The Grange Lake

The water at Grange Lake is remarkably still on a quiet morning, and the whole place has the feel of somewhere locals actually use rather than somewhere designed for tourists. It's a proper working lake just outside Alresford in Hampshire - small, unpretentious, and absolutely ideal if you've got a caravan pitched nearby and fancy a walk without trekking miles.

What you get is a straightforward circuit walk around the water, which takes about an hour depending on pace. The paths are well-maintained, the banks are vegetated enough to feel rural, and you'll spot waterfowl if you're patient. It's not dramatic or sweeping - don't come expecting views that'll stop you in your tracks. But that's rather the point. Families with young children do well here because there's no steep drops, the walk feels contained, and kids rarely get bored on a circular route.

Walking types will appreciate this as a warm-up leg between bigger outings. The lake sits within easy reach of the better-known attractions around the Winchester area, so it works nicely as a gentle morning amble before heading off elsewhere. If you're staying at The Spinney just down the road (2.5 miles), or at Hampshire Hills with its highly-rated facilities (4.6 miles), Grange Lake is the sort of place that makes a caravan holiday feel less about constant activity and more about actually relaxing.

Timing-wise, go mid-week if you can. Weekends bring more visitors, which rather kills the quiet. Allow two hours if you're going slowly, forty minutes if you're just after the exercise.