Betton Pool

Just five miles south of Shrewsbury, this peaceful reservoir sits quietly among Shropshire farmland, offering a proper slice of countryside calm. The water stretches for about half a mile, fringed by mature trees and accessible via a well-maintained footpath that loops around most of the perimeter.

Anglers make up the bulk of visitors here - the fishing is apparently quite decent for carp and roach, though you'll need a permit. Families will find it a lovely spot for a gentle walk, especially with pushchairs since the path stays fairly level. Kids might get restless after 45 minutes unless they're into spotting waterfowl.

Dog walkers seem to have claimed this as their own little kingdom, and rightly so. The circular route takes about an hour at a leisurely pace, with several spots where dogs can safely splash about. Early morning visits reward you with fewer crowds and better wildlife watching - herons are regular visitors.

It's free to wander around, though parking can be a bit hit and miss along the narrow lane. The location works well if you're staying at one of the nearby sites like Stoney Acres or Spring Lea Holiday Park, giving you an easy escape from busier tourist spots. Not exactly thrilling, but sometimes that's precisely what you need.