Byfield Pool

Byfield Pool sits just outside Daventry, a quiet spot that rewards a bit of local knowledge. It's a proper village pool - the kind of place where locals have been swimming for generations, fed by natural springs rather than chemicals. The water stays surprisingly clear, and there's something rather lovely about taking a dip in an old-fashioned open-air pool with none of the chlorine smell of leisure centres.

The pool itself is small and intimate, more of a community gathering spot than a tourist attraction. On a warm day it's busy with families and regulars; on grey Midlands afternoons, you might have the place nearly to yourself. The surrounding fields give it a rural feel despite being minutes from Daventry town centre.

It's free to use and worth an hour of your time if you're camping in the area - and there's no shortage of options nearby. Coleman's Hill Campsite is barely a mile away, making it ideal for families who fancy an easy morning swim without the drive. Whitefeather Campsite and Holt Farm are both within five miles, so it works well as a quick dip break during a longer Warwickshire park holiday.

Not a destination in itself, but genuinely useful for a rainy week if the weather suddenly turns. Bring a towel, arrive early to avoid the school groups, and don't expect facilities beyond the pool itself. It's refreshingly unpretentious - which is exactly its appeal.