Wyresdale Lake

The water here is proper still on most days, reflecting the Lancashire sky like a mirror that's been left out too long. Wyresdale Lake sits in the rural countryside near Garstang, and it's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - a decent walk around the perimeter if you're after some legwork, or a quiet spot to sit and watch if you're not.

It's a reservoir, fundamentally, built for water management rather than tourism, which means it hasn't been over-developed or clogged with jet skis and fairground rides. The walk itself takes a couple of hours at a leisurely pace depending on which route you take. Walkers will find it worthwhile, particularly those with decent legs who don't mind a bit of elevation. Families with young children might find it a touch samey after the first thirty minutes - there's not much in the way of interactive stuff, just water, trees, and countryside.

The nearest proper town is Garstang, which sits a few miles south. It's accessible year-round, though you'll want to come when it's not raining sideways if you're planning the full circuit. Several caravan parks dot the surrounding area - Claylands is closest at just over a mile away, though Gibsons Barn and Moss Wood offer decent proximity if you're basing yourself for a longer stay.

Free to access, no nonsense about it. Bring a packed lunch, proper boots, and expectations of a straightforward country walk rather than a scenic spectacle. It does the job.