1. Frensham Great Pond, Frensham
Frensham Pond is one of the countryside’s best-kept secrets. Amble on over from the car park and you’ll be greeted by wild and undulating flora, lush greenery and sailing boats that drift around as though Monday morning alarms don’t exist. The waters here are clear and fairly shallow, so paddling in the buoyed off swimming areas is a must for even the most timid swimmers, who can just go ankle-deep. When you’re all out of paddle power, retire to the beaches and melt like a Calippo left out in the sun. Just remember to be considerate if you do visit. The heathland surrounding the pretty pond is extremely delicate and home to some critically endangered wildlife so visitors should be careful and stick to designated areas and walkways.
Getting there: About 49 minutes by train from London Waterloo to Farnham; one hour 13 minutes by car from central London.