The borough of Solihull’s motto is ‘Urbs in rure’, which is Latin for ‘town in the country’.
It aims to reflect the fact that Solihull boasts a lot of green space - something it is very proud of. Not only that but it borders the Warwickshire and Worcestershire countryside.
The borough boasts a hosts of great parks which are looked after by Solihull Council and all have their individual character and merits. Some really stand out though and arguably one of them is head and shoulders above the rest - in our opinion anyway.
This is by no means a list of all the borough’s parks but we have picked some of the best and our particular favourite:
The borough boasts a hosts of great parks which are looked after by Solihull Council and all have their individual character and merits. Some really stand out though and arguably one of them is head and shoulders above the rest - in our opinion anyway.
5. Shirley Park
Another Green Flag Park close to suburbia, Shirley Park reopened in June 2014 following £600,000 of improvement works including improved access, new play equipment, an outdoor gym, community artwork, planting, refurbished tennis courts and a dog agility area. People can also apply to hold their own event at Shirley Park. There is a one-mile Shirley Park walking trail organised by Solihull Active and Solihull Council recently partnered with the Lawn Tennis Association to resurface the tennis courts there. As with other Solihull parks with tennis facilities the courts are free to use but booking is required. There’s also a skate park and the Palmers Rough Local Nature Reserve is close by. Location: Stratford Road | Enda Mullen
6. Tudor Grange Park
Another park that allows easy access from Solihull town centre and another Green Flag Park. An unusual feature is its cycle track. A joint venture with Solihull Cycling Club, and British Cycling, the track was the brainchild of Olympic silver medallist Harry Reynolds. Ideal for pro-training or just having fun, highlights include: A 1km figure of eight track State of the art design Free for everyone to use It’s important to check the cycle track is available ahead of turning up. Tudor Grange Park also has a play area, a skate park, an array of outdoor gym equipment, a pond and a stream. The park is also home to the annual Solihull Festival, which last year saw the likes of the Human League and Boney M performing. Location: Monkspath Hall Road | Enda Mullen
7. Hillfield Park, Monkspath
This Green Flag Park was created as part of the development of the Hillfield and Monkspath residential areas which not too many decades ago were farmland. It might cater mostly for the people in the immediate vicinity but is worth making a special trip to. There’s a play area which includes slides and swings and some of the latest games and equipment for kids of any age and disabled children, a lake and walking trails. Location: Monkspath Hall Road and Brick Kiln Lane | Flickr
8. Knowle Park
A Local Nature Reserve, this Green Flag park is billed as being a great location for getting in touch with wildlife. Set in the heart of Knowle village, the park sits on the previous grounds of Longdon Hall. A particular highlight is the Knowle Park annual music event, attracting picnicking people from the village and far further afield. There are also ornamental gardens, a play area including springs, zip wire and climbing net, a pond, tennis courts (free to hire but booking required) and a raft of outdoor gym equipment. Love Knowle Park is a small local group dedicated to improving Knowle park and has already overseen the refurbishment of the play area with a new basketball court planned in the near future. For those wishing to get involved in fundraising please contact them. Location: Longdon Road (cars) and Lodge Road (pedestrians) | Enda Mullen