Blaco Pit (South)

The water at Blaco Pit sits still and dark, a former quarry that's been reclaimed by nature just outside Retford. It's the sort of place locals know about but tourists often miss - a proper escape if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Hallcroft Fishery or Olive Tree.

You'll find it's a tranquil spot for a walk, with water on three sides and decent visibility from the banks. The pit itself is the draw here - it's deeper than it looks, and the landscape around it has that quiet, industrial-turned-peaceful quality you get from old mining areas across Nottinghamshire. Fishermen come regularly, so there's usually someone about.

This isn't the sort of place to spend a full afternoon unless you're seriously into angling or photography. An hour's walk around the perimeter, maybe a sit-down by the water with a flask - that's the rhythm of it. Kids will get restless unless they're the type who enjoy spotting birds and watching ripples. It works as a quick break from the caravan parks rather than a destination in itself.

The real value is as part of a broader explore of the area. Combine it with other local spots and you've got a decent morning out. Just go with realistic expectations - it's a pleasant lake in a quiet corner of the East Midlands, not a scenic showpiece. Worth the detour if you're based nearby, less so if you're making a special trip from further afield.