Victoria Park, Northampton

The lake sits right in the heart of Northampton, which means you don't need to drive far from the town centre to find yourself surrounded by water and green space. Victoria Park is a proper urban nature reserve - the sort of place locals actually use rather than somewhere you'd tick off a list. Expect open water, woodland walks, and the kind of birds you'll spot twitching about if you arrive early enough.

It's ideal for a couple of hours if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Billing Aquadrome and Overstone Lakes are both within a few miles, so you could easily make it part of a longer day out. Families with young kids will find it manageable; the walking is gentle enough, though there's not much in the way of facilities or attractions to keep them entertained once they've had a wander. Birdwatchers and nature photographers will have a field day depending on the season.

The main draw is that it's free and accessible without fuss. Go early in the morning if you want to actually see wildlife rather than just walk past where it used to be. The reserve can feel a bit quiet on weekdays, which some folk find peaceful and others find a touch eerie. It's the sort of place that rewards a slow walk rather than a quick spin round. Not spectacular by any means, but if you're based nearby for a caravan holiday, well worth an hour or so of your time.