Lawn Pool

Small and perfectly formed, this little lake sits quietly in the Staffordshire countryside just outside Stoke-on-Trent. Don't expect dramatic mountain reflections or Instagram-worthy sunsets - Lawn Pool is more about gentle walks and quiet contemplation.

Fishing seems to be the main draw here. Local anglers speak well of the carp and roach, though you'll need to check with nearby tackle shops about permits. The footpath that circles the water makes for a pleasant twenty-minute stroll, nothing too taxing but enough to stretch your legs between pottery factory visits in Stoke.

Families staying at nearby sites like Springfields Countryside Caravan Park or The Cross country park often use this as a quick dog walk destination. It's not going to occupy the children for hours - there's no playground or café - but it's a proper breath of fresh air if you've been touring the Potteries all morning.

Best visited on weekday mornings when it's properly peaceful. The access can get a bit muddy after rain, so decent walking shoes are wise. Worth combining with a trip to nearby Alton if you're making a day of it, though honestly, thirty minutes here is probably sufficient unless you're genuinely keen on fishing or fancy a quiet sit with a thermos.