Sandwell Valley Country Park, West Midlands - A wonderful open space!

Sandwell Valley Country Park is situated in West Bromwich, Sandwell, West Midlands. Here you can find Sandwell Park Farm, the Swan Pool, and the ruins of Sandwell Priory and Sandwell Hall.


Where is Sandwell Valley Country Park?

Sandwell Valley Country Park starts at Salter's Lane, West Bromwich, Sandwell, West Midlands, B71 4BG. It stretches towards Park Lane, West Bromwich, B71 3SZ (near the Swan Pool).

Sandwell Valley Country ParkSandwell Valley Country Park towards the Visitor Centre and farm (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown


It is near Salter's Lane and Dartmouth Park. The park is split in half by the M5 motorway.

Sandwell Valley Country ParkRoad train at Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

In brief

This green flag park contains two visitor centres, Forge Mill Farm and Sandwell Park Farm. Sot's Hole is one of three Local Nature Reserves in the Country Park. The highest point of Sandwell Valley is in Birmingham and is known as Hill Top, where the remains of a World War 2 gun emplacement can still be found.

Sandwell Valley Country ParkWelcome to Sandwell Valley Country Park. Entrance from St John's Close off Europa Avenue, West Bromwich (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

History of Sandwell Valley Country Park

Sandwell Valley Country Park was historically the site of the Sandwell Priory, a 12th Century Benedictine monastery. It was closed on the orders of Cardinal Wolsey in 1525, and by 1705 it was redeveloped into Sandwell Hall, built for the Earl of Dartmouth.

The hall was used from the late 19th Century as an asylum, and then in 1907 a home for boys "Sandwell Hall Industrial School for Mentally Defective Boys".

Sandwell Hall was demolished in 1928 due to subsidence caused from mining in Sandwell Park Colliery. A cole tramway ran from the Jubilee pit to the canal at Smethwick.

The park was developed in the 1960s with up to 660 acres set aside for amenities.

Sandwell Valley Country Park

Ruins of the Sandwell Priory or Sandwell Hall at Sandwell Valley Country Park (June 2019). Photography by Karl Newton

 

Sandwell Valley Country Park Visitor Centre

This is the location of the Sandwell Valley Country Park Visitor Centre. It is a Grade II listed building. Located off Lodge Hill Road in West Bromwich. The farm buildings probably date back to circa 1800.  It is arranged around a square farmyard, with buildings on three sides. The farm buildings were built for the Earl of Dartmouth's Sandwell Hall estate as the home farm.

Sandwell Valley Country Park Visitor CentreVisitor Centre at Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Sandwell Park Farm

This farm runs along Salters Lane in West Bromwich. You can walk along the rough path towards the first bridge that crosses over the M5 motorway. Along the way you can see fields with farm animals.

Sandwell Park Farm

Sandwell Park FarmSandwell Park Farm at Sandwell Valley Country Park (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Swan Pool

This is the largest lake at Sandwell Valley Country Park. It is called the Swan Pool (alternative names include Wasson or Warstone). It is used for sailing and is home for ducks, geese and swans. There are paths around the lake for walks. It is also used by cyclists.

Swan Pool Sandwell Valley Country Park

Swan Pool Sandwell Valley Country Park

Swan Pool Sandwell Valley Country ParkSwan Pool at Sandwell Valley Country Park (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Sandwell Priory Ruins

Here you can find the remains of Sandwell Priory, a medieval Benedictine monastery, which was excavated between 1982 and 1988. Some of the finds are on display at a small museum at Sandwell Park Farm.

The Priory was built in the mid 12th century by William son of Guy de Offeni, Lord of the Manor of West Bromwich. It was located next to the 'Sand Well', a natural spring a short distance to the south from which the Priory gets its name. In the first couple of centuries there was probably hundreds of monks here, but by the second half of the 14th century, there was only about one or two monks at the priory. After a recovery in the 15th century, the numbers declined again by the time Cardinal Wolsey closed it in 1525. By this date there was only the Prior and one monk, and many buildings were in a poor state.

Sandwell Priory Ruins

Sandwell Priory RuinsSandwell Priory Ruins at Sandwell Valley Country Park (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Sandwell Hall Ruins

Sandwell Hall was built at the top of Sandwell Priory in 1705.

The site was bought by Lord Dartmouth in 1701, and in 1705 he demolished most of the existing buildings to build a new house. It was built in brick and had towers on three corners. In the 19th century a portico supported by columns was added to the front of the hall, and the hall was extended to the west. The Dartmouth's moved to Patshull near Wolverhampton in 1853, and Sandwell Hall had a variety of uses before it was demolished in 1928.

Sandwell Hall Ruins

Sandwell Hall RuinsSandwell Hall Ruins at Sandwell Valley Country Park (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

M5 motorway bridge crossings

There are at least two bridges that cross over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park.

