Pooley Country Park — Attraction in North Warwickshire

I was over at Pooley Country Park (just outside Tamworth) last week dropping someone off, and as it was a nice day I took the opportunity to have a little wander around.

There are several miles of woodsy pathways, small pools, and canal-side walks around this nature reserve that has been reclaimed from an old disused mining site. Even the old slag-heap has been recaptured by nature and now has a gently winding path up the outside and a golden monument at the top. At the far end of the park is a working canal boatyard and the remains of Alvecote Priory. It's all self-guided, but there are some map signs dotted around.

It's council-owned and run by the same team that operate Kingsbury Water Park. Free to enter, but there's a small daily parking charge. There's a nice little Tea Room for drinks, ice creams, and a few light snacks that normally opens 11-3 on weekends plus seasonally during the week in school holidays. There's a small display of artefacts and the history of the industrial heritage inside, plus local info and maps.

The one downside is that the M42 bisects the site, and the West Coast Main Line railway runs nearby. But once you have walked a few hundred yards past the motorway bridge (which leads from the tea room/parking area into the main park) the traffic noise fades away into the distance and it's remarkably peaceful and rarely crowded as very few people seem to even know it's there. It's not a very commercialised site, you just explore on your own, so check the map before setting off from the car park. Excellent for...

A wonderful way to spend a Sunday (or any other day) if you like the countryside, beautiful views, walks, canals, mining & history. The Pooley Country Park Visitor Center situated just off the main car park houses a tea room & information with public toilets & a children's play park right outside. The Coventry canal runs right along side the building which in one direction leads to Pooley Park Nature Reserve & the old Pooley Pit mound which is topped by a tall gold monument which when stood next to provides a beautiful 360 degree view down onto the surrounding countryside. Following the canal in this direction leads to the small village of Alvecote which is home to the ruins of an old Priory & a boat yard. In the other direction the canal leads to Polesworth which is home to the remains of an Abbey that was founded in the 9th century. These are just some of the highlights of what is available to see whilst taking a relaxing stroll through the beautiful surroundings that make up this area. Parking is £1.50 for an hour but I highly recommend paying the £2.50 for over 2hrs/all day as 1hr simply isn't enough to take in much of what's there. Annual passes are available too should you wish to return frequently. The park is open from 9am-4pm every day except Christmas Day but a visit in the summer months really shows this park...

Having lived near Pooley Park before it was converted, I am so very impressed with how this place has been made into a lovely area. There are trees,toadstools and just a lovely atmosphere. 🌳🌲🍃 There is now a safe way to climb the mound, unless you want to get your heart pumping. The views from the top are stunning. Plus there is now a mountain biking course for all you daredevils 🚲 The little playpark is brilliant - surrounded by trees, the kids can have a fab time. And a shoutout to the little cafe - although not serving hot food, tea & snacks were available and I was served by a lovely lady.

All in all, this place is great for kids to wander safely and take in a natural environment. It's so wonderful to see the potential for an ex-mining eyesore become an excellent...