sutton park national nature reserve

As a child my cousins David,Robert and Chris were always here on our bicycles.We knew almost ever acre of this natural heath and wood lands.Druid well and the bridges to Bracebridge pool swimming to the island,feeding the ducks and the cafe on the dam end.The slice gate cascaded the water on it way to Keepers Baths.Canoes on Blackroot pool upsetting the fishers,Ice lollies on the heath where kites were flying.Sea Cadets on powels pool,private boating and restaurant with dads 50th birthday.The Forelands Hospital trip to the 50yr Scouts Jamboree.The model air craft area with Uncle Ray's bi planes.Picknicks and flask paddling pools as kids.Get out the car,see what you can find.If you see what it is all about you will be back again to find more.You embrace the park and it will embrace you

I absolutely love this park, (when it's quiet!), it's absolutely huge - even after all these years there's still parts of it I haven't discovered yet. It has a vast selection of grassland and forests and the views are gorgeous! My only massive bugbear which is progressively ruining my walks with my dog here is the dogs off leads. I was under the impression that dogs should be kept on leads at all time. My dog is very aggressive towards other dogs and I am constantly finding myself feeling frustrated when I see yet another off-lead dog bounding towards him wanting to play, and sometimes not wanting to play, just wanting to be aggressive. The reason my dog is on a lead is because he doesn't want to play. Owners don't seem to understand that - telling me that their dog is friendly but not actually considering the fact that my dog isn't. I have found myself in many situations where I could be bitten not only by my dog who gets frustrated with the other dogs and frustrated with me when I have to pull him away, but also by the other dogs who begin to get annoyed at my dog trying to attack them. This whole situation could be prevented if you just put your dogs on leads or train them sufficiently to come back quickly and promptly when requested. 90% of dogs off leads are not trained to be off leads. I was once told by an owner to "stand still" when her off-lead rottweiler was trying to attack my dog (bearing in mind my dog is only a little maltese terrier). I certainly won't stand still thank you very much. Very very frustrating.

Great place, great space. Excellent all year roundI take my dogs when I am not travelling about 3 times a week. In the summer sometimes every morning. Great for everyone, avoid peak times if going with dogs as lots of families and smaller children around in the summer. Not a major issue but I like the park emptier

From the stress of life in the West Midlands to a place where one can chill and kill time. Three of us went there, looked at some nature, trees, birds and all that is good. It is quiet big park, where outdoor activities can be pursued vigorously.

Since my formative years I can remember going to Sutton Park, exploring, fishing, Model Aircraft flying and just walking the dogs. A great place to unwind and explore, you would never know it was so close to the urban area. Packed with history and many pools and visitor centre. Try it.

I live only 1/4 mile from this wonderful Nature Reserve which has been given the honour of Site of Special Scientific Interest. Sutton park is approx 7sq miles of parkland. Including coppices, pools, streams, pathways, bridleways, food outlets, cattle & ponies on the loose. Children can play games of spot the rabbits, pooh sticks, hide & seek.A place where you can be totally alone or have picnics & games with family & friends. Two children's playgrounds.The scenery changes on a daily basis. It is a great place for dog walkers, bike riders. There are regularly organised events held here almost every w/e. At Town Gate there is a visitors centre where you can obtain maps of the park & information.There is a fee charged from Easter - September on Sundays & Bank holidays after 11am. (approx. £2 per car) nothing for pedestrians.

And every day I see something new and beautiful. It is the very best thing about Birmingham and I continue to be astounded that there are not crowds there. It doesn't matter how young or old you are there will be something to see and do, not to mention eat and drink.

I'm lucky enough to live within walking distance of sutton park. I use it every week, either with company or on my own. It has everything for everyone: A play area for small children, donkey sanctuary, paved areas for walks/cycling/jogging, wooded areas for exploring, lakes, restaurants, cafés, wild ponies, deer, rabbits, wild open areas, wonderful views and a visitor centre. I'm looking forward to discovering others things about the park. If you've never been, then put your walking shoes on and give it a go.

Sutton Park is a very historic park having been given to the people of Sutton Coldfield by Henry VIII but I guess most people that frequent the park don't know (or perhaps care) about that.The park is very busy at the weekends with walkers (with and without dogs) as well as mountain bikers and horse riders although it's easy to find a quieter part of the park to walk through. The park can be quite muddy in the winter months so it's worth wearing suitable footwear if you're planning on walking far - or just sticking more to the paved paths.Even if the park is busy there's never normally a problem finding a parking space but sometimes it's worth going in through one of the gates further away from the town centre.

I'm so lucky to live so close to Sutton Park, and have the excuse to walk there most days with my dog. There is such variety of landscape - woods, heathland, lakes, and it's pretty hilly. I enjoy walking there in all weathers - no restrictions and although it is a bit busy at Town gate, it's easy to escape the crowds!

Lovely meal as always. Highly recommend this restaurant. fantastic view of the lake, courteous waitress.

Really large park with lots of interest, with a bit of planning you can do a full days walk with plenty of variation and a nice lunch.

All weathers no problem in Sutton Parkfrom tarmac to wooded walks. couple of places for coffee and plenty of pools for the dogs to have a swim

If u want a great day out n feel like just chilling out n getting away from everything (wife!) then this is the place u should put into ur tomtom!Honestly saying u won't b disapointed at all,water everywhere u look (canals,streams) and loads of eateries too even tho we managed two places I'm sure there was plenty more,animal lovers n walk alongers wil defo have a good time n if u hav kids then it's even better as u don't need to worry abt wot they're gona b doing cuz they'll always b in ur eyesight!Wonderful experience few months back n I think people will really have a great day no matter wot the weather is,we went in the summer n tbh places like that I suggest is best wen we hav a bit ov sunshine!!SUTTON.... U ROCK!!

LIKED LIKED LIKED ,its a great place to explore and just have a great day,if you haven't been its a great 1st time experience