Bengeworth Lake

You'll find Bengeworth Lake just outside Broadway, a proper slice of Gloucestershire countryside that catches most visitors by surprise. It's a tranquil expanse of water surrounded by fields and woodland, the kind of place where the only sound is likely to be waterfowl and the occasional breeze through the trees. The lake itself is a working fishery, so you'll see anglers dotted along the banks with their rods, but it doesn't feel crowded or managed to within an inch of its life.

This is squarely walkers' territory. The perimeter path is straightforward enough, taking you right around the water with decent views across the lake to the Cotswold hills beyond. Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching - you'll spot grebes, herons, and if you're lucky, some of the rarer visitors that turn up here. Families with younger children might find it a bit samey after half an hour, but older kids who like a gentle ramble will get on with it fine.

The whole loop takes somewhere between 45 minutes and an hour depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the view. It's free to walk around, though if you fancy fishing you'll need to sort that separately. Time it for late afternoon when the light's decent and the place empties out a touch. It sits handily if you're staying at Campden Yurts or the campervan spots nearby - makes for an easy evening stroll before dinner rather than a major expedition.