Back 'B' Pool

Water this clear doesn't come by accident in the Midlands. Back 'B' Pool sits just outside Atherstone as a proper swimming hole - the kind of place locals have known about for years while visitors drive straight past on their way to somewhere else. It's a glacial lake, which explains why the water stays so clean, and it's become a gathering spot for swimmers, especially on summer weekends when the car park fills up by mid-morning.

The pool itself isn't huge - you can cross it in a decent swim - but that's rather the point. It's intimate without feeling cramped, and the banks slope gradually enough that families with younger swimmers can wade in safely. Water temperature varies wildly depending on season; spring is bracing, summer actually pleasant. There's a small sandy area and reasonable access from the car park, though it's not the most manicured setup you'll find.

If you're staying at Nightingales Rustic Camping, just 3.4 miles away, this makes an easy morning visit. Bring your own kit - there are no facilities to speak of - and time it for weekday mornings if you like peace. Weekends attract a proper crowd, which is fine if you're sociable but maddening if you wanted solitude.

It's free to use and genuinely worth a swim if you're in the area, though don't expect changing facilities or a café. This is water, sky, and a few locals. Some people find that perfectly enough.