I don't know why I didn't come here sooner. Only discovered this place last month, its like a…read morehidden gem. A very massive park with a beautiful lake. I went about 4ish, was quite hot still, people were still coming in and out. Picked a rather nice spot just near the lake and took in the ever changing scenary. Quite a relaxed park, do as you please within caution, of course. Oh and this is a great spot for you all Pokemon go players!!! Watched the sunset was just mesmerising, shall be returning soon.

Nice place for walks. There are several lakes to occupy your time and the swans are even friendly!read more

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.

Willen lake is a beautiful place to visit in the summer and in the winter. it gives you a good walk…read moreand lot of fresh air. There are many ducks and swans to feed and there is a bird watching hut around the back somewhere. The lake offers different watersports, a tree tops assault course and there is also a temple and playground. The restaurant on the lake is excellent value for money, offering two meals for the price of one. Willen lake is a great place for a simple walf or even a whole day out! A great place to visit.

Willen lake is amazing to visit in the summer aswell as any time of year but summer is the best but…read moreis more crowded. They have many bars and restuarants situated all around the lake including a gym. There is a big park area for children to play in, they even have water activities it really is a family day out. They have the miniture train that takes you for an adventure around the lake. You will find plenty of runners around the lake if you wanted to get a bit of exercise this is probably the best place and best of all its free to run around, they also have obstacle courses you can do as you are running around the lake. Definately recommended for the summer months as a great day out and for exercise.

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.

For a grand day out :) Whether you want to walk, stroll,…read morepicnic, fish, watch the wild life or model boats this is the place just a few steps from the city centre. Onsite cafe, toilets and play area.

A very much loved boating lake! A great place to take a walk, fish, let the kids play or have a…read morequick and a bite to eat. The newly redone boating lake provides a great free place to have some family fun. My children love to go and feed the ducks, walk around the lake and play in the play area. The cafe is cheap and cheerful all you need really for a quick snack! There are toilets on site that are a bit basic but always seem clean. The best thing about the boating lake is the bonfire and fireworks display that Corby council put on every year for free! It really is spectacular!

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!

Whilst scouring Google maps for a 5k route to run, I spotted a patch of blue surrounded by…read moregreenery. I thought I would pay it a wee visit. Merecroft Pool, is a very tranquil and hidden spot in the Kings Norton area. Whilst it's not huge, I found myself sitting for over an hour looking across the water. It's hard to believe that in the middle of the suburbs that a little gem like this is right on my doorstep. Pay it a visit, a nice spot to clear your head and have a relaxing "you" hour.

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.

This is a beautiful park where you can enjoy a walk, run, picnics or photography. It's very…read morepeaceful and (I believe) free! There is a small snack stand to grab a coffee or a treat before your activity. Serene is the best word I think to describe the park. You can see the Queen's swans and dogs are allowed now, but I don't believe they need a leash the entire time. Great scenic spots for photos. I really enjoyed my visit to Virginia Water.

The Valley Garden at Virginia Water is a magical place. The "Punch Bowl" is especially gorgeous,…read morefilled with flowers and bursting colors in May. A must see. And, you won't believe that this is part of the "Greater London." Just a quick train ride away for a day trip. It is a great hiking place and paradise for photographers. The only slightly annoying issue is there are no toilets. At all. More an issue for girls than guys.