The first bridge coming from Salters Lane, heads past Sandwell Park Farm, and when you cross the bridge you would be near Swan Pool.

The second bridge is close to the ruins of Sandwell Priory and Sandwell Hall. Crossing this bridge leads you towards Dartmouth Park and Sandwell Park Farm.

M5 bridge 1

M5 bridge 1The first bridge crossing over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

M5 Bridge 2

M5 Bridge 2The second bridge crossing over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Events over the years

There has been a variety of events held over the years at Sandwell Valley Country Park, Here is just sample of the events from the past few years.

 

Sandwell Valley Children's Fun Fair

This was open at weekends and every day during the school summer holidays from July to August 2017. A sign pointed you in the direction from outside of Dartmouth Park.

Sandwell Valley Children's Fun Fair

Children's Fun Fair at Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

There were several painted bears to find around West Bromwich Town Centre in the summer of 2017. One could be found outside of the Sandwell Valley Country Park Visitor Centre for 10 weeks starting in July 2017. You would find a bear called Uncle B by the artists Louise Blakeley and Warren McCabe-Smith, working with Cradley Heath Creative. It was funded by Cradley Heath and Sandwell Council.

Uncle B Sandwell Valley Country Park

Uncle B (by Louise Blakeley and Warren McCabe-Smith) in Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

Sandwell Valley Country Park

 

Project dates

03 Jun 2019 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Photography, Environment & green action
People & community, Rivers, lakes & canals, Green open spaces

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Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

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Environment & green action
23 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Sandwell Valley Country Park Trail

Post image

Sandwell Valley Country Park Trail

This is a wonderful walk or cycle ride in a wonderful Park. There is so much to enjoy including the Swan Pool, Sandwell Priory ruins and Sandwell Park Farm.  Enjoy with our compliments.

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Sandwell Valley Country Park Trail





Sandwell Valley Country Park Trail

This is a wonderful walk or cycle ride in a wonderful Park. There is so much to enjoy including the Swan Pool, Sandwell Priory ruins and Sandwell Park Farm.  Enjoy with our compliments.


To get to Sandwell Country Park

If you are travelling from outside Sandwell, catch the West Midlands Metro from Birmingham or Wolverhampton to West Bromwich Central. Alternatively catch the no 74 bus to West Bromwich Bus Station.

Note:  We recommend you buy a day ticket on the My Metro app before you travel.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 24 West Brom Central (Aug 2021).jpg" />Photography by Elliott Brown

Outside the station you could hire a West Midlands Cycle bike if you do not fancy walking.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire West Bromwich" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMCH West Brom (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" />Photography by Elliott Brown

Turn left onto the West Bromwich Ringway, then pass West Bromwich Bus Station. Turn right onto St Michael Street, continue onto New Street into the New Square shopping centre. Perhaps stop for coffee.

If you missed West Midlands Cycle Hire before, there is another docking point outside of Central St Michael's Sixth Form College.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMCH West Brom (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />West Midlands Cycle Hire at Central St Michael's Sixth Form College (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

Continue through New Square and turn left towards Cronehill Linkway Car Park. Next walk up Cronehills Linkway, stop at the lights and cross over the Cronehills Interchange Bridge.

dndimg alt="Cronehills Interchange Bridge" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cronehills IB West Brom (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Cronehills Interchange Bridge. Photography by Elliott Brown

Near The Expressway follow the path onto Sandwell Road North, then onto Taylors Lane and Woodward Street until you get to Dagger Lane.

Turn right onto Salters Lane and continue heading down to the gate.

Enter Sandwell Valley Country Park. 

At the gates, enter Sandwell Valley Country Park.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" />Salters Lane entrance to Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Continue along Salters Lane through the park. The path/road here is a bit rough.

Along the way you will pass the fields of Sandwell Park Farm.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley cows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Sandwell Park Farm. Photography by Elliott Brown

You will then cross the first bridge over the M5 motorway.

dndimg alt="Bridge 1 M5 Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 1 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" />Bridge over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

You are now on the other side of Sandwell Valley Country Park.

Now turn left onto Beacon Way and follow the path all the way around the Swan Pool.

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" />Swan Pool at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After you've gone around the Swan Pool, turn left which takes you back onto the main path /road towards Park Lane. You will pass the Priory Woods Local Nature Reserve.

At the end of this path, turn right alongside Park Lane, heading to the gate.

Note: If you want to leave the park here, you can, but there are no pavements on Park Lane.

dndimg alt="Park Lane gate Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (8).jpg" />Park Lane gate at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Let's continue along the path towards the ruins of Sandwell Priory and Sandwell Hall.

They were built in the 12th century by William son of Guy de Offeni, Lord of the Manor of West Bromwich.

