Sutton Park

Sutton Park is a vast urban park on the northern edge of Birmingham. It covers more than 900 hectares and is one of the largest urban parks in the United Kingdom. The park mixes heathland, wetlands and ancient woodlands that cover about a quarter of its area. Seven lakes lie scattered through the landscape, along with several pools created centuries ago to power watermills. A railway line built in 1879 runs through the park, and there are two golf courses along its western and southern edges. The park has been shaped by centuries of use. Anglo-Saxon kings established it as a royal hunting forest in the 9th century. A preserved stretch of the Roman road Icknield Street still runs through the park near the Royal Oak Gate. In 1528 King Henry VIII gave the land to the people of Sutton Coldfield at the request of Bishop John Vesey. The park’s name may come from the charcoal burning that once took place here. Artefacts such as flint arrowheads and Roman coins have been found within its boundaries. Visitors find wide paths for walking, cycling and pony trekking across heath and woodland. Seven lakes and several pools offer fishing, sailing and rowing, with clubs meeting regularly on Powell’s Pool and Blackroot Pool. The park also hosts running events, triathlons and fitness classes throughout the year. A stone pillar marks the spot where the 1957 World Scout Jamboree was held. Ancient earthworks and burnt mounds hint at the park’s prehistoric past, while the railway line and miniature railway recall its more recent history.