Tuutari Park Camping

Up for more lakeside larks? Take the 15-minute drive to a nearby watersports centre if you fancy trying your hand at waterskiing. Krasnoye Selo ("Red Village") is also close at hand (15 minutes' drive): linger here to admire architectural sights including the town's two distinctive churches, the colossal Victory Arch and the National Bridge-Building Museum. Gatchina (20 minutes) is home to further pic-worthy buildings, including two cathedrals and the UNESCO-listed Great Gatchina Palace. Guests with a taste for the great outdoors should stick around here for strolls around the landscaped palace park. Sticking with this regal theme, the complex of parks and palaces at Tsarskoye Selo (35 minutes) is a must-see for history fans. The Romanov family were once in residence in this grandiose spot, and it shows: highlights include the Baroque-style Catherine Palace and (for guests willing to make a slightly niche detour) the decorative bridges and royal horse cemetery at nearby Alexander Park. St Petersburg (one hour) needs no introduction: "The Venice of the North" is Russia's undisputed cultural capital. Highlights include the State Hermitage Museum, the several stunning cathedrals, Kronstadt Island and the Winter Palace.