Droitwich Spa Lido
A gorgeous place for an outdoor dip, this 40m pool also boasts a wet play area with water cannons, shallow end and fun fountains for the kids. The open-air saltwater pool is a paradise for small people on a hot day, but possibly less so for adults looking for a peaceful paddle or dip (see below). It’s a riot of fun when the sun’s out and with a 40m pool, wet play area, sun terraces and Lido Café, but be prepared to arrive early and/or queue at weekends and in the holidays. It’s cheap too, £5 and £2.50 for children and new for 2017 – annual passes for £100 pp or £150 for a family pass.
Worcester Rd, Droitwich WR9 8AA, Tel: 01905 799342
www.wychavonleisure.co.uk

Ragley Hall
A rare opportunity for local open-water swimmers to be at one in their natural surrounds in a beautiful lake only half an hour from Birmingham on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. The Evesham Vale Triathletes train here so you can take advantage of their lifeguard but you’ll need to register with Great Swim Local (link below) and wear a wetsuit to be allowed entry to the water. Members £4 non-members £6.
Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5NJ www.greatswimlocal.org

West Midlands Open Water Swim
Wild swimming at its most simple and wonderful, Cliff Lakes Water Park is pretty much a one-woman initiative run by swimming enthusiast Jenny Walker in a tranquil tree-lined beauty spot. Changing rooms, clearly marked swimming area and often cake/refreshments on busier days. Tues & Thu 6.30pm – 8pm & Saturdays 4pm – 6pm
Tamworth Rd, Kingsbury, B78 2HZ, Tel: 07590 238013 www.facebook.com

Abbey Fields Lido
Kenilworth also has a lido next to its indoor pool at Abbey Fields which hosts children’s activities and is also ideal for family fun in the sun, but less so for serious swimmers. There’s a sauna onsite and play area next door. See its opening times  here
Abbey Fields Swimming Pool, Bridge Street, Kenilworth, CV8 1BP. Tel: 01926 855478 www.warwickdc.gov.uk

Bosworth Water Park & Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon Beach is the best beach you’ll find within 45mins of Birmingham, built in 2015 the water park also has a cafe, a pirate adventure playground, pirate crazy golf course, paddling spots and pedalos as well as sailing, windsurfing, dhingies and model boats for hire and even camping. Open water swimming training courses available.
Bosworth Water Park, Wellsborough Road, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 6PD. Tel: 01455 291876. 8am – 8pm daily. Vehicles £1.50/£2 per hour and visitors on foot £2 adult £1 child per day. www.bosworthwatertrust.co.uk
More outdoor swimming spots in/near Birmingham include…

The Priory Edgbaston: Membership or guest pass (only with members) required for this rather exclusive but lovely outdoor pool and jacuzzi and good cafe. Great for laps all year round. www.edgbastonpriory.com/

Virgin Active Gym, Solihull: Heated outdoor pool with jets, jacuzzi and lawns to relax on. Lots of lanes for serious swimmers. Short term memberships and guest passes available. www.virginactive.co.uk

David Llloyd Gym: In Great Bar. a large gym with in and outdoor pools, outdoor jacuzzi and sunbathing areas. Short (3 month) memberships and guest passes available, kids welcomed. www.davidlloyd.co.uk/

Also see our FREE Splash Pads & Water Play Parks feature here