Rudd Lake

The water at Rudd Lake sits flat and still most mornings, reflecting whatever sky Cambridgeshire can muster. It's a modest affair compared to Grafham Water up the road, but that's rather the point - you won't fight crowds here, and the walking paths around it are genuinely pleasant without being dramatic.

This is a proper spot for birdwatchers and anyone who actually wants to sit by water without the circus. The lake itself draws wildfowl year-round, so bring binoculars if you're into that sort of thing. It's less of a destination on its own and more of a morning or afternoon leg of a wider walk around the St. Neots area.

If you're based at St. Neots Camping and Caravanning Club Site - which sits just 2.2 miles away and comes highly rated - Rudd Lake makes for an easy, low-key outing. The walk around it won't take more than 45 minutes to an hour depending on pace and how often you stop to stare. It's free access and pretty much always available, though winter mornings have a particular appeal when the light's thin and the place feels genuinely quiet.

Not the sort of destination that demands a special trip, but if you're camping locally or exploring the Huntingdonshire countryside, it's worth the detour. Families with younger kids might find it a touch dull - there's not much happening beyond the walking - but older children and adults will appreciate the simplicity of it.