Earlswood Lakes is the name given to three reservoirs (Engine Pool, Windmill Pool and Terry's Pool)…read moreoriginally built in 1820, but that with the time which became also a popular destination for walking, fishing and sailing too. As a perfect spot to spending the day, The Earlswood Lakes is a very bucolic place next to the Village of Earlswood and just 30 minutes far from the city centre. You can bring your own food and have a picnic in the fishing decks, which I highly recommend, or if you are not afraid of some walking, just explore the village cafes and pubs. The Earlswood Lakes has inviting pathways that help you to experience the wildlife in this fabulous site. You can also get there by car for the M42, getting the junction A34 towards Birmingham and Shirley.

I absolutely love Earlswood Lakes, it's one of those places everybody should visit. We are really…read morelucky to live so close to such a glistening collection of pools. It's not far to drive to at all. I come here every summer to get some fresh air and to take in the relaxed surroundings. There's even a bridge for cars to drive over, so if you were feeling lazy, you don't even have to get out of your vehicle to experience Earlswood's wonders. There's lots of different walking pathways to take, and I don't think I've ever done them all myself. I often walk down the one side of the lakes, just to be envious of the humongous houses and land that people own. I usually imagine celebrities to live in some of the places, but I'm probably building my hopes up a little too much! I've also been to the Lakes during December when they are completely frozen over. It's a truly magical sight, with the pathways and trees coated in a white blanket. Earlswood Lakes is an amazing place to visit, whether it be in the summer or the winter.

Edgbaston Resorvoir is another of those urban idyls that take away the sometimes claustrophobic…read morefeelings of city living. Looking out over the flat waterway can be an incredibly calming feeling, and sometimes even dramatic if the wind is up. A walk around the resorvoir is a good way to get an idea of it's size and allows you to really take in it's serene beauty. The footpath is frequented by dog walkers, joggers and people just out on a stroll. Whether you're out to burn off calories or just fancy sitting and watching the world go by, Edgbaston Resorvoir offers a scenic setting in which to ponder the greater mysteries of life or simply stare out over the water.

There's two miles of pathway around the reservoir making it a popular place for joggers,…read moredog-walkers and people out for a gentle stroll. This is a fabulous facility that I've used over the years. Sadly, these days I feel it's under used. I remember when each weekend there was something going on, on the water. These days, however, to see a single boat on the lake is a rarity. That said, it's home to The Midland Sailing Club and Sea Cadet Centre and The Birmingham Rowing Club. It's still one of my favourite places to relax. The council and ranger service do a great job with its upkeep. It's also a popular place for fishing. It's a stones throw from Birmingham city centre and parking is free. It could do with a cafe actually within the reservoir but there is one just at the entrance.

I live close by and its a great place to go for a nice walk, small play area for the kids, also the…read morerailway that normally runs twice a week, at the moment the lake doesn't have that much water in as earlier this year was emptied to do repairs on the dam, the work now has been done and is filling up naturally, will be around 2012 before completely full again. see some pics and details at my site at http://www.kevinsimon.co.uk/?p=274

I agree with marg - a great place for a day out, whether you want to picnic, see or ride the…read moretrains, bring your boat or just walk your dog. There are two places for refreshment, a book/nic-nac store (inside a train carriage), plus a toy shop.

One of my favourite books when I was younger was the Secret Garden where 3 children found a key to…read morea hidden garden which became their secret retreat. Moseley Park and Pool kind of reminds of this as its very easy to miss it due to the fact it's tucked away down a tiny path that runs between O'Neills and Dixons and you need to be a key holder to gain entry to this gem. This park is a calm haven amongst the hustle and bustle of city living. I love coming here in the summer for a picnic as its a private park there is plenty of space to sit and it's always tidy and well maintained. To become a key holder for a year you need to head to Moseley Travel and pay £40. Well worth chipping in with friends/ housemates. If you'd like to try before you buy then there are free open days or visit one various festivals held here such as Moseley Folk.

Moseley Park and Pool is one of those little secrets you only share with people you really like…read more Set off Moseley's main strip you really wouldn't know it was there unless you'd been tipped off in advance. There is a tiny path that goes between Dixon's and Oneills. Once through the gate you take short amble through the trees and past a tennis court or two to finally open out into the park proper. The space isn't huge but is a real oasis in a city like Birmingham. There are two large fields and then best of all a lake that you can walk around. So what's the catch? Is a private park for keyholders only. Annual membership is not expensive though at £40. However, a first visit might be best kept for a free open day or really treat yourself and grab a ticket for the annual Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul or Moseley Folk Festivals.

Big expanse of water, setting sun, swans, ducks and geese, excellent nice grassy banks to sit on…read moreor kkindly donated park benches around to sit and soak up the tranquillity, lovely

an excellent reservoir to visit, plenty for the children including a dedicated play area that is…read morefenced off with a cattle grid as well to stop any unwanted animals entering the playground, exept the flying kind!

Biggest of the Park's pools and lakes 28 acres, Powell's Pool has yachts, canoeing, fishing water…read moregazing and other stuff - wide ranging water activities, always a hive of busyness. Very easily accessed from Boldmere Gate's large car park. Amenities include a small kiddies fair ground, La Reserve eatery and drinking (while overlooking the water-scape). Usually an ice cream van on sunny days. Very convenient to pop down and chuck some bread crusts at a wandering goose. Excellent.

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I dont remember Cannon Hill park being so beautiful! Visited here recently as part of a food…read morefestival and was taken back by just how lovely the place is! Now my lack of realisation was probably due to the fact I was trying to avoid being bitten by the aggressive ducks that used to roll round the pond like a carte when I was a child.....but i was young.....and about half the size so they seemed a lot more intimidating at the time. I am happy to confirm I walked past them with ease this time around and had more time to enjoy the picturesque surroundings! The park is pretty huge and boasts a nice pond complete with fountain/water feature to impress even the Charlie Dimmock types....swan boats, a theatre, crazy golf and many walkways and paths to enjoy. Perfect for a day out with the kids....or to keep that inner child satisfied. You will find me here a fair bit over the summer I think....get me to the ice cream van...now!