Best lakes around Baddesley Clinton offer a blend of historical significance and natural beauty in the West Midlands. The area features several man-made reservoirs, originally constructed to support the Stratford upon Avon canal system. These bodies of water are now integrated into the local landscape, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The region's lakes are characterized by their historical engineering and surrounding green spaces.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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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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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.
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Closed up nothing really to see apart from the building
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Lovely park with a great view over lake in the centre of old Kenilworth
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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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The most popular lakes in the area include Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes, known for its historical significance and continuous operation since 1823. Other well-regarded spots are Windmill Pool Lake and Terry's Pool Reservoir, both part of the historic Earlswood Lakes system.
Yes, several lakes are considered family-friendly. Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes, Earlswood Lakes (as a whole), Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk, Windmill Pool Lake, and Terry's Pool Reservoir all feature 'family_friendly' in their categories, offering suitable environments for visitors of all ages.
The lakes around Baddesley Clinton are rich in history, primarily due to their connection to the Stratford upon Avon canal system. The Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes, for instance, features a Grade II listed engine house that has been in operation since 1823. The Earlswood Lakes themselves were constructed in the 1820s, with a labor force that included Napoleonic War prisoners, to supply water to the canal.
Yes, there are easy walking options. The Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk offers a 3.5km path that is great for walking. Additionally, the 'Easy hikes around Baddesley Clinton' guide features several routes, such as the 'Historic Cellar – Rooty Path loop from Baddesley Clinton' and 'Rooty Path – Hay Wood loop from Baddesley Clinton', both around 5km and rated easy. You can find more details on these routes in the Easy hikes around Baddesley Clinton guide.
Beyond walking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes like the 'Birmingham Canal Navigations – Gas Street Basin loop from Lapworth' or 'Hatton Locks – Hatton Locks loop from Dorridge' from the Gravel biking around Baddesley Clinton guide. For mountain biking, consider routes such as 'Rail Trail: Warwick Parkway Circular via Hatton' or 'Hatton Locks – Hatton Locks Café loop from Berkswell' found in the MTB Trails around Baddesley Clinton guide.
The lakes around Baddesley Clinton are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather for walks and outdoor activities. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter provides a tranquil, often misty, landscape. The historical engine house at Earlswood Lakes operates continuously, making it a point of interest regardless of the season.
Yes, the Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk is an 87-acre countryside park featuring several small lakes and a bird hide, with a 3.5km circular path suitable for walking, cycling, and running.
The lakes are fed by tributaries of the River Blythe, which itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). You can expect to see conservation woodland, new woodland, grassland, hedgerows, streams, and wetland areas. The Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk, for example, includes several small lakes and a bird hide, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Many enjoy the well-maintained paths for walking and cycling, the peaceful atmosphere, and the opportunity to observe local wildlife. The historical engineering of the canal system and the Grade II listed engine house at Earlswood Lakes are also frequently highlighted as unique attractions.
Walking times vary depending on the specific lake and route. For example, the Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk is 3.5km, which typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace. Shorter easy hikes like the 'St Michael's Church Interior – Rooty Path loop' are around 4km, taking about an hour. Longer routes will naturally take more time.
While the main Earlswood Lakes (Engine Pool, Windmill Pool, Terry's Pool) are well-known for their historical significance, exploring the smaller, unnamed pools and wetland areas within places like Blythe Valley Park can offer a more secluded experience. These areas often feature bird hides and quieter paths away from the main thoroughfares.


Still not found your perfect lake around Baddesley Clinton? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.