Sutton Park - An Introduction

Delivering a sense of wilderness within an urban environment, visitors to Sutton Park can enjoy the captivating scenery, using an accessible network of paths.

There are opportunities to enjoy walking, jogging, angling, nature watching, orienteering, play areas, restaurants and use bridle paths and cycling routes in the Park. Car parks are located at all the main entrances and the Park is linked to a variety of public transport routes.

Sutton Park is an historic landscape that covers an area of over 2,000acres and attracts over two million visits every year.

In 1997, English Nature designated Sutton Park a National Nature Reserve and it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Lying six miles to the north of Birmingham City Centre this landscape is a mosaic of open heathland, woodlands, wetlands, marshes and seven lakes each with their own rich variety of plants and wildlife, some rarely seen in the region. It is an important site for wildlife and conservation, containing fine examples of natural countryside that have survived for hundreds of years. These habitats are part of a working grazed landscape where cattle and wild ponies can be seen grazing during the year.

This park is a natural area where animals roam freely. Please wash your hands with soap and water before eating or drinking.

Stay safe, wash your hands and enjoy your day out at Sutton Park.

How to find us - Whether you are travelling by car, train, bus or bicycle Sutton Park is more accessible than you may think. Please follow this link for directions and maps.

Visitor Centre – The ideal place to start your journey into the Park. Found 250 metres on the left from the Town Gate entrance.
Incorporates toilets, baby changing facilities, gift shop, interpretive displays and maps. Staffed all year round open daily from 10.00am until 6.00pm in the summer and 4.30pm in the winter.

Opening Times - The gates are open across the Park by 9.00am all year. Closing times vary in line with dusk. During the winter from mid-November the Park closes at 5.00pm until late January when it rises incrementally up to 10.00pm by mid-May. At the end of July the closing times fall back down incrementally to 5.00pm by mid-November. Closing times are advertised at the gate entrances and may differ from other Parks within Birmingham.

Hand Washing Facilities - Always wash your hands before eating and before leaving the park. Hand washing facilities are situated throughout the park and are easily accessible to all visitors. Please refer to our map (attached to the bottom of this page) to see where your nearest hand washing facility is.

Car Parking – at all vehicle entrances to the Park. Charging applies from Easter until early September, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 11.00am until 6.00pm.

Free at all other times.

Dog Walking – Dogs must be kept under control at all times and must be kept on a lead during bird nesting season in sensitive areas of the Park. Dog Bins are available across the site. The responsibility to clean up after dogs remains with the owners and failure to comply can result in a penalty of £1,000. Free dog poop bags are available from the Visitor Centre.

Education – Birmingham Parks Ranger Service works to achieve better understanding of wildlife and the natural environment at all levels, from introductory walks and talks, Education Naturally and curriculum-linked primary programmes through to university research projects. Please follow this link to find out more or to book a school session.

Events – The Ranger Service and Friends of Sutton Park Association (FOSPA) provide a wide range of events throughout the year. Large scale events occur in the Park through the year for which special permission is granted. Please follow this link to find out more or to book a place.

Families and Children – There are two playgrounds on site at Town Gate and Banners Gate. Baby Changing facility within the Visitor Centre.


Food & Refreshments – There are a number of establishments within the Park providing a range of meals, snacks and drinks:

Blackroot Bistro – Open all week. Serving hot and cold food and drinks.
Tel. 0121 355 2570 Email: Info@blackrootbistro.co.uk

The Boathouse at Bracebridge – Open all week. Restaurant serving a modern British menu.
Tel. 0121 308 8890

Miller and Carter – Open all week. A steakhouse - pub - grill.
Tel. 0121 355 6919

Park House Carvery – Open all week. Serving roasts and other traditional dishes.
Tel. 0121 354 2458

Town Gate Café – Open all week. Serving hot and cold snacks and drinks.
Tel. 0121 354 6791

Toilets – Found at Town Gate entrance, Visitor Centre and Banners Gate, Wyndley Leisure Centre as well as customer toilets for patrons of the above eating establishments. There is also provision for hand washing at these venues.

Walks – There is a vast opportunity to explore the Park using either major or minor paths. There are currently 5 self-guided routes around the site, 3 archaeological a Walk 2000 and a 5km route.

Accessibility - Please follow the link for more information about disabled access and facilities available at Sutton Park (you will be directed to the DisabledGo website).