Top 15 Lakes around Balsall
Best lakes around Balsall are found in the West Midlands, England, offering various recreational activities and natural features. The area is characterized by its blend of historical water bodies and modern leisure facilities. Many lakes in this region were originally constructed to support canal systems, now serving as sites for outdoor pursuits. Balsall Common provides access to both managed fisheries and natural reserves.
Best lakes around Balsall
- The most popular lakes is Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes,…
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Terry's Pool Reservoir
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Windmill Pool Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Abbey Fields Park
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Balsall.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Although the route suggested by Komoot was good there were some problems in the wooded section between the two railway crossings. The path was closed and therefore needed to find a detour.
1
0
Abbey Fields is set in the dramatic valley of the Finham Brook and enjoys views of the historic town and Kenilworth castle. Grassy slopes, a lake, historic buildings and veteran trees recall Abbey Fields’ past as the farmland of St Mary’s Abbey, whose ruins adjoin the park. Because of its important heritage, Abbey Fields is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
0
0
Closed up nothing really to see apart from the building
0
0
Lovely park with a great view over lake in the centre of old Kenilworth
1
0
The Blythe Valley Countryside Park is 87 acres in size. The circular path includes several small lakes and a bird hide. The site is like a cross between New Hall Valley Country park in Sutton Coldfield and Plantsbrook in Pype Hayes and is home to a mixture of conservation woodland, 38,000m² of new woodland, grassland, hedgerows, streams and wetland. The 3.5km path is be great for cycling and running, too. Work on the business park commenced in August 1998 and was a joint development between Solihull MBC, Doughty Hanson & Co Real Estate and Liberty Property Trust. The River Blythe has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and there are local damp willow woodlands, emergent reeds and wet grassland. In a rare UK approach, storm water from the built up area is cleaned by several processes en route to the river.
0
0
The engine house is Grade II listed and was built to contain the original beam engine that pumped water from the reservoirs up to the higher level of the feeder river. It has been in continual operation since 1823, though in 1936 the beam engine was dismantled and replaced by the electric pumps. You can see the in-fill brickwork where the chimney was removed, marking the arrival of electricity. The building is typical of an engine house; one tall narrow room for the beam engine and lower storey ancillary rooms surrounding it. For this particular engine house the lower storey extension was added post 1846, when the canal was taken over by the Great Western Railway Company due to the decline of canal usage. This is telling in other details such as the workshop bench made out of railway sleepers and the reclaimed platform edging bricks on the stairs. The wooden beams for the upper floors are visible in between the brickwork and you can also see the structural ties that were added after construction, as the building needed more support to cope with the vibration of the machine.
0
0
The Earlswood Lakes were constructed in the 1820s to provide water to the Stratford upon Avon canal. Construction took nearly 5 years to complete, and the labour force included prisoners of war from the Napoleonic wars.The cost of construction was £297,000. There are three lakes. Terry's Pool lake cover 20 acres (8.1 ha). The lakes are fed by tributaries of the River Blythe, and in turn outfall into that river also.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Balsall?
The most popular lakes in the area include the historic Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes, which was constructed in the 1820s to supply the Stratford upon Avon canal. Other favorites are Windmill Pool Lake and Terry's Pool Reservoir, both part of the Earlswood Lakes system. These spots are appreciated by the komoot community for their historical significance and natural beauty.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Balsall?
Yes, several lakes around Balsall are great for families. The Earlswood Lakes system, including Engine House and Engine Pool, Windmill Pool Lake, and Terry's Pool Reservoir, are all considered family-friendly. Additionally, Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk features small lakes and is suitable for families, offering a mix of woodland and open spaces. Lavender Hall Park also provides a children's play area and green space for recreation.
What historical features can I find at the lakes?
The Earlswood Lakes, including Engine House and Engine Pool, Windmill Pool Lake, and Terry's Pool Reservoir, are significant historical sites. They were constructed in the 1820s to feed the Stratford upon Avon canal. The Engine House, a Grade II listed building, originally housed a beam engine to pump water to the canal, and its history includes the use of Napoleonic war prisoners in its construction.
Are there opportunities for fishing at the lakes near Balsall Common?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the area. Lavender Hall Fishery offers five fishing lakes, and Barston Lakes is a significant fishing venue with a 21-acre main lake, Barston Lake, known for carp fishing. Barston Lakes also provides amenities like a bar, food services, and wheelchair-accessible pegs.
Where can I go for open-water swimming or paddleboarding?
The Lakes at Lavender Hall, part of Lavender Hall Fishery, feature a newly developed open-water swimming lake. This location also offers paddleboarding, yoga, and lakeside saunas, providing a wellbeing retreat experience.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
For wildlife enthusiasts, Temple Balsall Nature Reserve is an excellent spot. This wet woodland, bisected by Cuttle Brook, is rich in diverse wildlife, including rare plants. Its two fish ponds attract waterfowl, waders, and ducks. Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk also features a bird hide and is home to various species in its conservation woodland and wetlands.
Are there accessible options for visitors with mobility needs?
Barston Lakes offers wheelchair-accessible fishing pegs, making it a convenient option for visitors with mobility needs who wish to enjoy fishing. Car parking is also available close to many fishing spots there.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond visiting the lakes themselves, you can explore various outdoor activities. There are easy hikes around Balsall, running trails around Balsall, and MTB trails around Balsall. These guides offer routes suitable for different fitness levels and interests, allowing you to experience the natural beauty of the region.
Are there dog-friendly options for visiting the lakes?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are permitted at The Lakes at Lavender Hall, which offers open-water swimming, paddleboarding, and camping. This makes it a good option for those wishing to bring their canine companions along for outdoor activities.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Balsall?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Earlswood Lakes are appreciated for their history related to the Stratford upon Avon canal, while places like Temple Balsall Nature Reserve offer peaceful woodland walks and rich biodiversity. The variety of activities, from fishing to open-water swimming and family-friendly parks, also contributes to a positive visitor experience.
Can I find camping facilities near the lakes?
Yes, The Lakes at Lavender Hall offer camping facilities. It's important to note that the camping area is adult-only, ensuring a peaceful environment for campers. There are also pubs within walking distance and the village of Balsall Common is a short drive away for amenities.
Are there any nature reserves for peaceful walks?
Temple Balsall Nature Reserve is an ideal location for peaceful woodland walks and wildlife observation. While parts have been temporarily closed for safety, it remains an important ecological site, known for its diverse flora and fauna, including common reed, sedges, and spring flowers like snowdrops and ramsons. You can find more information about the reserve via Warwickshire County Council.
What amenities are available at Lavender Hall Park?
Lavender Hall Park, while not featuring a prominent lake for activities like boating, offers over 11 hectares of parkland. It includes a children's play area, a skate park, playing fields, and wooded areas like Katherine's Wood. It's a valuable green space for families and general outdoor recreation. For more details, you can visit the Solihull Council website.
Most popular routes around Balsall
Most popular attractions around Balsall
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Balsall? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
