Lumley Moor Reservoir

The water at Lumley Moor Reservoir sits surprisingly peaceful for somewhere so close to Ripon. It's a working water supply rather than a leisure destination, which means you won't find cafes or boat hire here, but that's rather the point - it keeps the place refreshingly quiet.

The main draw is the walking. A decent circuit takes you around the perimeter, with the water reflecting moorland hills on calmer days. The path can get muddy after rain, so proper boots matter. Most people allow 45 minutes to an hour for a full loop without rushing.

This works best for walkers and anyone after some genuine breathing space rather than attractions with queues. Families with young children might find it a touch dull - there's not much to do once you've walked round, and it's not a playground sort of place. But if your kids are into birds and spotting waterfowl, bring binoculars. Birdwatchers genuinely like it here.

It's free to access, and there's parking at the reservoir. The best time is either early morning or late afternoon when the light sits nicely across the water. Summer weekends get busier, though never crowded.

If you're staying at Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park just over a mile away, this makes a proper morning walk without needing to drive anywhere. Pairs well with Ripon's market town amenities - you get quiet countryside five minutes from proper shops and restaurants.