Windrush Lake

The water at Windrush Lake sits perfectly still most mornings, reflecting the Cotswold sky like glass. It's a proper working gravel pit that's been transformed into a fishing and water sports destination just a short drive from Cirencester, and it punches well above its weight as a reason to linger in the area.

You won't find sweeping views or dramatic landscapes here. What you get instead is the chance to actually do something - fish for pike and carp, or watch anglers settle in for the day with their tackle boxes and thermoses. There's a walking path that loops the perimeter, which beats sitting in a holiday park all afternoon. The water's clear enough to spot fish moving, and on weekends you'll see a few kayakers testing the conditions.

It's worth a morning or afternoon outing rather than a full day pilgrimage. Families with young kids might manage an hour of the walk before the novelty fades, but if anyone in your group fishes or genuinely enjoys watching wildlife, you could easily spend three hours here. The lake itself is free to visit and walk around - fishing permits are required if you want a rod, which keeps the casual crowd manageable.

Staying at Hoburne Cotswold Holiday Park puts you less than two miles away, making it an easy bike ride or short drive when you fancy a break from the caravan. The Cotswolds offer grander attractions, but Windrush Lake works well as part of the mix - somewhere genuine rather than made for tourists.