The go-to guide for you and your child

Fab parks in the Midlands

  1. Leasowes Park, Halesowen

Leasowes Park offers a large open space with a good play area plus various different landscapes for family adventures. You can enjoy a picnic next to Beechwater Pool.

Here you’ll find wooded valleys, open grasslands, lakes and streams that are teaming with wildlife. This area, designed by poet William Shenstone, and is considered to be one of the first natural landscape gardens in England.

Kids can roll down the hill, play hide and seek in the woods or try pond dipping in the lakes and streams. There’s a car park too.

  1. Baggeridge Country Park, near Dudley

Described as a ‘secluded delight’, you’d never imagine there was so much do to with the kids at this 150 acre park, which was once Baggeridge Colliery. There’s a lovely children’s play area and a high ropes adventure course, plus a miniature railway run by volunteers at selected times and a nice little cafe too.

You’ll find plenty of scenic spots for picnics and it’s well worth taking the bikes too.

Gospel End Street, Road, Dudley DY3 4HB

  1. Sheldon Country Park

This is an exciting place to picnic! If you walk through the park, you can sit at the end of Birmingham Airport’s runway and watch planes land and take off. Great fun for the kids!

There’s also a tiny little farm with a shop to buy ice creams and refreshments plus a play area for the kids so you can make a full afternoon of it here. What’s more, it’s free.

Ragley Drive, Church Road, Birmingham B26 3TU

  1. Saltwells Nature Reserve, Brierley Hill

This is one of the UK’s largest urban nature reserves and is full of ancient woodland to explore. There’s a huge sculpture park located close to the Merry Hill Centre, making it a great place to stop for a picnic after you’ve been shopping. Well-marked trails can be downloaded from the council website.

Look out for 16 species of dragonflies around the ponds and wetlands.

Saltwells Lane, Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill DY2 0AP

  1. Clent Hills, near Romsley

If you want lunch with a view, then head to the top of the Clent Hills for sprawling views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and the Welsh Borders.

There’s a large natural play space in the woods, behind the cafe at the Nimmings Wood entrance, where you’ll find piles of branches provided to make dens, a tree terrace and obstacles to explore.

There are lots of walks and an adventurous nature trail up to the top of the hills too. The car park is run by National Trust so charges apply.

Hagley Wood Lane, near Romsley DY9 9JR

  1. Cannock Chase

If you wander quietly through Cannock Chase, you may be lucky enough to spot a deer or rare bird, like a migrant nightjar.

Spanning 68 square miles, this is the smallest mainland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK.

If you’re looking for a walk that’s great for families, head to Seven Springs, which includes a walk over stepping stones, which is a nice place to picnic.

Sat Nav Postcode: 

WS15 2UQ

Birches Valley, Rugeley

  1. Springfield Park and Captain’s Pool, Kidderminster

Pack a picnic into a rucksack and enjoy walking along the river and canal at Springfield Park.

You can then lay out your rug and watch the narrowboats mosey down the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

This 16.95 hectare park is in the Broadwaters area of Kidderminster and has an ornamental pool, large playground, football pitches, a creek for paddling and a designated picnic area overlooking the water. There’s a free car park too.

You can also pop to nearby Captain’s Pool on Spennells for a pretty picnic spot too.

Springfield Lane, Kidderminster, DY10 2PS

  1. Malvern Hills

Maybe you want to pack a cooler box and have a drive out into the countryside to walk up the epic Malvern Hills.

Sat on your picnic rug, you’ll be able to see for miles here. And there’s something for all abilities, from gentle strolls to energetic hikes up to the top of the Beacon which will reward you with huge sweeping views of the countryside

Spanning more than 3,000 acres, it is easy to see why the Malvern Hills have been described as a miniature mountain range.

Upper Cockshot Car Park, Cockshot Road, WR14 2GB

  1. Lickey Hills, near Rednal

For lunch with a view, head to the Lickey Hills where you can see for miles.

Pick up a trail map from the visitor centre and do a hunt for sculptures and art work hidden in the woods. There’s also an adventure trail here too .

Just 10 miles south west of Birmingham, there are 524 acres to explore at this Green Flag Award-winning park. There’s a cafe too.

Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER

  1. Sandwell Valley Country Park, West Bromwich

For an afternoon of entertainment, pack a picnic and head to Sandwell Valley Country Park where you’ll find 660 acres of woods, farmland, lakes and streams.

This Green Flag park, just off junction one of the M5, also has a play area and a water splashpad to enjoy in the summer too. The farm and tea rooms are worth a visit too (admission fees apply).

Salter’s Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4BG

11.Arrow Valley Park and Lake

Set in the heart of 900 acres of Arrow Valley Country Park, the Boathouse Café is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy beautiful lakeside views. Whether you are meeting friends for a coffee or stopping for something to eat after a walk, it is an ideal spot to relax. Even better, we are dog friendly, so your four legged companions can enjoy the visit too.

While you are here, make the most of the great outdoors with a wide range of activities, including walking trails, orienteering, sailing, fishing, disc golf, and seasonal water activities. We also offer event hosting and room hire, making the Boathouse Café a great choice for celebrations and gatherings.

Arrow Valley Visitor Centre, Battens Drive, Redditch, B98 0LJ

  1. Bradgate Park, Leicester

A visit to Bradgate Park is a fantastic family day out and one of the most loved outdoor spaces near Leicester. Famous for its roaming deer and wide open views, it’s the perfect place for kids to run, explore and burn off some energy.

History lovers will enjoy discovering the ruins of the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, once Queen of England for nine days, while little adventurers can head up to the famous Old John Tower or explore along the River Lin with its waterfalls and pools.

