Located in Bearwood, which borders Birmingham, it is a great place for children and families to explore. The Grade II-listed house has been lovingly restored to its 18th century glory, with a tea room, community rooms and space for public and private events. Many of the park’s historical elements have been brought back to life, including the drinking fountains, the 19th century bandstand and the Shakespeare Garden – plus new paths and a play area. (Photo - Michael Westley /(CC BY-SA 2.0))placeholder image
Located in Bearwood, which borders Birmingham, it is a great place for children and families to explore. The Grade II-listed house has been lovingly restored to its 18th century glory, with a tea room, community rooms and space for public and private events. Many of the park’s historical elements have been brought back to life, including the drinking fountains, the 19th century bandstand and the Shakespeare Garden – plus new paths and a play area. (Photo - Michael Westley /(CC BY-SA 2.0)) | Copyright Michael Westley /(CC BY-SA 2.0)

Smethwick bucket list: 13 fascinating things to do in the Sandwell neighbourhood

Asmita Sarkar
By Asmita Sarkar

Digital Journalist

Published 24th Jul 2023, 11:51 BST

Here are 13 interesting things to do in Smethwick from Victorian parks to independent bookstores

The historic neighbourhood of Smethwick has is in rich history and heritage - despite going through so many changes over the years.

It’s where the Smethwick Engine was invented invented by Matthew Boulton and James Watt in the eighteenth century. It’s also where you’ll find some fascinating independent shops on Bearwood High Street.

From parks and big green spaces to independent bookstores, restaurants, curry houses and pubs, Smethwick is a busy neighbourhood. It is also home to several Sikh temples that are open to all and serve free food as Langar - a communal free kitchen.

There are museums and activity hubs to take the little ones for a fun family day. And soon, it will have a massive aquatics centre with an Olympic-size swimming pool, a 10-metre diving board with 25 metre pool, a community swimming pool. Here are 13 fascinating things to do in Smethwick:

Surrounded by houses and schools, Warley Woods is the park of choice for all those who live in and around Smethwick. Run and funded by a Trust, and a dedicated group of donors and volunteers, the wood has won the Green Flag Award for 14 years running, so you know it’s a great place to be. It is made up of different areas, including a large, natural woodland, a open green space, and an area called “The Wilderness”, which it full of diverse plant and insect life as well as small pond. Popular among dog walkers, the Woods is a welcoming place with something for everyone. (Photo - Brianboru100 CC BY-SA 3.0)

5. Warley Woods

Surrounded by houses and schools, Warley Woods is the park of choice for all those who live in and around Smethwick. Run and funded by a Trust, and a dedicated group of donors and volunteers, the wood has won the Green Flag Award for 14 years running, so you know it’s a great place to be. It is made up of different areas, including a large, natural woodland, a open green space, and an area called “The Wilderness”, which it full of diverse plant and insect life as well as small pond. Popular among dog walkers, the Woods is a welcoming place with something for everyone. (Photo - Brianboru100 CC BY-SA 3.0) | Brianboru100 CC BY-SA 3.0

Sandwell Aquatics Centre is set to open on July 24th to the public and it was the venue for the swimming competitions during the Commonwealth Games 2022 - making it a historic place even before it opened. (Photo of Team England’s diving squad celebrating their gold and silver medals. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

6. Sandwell Aquatics Centre

Sandwell Aquatics Centre is set to open on July 24th to the public and it was the venue for the swimming competitions during the Commonwealth Games 2022 - making it a historic place even before it opened. (Photo of Team England’s diving squad celebrating their gold and silver medals. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On the second Sunday of every month, Lightwoods House and Gardens hosts the Bearwood Earth Market. The market by Vegan Vybes focusses on sustainable living and gives a platform to small businesses. (Photo - Gheorghita - stock.adobe.com)

7. Bearwood Earth Market

On the second Sunday of every month, Lightwoods House and Gardens hosts the Bearwood Earth Market. The market by Vegan Vybes focusses on sustainable living and gives a platform to small businesses. (Photo - Gheorghita - stock.adobe.com) | Gheorghita - stock.adobe.com

This library, built in 1937 was designed by Smethwick Borough engineer Roland Fletcher and Chester Button, an architect. It is built in brick in the Moderne style and was given Grade II listed building status in March 2003. (Photo - Google Maps)

8. Thimblemill Library

This library, built in 1937 was designed by Smethwick Borough engineer Roland Fletcher and Chester Button, an architect. It is built in brick in the Moderne style and was given Grade II listed building status in March 2003. (Photo - Google Maps) | Google Maps

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