Shrubbery Lake

The water at Shrubbery Lake sits flat and still most days, reflecting whatever sky Nottinghamshire's throwing at it. It's a proper local spot just outside Worksop - not the sort of place that makes it onto Instagram, but exactly the kind of walk you want when you've had enough of crowds. The lake itself is peaceful, surrounded by trees that give you some shelter from the wind, and there's enough to occupy you for a solid hour or two if you bring binoculars and don't mind standing about waiting for birds.

Walkers will find it worth the trip, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby lodges - Clumber Park Lodges is barely two miles away, and the area itself has bags of countryside. You won't need tickets as far as I'm aware, though opening hours seem to be the usual daylight thing. Families with restless kids might find it a bit quiet - there's no playground or café, just water and trees and the occasional duck. But if you're into wildlife photography or just want a gentle walk away from the holiday park bustle, it's ideal.

Combine it with National Trust's Clumber Park, which sits just over three miles off, and you've got yourself a proper day out. The lake works best on a clear morning when the light's decent and you're not fighting for space with other visitors. Bring a flask, bring your patience, and you'll get what you came for.