Westport Lake

The lake itself is unremarkable until you're actually standing there. Then it becomes rather obvious why locals keep coming back. Westport Lake sits just outside Stoke-on-Trent and serves as a proper escape from the industrial sprawl - a 40-odd acre expanse of water that was reclaimed from a former colliery subsidence. The walk around the perimeter is decent, about two miles if you fancy the full loop, and the paths are well-maintained enough that you won't turn an ankle.

It's the birds that make the place. Waders, wildfowl, the lot. Bring binoculars if you're even remotely interested in ornithology. There's a visitor centre on site with information about what you might spot, and the reed beds around the edges are genuinely good for a quiet hour of watching. Families with young children won't be bored - there's enough space to let them run about, and the water's fenced off so you're not constantly on edge.

Fishing's allowed if you've got a permit, and the council seems keen on the lake as a recreational space rather than leaving it to decay. Free admission, though opening hours aren't always obvious at the gates. Go midweek if possible. Weekends can get a bit busy with dog walkers. If you're camping at Castle Camping just up the road, this is a worthwhile morning or afternoon stretch of the legs. Nothing extraordinary, but solid value for your time.