Hatfield Water Park

The water stretches out surprisingly wide for inland South Yorkshire, and Hatfield Water Park near Doncaster delivers exactly what the name promises - without the pretence. It's a working gravel extraction site that's been thoughtfully converted into a proper recreational space, with several lakes formed where the digging stopped.

Walking the perimeter gives you decent views across the water, and there's actual wildlife here - herons, cormorants, the occasional kingfisher if you're lucky enough. The birdwatching is genuinely good, especially in spring and autumn migration periods. Bring binoculars and expect to spend a solid two hours if you're thorough about it. Families with younger kids might find it a bit slow unless they're already keen on spotting birds; older children and serious walkers will get more from it.

Fishing is the main draw for many visitors - the lakes are stocked and attract a regular crowd of anglers, particularly at weekends. There's something meditative about watching the water on a quiet weekday morning.

Free to visit with plenty of space to park. The paths are flat and easy, which counts for something in this part of the world. Combine it with a stay at Mooreacres just up the road - it's barely over a mile away - and you've got a decent day mapped out without having to drive far. Between Rivers Camping sits slightly further afield but equally convenient if you're basing yourselves in the area. Not spectacular, but reliable and genuinely useful if you're after some outdoor breathing space.