Ryton Pools Country Park

Two Victorian-era pools sit at the heart of this 57-acre country park just outside Coventry, surrounded by woodland and grassland that's genuinely pleasant for a wander. The pools themselves are the main draw - they're ornamental, Grade II listed, and date back to the 1880s when they were created as a recreational space. You can walk around them easily enough, watch the water, spot the occasional duck. It's the kind of place where you realise how much green space exists just beyond the city edge.

Walkers will find the park genuinely useful. The network of paths is straightforward, nothing demanding, so it works for families with younger kids who'd struggle on a proper hike. History buffs might appreciate the Victorian infrastructure - the pools themselves tell a story about Victorian leisure culture. But be honest with yourself: this isn't a destination in its own right. It's a solid half-hour detour if you're already in the area, or a gentle leg-stretch before heading elsewhere.

Stay at one of the nearby touring parks - Eriba Glade is closest at under three miles, or Avon Wild Camping if you want something more low-key - and you've got a handy spot to base yourself for exploring Coventry's actual attractions. The park's free to access and there are no time restrictions, so you can roll up whenever suits you. Best visited on a clear day when the water reflects the sky properly; on a grey Midlands afternoon it's less inspiring.