Parks, playgrounds and outdoor spaces
Parks, playgrounds and outdoor spaces in Wolverhampton and beyond.
One of our favourite things to do is to go to a new area and let the kids explore a new park, playground or open space. There are plenty n our doorsteps and lots a bit further afield. The places below are in alphabetical order, so please scan down. (NB Due to Covid19 restr
ictions not all areas within these spaces may be open yet).
BAGGERIDGE COUNTRY PARK
Check out the newly refurbished play area. You can burn off the calories by embarking on one of the four walking trails – there’s an easy access trail that is suitable for pushchairs that takes 30 minutes. Don’t miss Challenge Academy Baggeridge Adventure high ropes, nets and obstacle course while you are there.
BANTOCK PARK WOLVERHAMPTON l
The west of the park is mostly open space, which still retains its ‘rural’ character, with gently undulating ground, hedgerows and a variety of trees with a nature trail. The eastern side of the park near Bantock House Museum, is more formal. There’s a great play area and pitch and putt golf course too.
BRATCH PARK WOMBOURNE
The park is accessed from Bratch Lane and has a play area plus climbing unit, swings, and a zip line. Then take a short walk to picturesque Bratch Locks where you can see the historic Pump House.
BRIDGNORTH CASTLE AND GARDENS AND SEVERN PARK
Bridgnorth Castle and gardens is a well maintained, small p
ark which has stunning views over Low Town and beyond. Then take a trip on the Cliff Railway down to the riverside to discover more scenic spots and a play area over the bridge in Severn Park.
CANNOCK CHASE FOREST
Cannock Chase Forest is renowned locally for its free pay facilities. Venture along the walking trail to enter a fairytale of your own; keep a lookout for our three bears chairs, fairy trees and Gruffalo sculpture. Climb on top of the Play Houses and see what you can spot from the top. Pingle Slade is a large open area within the pine forest to enjoy a tasty picnic. It is a short walk short walk from the car park/main visitor area, follow signs for the Ladyhill trail.
COMER WOODS, DUDMASTON ESTATE, NR BRIDGNORTH
Run by the National Trust, access to Comer Woods is free (you have to pay car parking if you are not a NT member). If you’re looking to picnic in the great outdoors The Scout Camp, on the Explorer route, is the perfect place to pause, or stop in Heath meadow, it’s just a short walk from the car park. Head to Dudmaston (National Trust, fee applies) where there’s a great adventure playground.
EAST PARK, WOLVERHAMPTON
Enjoy the 18 hectares of green space, established trees and pathways all just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are two great children’s play areas, a cycle speedway track, baseball courts, tennis courts and football pitches. Why not pick a spot by the Victorian bandstand?
HICKMAN PARK, BILSTON
Sit down below a shady tree and enjoy your sandwiches in this historic park. It may be one of Wolverhampton’s smaller parks but it has a large sporting arena, a great play area and an open air theatre and wildlife pool.
HIMLEY HALL PARK
Himley Hall is a commanding 18th century building set amongst 180 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland. Fancy a woodland walk? There’s a path to Baggeridge Country Park that you can access which follows the path of the stream in from of Himley Hall.
KINVER EDGE
If you are feeling energetic head up to the ‘edge’ and take in the views of the village spread out like toy town. The Woodland Trail is ideal for families, with natural play areas along the way, leading to fabulous views from the Hillfort (about 2 miles). There’s a playground in Kinver Village itself.
MARY STEVENS PARK, STOURBRIDGE
There’s lots of open space for picnics, tennis courts, goal posts, a lake to wander around, plus a water feature for children to play in during the summer months. It’s recently been redeveloped, so the lake area is much nicer to walk around.
NORTHYCOTE FARM AND COUNTRY PARK
There’s a picnic area, tearoom and restored farmhouse plus lots of farm animals to see including pigs, sheep and turkeys, a restored farmhouse plus a fab tearoom.
PENDEFORD MILL NATURE RESERVE
Pendeford Mill Nature Reserve is a site of natural beauty with rare species of wildlife. The main path takes you around the pool and through the woods on a circular path.
