Tittesworth Water Play Area And Toilets

Tittesworth Water sits just outside Leek as a proper working reservoir wrapped in moorland - the sort of place where you can actually breathe. The water play area here is low-key by design: shallow zones for younger kids to splash about in summer, accessible from the car park without much faffing. It's not a destination on its own, but rather something to factor in if you're already exploring the reservoir walks.

This is walker territory first and foremost. The whole site works best as part of a half-day outing - you can circuit the water on foot (takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on your pace), spot the occasional heron, and let the kids burn off energy in the play zone afterwards. The moorland setting means proper wind and open sky, which is refreshing if you've been caravan-bound.

For families based at The Hollies or Leek Camping just down the road, it fills a rainy-afternoon gap or a quick morning before heading elsewhere. The water play area dries out by late summer, so spring and early summer are your best bets if that's the main draw. Facilities include the toilets mentioned - nothing fancy, but functional.

Worth the detour if you're already in the Leek area and fancy some fresh air. Don't expect theme-park thrills. Come for the moorland walks and the chance to let dogs off-lead on designated paths, and treat the water play as a bonus.