Cound Trout Fishery

The lake sits quietly on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, a proper working trout fishery that takes itself seriously. This isn't a tourist attraction dressed up in bunting - it's the real thing, where anglers come to actually catch fish rather than Instagram the experience.

Cound Trout Fishery is a stillwater lake stocked with rainbow and brown trout. If you fish, you'll want a day ticket and some patience. The water's decent enough, and the surrounding Shropshire countryside rolls away gently enough. Non-anglers won't find much to do here, to be honest. It's not a walking destination, not a picnic spot in the traditional sense. You're there for one reason: to stand waist-deep in waders and see what bites.

For families camping at any of the nearby parks - Love2Stay, Condover Park, or Spring Field Dark Skies just a few miles away - it's worth knowing about if you've got someone in the group who fishes. Otherwise, you're better off heading into Shrewsbury town centre or exploring the wider Shropshire valleys.

Access and facilities: You'll need to contact the fishery directly beforehand. Standards vary at working fisheries, and this one's no different. Allow a full day if you're actually fishing, or an hour tops if you're just scoping it out. Spring and early summer tend to be the best times, when the light's good and the water's cooler. It's honest, unglamorous fishing country - which is precisely why some anglers love it.