Tillington Pool

Tillington Pool sits just outside Stafford, a quiet expanse of water that's genuinely worth knowing about if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Ladybirch or Stable Park. It's the sort of place locals use without fuss - a proper working reservoir rather than a manicured tourist attraction, which is exactly why it's good.

The water itself is the draw. You get decent views across the pool, and it's decent for a walk around the perimeter if your legs need stretching after a drive. The setting is rural enough to feel like proper countryside, but close enough to Stafford that you're not hours from a cup of tea and a meal.

Honestly, don't expect thrills. There's no visitor centre, no play area, no facilities to speak of. This isn't a day-out-in-itself sort of place. What it is, though, is a useful spot to know about when you're based at a caravan park in the area - twenty minutes of fresh air, a bit of birdwatching if you're into that, or simply somewhere quiet to stand and think. Families with young children might get restless after half an hour; walkers will appreciate the straightforward route and the chance to see some water birds.

Free to visit, no admission charge. Go early if you want any peace - it's the kind of place that can feel busy on a summer evening when locals are doing laps. Best bet is mid-week or first thing on a weekend morning.