The Lake

Calling a body of water simply 'The Lake' might sound a bit presumptuous, but this stretch of water near Wareham has earned the right to drop all pretense. It's one of those properly peaceful spots where you can actually hear yourself think - a rarity in today's world. The water sits quietly in the Dorset countryside, surrounded by reeds and the sort of ancient-looking trees that make you feel like you've stepped back a century or two. Anglers love it here, and you'll often spot them settled in for the long haul with their tackle boxes and thermos flasks. Children will enjoy the wildlife - moorhens paddle about importantly while dragonflies zip across the surface in summer. The walking around the perimeter is gentle enough for most ages, though it can get a bit boggy after rain so decent footwear helps. There's something deeply restorative about just sitting by the water's edge, watching the ripples catch the light. If you're staying at one of the nearby sites like Wareham Forest Tourist Park or Norden Farm Campsite, it's well worth the short drive for an hour or two of proper tranquillity. Not spectacular perhaps, but sometimes that's exactly what you need.