Polemere

The water at Polemere is surprisingly clear for a Midlands lake, and on a decent day you can actually see why people bother with the drive out here from Shrewsbury. It's a modest affair - nothing like the Lake District showstoppers - but that's rather the point. The lake sits in countryside that feels properly rural without being remote, and you get decent walking around the perimeter if you're after a leg-stretch rather than a full expedition.

Fishing types will recognise the name straight away. Polemere's been a working fishery for years, and the banks are dotted with anglers most weekends, which gives the place a genteel, purposeful atmosphere that beats the madness of a tourist trap. If you're not casting a line yourself, there's still something peaceful about watching others do it - the water reflects the sky properly, and the whole thing has a calming quality that justles you into better humour.

For families, it's fine for an hour or so. Kids won't be bored if they're the exploring type, but they won't be clamouring to stay all day either. The walk around is manageable and flat enough, though it's not a destination in itself - more of a pleasant detour if you're holiday-parking at Spring Lea or Cartref nearby. Realistically, Polemere works best as part of a bigger Powys loop rather than a standalone reason to venture out. Check conditions first and bring wellies - the banks can be muddy, particularly after rain.