Sutton Park: A Vast Urban Wilderness and Historic Nature Reserve
Explore one of Europe’s largest urban parks with rich wildlife, historic sites, and endless outdoor activities in tranquil Sutton Park.
Sutton Park, located in Sutton Coldfield near Birmingham, is one of Europe's largest urban parks, spanning 2,400 acres. This National Nature Reserve features diverse landscapes including heathland, woodlands, wetlands, and seven lakes, supporting rare wildlife and grazing cattle and ponies. Visitors enjoy walking, cycling, fishing, and exploring Roman archaeological sites amid tranquil natural beauty.
A brief summary to Sutton Park
- Park Rd, Sutton Coldfield, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B74 2YT, GB
- +441213556370
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 6 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Town Gate Visitor Centre for maps, information, and to hire a Tramper for accessible exploration.
- Bring a fishing license if you plan to fish in designated lakes; licenses are available at the Visitor Centre.
- Wear sturdy footwear for walking varied terrain including heathland and woodland trails.
- Plan visits during weekday mornings for a quieter, more peaceful experience.
- Respect wildlife and grazing animals by maintaining a safe distance and washing hands after contact.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Walk
Take a train to Sutton Coldfield station, approximately a 5-minute walk from the Town Gate entrance of Sutton Park. Trains run frequently from Birmingham New Street and cost around £4-£6 for a single ticket. The walk involves gentle slopes and paved paths suitable for most visitors.
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Car
Drive to Sutton Park via Park Road; free parking is available at multiple entrances except on summer Sundays and public holidays when charges apply. Parking fees range from £2 to £5. Travel time from Birmingham city centre is about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
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Bus
Local bus services run regularly from Birmingham city centre to Sutton Coldfield town centre, with several stops near park entrances. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, with single fares costing around £3-£4. Buses are wheelchair accessible but may be limited on Sundays.
Sutton Park location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Sutton Park
A Majestic Urban Sanctuary
Sutton Park is a sprawling 2,400-acre expanse situated six miles north of Birmingham city centre, making it one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Its vastness encompasses a mosaic of open heathland, ancient woodlands, wetlands, marshes, and seven distinct lakes, each hosting a rich variety of flora and fauna. The park’s natural habitats have been carefully preserved, earning it designations as a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This protected status underscores its importance as a haven for wildlife and a green lung for the surrounding urban area.Historical Layers and Archaeological Treasures
Sutton Park’s history stretches back to Roman times, with archaeological sites scattered throughout the landscape. Visitors can discover remnants of a Roman road dating to the first century AD, alongside medieval fishponds and other historic features. These ancient elements add a fascinating cultural dimension to the park, connecting visitors with centuries of human activity in this natural setting. The park’s Scheduled Ancient Monument status protects these invaluable historical assets.Recreational Diversity in a Natural Setting
The park caters to a wide range of outdoor activities. Walking and running trails wind through varied terrain, from open heath to shaded woodland paths. Cycling enthusiasts can explore extensive routes that cover different parts of the park. Anglers are welcome at designated lakes, with fishing licenses available from the Visitor Centre. Families appreciate the children’s playgrounds and pony rides, while birdwatchers delight in spotting water birds like grebes, ducks, and coots around the lakes. The presence of grazing cattle and wild ponies adds to the pastoral charm and ecological balance of the park.Visitor Facilities and Accessibility
The Town Gate Visitor Centre, located near the main entrance, serves as the hub for information, maps, and amenities. It offers accessible toilets, a small café, and a gift shop. Tramper electric vehicle hire is available here, enabling visitors with mobility challenges to explore the park’s south and east sections with ease. Additional toilets are located at Banners Gate and Wyndley Leisure Centre. Free parking is available at several entrances, though some restrictions apply during peak summer periods.Ecological Significance and Conservation
Sutton Park’s diverse ecosystems support rare plant species and wildlife, some seldom seen elsewhere in the West Midlands. The park is actively managed as a working grazed landscape, where cattle and ponies help maintain the heathland environment. This traditional grazing practice contributes to the conservation of habitats and biodiversity. Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment, including washing hands after contact with animals, to preserve this delicate balance.A Year-Round Natural Escape
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, Sutton Park welcomes over two million visitors annually, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life throughout all seasons. Its extensive size allows for solitude even on busier days, with multiple access points around the perimeter. Whether seeking vigorous exercise, quiet nature observation, or family-friendly outdoor fun, Sutton Park provides a richly varied experience in a unique urban wilderness setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Birmingham Heritage Walking Tours
8.2 km
Discover Birmingham's rich history and culture through immersive guided walking tours showcasing iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Aston Cross Clock Tower
8.3 km
A distinguished Victorian clock tower in Birmingham symbolizing historic community pride and architectural heritage.
