Top 20 Lakes in Worcestershire

For water sports, Upton Warren (Aztec Adventure) is a prime location offering open water swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, along with accredited RYA and Paddle UK courses. Lower Moor Lakes also provide opportunities for paddleboard, kayak, and pedal boat rentals, as well as various paddling and sailing courses for all ages. You can find more information about Lower Moor Lakes on visitevesham.co.uk.

Yes, Broadfields Wild Swimming in Cutnall Green offers a dedicated venue for wild swimming. It's a former fishing lake praised for its focus on water quality and safety, with lifeguards supervising sessions. While Gullet Quarry was once a popular spot, swimming there is no longer permitted.

The Lake at Beckford Nature Reserve is ideal for nature lovers, featuring lush vegetation, woodland trails, and diverse wildlife. Kemerton Lake Nature Reserve, near Bredon Hill, is particularly significant for dragonflies (22 species recorded) and over 170 bird species, including jack snipe. You can learn more about the area around Kemerton Lake on Wikipedia.

Lickey Hills Country Park Pond is part of a park with woodlands, wildflower displays, a visitor center, and cafes, making it very family-friendly. Upper Bittell Reservoir also has designated picnic areas, perfect for families to enjoy a meal by the water. Arrow Valley Lake, within Arrow Valley Country Park, is another popular family spot with a visitor center and cafe.

Croome Park, designed by Capability Brown, features a man-made lake and river within an 18th-century landscape dotted with follies and temples, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical interest. Additionally, Lickey Hills Country Park Pond is located within a historical site that was formerly Royal hunting grounds, donated by the Cadbury family.

Many lakes offer excellent walking opportunities. Arrow Valley Country Park, home to Arrow Valley Lake, is popular for cycling and dog-walking. Lickey Hills Country Park provides varied woodland and hill walks. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes near the lakes, such as those found in the Hiking in Worcestershire guide, which includes trails like the Worcestershire Beacon Circular.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity around many of Worcestershire's lakes. Arrow Valley Country Park, for instance, is a well-known spot for cycling. For more dedicated cycling experiences, consider exploring the routes listed in the Road Cycling Routes in Worcestershire guide or the Gravel Biking in Worcestershire guide, which feature trails that may pass near various water bodies.

Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered by Worcestershire's lakes. For example, Summer Hill is loved for its views and being an excellent picnic spot near an abandoned quarry. Lickey Hills Country Park Pond is valued for its pretty woodlands, wildflower displays, and serene atmosphere. The clear waters and towering cliffs of Gullet Quarry are also highly regarded for their natural beauty and geological interest.

Yes, Trimpley Reservoir is a notable man-made lake offering views and family-friendly amenities. Upper Bittell Reservoir, covering approximately 40 acres, is another significant reservoir known for hiking and picnicking, originally constructed to supply drinking water to Birmingham. Bartley Green Reservoir also serves as a drinking water supply and is a good spot to observe local club riders and sailors.

Worcestershire's lakes are rich in wildlife. At the Lake at Beckford Nature Reserve, you might spot greylag geese and wigeons. Kemerton Lake Nature Reserve is particularly renowned for its dragonflies and a wide variety of bird species, including the jack snipe. Lickey Hills Country Park also boasts abundant wildlife within its woodlands and open spaces.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, picnics, and enjoying wildflowers. Autumn offers beautiful foliage for walks, while winter can provide tranquil, crisp conditions for observing nature, though some paths might be muddy. Many parks with lakes, like Arrow Valley Country Park and Lickey Hills Country Park, have visitor centers and cafes that are open year-round.