The town in the country – Solihull’s glorious green spaces

Boasting 1500 acres of green space across the borough – from gorgeous ornamental gardens and skate parks, to nature reserves, ancient woodland and wildflower meadows – it’s clear why Solihull is known as the “town in the country”. In fact, this West Midlands borough has been awarded a whopping 16 Green Flag Awards, with the Wildlife Ways project providing over 150 miles  (240 km) of public rights of way through woodland and open countryside. If that wasn’t enough, Solihull has (for the third consecutive year) been recognised as a Tree City of the World. High praise, indeed, given that only 200 cities around the world have been granted this prestigious status. These parks thrive with support from dedicated 'Friends of Park' groups, ensuring they remain vibrant and welcoming spaces for all. And don't worry about parking – each of Solihull's parks offer ample parking facilities. To help you make the most of this unique town in the country, here we present some of Solihull’s glorious green spaces. 

Malvern and Brueton Parks

Remarkably, given the expanse they occupy, Malvern and Brueton Parks are located right in the centre of Solihull and offer an oasis of calm. With opportunities to get active, and the chance to walk on the wild side at one fell swoop. That’s the beauty of these terrific two-parks-in-one –  they provide plenty to keep everyone happy. 

If, for example, you’re looking for a safe space to let your little ones let off steam, the Malvern area of the park has a refurbished play area, with state-of-the-art apparatus for all ages of young adventurers. If your visit happens to coincide with a Sunday morning, the park hosts a junior parkrun each week — a fun 2k event for children aged 4 to 14.

Also serving swish, resurfaced tennis courts and fabulous formal gardens, Malvern Park is the picture-perfect place to picnic.

Meanwhile, thanks to its wide-open spaces, Brueton offers visitors the chance to walk on the wilder side in the centre of town, as befits Solihull’s “town in the country” nickname.

Home to the 5.5-acre (2.2 hectare) Parkridge Nature Reserve, Brueton boasts buggy-friendly paths, with the wonderful Woodland Playground and interactive sensory path inviting kids to unleash their inner explorer.

Meanwhile, the back-to-nature Brueton Tree Trail serves as the stage for stacks of stunning trees and birdlife, with a lovely tea room on hand when you’re in need of replenishment.

Each week the local community gathers for a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event where participants can walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. Every week, attendees gather for a post-parkrun coffee at the Parkridge Centre in Brueton Park, inviting everyone to join.

Elmdon Nature Park

Located on the edge of Solihull, Elmdon Nature Park blends all the benefits of being a family-friendly park space with the beauty of a nature reserve.  Add to that notable heritage hotspots and hilltop views, and this Green Flag space amounts to an all-round winner.

After letting your little ones loose on the play area’s rides and activities (there’s gym equipment for adults, too), make your way to Elmdon Manor Nature Reserve. This spectacular, once-derelict site has been imaginatively reinvented in recent years, and is now as rich in wildlife as it is in history.

Encompassing an ivy-clad walled garden, the manor’s original fruit orchard has been restored to exude all the charm of a quintessential English country garden. Offering a bedazzlement of blooms, bees and butterflies, it’s the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls.

Beyond the walls, the reserve’s open woodland of oak, elm and yew trees plays host to the likes of goldcrests, warblers, buzzards and sparrow hawks, with the rolling hilly landscape offering fine views over the wider region. 

While walking the heritage trail is a great way to discover local history at pretty much any time of the year, visit in spring or summer to witness the re-established meadow resplendent with wildflowers. 

Shirley Park

Formerly an expanse of farmland, these days Shirley Park delivers wonderful walks and stacks of activities right next to Solihull’s busy Stratford Road shopping centre. As such, this easy-access Green Flag Park is the perfect place to keep kids happy around shopping trips.

Alongside delivering everything you’d expect of an excellently revamped urban recreation area –  community artwork, playground facilities, an outdoor gym, plus free-to-use tennis courts and a dog agility area –  Shirley Park goes the extra mile with its cool modern skate park. 

It’s also the perfect place to take it easy in the centre of town, with elegant ornamental gardens and walkways providing a sense of calm that’ll make you feel a million miles from all the urban bustle.

On that subject, it’s worth knowing that Palmers Rough Nature Reserve is close to Shirley Park. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, it encompasses 18 acres of ancient woodland –  Palmers Coppice to the east, and Squires Coppice to the west.

Tudor Grange Park

Sited on land that once belonged to the Bird’s Custard family, Tudor Grange Park –  another fine example of Solihull’s “town in the country” standing –  serves green-space glory and world-class cycling experiences in a central location. Yep, that’s right –  Olympic silver-medallist Harry Reynolds coordinated the creation of the park’s 1 km figure-of-eight cycle track in conjunction with Solihull Cycling Club and British Cycling.

While the track hosts official British Cycling circuit races, check the schedule to turn up and ride for free and find out about events that invite the whole family to discover the joys of two-wheeled whizzing.

Cycling aside, Tudor Grange Park –  another of Solihull’s Green Flag-designated spaces –  offers a state-of-the-art skate park, outdoor gym and playground area.

With a lovely lake and brook that’s been restored with beauty and biodiversity in mind, it also hosts some of the borough’s biggest events, from funfairs and circus shows, to the celebrated Solihull Summer Fest. 
 

Babbs Mill

Established in 1977 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, the Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve has since become a cherished destination for both locals and travellers seeking a peaceful retreat.

The park's commitment to conservation is evident in its diverse habitats, from lush woodlands to vibrant wildflower meadows—a playground for owls and a sanctuary for protected species like bats. Mornings often bring a quiet, misty charm, popular with early joggers and birdwatchers.

As the day progresses, Babbs Mill comes alive with families and dog walkers enjoying its expansive open spaces. A highlight is the fantastic play area featuring swings, slides, and even a mini roller coaster. Families will also want to take advantage of the basketball court and football pitch.

That said, Babbs Mill Park isn't just a green space; it's a vibrant community hub where locals come together for various events and casual meetups. One of its standout attractions is the Babbs Mill parkrun, held every Saturday at 9:00 am. This free 5k community event is organised by passionate volunteers and welcomes everyone, whether you're into walking, jogging, running — or just cheering others on.

So, there we have it. Five fabulous Solihull parks that reveal exactly why this town in the country makes a mighty fine urban destination –  you don’t have to venture from the beaten track to get back to nature, walk on the wild side, and enjoy exhilarating outdoor activities for free.  

While you're here, keep an eye out for Horace the hedgehog on signs throughout the parks of Solihull. He's the adorable new park mascot advocating the parks' advantages for physical and mental health, and promoting biodiversity across the borough.

For more information on Solihull, visit visitsolihull.co.uk and  www.solihull.gov.uk.

This article was brought to you in sponsorship with West Midlands Growth.