Gem Buildings
9.5 km
Historic Gem Buildings on Key Hill showcase Birmingham's rich jewelry industry heritage and early 20th-century industrial architecture.
The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham
10.0 km
Birmingham's glittering historic heart where Victorian workshops craft timeless jewels amid cobblestone charm and creative revival.
Chamberlain Clock
10.1 km
An elegant Edwardian clock tower at the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, built in 1903 as a memorial to Joseph Chamberlain and recently restored to its former glory.
Workers Memorial
10.4 km
A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.
The Best of Birmingham Trail
10.6 km
Explore Birmingham’s rich heritage through 20 iconic sites on this free, immersive city centre trail blending history, art, and urban renewal.
The River
10.6 km
Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.
Chamberlain Memorial
10.6 km
A striking neo-Gothic monument in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square honoring Joseph Chamberlain’s legacy of public service and city transformation.
The Selfridges Building
10.6 km
A shimmering silver landmark in Birmingham’s Bullring, where shopping meets futuristic architecture and luxury retail in a sculptural masterpiece.
Chamberlain Sq
10.7 km
Explore Chamberlain Square in Birmingham, a vibrant cultural hub with stunning architecture, rich history, and lively events in the city's heart.
Drayton Manor Resort
10.7 km
Discover thrilling rides, family attractions, and a delightful zoo at Drayton Manor Resort, the perfect destination for fun-loving tourists in Tamworth.
Bullring & Grand Central
10.7 km
Explore Birmingham's Bullring & Grand Central: a shopping and dining paradise that blends modern architecture with an unforgettable experience.
Ozzy the Bull
10.7 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Birmingham at Ozzy the Bull, a stunning landmark celebrating the city's rich culture and heritage.
The Grand Central Bull
10.7 km
Experience the vibrant culture and history of Birmingham at The Grand Central Bull, a landmark that embodies the spirit of the city.
Unmissable attractions to see
D Empire
1.9 km
Experience classic cinema charm with cozy seating and community warmth at D Empire in Sutton Coldfield.
Gracechurch Shopping Centre
2.3 km
A premier shopping destination in Sutton Coldfield blending fashion, dining, and community with excellent facilities and accessibility.
Barr Beacon Local Nature Reserve
3.7 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views and rich natural heritage atop one of the West Midlands’ highest points at Barr Beacon Local Nature Reserve.
Aldridge Shopping Centre
5.5 km
A practical, community-focused shopping centre in Aldridge, offering everyday essentials, local services and convenient free parking in a compact, accessible layout.
Birmingham and Fazeley Canal
7.0 km
Historic 15-mile canal linking Birmingham’s urban core to peaceful countryside with iconic locks, tunnels, and a Gothic footbridge.
Grand Union Canal
7.0 km
Explore the UK’s longest canal, where historic engineering meets tranquil countryside and vibrant city life along 137 miles from London to Birmingham.
The Fort Shopping Park
7.3 km
A spacious and accessible shopping park in Birmingham offering popular brands, free parking, and family-friendly amenities.
Aston Hall
7.4 km
Step into a 17th-century Jacobean mansion in Birmingham, where grand architecture, Civil War scars, and ghostly legends come alive in a peaceful park setting.
RSPB Sandwell Valley
7.6 km
A peaceful nature reserve near Birmingham with diverse wildlife, family-friendly trails, and scenic lakeside views.
Handsworth Park
8.4 km
Historic Handsworth Park offers 63 acres of landscaped beauty, boating lakes, and cultural heritage in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant Handsworth district.
Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens
8.4 km
Discover 10 acres of exquisite 18th-century English Baroque gardens and serene parkland, a historic oasis in Birmingham’s urban landscape.
Saddlers Shopping Centre Walsall
8.7 km
A central Walsall shopping destination blending retail variety, community spirit, and convenient access in a lively urban setting.
THE JEWELLERY TRUNK BIRMINGHAM
9.1 km
Bespoke bridal and event jewellery crafted with exceptional detail and personalized service in the heart of Handsworth, Birmingham.
Soho House Museum
9.1 km
Explore the elegant Georgian home of Matthew Boulton, a pioneer of the Industrial Revolution and hub of the Lunar Society in Birmingham.
National Trust - Letocetum Roman Baths and Museum
9.5 km
Explore the evocative ruins and museum of Letocetum, a key Roman staging post on ancient Watling Street near Lichfield.
Essential places to dine
Modern Restaurant & Cafee
9.6 km
A vibrant modern dining spot in Birmingham offering diverse cuisine and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for small parties and late-night meals.
