Edge of the woodland in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield

Where to go · West Midlands

Forest bathing at Sutton Park

A 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve on Birmingham's edge, with ancient woods, open heath and seven pools.

Sutton Park is a National Nature Reserve of about 2,400 acres, six miles north of Birmingham city centre. It was a royal forest under the Mercian kings and a medieval deer park before Bishop Vesey secured it for the people of Sutton Coldfield in 1528. Ancient woodland covers around a quarter of the park, with oak, ash, beech and old coppiced holly, set among open heath, wetland and seven pools, some dating back to the Middle Ages.

Town Gate is the easiest start, with the visitor centre a short walk inside. Paths around the pools near the main gates are busiest; the woods further in and the stretch along the old Roman road, Icknield Street, are quieter. Cattle and wild ponies graze parts of the park, so give them space. Several walks are suitable for all abilities, though woodland paths and boggy ground near the pools can be soft. Gates open in the morning and close around dusk.

Practical

Managed by
Birmingham City Council
Parking
Free parking inside the park, except vehicles entering on Sundays from Easter to the end of September
Terrain
Mix of surfaced paths, woodland tracks, heath and some boggy ground
Nearest station
Sutton Coldfield, a short walk from Town Gate
Facilities
Visitor centre with toilets, baby changing and shop; restaurants and play areas in the park
Opening and entry
Free; gates open in the morning and close around dusk
Official page
birmingham.gov.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

A guide within 15 miles of Sutton Park

More woodlands in West Midlands

All venues in West Midlands
Old tree in the woodland at Moseley Bog, BirminghamMoseley Bog and Joy’s WoodSmall wet woodland in south Birmingham with gnarled old trees and spring bluebellsPart of Saltwells Nature Reserve, DudleySaltwells Nature ReserveLarge urban reserve of woods, meadows and canal paths over old Black Country workingsHollow way trail in Sandwell Valley, West MidlandsSandwell Valley Country Park660 acres of woods, pools and farmland with an RSPB reserve on Forge Mill Lake

Photos: Moseley Bog and Joy’s Wood, Paul Collins (CC BY-SA 2.0); Saltwells Nature Reserve, Stephen Rogerson (CC BY-SA 2.0); Sandwell Valley Country Park, Frank Bruce (CC BY-SA 2.0).