4 outdoor swimming pools and lakes in the West Midlands perfect to visit this bank holiday weekend as temperatures set to soar

Temperatures are expected to soar this weekend reaching near 30C in the West Midlands.

When the West Midlands heats up, finding somewhere to properly cool off isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

Unlike London or the south coast, this region isn’t packed with classic lidos - in fact, many of its historic outdoor pools have long since disappeared.

But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck indoors. From the iconic saltwater pool at Droitwich Spa Lido to the open-water swimming sessions at Midlands Open Water Swim Centre and the activity-packed lakes at Cliff Lakes, there are still plenty of ways to take the plunge.

Here are five of the best outdoor pools and lakes in the region to help you stay cool this bank holiday weekend.

Droitwich Spa Lido

This is the standout lido in the West Midlands. It’s a rare inland saltwater pool that gives you a slightly buoyant, almost seaside-style swim.

It is a proper summer day-out spot with sun terraces, a heated 40 metre pool, and a fun splash, play area for kids.

It’s particularly good if you want something social rather than just lane swimming, and the heated water makes it usable even when the British weather is unpredictable.

Distance from Wolverhampton: Around 45 to 50 minutes by car.

Ashby Leisure Centre & Lido

Ashby Leisure Centre Lido, formerly Hood Park Lido, is reopening its outdoors pool for the summer very soon.

First opened in 1929, the pool has been significantly transformed and refurbished over the years and now has its own sand play area.

Distance from Wolverhampton: Around an hours drive by car.

Cliff Lakes

Not a traditional lido, but worth knowing as it boasts open-water swimming and an aqua park.

Open-water swimming is in a natural-style lake, not a tiled outdoor pool. You swim in open water (often with wetsuits), and there are lifeguards and facilities.

It is located in Tamworth.

Distance from Wolverhampton: Around 50 minutes by car.

Midlands Open Water Swim Centre

This lake-based swimming venue is located on Tamworth Road, north of Kingsbury Village.

The lake is crystal clear and surrounded by trees. It welcomes all open water swimmers, of all abilities, with or without wetsuit, as well as recreational swimmers.

It feels quieter, more “escape from the city” than somewhere like Droitwich Lido.

Distance from Wolverhampton: Around 45 minutes by car.