Hurleston Reservoir

The water at Hurleston spreads out wide and calm, surrounded by the kind of flat Cheshire landscape that doesn't announce itself. It's a working reservoir - supplying water to the area - but that doesn't stop it being genuinely pleasant for a walk or a sit-down with binoculars.

You get proper birdwatching here. Herons, wildfowl, the occasional osprey if you're lucky. The banks are accessible in places, and there's a decent loop walk if you fancy stretching your legs without scrambling over stiles. The light hits the water nicely in late afternoon, and it's quiet enough that you'll actually hear the birds rather than other people's conversations.

It's free to visit and open to the public, though there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of - bring a flask and a packed lunch if you're staying a while. A couple of hours is about right unless you're a serious birder. Families with young kids might find it a bit plain after that; there's not much to actually do apart from walk and look.

From Nantwich, it's just a short drive north. If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - The Willows or Oakwood are within four miles - it's an easy escape for a morning or evening, especially if you want something quieter than the usual park attractions. Pairs up well with a walk round Nantwich town itself if you want a bit more variety to the day.