Belgrave Lakes

Two man-made lakes set among flat Leicestershire countryside, about six miles south of Atherstone. You'll find walking paths that loop around the water - nothing dramatic, but genuinely peaceful if you've had enough of the busier attractions. The lakes themselves are the draw; they're good for spotting waterfowl, and on a clear day there's something quite meditative about the open sky reflected back at you.

Walkers will get the most from Belgrave Lakes. It's the kind of place where you can burn forty minutes to an hour without feeling rushed, and the paths are flat enough for families with pushchairs or anyone not keen on steep terrain. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars - you'll see geese, ducks, and if you're lucky, the occasional heron. Kids might lose interest quickly unless they're the type to genuinely enjoy spotting birds or throwing stones (responsibly) into the water.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared. It's free to access, which is the main reason to slot it into your itinerary rather than skip it entirely. If you're staying at Atherstone Stables Caravan Park, it's a straightforward drive, and worth combining with a proper walk through the nearby countryside. Don't expect anything grand - this is functional outdoor space, not Instagram-worthy scenery. But sometimes that's exactly what you need.