PHOENIX PARK, WOLVERHAMPTON
For hundreds of years this park was a coalmine until becoming a park for the people of Blakenhall in the 1960s. Today it is full of free fitness facilities, walking paths, as well as a sensory garden, lavender maze, a children’s play area, ampitheatre and a BMX track
RIVERSIDE MEADOWS, STOURPORT
A beautiful spot by the River Severn. Children’s play area, picnic spot, paddling pool and skate park. Nearby Playland in Stourport has a putting green, crazy golf and other amusements. Enjoy a boat trip along the river with the Stourport Steamer Company – under 5’s are free.
SEVERN VALLEY COUNTRY PARK
In the peaceful, scenic valley of the River Severn lies the Green Flag award-winning
Severn Valley Country Park. 126 acres of beautiful countryside and wonderful views, spanning both sides of the River Severn. There’s a natural play area along with picnic benches.
SANDWELL VALLEY COUNTRY PARK, WEST BROMWICH
The Country Park can be found just off Junction 1 of the M5 motorway. Nearby Dartmouth Park has a brilliant play area and bike ‘pump’ track with bumps to ride over. You can also cycle around the nearby reservoir, or visit the Sandwell Park Farm to see the animals.
SMESTOW VALLEY NATURE RESERVE
Along the four kilometre corridor, which covers 48 hectares, you’ll find picnic areas, meadowland, woodland and the Smestow brook which runs the length of the reserve and is part of the catchment area for the rivers Stour and Severn.
TETTENHALL GREEN, WOLVERHAMPTON
The green is a great place to have a picnic and with Tettenhall village, with its variety of shops and popular cafes just a stroll away, it’s easy to stock up on drinks, cakes and icecream!
TELFORD TOWN PARK
You will be spoilt for choice of what to do at Telford Town Park. There’s lots of thing to do at this award-winning park including cycle trails, high ropes and adventure golf.
WEST PARK
The 43-acre park is considered to be one of the best, unspoilt examples of a Victorian park left in England. There’s a boating lake, an outdoor gym, tennis courts, football pitches, dog walking cycling and walking paths and café.
WEDNESFIELD PARK AND KING GEORGE V PLAYING FIELDS
Just a short walk away from Wednesfield’s town centre along the Wyrley and Essington Canal you’ll discover Wednesfield Park and King George V Playing Fields. It’s a compact park with large playing fields alongside it. Facilities include a skate park and a play area with climbing wall.
A bit further afield
WALSALL ARBORETEUM
A rural retreat in the hear of Walsall Town Centre. The park includes gardens, green spaces, play areas, and sports facilities. There’s a massive splashpad and boating lake with Padalos.
BRINTON PARK, KIDDERMINSTER
Large park with plenty of open space, plus play ground, tennis courts, skate park and paddling pool. There’s also a fabulous Splashpad which is open in the warmer months.
WYRE FOREST DISCOVERY CENTRE
There are walking trails (short routes for youngsters) and a family cycle route, plus visitor centre, cafe and a children’s playground. The Discovery Centre sometimes runs craft activities during the school holidays. You need to pay to park.
WASELEY HILLS COUNTRY PARK
Open hillside, with two waymarked trails. There is a small playground and the Windmill cafe selling hot and cold drinks, ice cream, sausage sandwiches and even dog treats. Try the popular orienteering course; a fun map game for families.
LICKEY HILLS, REDNAL
Lovely elevated park with stunning views, surrounded by pine trees. Great adventure playground with a zipslide, 3 walking trails and a visitors centre with a lovely cafe. Ranger led activities are held during the school holidays.
HADEN HILL PARK AND CORNGREAVES NATURE RESERVE, CRADLEY HEATH
Haden Hill Park surrounds the Tudor and Victorian wings of Haden Hill House, which is now a museum. Walk down to the bottom of the park by the pools to access Corngreaves Nature Reserve. Rich in flora and fauna, there’s a stream running through the reserve so a great ace to spot wildlife.
LIDO PARK, DROITWICH
If we have a hot summer, this is the place to go! This park houses the famous outdoor heated swimming pool. The park is free but you need to pay to use the lido.
GHELUVELT PARK, WORCESTER
Recently redeveloped this park now has a new play area and a new water play feature. The Splashpad is open in the summer months. There’s also a cafe too.
