Escape the rat race and head to gorgeous Stanwick Lakes, a bucolic nature reserve just outside Rushden, which is managed and cared for by The Rockingham Forest Trust, together with North Northamptonshire Council.

Once upon a time, this 750 acre site paid its way as a sand and gravel quarry, but has since been transformed into a nature reserve and countryside attraction. It’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a RAMSAR designated wetland of international importance, with a diverse range of habitats and an abundance of wildlife including wintering waterfowl like tufted duck and great crested grebe, as well rare butterflies, moths, bees and mammals.

Kids will love the adventure playground, assault course and adventure trail, whilst families can enjoy the cycle trails (you can hire bikes from AJ Cycles on site), walking routes, walkers refreshment kiosk, lakeside cafe and strikingly designed, low carbon usage visitor centre, where rain water is harvested for toilet flushing, a ground source heat pump from the lake powers underfloor heating, solar roof panels provide electricity and and the sedum roof creates additional biodiversity. There’s also a heritage museum on site, showcasing the many historic artefacts found on site, and a shop that sells local produce.

There are loads of events and activities taking place at Stanwick Lakes throughout the year, including organised runs, talks, craft activities, den building and pond dipping for kids, guided wildlife walks, writing workshops, heritage craft courses (spoon carving, blacksmithing, willow-weaving) and craft fairs. There’s even the opportunity to try open water swimming on certain dates in the summer season, so there’s always something fun to get involved in.