Ad disclosure: This post is written in collaboration with Auto Advance Logbook Loans.
Birmingham, traditionally one of our industrial heartlands, isn’t the poor relation when it comes to family days out in the summer. We’ve put together a snapshot of some of the places you can drive to and, because we know you’d rather be running free than stuck in traffic, they’re all within one hour’s car journey of Spaghetti Junction!
Sutton Park (Nut Hurst Drive, Birmingham)
Easily accessible from the M42, M6, and the M6 Toll, Sutton Park is family friendly – and you can take the dog too. This 2,000-acre park is a National Nature Reserve and also a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The park boasts the following attractions:
- Heathland
- Woodlands
- Wetlands
- Marshes
- Seven lakes
- Because the land is part of a working grazed landscape, you will also see cattle and wild ponies.
It’s popular with walkers, joggers, anglers and for spotting wildlife. There are bridle paths and cycle routes too. If the natural landscape isn’t enough to tire out the kids, there are play areas to enjoy!
Car parking is available, and there are good public transport links if needed. If you don’t want to take a picnic, there are restaurants to within the park. Check opening times and pother useful information here.
Sandwell Valley Country Park (Salter’s Lane, West Bromwich)
Located just off the M5, this award-winning Green Flag park offers plenty of activities, from the leisurely to the physical: walking, cycling, horse riding, bird watching, an aerial assault course, adventure playground, mountain bike trail, and nature areas.
Cycle hire is available, as well as pitch and putt, you can enjoy:
- Crazy golf
- Tennis courts
- Football pitches
- Tractor and trailer rides
- Open top bus rides.
The park is also home to Sandwell Park Farm and Forge Mill Farm, and an RSPB Visitor Centre. In fact, there’s so much going on here all year round that a summer’s day trip won’t be enough!
Again, if you don’t want to pack a picnic there are tearooms on site. Car parking is available, and the park is also accessible by public transport – it’s only a mile from West Bromwich town centre. See here for more useful information.
Woodgate Valley Country Park (Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green)
Also just off the M5, Woodgate Valley Country Park is possibly a better destination for the more laid-back day-tripper who wants to spend hours exploring 450 acres of woodland, meadows and ponds. The area is home to more than 250 species of plant, many kinds of butterfly and more than 80 species of bird.
Woodgate has a visitor centre and Ranger Service, so there is plenty of information on hand if you want it, such as wildlife and habitat identification, marked walks and an interpretive display of the story of Woodgate Valley from the ancient past to the present day.
There are play areas too, for children under 15 such as:
- Pony trekking
- Riding lessons – even for beginners
- Urban Farm, home to rare breeds of sheep and a menagerie of other animals large and small (there is a no-picnic policy on the farm itself).
Find out about car parking and other useful information here.
If you have any recommendations for fun day trips out this summer, or you’d like to share your snapshots with us, connect with us on our Facebook page.
