The Kings Marina

A sprawling reservoir just outside Newark, Kings Marina is the sort of place you'll either find yourself returning to or completely overlook - depending what you're after. The water itself is the draw: clean, open, and genuinely pleasant to sit beside, with decent paths running along the banks that take you through surprisingly varied terrain. It's popular with anglers (pike and perch do well here), and you'll see plenty of them dotted along the edges with their kit set up for a long day. For families, it's solid rather than spectacular - the walks are easy enough that young legs won't complain, though there's no playground or dedicated facilities that might keep under-tens entertained for hours.

The real strength is as a breather between other activities. It doesn't demand much of you. Park up, walk for twenty minutes, watch the water, move on. If you're staying at one of the glamping spots nearby - BrackenXcapes or Southwell Retreat are both within five miles - it's worth knowing about as a morning stroll option before heading into Newark town proper. Bring binoculars if you're keen on birdwatching; herons and cormorants are regular visitors. The paths are free to use, though facilities are minimal, so go when the weather's decent. Allow an hour if you're just after a gentle walk, longer if you're settling in with a packed lunch. Don't expect thrills, but for a quiet hour beside water in the East Midlands, you could do worse.