Hanley Swan Duck Pond

The water at Hanley Swan is properly still first thing in the morning. You'll find the duck pond just outside Worcester, a modest but genuine nature reserve where the main event is watching waterfowl go about their day - mallards, teals, the occasional heron if you're patient enough. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which counts for something around here.

Walkers and bird enthusiasts will get the most from a visit. Families with young children enjoy it too, though don't expect an afternoon's entertainment - an hour is about right before people start asking what's next. The paths around the water are flat and accessible, so it works for buggies and anyone who struggles with slopes.

There's no entrance fee and no faffing about with opening times; it's just there when you want it. Best visited in spring when the nesting happens, or early morning before the dog walkers arrive. Hanley Swan pairs well with a caravan holiday at any of the nearby sites - Oakmere Parks and Swallowfields Retreat are both within walking distance if you're staying put for a few days. It's the kind of spot you'd slip in between bigger attractions in Worcester rather than plan a journey around, but it's worth knowing about if you're in the area. Genuine, unmanicured, and free.