Rother Valley Country Park

The lake at Rother Valley is what pulls you in first - a proper expanse of water that catches the light beautifully, especially in the late afternoon. It's a country park just south of Sheffield, and it works brilliantly if you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites like Waleswood or the motorhome club at Poolsbrook further afield.

You can walk right around the water on decent paths, which takes the better part of an hour depending on your pace and how many times you stop to watch the geese. There's a visitor centre with the usual facilities, a play area for younger kids (though nothing fancy), and a café if you want a cup of tea without trudging back to your van. Fishing is massive here - the lake's stocked and there's a proper fishing community using it year-round.

Walkers will find it pleasant rather than dramatic. The terrain is flat and easy, which is a plus if you've got elderly relatives or toddlers in tow. On a quiet weekday morning you can genuinely have the place to yourself. Weekends get busier, particularly families making the short drive from Sheffield.

It's free to enter and park, which can't be beaten. Allow two hours if you fancy the full circuit with a coffee break, or just an hour for a quick stroll. The park fills a gap nicely on a rainy afternoon when you want to get out of the caravan without venturing far. Worth the visit, though it's not going to blow your mind.