Located next to the 'Sand Well', a natural spring a short distance to the south from which the Priory gets its name, it was closed by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 during the Reformation, and later demolished.

It was excavated between 1982 and 1988.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Priory Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Priory Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Sandwell Priory Ruins at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Next to the Priory is the ruins of Sandwell Hall. The land was bought by Lord Dartmouth in 1701, and in 1705 he demolished the existing buildings to build his house.

The Dartmouth's moved to Patshull near Wolverhampton in 1853, and Sandwell Hall had a variety of uses before it was demolished in 1928.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Hall Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Remains of Sandwell Hall at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After this, continue along the path, and then cross over the second bridge over the M5 motorway.

Alternatively if you have time, check out the Ice House Pool and Cascade Pool.

There is also another path that takes you back towards the Swan Pool.

dndimg alt="M5 Bridge 2" dndsrc="https://www.birminghamweare.com/uploadedfiles/Bridge 2 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" /> Second bridge over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After the bridge, there is a path where you can take your exit towards Europa Avenue, or you can continue onto Dartmouth Park or Sandwell Park Farm.

The Europa Avenue exit goes past a Mercure Hotel near M5, Junction 1 and The Expressway.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="https://www.birminghamweare.com/uploadedfiles/SVCP Europa Ave (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" /> Leaving Sandwell Valley Country Park at Europa Avenue. Photography by Elliott Brown

From Europa Avenue, take Beeches Road to Birmingham Road. If you want to catch a bus instead of the tram, the 74 stops on Birmingham Road.

Here you can either go down Roebuck Street or Roebuck Lane. Go onto Devereux Road, and get onto West Bromwich Parkway.

This is the end of the trail.  We hope you enjoyed it!

If you need a tram, follow the path to Kenrick Park Tram Stop. Look out for trams.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Parkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 19 West Brom Pkwy (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />West Midlands Metro tram at West Bromwich Parkway. Photography by Elliott Brown

It shouldn't be too long to wait for a tram at Kenrick Park Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Kenrick Park Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Kenrick Pk (Aug 2021).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />West Midlands Metro tram arriving at Kenrick Park Tram Stop. Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
Green open spaces
09 Aug 2021 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

A visit to Sandwell Valley Country Park on the 4th August 2021

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I've been meaning to do a proper walk around of Sandwell Valley Country Park for a while now. My last visit four years ago for the Big Sleuth, I didn't get far into the park. This time entered via Salters Lane, passed a farm, then a bridge over the M5 led to Swan Pool. Eventually got back on the main path and found the Sandwell Priory ruins before one more bridge over the motorway.

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A visit to Sandwell Valley Country Park on the 4th August 2021





I've been meaning to do a proper walk around of Sandwell Valley Country Park for a while now. My last visit four years ago for the Big Sleuth, I didn't get far into the park. This time entered via Salters Lane, passed a farm, then a bridge over the M5 led to Swan Pool. Eventually got back on the main path and found the Sandwell Priory ruins before one more bridge over the motorway.


Previous Sandwell Valley Country Park post from my visit of July 2017.

 

Sandwell Valley Country Park, 4th August 2021

It's been around two years since I last got off the tram at West Bromwich Central Tram Stop. And since then we have had the pandemic. By late July 2021, the Midland Metro Alliance closed the extension from Bull Street to Stephenson Street (so all stops to Library are closed until October 2021 for track relaying works). So I booked my day ticket in the My Metro app before I set out, and travelled to Bull Street Tram Stop.

I got the tram to West Bromwich Central, and after a coffee and toastie at Costa at New Square Shopping Centre, started walking towards Sandwell Valley Country Park (via the Cronehills Interchange Bridge which crosses The Expressway). I avoided Dartmouth Park, and got to Dagger Lane, and headed down Salters Lane to get into the park.

 

Sandwell Park Farm

Welcome to Sandwell Valley Country Park. Home to Sandwell Park Farm. This sign seen from Salters Lane. Sandwell Valley Children's Fun Fair is to the right.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I almost walked up the road to the car park, but instead got back on Salters Lane towards the gate and went through it into the park.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path / road to walk on was quite rough. On the right saw a field full of cows.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These flowers growing in the field are Helicrysum arenarium, according to a scan of Google Lens on my phone.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Further down, another field was full of sheep.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The rough path continues on towards the first bridge that crosses over the M5 motorway.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Before I crossed the bridge, saw another path, this one runs around Hillhouse Farm

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 bridge crossing no 1

The first bridge over the M5 motorway. It is a Weak Bridge, so only vehicles of 7.5T mgw or less. Assume it is used by lightweight farm or park vehicles?

dndimg alt="M5 bridge 1" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 1 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The bridge rises over the M5 motorway as I walked towards the other half of the park.

