The Ocean

The Ocean is a proper working water body just outside Gloucester, and it's the sort of place locals know about but visitors often miss entirely. You won't find themed attractions or manicured paths here - it's a functional reservoir that happens to be genuinely pleasant to walk around, with decent views across the water and access to paths that wind through nearby woodland.

This is walkers' territory, plain and simple. The circuit takes a couple of hours at a leisurely pace, and the terrain is straightforward enough for families with older kids, though younger children might find it a bit dull without the novelty factor. Bird watchers get proper value here - the water draws herons and various waterfowl, particularly during winter months. Fishing is permitted in certain areas if that's your thing.

It's free to access and open year-round, though nobody would recommend January in Gloucestershire unless you're after dramatic grey skies and muddy banks. Spring and early autumn work better. Allow two to three hours if you're doing the full walk, or just thirty minutes if you're popping over from Gloucester town centre for a quick stretch of the legs.

If you're staying at any of the caravan parks nearby - Riverside at The George Inn is closest at just over 3 miles - this makes a solid half-day add-on rather than a destination in itself. It's worth the short drive from Tudor Caravan Park or Severn Valley, but don't expect fireworks. It's honest, accessible, and occasionally beautiful, which is all you need from a lakeside walk.