Sixfields Reservoir

The water sits there like a massive sheet of glass on the outskirts of Northampton - Sixfields Reservoir is one of those places locals know well but visitors often miss. It's a proper working reservoir, so don't expect theme park theatrics. What you get instead is a genuinely peaceful spot for a walk, especially on weekdays when it's quiet.

The main draw is the circular footpath that runs round the perimeter. It's easy going - maybe forty minutes to an hour depending on pace - and offers decent views across the water. Birdwatchers come here regularly and spot all sorts: herons, cormorants, the usual reservoir crew. In winter it can be quite atmospheric, a bit bleak even, but summer brings families and dog walkers in droves.

It's free, which is always a bonus. No visitor centre, no facilities to speak of, so bring water if you're planning to linger. The walk is flat enough for most ages, though younger kids might find a full loop tedious without something to keep them entertained.

If you're staying at Blisworth Park or Kirkely Meadows - both excellent spots just a few miles away - this makes a solid evening stroll or a morning circuit before heading elsewhere. It's not the kind of place that'll eat up your day, but it's the sort of local knowledge that beats a crowded tourist trap. Honest, unpretentious, and genuinely worth the ten-minute drive from town.