Ben’s Lake

The water sits calm and ringed with trees, unremarkable at first glance but genuinely peaceful once you settle in. Ben's Lake near Kenilworth is a fishing lake run as part of Lavender Hall Fishery - and it's the sort of place you either love immediately or wonder why you've bothered. If you fish, that's obvious. If you don't, it depends on your tolerance for watching other people fish.

What you get is a proper countryside lake experience without the crowds of a tourist trap. The water's deep enough for decent fish stocks, and anglers come here regularly, which tells you it's well-maintained. There's woodland around it, paths to walk, and genuine quiet - the kind where you can actually hear birds and wind rather than traffic. It's genuinely nice for a half-hour wander if you're based nearby, though it's not a destination in itself.

Campers at Mousley House Farm, just five miles away, could easily make this part of a day out - combine it with Kenilworth town itself or the castle if you want something with more teeth. Don't expect facilities or paid attractions here. This is a working fishery, so access may be limited depending on fishing activity. Ring ahead before you visit. Families with young kids might find an hour enough; walkers and keen birdwatchers could stretch it longer. Best visited when you're already in the area rather than driven out specially for it.