Big Pool

The water's proper cold even on a warm day, and that's the first thing you notice about Big Pool. It's a decent-sized lake just outside Nantwich where locals come to swim, fish, and generally muck about in boats. The surrounding banks are open grassland - nothing dramatic, but it's a place where you can actually do things rather than just turn up and take a photo.

If you're camping nearby - Hawk Lake or Marbury are both solid options within five miles - this is the sort of spot that fills a morning when the weather's decent. Families with older kids will get on fine; there's space to run around and the water's the main draw. Swimmers should check current access and safety conditions before diving in, as regulations do shift. Anglers absolutely love it, and you'll spot people lined up along the bank most weekends.

The real question is whether you've got time for it. Twenty minutes from Nantwich town centre, it's not exactly a detour if you're staying in the area, but you won't want to build a whole day around it. Go early morning before it gets busy, bring a picnic if you fancy it, and don't expect facilities beyond what Mother Nature provides. There's a carpark and basic amenities, but it's hardly developed. Perfect for a peaceful couple of hours between other activities, less impressive as a destination in itself.