Wimbleball Lake

The reservoir sits on the edge of Exmoor, about five miles south of Minehead, and it's genuinely worth the drive if you're after a proper outdoor day. Wimbleball Lake is a working water supply, which means it's kept immaculately clean - the water clarity is excellent, and the surrounding woodland feels properly managed rather than overgrown. You can walk the full circuit, which takes roughly two hours and covers just over four miles at an easy pace. The path winds through mixed forest, opens onto grassland, then swings back along the water's edge where you'll spot waterfowl and the occasional fisherman. It's the sort of walk that looks modest on paper but surprises you with how varied the scenery is. Families with reasonably confident walkers will have a fine time here; the terrain is straightforward and there are spots to stop and eat a packed lunch. The lake does have a sailing club and fishing facilities if you're into that, though I'd ring ahead to check what's currently operating. Free to access, which is brilliant - no car park fees, no entrance gates, just turn up and walk. The nearby Waterrow Touring Park sits a short drive away, making this an easy addition to a wider Exmoor holiday. Go mid-week if you can; weekends bring a small but noticeable crowd. The afternoon light here is genuinely nice - water glimmers between the trees and the Exmoor hills rise up behind. Spring or autumn are the sweet spots weather-wise.