Hawkridge Reservoir

The water's surprisingly calm when you arrive at Hawkridge Reservoir, stretching out across the Somerset levels with proper open skies above. It's the kind of place that rewards a morning walk rather than a quick stop - the perimeter path gives you decent views without requiring scrambling or technical hiking, making it ideal if you've got children or anyone not keen on steep terrain.

You'll spot birdwatchers here with their telescopes, which tells you something about the wildlife. The reservoir attracts everything from herons to the occasional rarer visitor, so bring binoculars if you're into that sort of thing. It's not a tourist trap - there's no visitor centre or refreshment stand - which means it stays peaceful and feels genuinely local.

Allow a couple of hours for a proper walk around the perimeter, or half an hour if you just want the views from a single vantage point. The ground can get muddy after rain, so decent boots are sensible. Close to Bridgwater, it slots nicely into a Somerset holiday if you're based at Secret Valley or Moorhouse Campsite - both excellent sites within spitting distance. You could easily combine it with a trip into Bridgwater itself for a bit of civilisation, or head out to explore more of the levels.

Free access, no fees, no faffing about. It won't blow your mind, but it's a proper local asset and genuinely worth the detour if you're in the area.