Thistle Goit

There's a small lake just outside Goole called Thistle Goit that catches a lot of people off guard - it's properly peaceful, the kind of spot where you can actually hear yourself think. The water sits quietly in what feels like countryside despite being near a town, and it's become something of a refuge for birdwatchers and anyone after a decent walk without the crowds.

The lake itself isn't massive, which is partly why it works so well. You can do a full circuit in under an hour, and the paths around it are straightforward enough for families with younger kids, though it does get a bit boggy in places after rain so proper footwear matters. Bring binoculars if you're into birds - the variety here is decent, especially if you time it right during migration seasons.

If you're based at Between Rivers Camping just down the road, this is a natural morning or afternoon wander. The setting is rural without feeling remote, and there's something rather lovely about having the place largely to yourself on a weekday. It's not going to blow your mind with views or facilities - there's no café or visitor centre - but that's rather the point. For walkers wanting to escape the South Yorkshire towns for a bit, or anyone keen on a quiet spot to sit and watch the water, Thistle Goit delivers exactly what it promises. Allow an hour for a proper explore, longer if you're stopping to watch wildlife.