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

Bracebridge Pool is on the 'Northern' side of the Park, over the railway tracks where you might see…read morethe wild ponies. . The pool is a good size surrounded by trees and has spectacular sun sets especially in summer, when you can sit at the eastern end, sipping a long cool drink on the Boat House restaurant's veranda overlooking the still waters and watch the big red ball at the far western end sink to wherever it goes. In winter, maybe a hot toddy. . There is a magical little path running round the north side of the Pool, wending its way through the trees around the stumps and roots and over little boggy streams (a number of tiny wooden bridges along the way save those who forgot their wellies). Eventually, the path opens out to the patches of sandy lake shore, ideal for gazing at the pool's tranquil waters rippled only by the many water birds doing their thing. This path then circles the lake up past Little Bracebridge Pool from where you can walk right back round again to the Boat House (where you might have left your car in the convenient car park for this little excursion). Beautiful jaunt, well worth the effort kids love it.

Tucked away by Banners Gate entrance, Longmoor Pool is very easily accessible along a fully…read moretarmaced pathway from the handy car park, suitable for all the family prams and all. Not huge, but Longmoor Pool is still big enough to give that feeling of expanse and calm and distance that is so relaxing to come down and gaze at, especially in the setting sun, which lowers itself gently at the far end opposite the pathway. The 'wild' Park cattle sometimes splosh into it half way along, the scene like something out of the Serengeti, well, sort of, if you half close your eyes (and don't fall in). Round the edges, rushes and swampy type fauna flourish. Definitely worth the trip every now and again, buy an ice cream at the van in the car park, slowly lick the cool blob to nothing, feet dangling over the retaining wall and gazing out over the shimmering waters excellent.

Smaller pool, hidden away in a little valley up from the Information centre end of the Park and…read moreMain Gate. Easy to get to along tarmc path, but a bit more hilly and twisty walk deeper into the darker, spookier side of the woods. There used to be a Lido here, but it burnt down, which is a shame. There are fish in there, believe me, and water birds, which you can see for yourself. Again, the sun sets at the far end, opposite a great little bench seat where you can sit and contemplate. Keeper's Pool was originally built as a fish pond within the mediaeval deer park. The name of the pool suggests that a park keeper's lodge was nearby when the pool was built. The pool dates back to the 15th century and was formed by the damming of a stream. As it's on a main track-way through the centre of the Park, there're always plenty of passers bye, joggers, walkers, cyclists and the like. Well recommended for a quick visit.

A really very large, and well kept pool. Always full of all sorts of waterbirds, it's lined with…read morebenches along the one short edge next to the leisure centre, it's pleasant for cold sunsets and sitting and eating a sandwich. Plenty of ducks to feed as well.

Loads of ducks, geese, swans, moor hens, water fowl of all kinds they are just waiting there for…read moreyou to lean over the railings and drop tasty morcels onto their expectant heads, a right feathery scrummage resulting. These little (and not so little) webby characters are quite tame and look for visitors to swim towards. The pool is large but really only accessible from the frontage along the short roadway from Sommerville Road, right next to Windley Leisure Centre (where humans can go swimming). There is some parking, so really this is the best pool for any one that wants to drive right up to the waters edge and not even get out of the car to take in the watery scene. Originally built as a mediaeval fish pond, anglers are not permitted unfortunately, but definitely worth a trip down to see it on a nice summer evening.

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.

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.

A beautiful and huge park - one of the largest urban parks in the UK in fact. There are wild…read moreponies, free range cows and plenty of other wildlife you can spot at various times of the year. There are frequent ice cream vans dotted about near the scouts jamboree stone and lots of pay2ride bike docks around the edge of the park including e-bikes (run by beryl) in my experience the normal bikes are well maintained and not very expensive if you use them properly and dock them after each use - you get charged an extra fee if you leave it non-docked and another fee if you leave it outside the beryl zone but this is clearly demarcated in the beryl app. It's a beautiful place to go especially with family. The only detraction is that some of the paths and tracks are a bit muddy and unstable so if you're really having a hike like I do it's best to go in strong sturdy boots with good grip. There is an information centre located near the Sutton Coldfield town centre entrance of the park and a gym and swimming pool called wyndley right near the park. Fishing is allowed within certain seasons but you will need a licence and I'm not sure if there are any other requirements as I've not done it yet in this park. You will enjoy coming here, even in winter. Just bring appropriate clothing and shoes!

Henry VIII hunting ground, and the reason why Sutton received the royal charter since he had such a…read morefabulous time... It's bigger than most urban parks, and spans both further than you would expect, and less, as it goes on so much further than most city/town parks (you do genuinely get to points where you can here no traffic nor see no houses quite quickly), it almost makes it feel more like an estate park- which of course it is smaller than, but I'd probably say not by much for many. There are quite a few little pockets of the park, so you can take in as little or as much of it as you like. There is plenty of wildlife, pools, paths and impressive large trees in ancient woodlands. It tends to get quite busy, but it's large enough for you to never feel cramped, and people tend to cheerfully be saying good morning.

By far the my favourite green space in the whole Midlands! A huge park to be explored walking,…read morecycling or even sailing! There is so much to be seen at Kingsbury Water Park that it is worth more than one visit, especially now with the summer knocking on our door! The main entrance, on Bodymoor Heath Rd, takes you straight to the car park (£ 3.50 - minimum price) and Visitor Centre. Better to start your journey getting the map guide (for only 50 pence) at the Information centre. Believe me, this walking & cycling version is very useful! Walking through the area is the best way to experience the nature reserves, from bird species to its several pools, everything is so inviting there. As I don't have a bike yet it was really nice to know there is a "bikes for hire" point inside the park. No excuses for not exercising!

Kingsbury Water Park is a huge landscape that has so much to explore. There are large pools…read moresurrounding the area, which allow you to go water skiing or hire a small boat, depending on your own personal thrill for adrenalin. The area is also great to take children to over the summer holiday, and the car park usually ends up jam packed full of families during this time of the year. There's also a cute little train ride that goes through one side of the park. This train is perfect for kids who want to see a great deal of the nature reserve very quickly, especially if you are short for time. But if you aren't short for time, the walks are very insightful for curious explorers, whether you're an adult or a child. There are specific pathways to try and find certain woodland creatures, and I've even come across a water vowl eating a fish while searching the the lakes for other critters.