Muddy Stilettos

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notts-amp-derbyshire">NOTTS &amp; DERBYSHIRE</h2>



<a href="https://www.merciamarina.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercia Marina</a>, Willington, Derbyshire



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercia-marina-willington-derbyshire"><a class="" href="https://www.merciamarina.co.uk/">Mercia Marina</a>, Willington, Derbyshire</h3>



No swimsuit required – this under-the-radar spot is perfect for a lazy day of boat-watching and boutique browsing. Europe’s largest inland marina is packed with indie shops like&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://hettieandsid.co.uk/">Hettie &amp; Sid</a>&nbsp;for cute kids’ gear,&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://www.black-by-design.co.uk/">Black by Design</a>&nbsp;for interiors, and&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://www.bluebirdfineart.co.uk/">Bluebird Fine Art</a>&nbsp;for statement pieces. Refuel at Muddy Award-winner&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://companigos.co.uk/">Companigos</a>&nbsp;for tapas or spice things up at&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://www.lotusindiankitchen.com/">Lotus Indian Kitchen</a>. Done browsing? Wander the scenic canalside or explore&nbsp;<a>Willington Wetlands Nature Reserve</a>&nbsp;– don’t miss the new five-mile wildlife trail.



<a>Colwick Lake</a>, Nottinghamshire



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/06/colwick-lake-swim.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61916"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wholehealthteam/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@wholehealthteam</a></figcaption></figure>



Keen to wild swim?&nbsp;<a>WholeHealth</a>&nbsp;runs supportive, inclusive sessions at this City Council-owned lake, complete with three dreamy Nordic-style saunas. Regulars can grab a £50 annual pass or drop in for £10. Beginners welcome on Thursday evenings between Apr and Oct.



<a class="" href="https://springlakes.co.uk/">Spring Lakes, Long Eaton, Derbyshire</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Spring-Lakes-wakeboarding-landscape-1000x667-1.jpg" alt="Springlakes wakeboarding" class="wp-image-114683" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Spring-Lakes-wakeboarding-landscape-1000x667-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Spring-Lakes-wakeboarding-landscape-1000x667-1-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The ultimate water sports fix without the theme park chaos. Try wakeboarding, wild swimming, paddleboarding or the inflatable aqua park – or just watch the action from&nbsp;<a>Waters Edge Café</a>. Relaxed, beachy and surprisingly low-key.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northants-leics-amp-rutland">NORTHANTS, LEICS &amp; RUTLAND</h2>



<a href="https://aquaparkgroup.co.uk/locations/rutland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aqua Park Rutland</a>, Oakham, Rutland



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/06/AQUA-PARK-RUTLAND.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61911"/></figure>



Home to the UK’s tallest inflatable obstacle (hello,&nbsp;The Rutland Mammoth), this epic water park is a sure-fire hit for thrill-seeking kids and grown-ups alike. Slide, splash and freefall your way around – wetsuits and belly laughs guaranteed.



<a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/ashby-leisure-centre-lido/outdoor-swimming-pool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hood Park Lido</a>, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire



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Leicestershire’s only lido, this 1929 open-air pool has had a serious glow-up. Chill poolside with a book, take a dip or let the kids loose in the Ashby-by-the-Sea sandpit and climbing frame. Bonus: you can hire the whole pool for parties.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glos-amp-worcs">GLOS &amp; WORCS </h2>



<a href="https://www.aztecadventure.co.uk/upton-warren" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aztec Adventure,</a>&nbsp;Upton Warren



<a class="" href="https://aztecadventure.co.uk/">Aztec Adventure</a>, Upton Warren



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/06/3.Aztec-Adventure-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61907"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aztec Adventure</figcaption></figure>



Worcestershire’s answer to the seaside – minus the seagulls. Tackle the giant inflatable course, hire a kayak or SUP, or go for an open-water swim (wetsuits included). There’s a lakeside café, lifeguards on duty and loads of parking.&nbsp;Insider tip:Book early on sunny weekends – locals know it’s a gem.



<a>Droitwich Spa Lido</a>, Worcs



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One of the UK’s last inland, open-air saltwater pools, this 1930s classic oozes vintage charm. Lounge on a deckchair, splash in the brine spring-fed water, or indulge at the café (ice cream sundaes highly recommended). Look out for&nbsp;live music&nbsp;nights and a&nbsp;Synchronised Swimming Display&nbsp;on 19 July. Adults from £6.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warks-amp-west-mids">WARKS &amp; WEST MIDS</h2>



<a href="https://www.spotonwake.co.uk/">Spot on Wake,</a> Wootton Park, Henley in Arden



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A wakeboarding paradise in rural Warwickshire with three dedicated lakes for all abilities. Newbies, intermediates and seasoned pros can all carve it up here. There&#8217;s also paddleboarding and open-water swimming for those who prefer their thrills horizontal.



<a href="https://www.stwater.co.uk/our-visitor-sites/draycote-water/">Draycote Water</a> nr Dunchurch, Rugby



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/06/Untitled-design-56-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62022" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992503748125936;width:640px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Draycote Sailing Club</figcaption></figure>



This 630-acre reservoir ticks&nbsp;every&nbsp;box – sailing, SUP, windsurfing and a flat five-mile loop perfect for walking or cycling (note: no dogs). Head to the top of Hensborough Hill for the view, then down to the park for BBQs, games and picnics.&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://www.draycotewater.co.uk/">Draycote Sailing Club</a>&nbsp;offers beginner-friendly courses too.

Too far for the beach? Try these fab water spots across the Midlands

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