Trawscoed Mansion Reservoir

You'll find this reservoir tucked into the hills above Aberystwyth, a proper spot for a quiet afternoon if you're sick of the coastal crowds. It's a working water supply, so don't expect facilities or a visitor centre - you're essentially looking at a lake surrounded by moorland and conifer plantations, with a decent walking path that loops round the shore.

The appeal here is straightforward: it's peaceful, the views across the water to the Welsh hills are genuinely good, and there's something calming about the sheer emptiness of it all. Takes about an hour to walk the perimeter without rushing, longer if you dawdle and take photos. Bring proper shoes though - it gets boggy after rain and the path's uneven in places.

This suits walkers far more than families with young kids. Older children who can manage uneven ground will be fine, but there's nothing to keep toddlers entertained. History buffs won't find much here either - it's all about the landscape and the silence.

If you're staying at one of the glamping sites nearby - Dôl Swynol or Brynllwyd are closest - it makes a good half-day outing combined with a walk into Aberystwyth town itself. The weather in West Wales is changeable, so autumn and spring tend to be clearer for views. Summer can be a bit grey and damp.

Free to visit and parking appears to be unrestricted, though there's no official car park, just roadside space. It's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for, but that's exactly what makes it feel genuine.