Decorum Restaurant Birmingham
9.9 km
Elegant steakhouse in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter blending refined dining with stylish ambiance and cultural charm.
The Rolling Mill
9.9 km
A vibrant gastropub in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter blending traditional British charm with modern culinary delights and lively atmosphere.
Kopitiam
9.9 km
Discover authentic Malaysian street food and warm family hospitality in Birmingham’s vibrant Jewellery Quarter at Kopitiam.
The Wilderness
10.0 km
Experience bold British fine dining with innovative tasting menus in a moody, industrial-chic setting at Birmingham’s Wilderness.
24 Carat Bistro
10.0 km
Hidden gem serving slow-cooked goat curry and Punjabi fusion in Birmingham's historic Jewelry Quarter.
Somewhere in Brum
10.0 km
A vibrant bar and brunch spot in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, blending diverse cuisine with a lively social atmosphere.
Restaurant Folium
10.1 km
Intimate modern British fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
Cappadocia Restaurant
10.1 km
Authentic Turkish flavors and warm hospitality await you in Birmingham’s Cappadocia Restaurant on Frederick Street.
Cucina Rustica
10.1 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors crafted with passion in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter at Cucina Rustica.
Locanta italian restaurant
10.2 km
Authentic Italian dining in a historic Victorian setting with fresh seafood, handmade pasta, fine wines, and live music in Birmingham’s city centre.
Lasan Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
10.2 km
Experience Birmingham’s premier fine dining Indian restaurant blending authentic flavors with modern culinary artistry in the stylish Jewellery Quarter.
The Button Factory
10.2 km
A stylish blend of industrial heritage and modern dining, The Button Factory offers vibrant food, drinks, and rooftop vibes in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Pasta Di Piazza
10.2 km
Authentic Italian dining with generous portions and warm service in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
Purnells
10.3 km
Experience Michelin-starred British innovation and exquisite flavors at Purnell's, Birmingham’s premier fine dining destination.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Princess Alice Retail Park
2.4 km
A premier retail park in Sutton Coldfield offering diverse shopping, dining, and wellness options with ample free parking and easy access.
WOW Gift Shop UK
5.1 km
Discover a vibrant and eclectic gift shop in Birmingham offering unique, fun, and memorable presents for every occasion.
Middle England
9.1 km
Explore Middle England, a unique gift shop in Birmingham, offering a diverse range of homewares and souvenirs that embody local culture.
Heart Of The Country Village
9.4 km
A charming rural shopping village near Lichfield with unique boutiques, delightful eateries, and tranquil gardens for a relaxed day out.
Gingermegs Vintage
9.7 km
Discover timeless style and impeccable vintage finds at Gingermegs Vintage, Birmingham’s boutique for authentic retro fashion and antiques.
Arnett Creations - Unique Quality Jewellery
9.9 km
Discover bespoke Sterling Silver and hallmarked gold jewellery in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where expert craftsmanship meets personalized service at Arnett Creations.
A&N Jewellery
9.9 km
Discover family-crafted silver treasures and bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's legendary Jewellery Quarter, where 50 years of expertise meets timeless elegance.
Ivy and Rose Gift Shop
9.9 km
Discover handmade UK treasures at Ivy and Rose, Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter boutique for unique jewelry, candles, and artisanal gifts from local makers. (162 characters)
Design Centre
10.0 km
Family-crafted diamonds and luxury watches in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter since 1977—timeless elegance for life's milestones.
Adamas Antique Jewellery
10.0 km
A boutique Jewellery Quarter shop offering curated antique and estate jewels with specialist appraisal and bespoke care.
Buff Jewellery
10.0 km
Timeless minimalist jewellery handcrafted in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—personalised birthstone designs blending sentiment, subtlety, and modern British elegance for everyday sparkle.
Artfull Expression
10.0 km
Discover independent jewelry artistry in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Artfull Expression, where unique handcrafted designs blend historic craft with modern flair.
Quarter Jewellery
10.0 km
Independent jeweller on Warstone Lane offering commissions, valuations and attentive, workshop‑minded service in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Top Jewellery UK
10.0 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Top Jewellery, where family expertise crafts diamonds, gold, and silver into timeless treasures.
SACET
10.0 km
Ethical elegance awaits at SACET, Birmingham's sustainable jewellery gem in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter—where timeless craft meets modern conscience.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Jewellers Arms
9.8 km
Traditional Birmingham boozer in the Jewellery Quarter: exceptional real ales, hearty pies, and cosy fireside chats since the 1830s.
40 St Paul's
10.0 km
Discover Birmingham's hidden gin speakeasy: 100+ global varieties, intimate vibes, and masterful cocktails in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.
