Great Notley Country Park

The lake at Great Notley is properly lovely - a man-made reservoir that's become one of Braintree's best outdoor spaces. You get 140 acres of grassland, woodland, and water to explore, with a decent walking circuit that takes you past the water's edge and through some pleasant tree-lined paths. It's the kind of place where you can actually see what's happening around you rather than getting lost in dense forest.

Families do well here. There's enough space for kids to run around without constantly losing sight of them, and the lake itself is home to ducks and the odd kingfisher if you're lucky and quiet enough. The walking isn't strenuous - a gentle amble round takes about an hour depending on which routes you pick. Dog owners love it too, though you'll want to check current restrictions on the water itself.

What makes it work as a base for a park holiday is the proximity to Stocks Farm Camping and Golden Grove Caravan Park - both are within easy reach if you're after a low-key stay. The park is free to visit and you can turn up whenever you like. There's no pretension here, which is either a bonus or a drawback depending on what you're after. If you want tea rooms and visitor centres, you'll be disappointed. If you want a proper local walk without faffing about, it's spot on. Best visited outside school holidays when it's quieter, though even then it's never rammed.