Ruislip Lido

The lake sprawls across 67 acres of woodland in northwest London, a proper retreat if you're camped nearby at Wyatts Covert or exploring Uxbridge. Water's the main draw here - you can swim in the designated area during summer, rent a pedalo if you want to feel eleven again, or simply walk the perimeter path which takes a good hour and gives proper views across the water.

It's the sort of place that works best in warm weather when families colonise the lakeside with picnics and the paddling pool gets chaotic. Winter visits are quieter but muddier underfoot. The woodland bits are genuinely nice for a walk, though don't expect dramatic scenery - it's more of a local lungs-clearing sort of spot than a destination in itself.

Admission is free and there's ample parking, though it fills up on sunny weekends. Facilities include a café, which does the job without flair, and plenty of benches if you want to just sit and watch the water. Kids under about eight will get a solid couple of hours here; older ones might start clock-watching after that unless they're keen swimmers.

The real value is combining it with a broader Uxbridge or West London park circuit. It's convenient, accessible, and saves you a fair bit compared to paying for attractions. Not a must-do in its own right, but absolutely worth the stop if you're in the area for a week.