Keep an eye out for ancient oak trees that are over 500 years old, then stop by the Visitor Centre to learn more about the park’s story. When everyone’s ready for a break, the Deer Barn Tea Room is ideal for a drink or snack before heading home.

Bradgate Road, Newtown Linford, Leicester, LE6 0HE

  1. Abbey Park, Leicester

A visit to Abbey Park is a lovely family day out by the River Soar, with plenty of space for picnics, play and riverside walks.

There’s lots to keep kids busy, from tennis courts and table tennis to a fun lavender maze and orienteering routes. Families can also explore the historic ruins of Leicester Abbey and Cavendish House while learning about the park’s fascinating past.

Little animal lovers will enjoy a stop at Pets Corner, home to rabbits, goats, birds and more, and at weekends you might even catch a ride on the miniature railway. When it’s time for a break, head to Peppercorn’s Café for a drink or snack before heading off for more exploring.

Abbey Park Rd, Leicester, LE4 5AQ

14.Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield

A fantastic choice for a full family day out, Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, offering endless space for little ones to explore.

With open heathland, woodlands, lakes and even wild ponies to spot, it’s perfect for adventurous families. There are plenty of walking and cycling trails, plus great picnic spots by the water.

Children will love feeding the ducks, building dens in the woods or simply running free in the wide open spaces. There are also visitor centres, cafés and play areas to make your visit easy and enjoyable.

  1. Walsall Arboretum, Walsall

Walsall Arboretum is a beautifully kept Victorian park that’s ideal for families with younger children.

It has a brilliant play area, splash pad (perfect for warm days), and plenty of flat paths for scooters, bikes and pushchairs. The lakes are great for feeding ducks, and there’s lots of open space for picnics and games.

With a café on site and regular family-friendly events throughout the year, it’s an easy, relaxing option for a few hours outdoors.

  1. Waseley Hills Country Park Enjoy a picnic under the shaded trees!

Tire the children out on the adventure play area. Kick a ball about. Meet friends for a coffee at the Windmill Cafe. Climb a hill to take in the panoramic views and spot familiar landmarks. What will you do at Waseley Hills?

Gannow Green Lane, Rubery Birmingham, B45 9AT

 

17. Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens

2 parks for the price of one! The more formal gardens of Jephson Gardens join up with the less formal Mill Gardens in the heart of Leamington. There’s a glasshouse with tropical pants and goldfish, a sensory garden, plenty of space for ball games, a restaurant and cafe, ducks to feed on the River Leam. The children’s play area has a ship theme and sand. Plus you can hire boats, canoes, kayaks etc from the Leam Boat Centre in the park.

Leamington Spa, CV32 4AA

 

18. Stratford-upon-Avon Recreation Ground CV37 6BB

Opposite the RSC in Stratford, next to the Butterfly Farm and adjoining the River Avon, a fabulous park with lots of space to run around, picnic and more. A great kids’ play area, with a sandpit and a water feature, plus a paddling pool.

You can hire boats along the river and also take a trip up the RSC Tower for great views across the park and beyond. The kids will love the old chain ferry as well that takes you from the park side of the Avon to the RSC side and back!

  1. Elmdon Nature Park Solihull

With a fully equipped play and sports area, which includes swings and roundabout, the park has a great deal for you to enjoy, with free car parking, football pitch, lake, tennis courts, walking trails. (B92 9EY)

  1. Tudor Grange Park Solihull

One of 10 Green Flag parks in Solihull. The park includes a Cycle Track facility, skate park and a golf course. Plus it has a well-equipped play area including a boat climber, sand pit, junior multi play and toddler multi play, slide, seesaw, swings, rockers and a host of skate equipment! A whole day out!  (B91 1SB)

21. Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum.

Open from dawn to dusk, this is a really lovely Herefordshire Wildlife Trust woodland with marked out trails and an enclosed arboretum.  Little ones will love the Gruffalo Trail, and the pathways are fine for buggies and pushchairs. There are 47 acres to explore in total, with various trails to follow, a lovely enclosed wooden children’s play area by the visitor centre, a café with indoor and outdoor seating, and several picnic benches. Dogs are welcome, and there are water bowls for your 4-legged friend behind the Visitor centre. Queenswood is pushchair / buggy friendly, with compact pathways which make this suitable for wheelchair users too.  Postcode: HR6 0PY. Free entry but there is a charge for parking.

22. Credenhill Park Wood

A beautiful Woodland Trust wood covering 224 acres. The site of an Iron Age hillfort,  the park is brimming with plants and wildlife, and is a joy to explore.  With the main entrance in the car park, there is a pathway suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs (although some of the slopes may be difficult for wheelchair users). There are some great views over the Wye Valley. Dogs are allowed. There are no facilities, so take a picnic and enjoy the peace.  The nearest toilets are at The Bell Inn, for customers use only – the perfect place to grab a drink and a bite to eat!  Parking at the wood is free but very limited. Postcode: Near HR4 7DH.

 

23. Gheluvelt Park

Gheluvelt Park in Worcester straddles Barbourne Brook and has two distinct areas: an informal area managed for wildlife conservation to the west, next to the River Severn, and a formal park to the east.  The formal park (open from dawn to dusk) includes a splashpad (opens in mid June) and playground with separate areas for older and younger children.  In this eastern side, you will also find outdoor gym equipment, outdoor table tennis (bring your own bats and balls), and a bandstand. Bands play here regularly throughout summer.

While exploring the west side (open 24 hours a day), look out for mute swans, mallards, bats, grey squirrels and, if you are lucky, kingfishers. The park is located in Worcester, along the A449 (Barbourne Road) and stretches across to the River Severn. There is a nearby small free car park: Waterworks Road Car Park WR1 3EZ but spaces are limited.

 

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