Leigh Sinton Fishiers

The Fishiers at Leigh Sinton is one of those quietly absorbing spots that doesn't announce itself loudly, which is rather the point. You're looking at a series of fish pools - proper working pools that have been here for centuries, part of the medieval landscape that shaped this corner of Herefordshire near Malvern. It's the sort of place where history isn't locked behind a visitor centre but sitting right there in the water and the banks around it.

Walkers will find this most rewarding. The pools sit within countryside that begs to be explored on foot, and there's something satisfying about stumbling across evidence of how people actually lived and worked generations back. If you've got children, they'll be entertained for a bit - ducks, the chance to spot fish, the simple pleasure of water - but don't expect rides or attractions. Teenagers might struggle with the pace unless they're already keen on countryside walks.

There's no entrance fee, which helps. Allow an hour if you're taking photos and pottering about; longer if you're combining it with a walk through the surrounding area. The nearest proper base is Malvern, about four miles away. If you're staying at Out To Grass Camping (4.6 miles) or Malvern View (5.4 miles), the Fishiers makes a cracking detour during a day exploring the area. Spring and early summer are best - you get the wildlife active and the banks looking their best. It's not flashy, but it's genuinely interesting if you appreciate a bit of historical depth with your countryside.