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Sutton Park: the Royal Town's great outdoor playground

Sutton Park: the Royal Town's great outdoor playground
Illustrative image: Pexels

Few cities can boast a green space like Sutton Park. Covering around 2,400 acres in Sutton Coldfield, with seven lakes and miles of open space, it is a huge natural playground, and for anyone who loves being active outdoors it is a gift that keeps on giving.

It quite literally was a gift. Established as a royal forest by the Anglo-Saxon kings of Mercia and later a Norman deer park, the land was given to the people of Sutton Coldfield by Henry VIII in 1528, at the request of Bishop John Vesey. Most of the park was declared a national nature reserve in 1997, and large parts are a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

For runners, Saturday mornings start at Boldmere Gate, where a free 5km parkrun sets off at 9am every week. The park also hosts relays, fun runs and Race for Life events through the year.

Water lovers are well served by the park's seven lakes. Sutton Sailing Club sails on Powell's Pool, which is also used for rowing and fishing, while canoeists head to Blackroot Pool. Cyclists can explore the park's routes, and mountain bikers love the downhill thrills of Skeleton Hill. There are golf courses, pony trekking, kite flying and outdoor fitness classes too.

The park has a habit of hosting big moments. In August 1957 it staged the World Scout Jamboree, marking 50 years of Scouting, with tens of thousands of Scouts from 85 countries camping in the park; a stone pillar still commemorates it. In 2022 it was the venue for the Commonwealth Games triathlon, with the swim in Powell's Pool. Alex Yee won gold for England in the men's race, Flora Duffy took the women's title for Bermuda and England won the mixed relay.

The City of Birmingham triathlon returns to the park each July, giving everyday athletes the chance to follow in those Commonwealth footsteps.

Whether you are lacing up for parkrun, taking a dinghy out on Powell's Pool or simply walking the dog, Sutton Park is a place where Birmingham comes to play. Entry to the park is free, making it one of the region's best-value days out.