan Park or any of the other bases nearby, this makes a decent morning detour. Free access, no facilities to speak of, so bring what you need. Best visited when the light's decent - early morning or late afternoon - rather than midday when the reflections flatten. It won't take hours, but it's worth the short drive from wherever you're parked.