Visit one of Europe’s largest urban parks for sports and recreational activities, wildlife spotting and fishing, and Roman archaeological sites.
Sutton Park is one of the biggest urban green spaces in Europe. The park is situated north of Birmingham city center and is spread across 2,200 acres (900 hectares). Here, you can see medieval fishponds, visit archaeological sites dating to the Roman era and explore walking trails. The park can trace its history to around A.D. 80 and today attracts more than 2 million visitors a year.Sporting activities abound in the park. Golfers will enjoy playing a round at the two golf courses. Watch model aircraft at the Flying Field close to Boldmere Gate. Younger visitors will appreciate the children’s playgrounds and pony rides. The park has seven man-made lakes. Powell’s Pool is the largest and was built in 1730. Keep an eye out for water birds, including grebe, ducks and coots. Fishing is allowed on some of the pools, but you’ll need to purchase a license from the Visitor Centre and bring your own gear.Follow designated walking trails to spot oak woodlands and grazing cattle. Download a map from Sutton Park’s official website or stop by the Visitor Centre for more details.The Visitor Centre also has information on the history of the park. Use the leaflets provided to learn about the various archaeological sites around the park, including a preserved stretch of a Roman road built in the first century.Bring a picnic and sit by the ponds or in the park’s gardens. Alternatively, buy food from one of the restaurants. Sutton Park is situated in Sutton Coldfield, a 20-minute drive from Birmingham’s city center. Parking is free, except on Sundays and public holidays during the summer months. The nearest train station is Sutton Coldfield, which is a five-minute walk from the park’s Town Gate entrance. The park is open every day of the year.
