West Lake

West Lake sits just outside Newark, a proper water-based respite in otherwise flat Lincolnshire countryside. It's a working gravel pit turned leisure water - the sort of place where you'll find anglers lining the banks and the occasional birdwatcher peering through binoculars at whatever's just landed.

The lake itself is the main draw. You can walk the perimeter if you're after a gentle circuit, or simply park up and watch the water. The banks are accessible enough, though it's not spectacular in the way that, say, a mountain lake would be. There are benches dotted about if you want to sit with a flask. On quieter weekdays you'll have the place almost to yourself.

Families with young kids might spend an hour here max - there's not a great deal of activity laid on. Birdwatchers and fishing enthusiasts will get far more from it. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Camper UK Leisure is barely three miles away, or Hartsholme Country Park just over three - it's a decent enough diversion on a morning when the weather's decent.

The water draws wildfowl year-round, which keeps things moderately interesting if you're into that sort of thing. Spring and autumn are probably best for birdlife. Free to access from what we can gather, though parking arrangements aren't entirely clear. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're making it a proper stop rather than just a quick look.