Sharmans Lake

The water at Sharmans Lake sits calm and reflective, ringed by mature trees that give the whole spot a secluded feel despite being just outside Northampton. It's a modest lake - nothing vast or showy - but that's rather the point. You get proper peace here, which counts for something in the East Midlands.

The lake works best for walkers and bird-watchers. There's a decent path around the perimeter that takes maybe 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how often you stop to look. Fishing happens here too, though you'll need to check local permits. Families with young children might manage a quick walk, but there's not much in the way of facilities or activities beyond the water itself - no café, no play area, no obvious entertainment. Once you've done the circuit, that's it.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Billing Aquadrome is the closest at under 4 miles, with Overstone Lakes and Riverview Park also within easy reach - Sharmans makes a pleasant morning excursion to break up caravan time. It won't dominate your day, but a couple of hours here takes the edge off that confined-space feeling you get after a few days on a holiday park.

Free to access, as far as anyone knows, though information is thin on the ground. Best visited outside peak summer weekends when the Northampton crowd haven't ventured out.