After the festive indulgence, there's no better remedy than wrapping up warm and heading out into the crisp winter air. The landscapes around Birmingham and the wider West Midlands transform under a delicate frost, offering breathtaking scenery perfect for a seasonal stroll.
Urban Escapes and Countryside Retreats
Compiled with suggestions from local parents on the Brummie Mummies Facebook page, this guide features locations just a couple of miles from the city centre and others requiring a short drive into the countryside. From ancient woodlands to hilltop vistas, these walks promise to invigorate both body and mind.
Nature Reserves and Country Parks
Saltwells Nature Reserve, near Brierley Hill, is one of the UK's largest urban nature reserves. Conveniently located close to Merry Hill shopping centre, it boasts ancient woodland, ponds, and wetlands, alongside a sculpture park and downloadable trails. Parking is straightforward, making it excellent for families.
Just 15 miles from the city, Kingsbury Water Park offers 15 lakes across 600 acres, with waymarked routes, a play area, and a miniature railway. Many paths are surfaced for pushchairs and wheelchairs, though parking charges apply.
For a park that feels truly wild, head to Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield. Spanning over 2,000 acres, it's one of Europe's largest urban parks. With multiple routes, lakes, and playgrounds, visitors might even spot deer or wild ponies.
Woodgate Valley Country Park covers 450 acres with meadows, woodland, and ponds. It features a playground, visitor centre, and an urban farm with sheep, pigs, and goats (admission fee applies).
Parents highly recommend Sandwell Valley Country Park, just 20 minutes from central Birmingham. Its 660 acres include woods, pools, an adventure playground, an RSPB centre, and both surfaced and natural footpaths.
Hilltop Views and Historic Walks
For spectacular panoramas, the Clent Hills are just 10 miles from Birmingham. On a clear day, views stretch to the Shropshire Hills and the Cotswolds. With miles of footpaths for all abilities, a natural play area, and a wheelchair-accessible path to the summit featuring the Four Stones, it's a firm favourite.
The Lickey Hills country park is another essential winter destination. Pick up a walks booklet from the visitor centre, let children explore the adventure playground and mini castle rampart, and take in the incredible view from Beacon Hill.
Near Stourbridge, Kinver Edge offers miles of waymarked footpaths. Choose a short walk to the Hillfort or a longer ramble to Nanny's Rock for fantastic vistas across the varied landscape.
At Waseley Hills Country Park, try the three-mile Rabbit Trail for views across Birmingham to mid-Wales, or the half-mile Skylark Trail for a shorter, gentler option ideal for little legs.
Further Afield for a Full Day Out
For a complete escape, drive out to the serene Clun Valley in Shropshire, described by poet A.E. Housman as 'the quietest place under the sun'. Its hills offer breathtaking views and pretty walks alongside the Unk, Kemp, and Redlake watercourses.
Step back in time with a walk in picturesque Warwickshire starting in Offchurch. A lovely four-mile route from Radford, Leamington, links town and country, taking in a canal towpath, the Greenway cycle path, and Leam Valley.
Finally, Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has something for everyone. Discover Fairy Trees, a Gruffalo Sculpture, and adventure playgrounds. The Ladyhill Trail is an easy circular route for wheelchairs and pushchairs, while the Fairoak Trail is a 2.5-mile circular walk. For the adventurous, a 10-mile linear trail links Rugeley, Hednesford, and Cannock.
So, pull on your coat, gather your loved ones, and discover the frosty beauty on your doorstep this winter.
