So, it already feels like summer will be a complete washout. But we’re saying positive and praying for sunny days in Birmingham soon – and when they arrive, which they will (*fingers crossed*), we’ll throw ourselves into the nearest body of water to cool off. Unfortunately, the only thing missing from the city centre is an outdoor pool but, there are plenty of outdoor swimming spots near Birmingham to enjoy.
1. Midlands Open Water
Welcoming swimmers of all ages and abilities, the family-owned Midlands Open Water is perfect for everyone looking for outdoor swimming options near Birmingham. There are two courses to enjoy, a 650m and a 300m, with easy access to the edge should you need a rest or even fancy a walk back. (Its beautiful surroundings in the heart of the Midlands make it an ideal place to potter!)
The lake slopes in and out, so you can ease yourself in and get used to the water slowly. But you should be aware that this is a place for serious swimming! Those looking to paddle or play might prefer the next option on this list… A yearly membership will cost £150, while it costs pay-as-you-swim members £7 p/h.
Midlands Open Water, Tamworth Rd, Tamworth B78 2HZ
2. Cliff Lakes
Situated right next to Midlands Open Water, the focus here is placed more on those looking for a fun-filled day out. Cliff Lakes is a watersports venue where you can try out paddleboarding, open-water swimming and Aqualand. The thrilling water park offers five different obstacle courses on the water—featuring a variety of slides, climbing walls, and other obstacles.
Cliff Lakes, Tamworth Rd, Cliff, Tamworth B78 2DL
3. Sandwell Valley Country Park
Over in the Black Country, you’ll find Sandwell Valley Country Park. Considered a green oasis in West Bromwich, at the centre of it is a large body of water called Swan Pool. Until 2015, there was a ban on swimming in the lake. Which, after a campaign featuring various locals and the OSS Inland Access Group, was then lifted. Wild swimming safety signage still floods the area and we urge you to take caution where possible. But Swan Pool is a fantastic spot for an outdoor swim and is accessible to all!
Sandwell Valley Country Park, Salter’s Ln, West Bromwich B71 4BG
4. Droitwich Spa Lido
Birmingham isn’t exactly blessed with lidos, but a quick trip to Droitwich Spa Lido near Worcester should satisfy those needs. It is also one of the UK’s last remaining inland, open-air, saltwater swimming pools (swimming in salt water is said to be good for the skin and immune system). Featuring a 40m pool, a wet play area, a sun terrace and a café, it’s a fantastic place to dip and unwind throughout the day.
Lido Park, Worcester Rd, Droitwich Spa, Droitwich WR9 8AA
5. Lavender Hall Fishery
Lavender Hall Fishery is, as you may have guessed, a pretty special fishing spot about halfway between Birmingham and Coventry—home to 30lb carp, if you can believe it! During the winter of 2024, Dragon Lake was completely drained, removed of fish and obstacles, and transformed into a brand-new activity lake for wild swimming and paddle boarding.With swimming sessions available from Thursday to Sunday, from 8 am to 6 pm, the lake is equivalent to four lengths of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. To learn more, head here.
Lavender Hall Fishery, Lavender Hall Ln, Berkswell, Coventry CV7 7BN
6. Dosthill Quarry
If you can navigate a complicated registration and booking system on its website, Dosthill Quarry is well worth it. There are over 30,000 registered swimmers for this outdoor swimming spot in Tamworth—and you’ll understand why it’s so popular after one visit. It’s stunning. The freshwater lake, said to be 500x purer than tap water, is also home to the oldest inland diving centre in the UK.
Dosthill Quarry, Wigford Rd, Dosthill, Tamworth B77 1LL
7. Virgin Active UK’s Solihull Swimming Pool
A fairly simple swimming pool in Solihull. The outdoor pool is 25m, where you can lap up the lengths or relax in the jacuzzi. It’s a great place if trying to improve your swimming strength and confidence, be you beginner or an advanced swimmer. You can even buy one-to-one sessions with a coach to create a tailor-made programme for yourself. There are lessons available for children, too. Learn more here.
Virgin Active Outdoor Pool, Blythe Gate, Shirley, Solihull B90 8AT
8. Watersedge
Home to its own spa facilities and Scandinavian-style sauna, Watersedge isn’t like your average outdoor swimming spot near Birmingham. The 11-acre lake is ideal for beginners and advanced swimmers alike—with 750m, 300m, and 150m loops, and a dipping area for the less confident. Make sure to check out its incredible open water courses, sunset sessions and mental health dips too. To learn more about Watersedge head here.
Watersedge, Bishampton, Pershore WR10 2LZ
9. Chasewater Watersports Centre
Thinking about dipping your toe into coldwater swimming? Don’t tread water. Let
Chase Open Water Swimming help. It offers open water swimming sessions to beginners, intermediate and advanced swimmers on Chasewater. A session costs £7, but extras like wetsuits, swim caps and tow floats can also be hired out. Swim as much or as little as you like, as it’s a great place to build up confidence! There’s even a shallow area for you to start in. To check out slotted sessions head here.
Chasewater Country Park, Pool Road, Brownhills, Burntwood, Walsall WS8 7NL
10. Upper Bittell Reservoir
There are two reservoirs, upper and lower, with fishing on both and sailing on the upper thanks to Barnt Green Waters. They aren’t usually available for public open water swimming—but every Thursday night in summer, the BRAT Club have exclusive access to the Upper Bittell Reservoir for swimming sessions for members. You can learn more here.
Upper Bittell Reservoir, Cofton Church Lane, Cofton Hackett, Birmingham, B45 8BH
11. Lakeside Adventures
It’s not only the largest inflatable aqua park in Worcestershire—packed with trampolines, obstacle courses, giant balls, and high-speed slides—but Lakeside Adventures also provides a peaceful, crystal-clear four-acre open water swimming lake in the Worcestershire countryside. It even offers calm, evening swims. You can learn more here.
Lakeside Adventures, Station Rd, Hartlebury, Kidderminster DY11 7YJ
12. Aztec Adventure Upton Warren
Swimming about in the water shouldn’t always be a serious affair. Sometimes it’s just about having fun and games. Kids (and big kids too) will love making a splash at Aztec Adventure Upton Warren, thanks to its floating inflatable Aztec Aquaglide Aqua Park. Measuring 2,000sq meters, unique features include climbing towers, trampolines, balance bars, slides and more. Each session is an hour and a half suitable for ages 6 years+. If you just fancy having a refreshing open-water swim, however, you can also dive into the 400-metre lake.
Aztec Adventure Upton Warren, Worcester Rd, Bromsgrove B61 7ER
13. Ironbridge
The River Severn at Ironbridge is one of three new bathing water sites. This means that during bathing water season, the water quality is monitored so you can safely go wild swimming. Also nearby is the River Teme in Ludlow and the River Severn at Frankwell Quay.
To see all UK bathing water sites and water quality head here.
14. Cotswold Country Park & Beach
The UK’s largest inland sandy beach is less than two hours from Birmingham. The sandy shores at Cotswold Country Park & Beach surround freshwater lakes. Its three beaches consist of the Main Beach for serious swimmers, a Paddling Lagoon for playing, and a Mini Children’s Beach Lagoon for little ‘uns – perfect for a refreshing swim or building epic sandcastles! Plus, there’s everything from Mini Golf and an AquaVenture inflatable to kayaks, paddleboards and swan pedalo boats.
Cotswold Country Park & Beach, Spratsgate Ln, Shorncote, Cirencester GL7 6DF