Heatwave hits: West Midlands outdoor swimming spots to cool off this summer
Days-out experts at West Midlands Railway have highlighted some of the area's popular destinations
Residents looking for a safe way to escape the heat have plenty of options across the region, from traditional lidos and splash pads to organised open-water swimming venues.
As another spell of hot weather arrives across the West Midlands, people are expected to head outdoors in search of ways to keep cool.
A range of swimming pools, lidos and water-based attractions across the region offer opportunities to cool off, with several accessible by rail.
Days-out experts at West Midlands Railway have highlighted some of the area's popular destinations here:
Willenhall Memorial Park Splash Pad
Families with younger children can cool down at the splash pad in Willenhall Memorial Park.
Although it is not a swimming facility, the water-play area provides a way for children to have fun in the heat, with green space and refreshments nearby.
Nearest station: Willenhall, around 0.7 miles away.
Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley Country Park
Swan Pool provides a scenic setting within Sandwell Valley Country Park and is known as a popular summer destination.
However, visitors should not assume that a lake or other natural body of water is safe or legally available for swimming simply because people visit it.
Anyone considering open-water swimming should use an officially designated swimming venue and follow its rules rather than entering an unsupervised lake or quarry.
Nearest station: Sandwell & Dudley, around 3.1 miles away.
Tettenhall Pool, Wolverhampton
Tettenhall Pool is a seasonal paddling pool aimed particularly at younger children. The nearby green space also provides room for picnics and outdoor games.
Nearest station: Wolverhampton, around 2.4 miles away.
Midlands Open Water, Tamworth
Set amid the countryside, Midlands Open Water offers dedicated open-water swimming courses for those looking to enjoy a supervised swimming environment away from the crowds.
Nearest station: Tamworth, around 4.8 miles away.
Droitwich Spa Lido
One of the UK's remaining inland open-air saltwater pools, Droitwich Spa Lido combines an outdoor pool with a sun terrace, splash area and café.
The venue can make for a family-friendly day out, although visitors should check current opening arrangements and admission information before travelling.
Nearest station: Droitwich Spa, around one mile away.
Virgin Active Outdoor Pool, Solihull
For those looking for a more traditional outdoor swim, Virgin Active in Solihull has an outdoor pool where members and eligible visitors can swim lengths in the open air.
Advance booking may be required, so swimmers should check arrangements before setting off.
Nearest station: Whitlocks End, around 3.9 miles away.
Cliff Lakes, Tamworth
For a more adventurous day out, Cliff Lakes combines organised open-water swimming with paddleboarding and an inflatable aqua park featuring slides, climbing walls and floating obstacles.
Nearest station: Tamworth, around 4.4 miles away.
Dosthill Quarry, Tamworth
Dosthill Quarry caters for organised open-water swimming and diving sessions, with pre-booked swims available. Equipment hire, including wetsuits and tow floats, is also offered.
The organised nature of the venue makes it a considerably safer choice than simply entering an unfamiliar quarry, lake or river.
Nearest station: Wilnecote, around 1.3 miles away.
Safety warning: never swim somewhere just because it looks inviting
With temperatures rising, councils and water-safety organisations routinely warn people about the dangers of swimming in unsupervised open water.
Cold water, hidden currents, sudden changes in depth, underwater obstacles and difficult exit points can make rivers, lakes and quarries dangerous even on a hot, calm day.
People should:
- Swim only at designated venues where swimming is permitted.
- Follow signs, lifeguard instructions and local safety advice.
- Never enter water that is prohibited for swimming.
- Avoid swimming alone and make sure someone knows where they are.
- Keep children closely supervised around all water.
- Check the conditions and venue rules before setting off.
- Consider using a recognised open-water swimming venue rather than an unsupervised natural waterway.
West Midlands Railway days-out expert Sophie Gardner said the region offered a wide range of ways to cool down, from outdoor pools and organised open-water venues to family-friendly splash areas.
“Wherever you're heading, it's important to choose designated swimming areas where possible and always follow local safety advice before getting in the water,” she said.
With busy roads and car parks expected during hot-weather weekends, travelling by train can also provide an alternative for visitors heading to attractions across the region.
Before travelling, visitors should check opening times, booking requirements, swimming permissions and current safety guidance with the venue.