South Basin

Water stretches out quiet and flat, reflecting whatever sky Lincolnshire decides to throw at it that day. South Basin is a proper working lake near Horncastle - not a showpiece attraction with visitor centres or lakeside cafes, but rather the real thing. It's used for fishing, and you'll spot anglers along the banks most days, sat patient with their rods, waiting for something to bite.

The appeal here is straightforward: if you're into coarse fishing, this is decent water. If you're just after a walk with water views and a bit of peace, you can loop the perimeter and watch the wildlife - herons, ducks, the occasional flash of a kingfisher if you're lucky enough and quiet enough. It's the kind of spot where you notice how flat the land is, how big the sky gets.

Walkers will find it manageable, though there's not much in the way of formal paths - you work it out as you go. Families with young kids might find it a bit dull after twenty minutes unless they're keen on spotting birds or skipping stones. The real draw is for anyone after a genuine, understated bit of countryside without the tourist machinery.

It's free to explore, though fishing permits apply if you want to cast a line. Allow an hour for a gentle walk round. If you're staying at Three Horseshoes Campsite nearby, it's easily accessible and makes for a quiet afternoon out when you fancy a break from the campsite routines.