Pooley Country Park

• Accessible paths

• Benches

• Cafe

• Parking

• Toilets

• 

  Play area

There are so many things to see and do at Pooley Country Park. The 62.5 hectare site, one third of which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, contains several pools caused by mining subsidence, woodland habitats and is situated on the Coventry Canal.

Take a stroll along the footpath used by miners as long ago as 1846 during the course of your relaxing and enjoyable visit. A brilliant play area was opened to the public in March 2006, thanks to generous funding from Landfill Tax Credits, the Market Towns Initiative and Advantage West Midlands.

The Pooley Hall Colliery became the North Warwickshire Colliery in 1951 when the mine workings from Alvecote, Amington and Pooley met underground. It was the first mine to generate its own electricity (from excess steam) in the early 1920s, and also the first to have pit head baths, which were opened in 1928. Former Pooley and North Warwickshire miners have donated memorabilia, which can be seen in the Visitor Centre.

If you’ve been to visit Pooley Country Park recently, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Please take five minutes to complete our visitor feedback survey.

Parking

Permit holders do not need to buy a ticket from the machine and must clearly display their valid permit inside the vehicle with the end date visible.

Parking charges apply at this country park. Failure to display a valid day ticket or permit may result in a penalty charge notice being issued.

Information on parking permits

Toilets

Toilets open during park opening hours only. Baby change and disabled facilities available.

Water safety

Please note that swimming is not permitted anywhere on site due to the risks associated with our lakes and pools.

The water in the lakes is natural and untreated, and could therefore contain Weil's disease, bacterial infection also known as Leptospirosis that is carried by animals, most commonly in rats and cattle. It can be caught by humans through contact with rat or cattle urine, potentially through water transfer (although the risks are low). 

Accessibility

There are surfaced paths throughout the park that can be accessed by wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters. However, please be aware that these paths are not tarmacked and may be uneven in places.

Arts

How Could It Be Done Without The Other?

How Could It Be Done Without The Other? is an art project inspired by a quote from Tony Mellors, a former miner at the site who has spoken about the teamwork that was essential to life down the pit.

Golden Tower of Leaves

A golden tower of leaves, was commissioned as part of the regeneration of Pooley being delivered by the county council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). It was chosen following consultation with local people to help revitalise and create a strong identity for the area’s regeneration.

Visit the artists website Dalziel and Scullion for information and images.

Barbecues and fires

To reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our wildlife, we do not permit barbecues and fires. Picnics are welcome.

Child Friendly Warwickshire Trail 

The Child Friendly Warwickshire Trail is now open at Pooley Country Park! Collect your trail sheet from the Pit Stop Coffee Shop during its opening hours, then follow the clues to find five letters dotted around the park to complete your child-friendly word. The trail is free to enter with a small prize for all.

Coffee Shop

The Pit Stop Coffee Shop is open from 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Friday and 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. It serves a delicious choice of hot and cold drinks, light bites to eat, and ice creams. A soft play area is available upstairs (booking advised). For more information, visit the website, call 01827 466 544, or follow Pit Stop on Facebook or Instagram.

Countryside Code

Natural England and Natural Resources Wales have updated the Countryside Code advice for countryside visitors. Please read the Countryside Code so we can all enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Dogs

Dogs should be on leads or under close control at all times. Please respect any signage that states that dogs are not allowed in specific areas. Dog waste bins are available on site.

Drones

• Hobbyist – We do not authorise hobbyist drone flying in any of our parks or greenways. The reason for this is to protect wildlife including schedule 1 bird species, and ensure a safe experience for all visitors who enjoy our parks. 
• Commercial Operations – A pilot requires permission of the landowner (WCC) to take off and land the drone on their property. We only permit a CAA licensed pilot/company. Any requests must be in writing to the Parks Manager parks@warwickshire.gov.uk.

Events

There are various events at our Country Parks throughout the year, check out the Events Guide for the latest details.

Off-road vehicles 

E-scooters, off-road quads, go-peds, mini-motos, hoverboards and Segways are not permitted within our park (mobility scooters are permitted). Electrically assisted bikes are permitted on cycle paths if they meet the Government requirements. 

Picnic benches

There are picnic benches located outside Pit Stop Coffee Shop, as well as some commemorative benches spread across the park along the main walking routes. 

Play area

A large play area surrounded by woodland is located near the main car park at Pooley Country Park. It was updated in 2022 with a new balance trail installed.