Whenever the sun is shining, I just want to throw myself into the nearest body of water and cool off. But even though Birmingham is famous for its waterways, I wouldn’t ever recommend actually swimming in its canals. Instead, take the time to visit one of the many outdoor swimming spots near Birmingham that offer a refreshing experience—from lakeside water parks to saltwater lidos and the UK’s largest inland sandy beach.
The family-owned Midlands Open Water is ideal for anyone looking for wild swimming options near Birmingham—especially any serious outdoor swimmers looking for a secluded, tranquil spot. With two crystal-clear courses to enjoy, a 650m and a 300m, and beautiful green surroundings, you won’t feel any closer to nature than your next dip here.
Cliff Lakes
You can find Cliff Lakes right next to Midlands Open Water. But the watersports venue’s focus is more for those looking for a fun-filled day out—where you can try out paddleboarding, open-water swimming and Aqualand. The thrilling water park boasts five different obstacle courses on the water, featuring a variety of slides, climbing walls, and other obstacles.
Lavender Hall Fishery, you may have guessed, is a fishing spot about halfway between Birmingham and Coventry. Home to huge 30lb carp, Dragon Lake was recently drained, removed of fish and obstacles, and transformed into a brand-new activity lake for wild swimming and paddle boarding, and is equivalent to four lengths of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Droitwich Spa Lido
Birmingham isn’t blessed with lidos, but Droitwich Spa Lido, just a stone’s throw away, is one of the UK’s last remaining inland, open-air, saltwater swimming pools. Swimming in salt water is said to be good for both your skin and your immune system. But this 40m pool, wet play area, sun terrace and café is a fantastic place to dip and unwind throughout the day regardless.
Dosthill Quarry
There are over 30,000 registered swimmers for the outdoor swimming spot, Dosthill Quarry—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.
Virgin Active UK’s Solihull Swimming Pool
In Solihull, the outdoor 25m pool is a great place if you’re trying to improve your swimming strength and confidence, whether a beginner or an advanced swimmer. You can even buy one-to-one sessions at Virgin Active Outdoor Pool with a coach to create a tailor-made programme for yourself. Or just relax in the jacuzzi.
Sandwell Valley Country Park
At the heart of Sandwell Valley Country Park, discover Swan Pool. Until 2015, there was a ban on swimming here, but you are now free to take the plunge at this outdoor swimming spot near Birmingham. Swimming safety signage still floods the area, however, and I urge all to take caution where possible.
Watersedge
Aztec Adventure Upton Warren
Swimming in the water shouldn’t always be serious. Sometimes it’s just about having fun. Kids (big kids too) will love splashing about at Aztec Adventure Upton Warren, thanks to its floating inflatable Aztec Aquaglide Aqua Park. Measuring 2,000sq metres, unique features include climbing towers, trampolines, balance bars, slides and more. But if you just fancy having a refreshing open-water swim, you can just dive into the 400-metre lake.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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, with three beaches for serious swimmers, for playing, and 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.
