Tenbury Swimming Pool

The lido sits right in the centre of Tenbury Wells, a proper old-school outdoor pool that's been keeping locals and visitors cool since the 1920s. It's a straightforward affair - one main pool, smaller children's area, and the kind of no-nonsense charm you don't find much anymore. On a decent summer's day it's absolutely rammed with families, and you can see why: it's the real deal, chlorine and deck chairs, the works.

Kids will have a ball here, genuinely. There's enough space to swim lengths if you're that way inclined, but most people come for a splash about and the social side of it. The water temperature can be a bit chilly early season, but by July it's pleasant enough. Allow a couple of hours if you're not just popping in for a quick dip.

The pool's free to use, which is rare these days and frankly brilliant value. Opening times vary seasonally - it's summer only, typically late May through August, so check ahead before making a special journey. Ludlow's only seven miles down the road if you fancy mixing in a market town visit.

If you're staying at Knighton on Teme Caravan Park just up the way, this is worth a short drive for an afternoon break. The pool's a proper community hub rather than a fancy leisure complex, and that's its appeal. Family swimmers will get far more out of it than serious athletes, but either way it beats being cooped up in a static caravan.