River Trent

The Trent is less a lake and more a proper river - a 100-mile waterway that winds through Nottinghamshire like it's got nowhere to be. From Radcliffe on Trent, you can access stretches of it on foot, and the walking is genuinely good: flat, unpretentious, with occasional glimpses of fishermen and the odd heron if you're lucky.

What you're actually doing here is riverside strolling rather than sightseeing. The appeal is the simplicity of it - the towpaths run alongside, the water moves slowly enough to feel properly English, and you won't fight crowds. It's ideal for walkers who want a straightforward stretch of leg without elevation gain. Families with younger kids do fine on the easier sections, though older children might find a full afternoon here a bit thin on incident.

Angler types obviously make a pilgrimage here; the Trent has decent fish populations and a reputation among serious casters. If you're not fishing or walking, you're probably not staying long.

Radcliffe on Trent itself is a modest settlement, so don't expect much in the way of amenities right on the river. That said, if you're based at Gunthorpe Camping or Peacock Lake Glamping - both within spitting distance - the Trent becomes your morning stroll rather than your main event. It works perfectly as a half-day filler between bigger park attractions. Free access, no formal opening hours. Go early to avoid the fishing boats come afternoon.