Welton Water

The water at Welton is properly peaceful - a man-made reservoir that's become something of a refuge for anyone keen to escape the flatness of East Yorkshire for an hour or two. It's the sort of place where you'll spot anglers along the banks most weekends, and walkers making gentle circuits round the perimeter, which isn't particularly arduous but gives you time to think. The surrounding landscape is typical Yorkshire Wolds - open, rolling, nothing dramatic, but genuinely soothing if you're not expecting Alpine peaks.

Families with young children might find it a touch dull after half an hour unless there's feeding ducks on the agenda, but serious birdwatchers and anyone after a straightforward walk will get genuine value here. It's free to access and you can easily spend 90 minutes doing a full lap, longer if you settle for a bench and a flask. Come in spring or autumn when the light's better and the weather's less temperamental.

It sits well within a caravan park holiday in the area - Willow Pond and Little Wold Away are both within striking distance, so you can combine it with a morning walk before heading to Brough for lunch or visiting other attractions nearby. Not a destination in itself, but a proper addition to a weekend break rather than something to plan a trip around.