Singleton Lake

The water at Singleton Lake sits mirror-still most mornings, which is precisely why locals keep quiet about it. This is proper Kent countryside - a modest freshwater lake that doesn't announce itself with car parks or visitor centres, just a stretch of calm water and the kind of peace you've forgotten exists near London.

You'll find decent walking around the perimeter, though it's not a long loop - forty minutes covers it comfortably. The lake itself is shallow enough that birdwatchers and photographers treat it seriously. Bring binoculars and you might spot herons and kingfishers. Families with young kids do well here because there's space to move about without worrying about cliffs or dangerous currents, though supervision matters as it's a working fishing spot too.

Getting here involves a bit of trial and error since signage is minimal - that's either refreshing or annoying depending on your mood. There's no admission charge that I'm aware of, no facilities to speak of either, so come prepared with water and snacks. Best visited early morning or late afternoon when the light catches the water properly and other people haven't arrived.

If you're camping at Broadhembury or Dunn Street Farm, Singleton makes a solid half-day escape without feeling like a tourist attraction. It won't take your breath away, but it will remind you why you chose the Kentish countryside over the coast. Worth the detour if you're nearby.