While we’re in the Midlands, we have plenty of lakes and pools to enjoy.
A stroll by the lake can turn into a really nice afternoon, especially if you pack a picnic and maybe binoculars to watch the wildlife.
We’ve put together a guide to some of the most beautiful pools and lakes in Birmingham, Black Country and Worcestershire.
Read More – 10 Picnic Spots in Midland with Great Views
There’s a lot more we missed out on, so let us know your favorites in the comments.
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Edgbaston Reservoir
This is a huge 70 acre site that is mostly open water. It’s a nice place to get some fresh air as the reservoir is surrounded by forests and meadows.
The Edgbaston Reservoir was built by Thomas Telford in 1827 as an addition to the Birmingham canal system. It is still used for this purpose today.
It is also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, as a 2.8 km long path leads around the reservoir. Keep an eye out for birds, newts, and bats as you walk.
Reservoir Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9EE
Peaceful Edgbaston Reservoir
(Image: Flickr / Peter Goodair)
Bracebridge pool
There are an abundance of pools in Sutton Park, including Wyndley, Blackroot, Keepers, Powell, and Longmoor, but Bracebridge Pool is one of the largest in the park at around 16 acres. And it has the best view.
The pool takes its name from Sir Ralph Bracebridge who earned a life on the Chase of Sutton Coldfield in 1419 and made the pool to provide a good supply of bream to his family and friends.
After your stroll, stop for lunch or a drink at The Boat House Restaurant on the edge of the Bracebridge Pool.
Sutton Park, A454, Sutton Coldfield B74 2YR
Quiet Bracebridge Pool in Sutton Park
(Image: Flickr / Graham)
Babbs Mill Lake
There is a lake, a river and many hiking trails to explore in this lovely nature reserve in a Green Flag park in Kingshurst.
The kids will love the large playground renovated as part of the Playbuilder project.
It features a skill whirling carousel, swings, rotating bar, spinner, sling swing, slide, seesaw, talking flowers, and even a mini roller coaster!
For older children there is a basketball court, a soccer field and a skate park with rails, ramps and a quarter pipe.
You can park for free which is always a bonus, but if you’d prefer to leave the car at home, Lea Hall and Marston Green train stations are a short walk away.
Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve, Fordbridge Road, Kingshurst, B37 6LN
A swan on Babbs Mill Lake at sunset
(Image: Flickr / Tony Cornish)
Bartley Reservoir
This pretty reservoir in Bartley Green is a lovely place for walking and is known as the place where conservationist and TV presenter Bill Oddie did much of his early bird watching when he was growing up nearby.
There are often small sailing boats on the water, and you can enjoy the view across to the city.
Scotland Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 4BP
Sailboats on the Bartley Reservoir
(Image: Flickr / Martin Hinchliffe)
Brookevale Lake, Erdington
There is a fun 2 km hiking trail around Brookvale Lake, which used to be a reservoir.
With a sailing club on-site, you can often sit and watch the boats out on the water. There is also a play area for children, tennis courts and a bowling alley.
Pack a picnic and bring a sweater to sit down and watch the sun set over the water.
Brookvale Park, Park Road, Erdington, B23 7YT
Brookevale Lake in Erdington
(Image: Flickr / Manoo Mistry)
Beech water pool
Beechwater Pool is a peaceful place in Leasowes Park in Halesowen.
Here you will find wooded valleys, open grasslands, lakes and streams that combine with wildlife, as well as a large playground.
Try pond diving in the lakes and streams. There is also a parking lot.
Leasowes Lane, Halesowen, B62 8DH
Pendigo lake
Remember there is a nice big lake right by the NEC and Resorts World.
The next time you want to shop, go to the movies, or see a show or exhibition, take a day trip around the lake or have a picnic by the water.
This space is surprisingly quiet for such a busy part of town, and there are plenty of benches in the Lakeside Garden.
Pendigo Lake, Solihull, B40 1PP
Pendigo Lake at Resorts World in Solihull
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Brueton lake
There is an ornamental lake in Brueton Park in Solihull which is a lovely place to visit, especially since there are so many great things to do here.
You can discover the Brueton Tree Trail, explore the ancient forests, eat at the special picnic area, and stroll around the pond and sensory garden.
There is also a playground for children and parking is free. And if that’s not enough, you can also explore nearby Malvern Park.
Brueton Park End, Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3HA
Brueton Lake in Solihull
(Image: Flickr / Damien Walmsley)
Hurcott pool
In spring, when the forest is covered in bluebells, you will often see beautiful water lilies by the Hurcott Pool.
The pool is located in a 124 hectare nature reserve, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its wetlands and forests.
Many species of dragonflies can be seen in the summer months, including the rare ‘Smarce Chaser’. Keep an eye out for herons, grass snakes, toads and great crested grebes in the reeds.
There is ample parking and a specially designed fitness trail with stops along the way that guide you through warming up, track techniques, and cooling down.
Hurcott Lane, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 3PG
Springfield Park
There is a lovely ornamental pool in Springfield Park, where you can also stroll along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and the River Severn.
Located in the Broadwaters area of Kidderminster, this 16.95 acre park has a designated picnic area overlooking the water.
Children can also have fun in the large playground, football fields and paddling in the stream. There is also free parking.
Springfield Lane, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 2PS
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