The Garden Lake

The Garden Lake sits on the outskirts of Nottingham - it's a proper little retreat that most people rushing through the city miss entirely. Walk around the water and you'll find yourself surrounded by mature trees and open grass, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. There's a decent walking route if you fancy stretching your legs, and it's the sort of spot where you might spot mallards, coots, or if you're lucky, a heron picking its way through the shallows.

For families with young kids it works well - let them run around the grass, have a picnic, maybe bring a ball. History buffs won't find much to dig into here; this is more about a quiet hour or two than uncovering the past. Walkers will appreciate the circuit, though it's not dramatic - just steady and pleasant. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're taking it slow, less if you're just after fresh air.

If you're staying at Fairview Farm Log Cabins or Lurcher Farm Cottage just up the road, this makes a sensible morning or afternoon outing without needing to drive far. It's free to visit and works as a decent break from cabin life - somewhere to stretch your legs without the crowds you'd get at more famous Nottinghamshire spots. Don't expect anything grand, but on a decent day it's genuinely pleasant and gives you a feel for how Nottingham sits beyond the city centre.