Top 15 Lakes around Barston
Lakes around Barston offer a blend of natural and man-made water features, primarily known for the Barston Lakes complex within the West Midlands Golf Club. This area provides diverse fishing opportunities and scenic retreats. The region features several large reservoirs and smaller lakes, many of which were historically constructed to support canal systems. Visitors can find various settings, from active fishing spots to tranquil parklands with walking trails.
Best lakes around Barston
- The most popular lakes is Engine House and…
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes
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Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk
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Sarehole Mill
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Terry's Pool Reservoir
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Windmill Pool Lake
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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.
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Closed up nothing really to see apart from the building
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Discover Sarehole Mill, an important place for J.R.R. Tolkien by watching this short film as part of Secret Birmingham. https://youtu.be/4adrUuejmGU Secret Birmingham is a digital guided cycling and walking tour of heritage sites in the South of the city, developed by ecobirmingham and theatre company C&T.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore around Barston?
Around Barston, you'll find a mix of natural and man-made water features. The prominent Earlswood Lakes, including Windmill Pool Lake, were historically constructed to supply the Stratford upon Avon canal. You can also visit the Barston Lakes complex, known for fishing, and the natural parkland of Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk, which features several small lakes.
Are there good fishing opportunities at the lakes near Barston?
Yes, the Barston Lakes complex is a popular destination for anglers. The main Barston Lake is well-known for carp, silverfish, bream, and skimmers, with 125 fishing pegs. There are also smaller lakes like Daisy's, Jake's, and the Match Pool, which are well-stocked. Additionally, a stretch of the River Blythe is accessible for fishing, offering pike, chub, trout, perch, roach, and dace.
What historical sites are associated with the lakes in the Barston area?
The Earlswood Lakes are significant historical sites, constructed in the 1820s to feed the Stratford upon Avon canal. The Grade II listed engine house at Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes, built in 1823, originally housed a beam engine to pump water. These lakes have a rich history, with their construction involving prisoners of war from the Napoleonic wars.
Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes near Barston?
Many of the lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes and Windmill Pool Lake are listed as family-friendly. Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk is an 87-acre park with a 3.5 km circular path, ideal for walks with children, and features a bird hide. The Barston Lakes complex also offers a scenic retreat with on-site amenities.
What walking routes are available near the lakes around Barston?
You can find several easy walking routes near the lakes. For example, there are easy hikes like 'Barston Lake – Barston Lake loop from Hampton in Arden' and 'The Bull's Head loop from Barston'. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes around Barston guide. The Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk also offers a 3.5 km path through conservation woodland and wetlands.
Are there accessible options for visitors with mobility needs at Barston Lakes?
Yes, the Barston Lakes complex is designed with accessibility in mind. Half of the main Barston Lake offers car parking directly behind or very close to the fishing pegs. Some pegs are specifically designed to be accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring a more inclusive experience for anglers.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Yes, at the Barston Lakes complex, which is part of the West Midlands Golf Club, you have access to the golf clubhouse. This includes a bar that opens early and offers food, as well as the Lake at Barston Restaurant, which provides panoramic views of the lake and serves classic British pub meals. Additionally, Sarehole Mill, a historical site near the lakes, has an on-site bakery and cafe.
Are dogs allowed on walks around the lakes?
While specific dog policies vary by location, public footpaths and bridle paths, such as the one running along Barston Lake, are generally dog-friendly. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors, and check local signage for any restrictions.
What is the terrain like for walking around Barston Lakes?
The walking routes around Barston Lakes are generally considered easy. For instance, many of the routes listed in the Easy hikes around Barston guide are suitable for beginners. The Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk is a 3.5 km path, indicating relatively flat and manageable terrain.
What amenities are available at the Barston Lakes complex?
The Barston Lakes complex, located within the West Midlands Golf Club, offers a range of amenities. These include a bar that opens early and serves food, toilet and shower facilities, and The Lake at Barston Restaurant with lakeside views. The site also hosts various events and functions.
Are there running trails near the lakes?
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. You can find moderate running routes such as 'Barston Lake – Hampton-in-Arden Village loop from Hampton-in-Arden'. More options are available in the Running Trails around Barston guide.
Can I cycle around the lakes near Barston?
While some paths like the 3.5 km circular path at Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk are suitable for cycling, dedicated road cycling routes are also available in the wider area. You can explore options like 'Fleur de Lys Pub, Lowsonford – Packwood House loop from Hampton-in-Arden' in the Road Cycling Routes around Barston guide.
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