Swan Lake

The swans at this Canterbury lake are proper show-offs. They glide across the water with that lazy confidence only waterfowl can manage, and you'll spend longer watching them than you'd expect when you first arrive. It's a straightforward walk around the water's edge - flat, easy going, and the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think instead of fighting crowds at some overhyped tourist trap.

Walkers and bird watchers will get the most from Swan Lake. Bring binoculars if you're keen on spotting the full cast of ducks and waders that pass through. Families with young children find it decent for a 45-minute leg-stretch, though once the novelty of chasing pigeons wears off, they'll likely be ready to move on. The lake works well as a quiet morning stop before heading into Canterbury proper, rather than as your main event for the day.

Access appears to be free and there's no strict opening hours business - it's the kind of place you just turn up to. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're in no rush. Parking isn't a headache from what we can gather, which puts it ahead of some of Kent's more popular spots.

Stay at Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite just 3 miles away and you've got a proper base. The lake pairs well with a broader Canterbury trip - walk it in the early morning before the day gets properly going, then head into the cathedral and high street later. It's a useful addition to a Kent itinerary rather than a reason to visit on its own.