Elmhirst Lakes

The morning mist lifts off still water, and you realise you've woken to the soft call of moorhens and the occasional splash of a carp breaking the surface.

This is proper fisherman's territory — a working coarse fishing site in rural Lincolnshire that welcomes tents, campervans and caravans alongside the anglers. If you're after a quiet pitch by the water and don't mind sharing the space with folk casting lines at dawn, it's a peaceful spot. Families who fancy a bit of wildlife-watching will like it too, though it's more about the lakes themselves than playground bustle. The wider region is classic fenland — big skies, flat horizons, and market towns within easy reach.

You've got toilets and showers onsite, which covers the basics. Check about campfires when you arrive — policies can vary depending on the season and ground conditions. Expect a low-key, outdoorsy atmosphere where the main soundtrack is birdsong and the occasional whirr of a reel.