Willes Meadow Reservoir

The water sits calm and wide, ringed by mature trees and open grassland - this is Willes Meadow Reservoir, a proper working water supply just a few minutes drive south of Leamington Spa. It's the kind of place locals know well but visitors often miss, which is exactly why it's worth stopping by.

You're looking at a straightforward walk around the perimeter. The paths are well-maintained, the views across the water unremarkable but pleasant enough, and the whole circuit takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on how slowly you go. It's not dramatic scenery. There are no ruined castles or dramatic rock formations. What you get instead is a quiet spot where you can actually hear the water lapping and watch the occasional duck potter about.

Families with young children will find it manageable - the paths are flat and accessible, though you'll want to keep a close eye near the water's edge. Walkers doing a broader loop of the area will find it a decent waypoint. History enthusiasts won't find much to chew on here.

Staying at one of the caravan parks within a few miles - Hilltop Hideaways, Knight's Village at Warwick Castle, or Harbury Fields Farm are all close by - this makes a low-key morning or late-afternoon outing. Pair it with a visit to Warwick town itself, which sits practically on your doorstep, and you've got a pleasant half-day sorted. It's the kind of stop that breaks up a longer holiday rather than anchors one.