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Lakes, Reservoirs & Riversides in Birmingham

Water around Birmingham tends to mean a slower sort of day out. Out at Earlswood Lakes in Solihull you get flat towpaths round three connected lakes, good for a wander and a bit of birdwatching, and parking is free. A drive out to Barston Lakes, also in Solihull, is more of a fishing trip, with day or night tickets from £10.50 and a proper wheelchair accessible setup, though it's card only so leave the cash at home. The Lakes at Lavender Hall, a longer trip out to Coventry, is a different thing again: open-water swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and wood-fired saunas by the water. For toddlers or a gentle afternoon, Earlswood's paths are the easy choice and cost nothing beyond parking. Barston suits anyone who wants a whole day settled by the water with fishing gear rather than a stroll. Lavender Hall is strictly for ages 12 and up, booked online in advance, so it's one for older kids and the adults rather than a family paddle. Take a towel either way, the lakeside gets cold once you're out of the water.

✓ 3 places✦ From £10.50