Penguin cove

The name's a bit of a red herring - there aren't actually penguins at Penguin Cove, though the modest lake near Bewdley does have its own appeal. What you get is a small body of water popular with local anglers and dog walkers, the sort of place that works best as a quick detour rather than a destination in itself.

It's decent enough if you're camping nearby - and there's no shortage of options, from Pinewood Retreat Glamping just down the road to Hopleys and Lickhill Manor a couple of miles out. The cove itself offers a bit of peace and quiet, handy for a morning walk before heading into Bewdley proper. The water's reflective on still days, and it's the kind of spot where you might actually see wildlife without the theatre of it all.

Truth is, you won't need more than thirty minutes here unless you're a keen birdwatcher or want to settle with a book. It's free to access and there's usually somewhere to park, though I'd avoid weekends when the fishing crowd gets going. Not worth a special journey, but if you're based at one of the local caravan parks - particularly Blackstone Meadow or Wolverley, both within spitting distance - it's a sensible morning outing before tackling bigger attractions elsewhere in Worcestershire. Take a thermos, bring your dog if you've got one, but don't expect fireworks.