Backwell Lake

A shallow freshwater lake just outside Bristol, Backwell Lake is the sort of place you stumble across rather than plan for. The water sits in a shallow basin surrounded by woodland and open grassland - nothing dramatic, but genuinely pleasant for a morning walk or a spot of birdwatching if you've got the patience.

It's primarily a nature reserve, so don't expect facilities or crowds. The walking is easy and flat, which means families with young kids won't get grumpy halfway round. The bird life is decent - herons, tufted ducks, grebes if you're lucky - and there's something properly restorative about standing still by water for ten minutes, even if the lake itself isn't dramatically beautiful.

The main draw is really its proximity to Bristol. If you're staying at Somerset Glamping just down the road, this makes a gentle morning outing before heading into the city proper. Allow an hour for a circuit walk, maybe longer if you're the type to sit and watch. There's no admission charge and no formal opening hours, though obviously daylight matters.

Worth a visit if you're in the area and fancy a bit of green space, but don't reroute your holiday for it. It's more of a useful local spot than a destination in itself. The reserve is particularly nice in spring when the birds are nesting, though you'll want to stay on paths then.