Quarry Splash Park

A disused quarry converted into a splash park makes for a brilliant afternoon if you're camping near Shrewsbury with kids who need to burn off energy. The whole setup sits in what was once an active stone pit - you can still see the cliff faces towering over the water, which gives the place a bit of character you won't find in your standard municipal paddling pool.

What you actually get is a shallow lagoon with various water features - fountains, jets, the usual splash park paraphernalia. It's free to access, which is the main draw for families staying at any of the nearby parks like Oxon Hall or Love2Stay, both within two miles. Plan on an hour for younger children, maybe ninety minutes if they're determined to soak themselves through completely.

Summer holidays are peak time, so expect crowds on warm weekends. Early morning visits or weekday afternoons are far less chaotic. The quarry setting means natural windbreaks from the rock walls, though you'll want to bring your own sun cream and a towel - there aren't proper changing facilities to write home about.

It works well as a half-day activity sandwiched between exploring Shrewsbury town centre or combining it with a walk along the Shropshire Union Canal nearby. Don't expect anything fancy, but for campers wanting a free, hassle-free cool-down spot without driving far, it does the job properly.