Hollow way trail in Sandwell Valley, West Midlands

Where to go · West Midlands

Forest bathing at Sandwell Valley Country Park

A 660-acre country park near West Bromwich, with Priory Woods, pools, farmland and an RSPB reserve.

Sandwell Valley Country Park covers 660 acres of green valley near West Bromwich. Walks link woods, farmland, pools and streams, with Priory Woods the main stretch of woodland, and Forge Mill Lake, part of which is an RSPB reserve. It is a working landscape rather than a wild one, but there is plenty of space and the woods are a calm contrast to the town around the edges.

There are three pay and display car parks, at Salters Lane, Forge Mill Farm and Swan Pool. Many footpaths are surfaced, giving access for all, while others are natural tracks, so it suits a gentle visit. Priory Woods has its own walking leaflet. The RSPB visitor centre by the lake has views over the water and hot drinks. For quiet, aim for the woods rather than the lake edges and the farm.

Practical

Managed by
Sandwell Council, with the RSPB at Forge Mill Lake
Parking
Pay and display at Salters Lane, Forge Mill Farm and Swan Pool
Terrain
Many surfaced paths giving access for all; some natural tracks
Facilities
RSPB visitor centre with hot drinks; trail maps at Sandwell Park Farm
Opening and entry
Free entry
Official page
discoversandwell.co.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 Spotted something out of date?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 Sandwell Valley Country 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 workingsEdge of the woodland in Sutton Park, Sutton ColdfieldSutton Park2,400 acres of ancient woodland, heath and pools at Sutton Coldfield

Photos: Moseley Bog and Joy’s Wood, Paul Collins (CC BY-SA 2.0); Saltwells Nature Reserve, Stephen Rogerson (CC BY-SA 2.0); Sutton Park, Bill Boaden (CC BY-SA 2.0).