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Lickey Hills Country Park

Sprawling woodland escape with panoramic views, free parking, and trails for every ability.

4.6

Lickey Hills Country Park is a sprawling 524-acre green space located 10 miles southwest of Birmingham, offering scenic woodland trails, open heathland, and panoramic views across the region. With free admission and parking, a visitor centre, café, and well-maintained walking routes ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hill climbs, it serves as an ideal escape for families, dog walkers, and nature enthusiasts. The park's elevated terrain provides commanding vistas and is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a cherished destination for outdoor recreation year-round.

A brief summary to Lickey Hills Country Park

  • Warren Ln, Birmingham, Rednal, B45 8ER, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 7:30 am-9:45 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-9:45 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-9:45 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-9:45 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-9:45 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am-9:45 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am-9:45 pm

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear with good grip—the terrain is varied and can be muddy, especially after rain. The main hill climb is steep and demands proper walking boots rather than casual trainers.
  • Clean your footwear and your dog's paws after each visit to help prevent the spread of Phytophthora ramorum, a plant disease affecting the park's woodland and heathland. Stay on marked paths to minimise impact.
  • Arrive early on weekends and during school holidays to secure parking and avoid crowds. The car parks, while spacious, fill quickly during peak periods.
  • Bring water and snacks—the café is convenient but limited. The elevated terrain and exposed ridge lines mean weather can change rapidly; check conditions before setting out.
  • Visit in spring to see bluebells in bloom, or early morning for the best light and quietest experience. The summit monument offers commanding views across multiple counties on clear days.
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Getting There

  • By Car

    From Birmingham city centre, travel southwest via the A38 or A441 toward Bromsgrove, following signs for Lickey Hills. Journey time is approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. The main entrance is at Warren Lane, Lickey, Birmingham B45 8ER, where free parking is available in three car parks with a combined capacity of approximately 445 spaces. Car park gates open at 7:30 am year-round, with closing times varying according to dusk. Parking charges have been proposed but are not currently in effect; verify current status before visiting.

  • By Bus

    Bus services operate from Bromsgrove town centre to Lickey Hills, with journey times typically 20–30 minutes depending on service frequency and route. Services are less frequent on Sundays and bank holidays. Check local transport schedules for current timetables, as service patterns may vary seasonally. The bus stop provides access to the main park entrance, though some walking is required to reach all areas.

  • By Train and Walk

    Barntgreen railway station, served by trains from Birmingham and surrounding areas, offers walking access to Lickey Hills. The walk from the station to the main park entrance takes approximately 20–30 minutes across mixed terrain, including some road walking. This option suits those without access to a car and provides a more immersive approach to the landscape. Journey time from Birmingham New Street to Barntgreen is approximately 15–20 minutes by train.

  • Cycling

    Lickey Hills is accessible by bicycle via local cycling routes connecting to Bromsgrove and surrounding areas. Designated cycle routes operate within the park itself, though cyclists must remain on marked paths and clean bike tyres after each visit to prevent disease spread. Journey time from Bromsgrove town centre by bike is approximately 30–40 minutes depending on route and fitness level.

Lickey Hills Country Park location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Lickey Hills Country Park

A Landscape Shaped by Time and Terrain

Lickey Hills Country Park spans 524 acres of Worcestershire countryside, positioned strategically 10 miles southwest of Birmingham's urban centre. The park's distinctive topography—marked by rolling hills and elevated ridges—creates a natural amphitheatre of woodland and open space that has attracted visitors for generations. Designated with a Green Flag Award, the park represents a carefully managed balance between conservation and public access, with its varied terrain offering everything from gentle valley walks to more demanding summit ascents. The landscape itself tells a story of geological and ecological significance, with ancient woodlands interspersed with heathland habitats that support a rich diversity of plant and animal life.

Trails and Terrain for Every Explorer

The park's extensive network of walking routes caters to visitors of all abilities and interests. Well-marked paths wind through mature woodland, across open grassland, and along ridge lines that afford sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The most prominent feature is the steep ascent to the summit, where a historic monument stands as a focal point and gathering place. Sturdy footwear is essential, as the terrain varies considerably—some sections remain accessible for families with pushchairs near the visitor centre, while others demand genuine hill-walking capability. Cyclists and horse riders also benefit from designated routes throughout the park, creating a multi-use destination that accommodates diverse outdoor pursuits.

Facilities and Visitor Experience

The park's visitor infrastructure enhances the experience without compromising its natural character. A visitor centre provides information and orientation, while an on-site café offers refreshment and rest stops for weary walkers. Three car parks—located at Warren Lane (adjacent to the visitor centre), Beacon Hill off Monument Lane, and Rose Hill—provide approximately 445 parking spaces, all currently free. The park opens at 7:30 am year-round, with closing times varying according to dusk, ensuring visitors can experience the landscape across different seasons and light conditions. Benches and seating areas are strategically positioned throughout, allowing visitors to pause and absorb the views.

Ecological Significance and Conservation

Lickey Hills functions as an important ecological refuge within the wider Birmingham metropolitan area. The park's woodland and heathland habitats support native species and provide crucial green space connectivity. However, the presence of Phytophthora ramorum—a plant disease affecting woodland and heathland—requires active management and visitor cooperation. The park authority requests that visitors remain on marked paths, clean footwear after visits, and refrain from removing plant material, all measures designed to protect the delicate ecological balance. This conservation imperative reflects the park's role as both a recreational destination and a nature reserve of genuine ecological value.

Seasonal Character and Visitor Patterns

The park transforms throughout the year, with spring bringing bluebells and fresh woodland growth, summer offering lush canopy cover and open-air recreation, autumn displaying rich foliage, and winter revealing the underlying landscape structure. Peak visiting periods coincide with pleasant weather and school holidays, though the park remains accessible and rewarding across all seasons. Early morning visits often provide the quietest experience, while weekends and summer afternoons attract families and larger groups. The elevated position means weather conditions can change rapidly, and wind exposure on ridge lines is more pronounced than in sheltered valleys.

Access and Connectivity

While driving remains the most convenient access method, the park is served by public transport options including bus services from Bromsgrove and walking access from Barntgreen railway station. Multiple entrances and car parks distribute visitor flow and reduce congestion at any single point. The park's location within Worcestershire, despite its proximity to Birmingham, places it within Bromsgrove District Council's administrative area, a detail relevant for planning visits and understanding local governance.

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