The Rose Villa Tavern
10.1 km
Classic British pub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, serving hearty meals, diverse drinks, and warm hospitality amid historic streets.
Actress & Bishop
10.2 km
Two floors, live music every night and a split personality — cosy downstairs, sweaty upstairs — in the Jewellery Quarter.
The Red Lion
10.2 km
Traditional Hockley pub fusing heritage, modern art, and hearty British fare in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem on lively Warstone Lane.
1000 Trades
10.3 km
A vibrant neighbourhood bar celebrating Birmingham’s industrial heritage with craft beers, local food, and a quirky artistic vibe.
Lucky7
10.3 km
Precision mixology meets playful vibes in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—a relaxed haven for cocktail lovers seeking crafted perfection.
Queen's Arms birmingham
10.3 km
Traditional Jewellery Quarter pub pouring fine ales in a quirky, welcoming space with games, books, and hearty grub amid Birmingham's historic heart. (162 characters)
The Alchemist Colmore Row
10.3 km
Experience Birmingham’s iconic Grand building transformed into a theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular magic with vibrant city nightlife.
Madeleine
10.3 km
An elegant, salon‑style cocktail bar in The Grand Hotel — famed for refined afternoon tea and meticulous cocktails in a dramatic, over‑sized parlour.
The Pig & Tail
10.4 km
Victorian charm with a punchy, colourful gastropub vibe — British small plates, rotating craft beer and lively evenings in the Jewellery Quarter.
Revolución de Cuba Birmingham
10.5 km
Experience authentic Cuban vibes, vibrant cocktails, and lively salsa music in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
The Head of Steam Birmingham
10.5 km
A vibrant city-centre pub with craft beers, over 50% vegan menu, shuffleboard, live music, and private event spaces near New Street Station.
Tilt
10.5 km
Pinball paradise meets craft pours in Birmingham's City Arcade – Tilt's retro magic blended games, beers, and beats until its 2025 farewell.
Dirty Martini - Birmingham
10.5 km
Trendy cocktail bar in Birmingham’s city center, known for stylish decor, expertly crafted drinks, and a lively party atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
DIAMOND SPARKLEZ
9.4 km
Ignite your night in Birmingham's diamond district at this glittering nightclub, where top DJs, stunning lights, and electric crowds create pure nightlife magic.
Dreams Night club and Shisha
9.6 km
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem fusing aromatic shisha clouds with thumping club beats until 5am—pure late-night energy on Barr Street.
Tunnel Club Birmingham
10.0 km
Dive under Birmingham's arches into Tunnel Club's seven-room warehouse wonderland, where house, techno, and hip-hop fuel all-night dances amid pounding bass and vivid lights.
PAVO Birmingham
10.1 km
Vibrant African fusion lounge and nightclub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where bold flavors meet electrifying beats until 4am on weekends.
What do you mean
10.5 km
Dive into Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at What Do You Mean, a premier nightclub known for electrifying music, creative cocktails, and an unforgettable party vibe.
suki10c
10.5 km
Quirky Digbeth nightclub with local art, sustainable vibes, and eclectic beats in an intimate 180-capacity space powered by wind energy.
Sector 57
10.7 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at Sector 57, where eclectic music and electric vibes create unforgettable nights in Deritend.
Next Door & Spotlight
10.8 km
Two adjoining Digbeth nightspots — a pulse-driven DJ room and an intimate bar space with street-food pop-ups and a raw, industrial vibe.
Quantum Vnues
10.8 km
Dive into Digbeth's beating heart: Quantum Venues delivers electrifying nights of music, lights, and unbridled energy in Birmingham's creative core.
VOID Nightclub
10.8 km
Dive into Digbeth's underground heartbeat at VOID Nightclub, where marathon raves and thunderous bass fuel Birmingham's rawest nightlife from dusk till dawn.
The Night Owl
10.8 km
A cozy Digbeth venue where soulful retro beats and friendly vibes create unforgettable nights for all music lovers.
Disco Wonderland
10.8 km
Dive into Birmingham's dazzling disco haven, where retro beats, neon lights, and endless energy light up Deritend's nightlife.
King of clubs
10.9 km
Compact late‑night Birmingham club for high‑energy R&B, hip‑hop and DJ nights, pulsing into the small hours with neon, bass and bar-driven parties.
Reflex - Birmingham
10.9 km
Spin into 80s-00s nostalgia at Reflex Birmingham: revolving dance floor, karaoke booths, neon vibes, and epic sing-alongs on Broad Street's party strip.
Bambu Nightclub
11.0 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Site of Special Scientific Interest
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
