Ulley Reservoir

The water at Ulley sits perfectly still most days, a broad expanse of grey-blue that catches whatever light breaks through the Yorkshire cloud. It's a working reservoir just outside Sheffield, not some manicured tourist spot, which is precisely why it works so well.

There's a decent walking circuit around the perimeter - takes about an hour at an easy pace - and the path is well-maintained without being fussy about it. Birdwatchers come here regularly; the reservoir attracts winter visitors and the occasional rarer species that get the twitchers excited. If you're after a gentle walk with something to actually look at, you'll find it here.

Families with younger children might manage a section rather than the full loop, but older kids who can handle a proper walk will be fine. It's not dramatic or showy, just genuinely pleasant in that understated way that works brilliantly when you're based at one of the nearby parks. Rother Valley Country Park, just three miles down the road, offers more in the way of structured activities, but Ulley makes a cracking counterpoint - somewhere to decompress between the busier attractions.

The best time is early morning or late afternoon when the light softens and the crowds (such as they are) thin out. Bring binoculars if you're even slightly interested in birds. Parking is straightforward, and it costs nothing to walk around. Allow a solid hour if you're taking your time, less if you're just doing a section.