Top 8 picnic spots in the West Midlands

We’ve put together our favourite picnic spots in the West Midlands, where you can watch the boats go by, enjoy nature or feed the ducks.

And remember, whether you’re on the towpath or in a designated picnic area, please dispose of your rubbish responsibly. If there aren’t any bins around, take your litter home with you to discard.

1. Hatton Locks, Grand Union Canal

Just south of Coventry, Hatton Locks are a busy flight on the Grand Union Canal. With 21 double locks taking boaters 45 metres up (or down), the locks have earned their nickname ‘stairway to Heaven,’ although among boaters, it might more often be referred to as a hard day’s work.

Take your picnic hamper to this exciting location to watch the colourful narrowboats – or get a bite to eat at the Hatton Locks Café by the top lock. There are several scenic picnic spots along Hatton. One is opposite Hatton Yard, where you might see working boats ‘Malus’ or ‘Scorpio’.

You can park your car by Hatton Canal Lane Bridge, where you can join the towpath or follow the accessible road to the café, and make sure to say ‘hi’ to our volunteers at the Welcome Hub. The nearest stations are Hatton or Warwick Parkway.

2. Tardebigge Flight, Worcester & Birmingham Canal

Famed for being the longest lock flight in Britain, Tardebigge has 30 narrow locks up the beautiful countryside hill. The top lock is 11 feet deep, which is unusually steep, and a dramatic end to a gruelling climb.

For boaters, it’s a tough trip. There’s no mooring on this flight and boaters must finish all 30 locks without a break, so they’ll probably appreciate the extra muscle if you’re passing.

There are a few lock-side benches at Tardebigge, and if you’re happy with a blanket on the grassy banks, then this is a wonderful spot to enjoy nature, wildlife and passing boats with your lunch. Just remember to keep clear of the towpath and stay away from the edge. And if you forget your sandwiches, there are two pubs along the flight. The nearest station is Aston Fields.

3. Great Haywood, Trent & Mersey Canal

Where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire meets the Trent & Mersey, Great Haywood was once a major trade link connecting the Potteries with Birmingham and the rest of the network. Today you’ll find a peaceful spot to enjoy a picnic.

Great Heywood sits on some of Britain’s most popular cruising routes, so you’re bound to see boaters go by as you tuck into your sandwiches. The picnic benches are located by Haywood Lock – you’ll need to leave the towpath and cross over the river. You’ll also find several cafés, shops and a pub in the area.

4. Earlswood Lakes, Stratford-upon-Avon Canal

Earlswood Lakes was built in the 1820s to supply water to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, just south of Birmingham’s city centre. Now, Earlswood Lakes offer scenic beauty and plenty of wildlife spotting, from woodpeckers, kestrels and owls to otters and muntjack deer.

There are picnic benches at Malthouse Lane Park with a play area for the kids to enjoy. There is onsite parking, and the nearest station, The Lakes, is about a 15-minute walk away. You’ll also find several cafés, shops and a pub in the vicinity.

5. Froghall Wharf, Caldon Canal

This quiet spot in the Staffordshire Moorlands is an underappreciated beauty. The Caldon is one of our most scenic canals, taking boats from Stoke-on-Trent to the picturesque Churnet Valley.

At Froghall, you’ll find an old canalside wharf, a lovely tearoom and a very low tunnel. Few boats can fit through Froghall Tunnel, but you can see those that do at the visitor moorings while you enjoy your picnic on one of the canalside tables before a trip to the visitor’s centre in the old horse stables.

There is onsite parking at Froghall Wharf or there are buses from Hanely that will drop you about a 30-minute walk away. On weekends, you can also catch the steam train that follows the canal to nearby Consall, Cheddleton and Ipstones.

6. The Bratch, Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal

Designed by the renowned canal engineer James Brindley, Bratch Locks are located at one of the prettiest spots on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. Below the locks is the Bratch Pumping Station, an ornate building built in 1895.

There is a picnic area next to the locks, where you can watch the boats go by while enjoying your packed lunch. On colder days, stop by the Railway Café – a converted railway station – for a warm drink. Look out for wildlife in the area, particularly otters. And if you visit around dusk, you might spot bats.

You can park at the pumping station or café, while the nearest bus stop is on Bull Meadow Lane (a 20-minute walk).

7. Kingswood Junction, North Stratford Canal

Linking the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal with the Warwick & Birmingham Canal (now the Grand Union), Kingswood Junction has a picnic area overlooking views of the idyllic waters.

The benches here are made from wooden carvings depicting local wildlife and characters – see if you can spot the wooden horse. There might not be a play area, but there is plenty of space to run about. There are also benches along the towpath, where you can gongoozle while eating your lunch.

You can park for free at Kingswood Junction or walk about 15 minutes from Lapworth Station.

8. Bancroft Basin, Stratford-upon-Avon Canal

If you’re looking for vast green space with lush flowers and England’s most famous bard’s birthplace just down the road, head to Bancroft Basin at Stratford-upon-Avon.

This basin is busy with colourful boats to admire while you enjoy your picnic or get something to eat from one of the boat cafés. There are plenty of benches across the green, ducks to feed and a merry-go-round for your kids to let loose on.

There's always something going on here – from buying souvenirs at the floating markets to catching a play at the theatre on the water’s front. And if you venture into the town itself, you can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, schoolhouse and grave, as well as plenty of delightful shops and cafés.

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