Best parks in Solihull and beyond

We’ve been visiting a lot of parks these recent weeks, so I wanted to share with you the best parks in Solihull and beyond, that we love to visit as a family.  At the moment, all play areas in the parks are CLOSED.  This list will be updated once the government guidelines state that they can reopen.

Elmdon Park

Elmdon Park is, I have to say, one of the best parks in Solihull, West Midlands as it really is huge!  There is so much to see and explore and many people don’t realise that there are many hidden paths, tracks, trails, meadows and gardens.  The park is also complete with a huge lake and play area which is great for small children.  There is a lovely accessible stream running through the flat area of the park, perfect for pond dipping too.  The lake is just beautiful and is best to visit first thing in the morning when it is quiet.  There are many species of birds and more often that not, the parks resident swans and their babies are there to see.  The park has a huge clear area with rolling hills and huge oak trees which are also great for the letting the kids (or dogs!) run wild!  At the top end of the park near the church, there is a meadow and Elmdon Nature Reserve, a walled garden and a hidden lake.  You could really spend all day here  – don’t forget a picnic!

Bruton and Malvern Park

There two parks merge into one and is across flat terrain located right in the centre of Solihull.  The park is also home to Parkridge Centre (when open) which is a lovely to take the kids too.  Within the nature centre, there is a secluded area with a play area and a lovely path around a lake.  Here, they run kids nature groups and classes and have a lovely little cafe which serves the best flap jacks!  The park is also home to a nature reserve which we only came across a few weeks ago.  Here, there is a path that takes you into fields (access this to the far side of the park) and there is also woodlands to explore and another hidden lake!  The rose garden located near the other end of the park (near the Solihull Town centre end) is lovely and quiet and perfect if you wish to take a picnic or eat an ice cream in peace.  Next to here, there is a childrens play area.  This is the best park in Solihull with great facilities including toilets.

Knowle Park

Knowle park isn’t the biggest but if you incorporate your walk to include Knowle High Street, it’s a lovely few hours out.  There is a lovely little lake home to a few ducks near the car park and a lovely flat path running the edge of the park.  The play area is towards the far side, and here is where you can exit the park to walk towards Knowle High Street.  The kids enjoyed taking their scooters down the little hill!

Cannon Hill Park

Located in Edgbaston, about a 20 minute drive from Solihull, Cannon Hill Park is a huge park with a 5KM trail running the edge of the park.  The park is home to Birminghams MAC centre, a crazy golf course and even a permanent small fairground.  Normally, the park would be running swan pedalos on the lake and you can even take a train ride around the park for a small fee (check the website to see when this is running).  There are also so many beautiful flowers and lovely quieter gardens located near the lake end of the park.  Find a huge tree and take shade from the sun with a picnic!

Olton Jubilee Park

Olton Jubilee park is not the largest park, but is home to a great play area and a fantastic bike track, which our kids love using.  Aside from the bike track, this park is all flat terrain with a small stream running through it.

Sheldon Country Park

Sheldon Country Park is the park to visit if you wish to plane spot!  Located near Birmingham Airport, this park is huge, complete with a children’s play area, farm and lots of green space to take a run or a bike ride.  Walk away from the Farm park towards the planes and you will eventually get to the end of the runway!  The sights are fantastic and is great fun for the kids.  You can see the runway clearly and it really is something a little different to do when visiting a local park in Solihull.

St Nicholas Park

St Nicholas Park is located in Warwick and is similar to Cannon Hill park.  It is home to a huge play area, cray golf course and a large permanent fair ground.  There are also tennis courts and plenty of space to play a football match.  Our kids love the small lido here which is perfect in the summer.  There is also a pitch and put course and lovely cafe serving yummy ice cream.  Take a walk away from the action to the river, where you can hire out boats or pedalos.  Follow the river to the right, and you will eventually arrive at at Warwick Castle!  This is one of our favourite parks near Solihull with so much to do!

This list will be added to when we find out more of our best parks in Solihull and beyond.  Do you have any you can recommend?

Thanks for reading xxx