dndimg alt="M5 bridge 1" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 1 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A lot of traffic on the M5 below. Heading towards the end of the M5 and M6, Junction 8. Left lane, M6 south, right lanes, M6 north.

dndimg alt="M5 bridge 1" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 1 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view below towards M5, Junction 1 for West Bromwich. There was also a sign for Birmingham Park & Ride (either train or tram). If train then it probably means either The Hawthorns or Smethwick Galton Bridge.

dndimg alt="M5 bridge 1" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 1 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Swan Pool

This is the largest lake at Sandwell Valley Country Park. It is called the Swan Pool (alternative names include Wasson or Warstone). Used for sailing. Home of ducks, geese and swans. Paths around the lake for walks, taking your dog for a walk. Also used by cyclists.

A walk around Swan Pool, along the paths in a clockwise direction.

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some swans in the lake, near decking used for fishing.

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was Canada geese in the lake as well as some Greylag geese.

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After leaving Swan Pool, got a couple more photos from the path towards Park Lane, near the Priory Woods Local Nature Reserve.

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Path from Park Lane

After leaving Swan Pool I was next heading towards Park Lane. I eventually got to this gate and crossed over, but couldn't see any pavements to safely walk to The Hawthorns, so instead followed the path towards the ruins instead.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking back to the Park Lane exit, behind me, I was approaching the ruins of both Sandwell Priory (closed 1525) and Sandwell Hall (demolished 1928).

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Sandwell Priory Ruins

The remains of Sandwell Priory, a medieval Benedictine monastery, which was excavated between 1982 and 1988. Some of the finds are on display at a small museum at Sandwell Park Farm. It was built in the mid 12th century by William son of Guy de Offeni, Lord of the Manor of West Bromwich. It was located next to the 'Sand Well' a natural spring a short distance to the south from which the Priory gets its name. In the first couple of centuries there was probably hundreds of monks here, but by the second half of the 14th century, there was only about one or two monks at the priory. After a recovery in the 15th century, the numbers declined again by the time Cardinal Wolsey closed it in 1525. By this date there was only the Prior and one monk, and many buildings were in a poor state.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Priory Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Priory Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Sandwell Priory Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Priory Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Sandwell Priory Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Priory Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Sandwell Priory Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Priory Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Sandwell Hall Ruins

Sandwell Hall was built in top of Sandwell Priory in 1705. The site was bought by Lord Dartmouth in 1701, and in 1705 he demolished most of the existing buildings to build a new house. It was built in brick and had towers on three corners. In the 19th century a portico supported by columns was added to the front of the hall, and the hall was extended to the west. The Dartmouth's moved to Patshull near Wolverhampton in 1853, and Sandwell Hall had a variety of uses before it was demolished in 1928.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Hall Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Hall Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Sandwell Hall Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Hall Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 bridge crossing no 2

After seeing the ruins of both Sandwell Priory and Sandwell Hall, the path leads directly to another footbridge over the M5 motorway. Again a Weak Bridge for vehicles with 7.5T mgw.

dndimg alt="M5 Bridge 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 2 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I wasn't expecting to cross the M5 twice, as I originally thought of leaving the park at Park Lane (but no pavements).

dndimg alt="M5 Bridge 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 2 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Busy traffic on the M5 below. Was a 40 mph limit towards the junction with the M6.

dndimg alt="M5 Bridge 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 2 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Southbound towards Worcester and Bristol was fine, just northbound to the end of the M5 looked congested.

dndimg alt="M5 Bridge 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 2 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Exit to Europa Avenue

After crossing over the second M5 bridge, I left via the path towards Europa Avenue. Found a housing estate with various cul-de-sacs. The path emerged onto a cul-de-sac called St John's Close. Saw this Welcome sign.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/SVCP Europa Ave (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now on Europa Avenue, saw this Sandwell Valley Community Noticeboard next to a red post box.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/SVCP Europa Ave (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing a Mercure Hotel, I took a route towards Kenrick Park Tram Stop, via Beeches Road, Birmingham Road, Roebuck Lane and Devereux Road. Found a path onto the West Bromwich Parkway, and Kenrick Park was a short walk away. The tram back had no free seats, so stood all the way back to Bull Street.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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90 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
11 Dec 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Summer fun fair and The Big Sleuth at the Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017)

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The only time I popped into the Sandwell Valley Country Park was when The Big Sleuth was on, so didn't go far. Saw a fun fair on the way to the Sandwell Park Visitor Centre. A tourist road train was also going round this part of the park. I've not got around to going back to this park. This visit end of July 2017. Not sure if I'll travel back here, is a long way to travel there

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Summer fun fair and The Big Sleuth at the Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017)





The only time I popped into the Sandwell Valley Country Park was when The Big Sleuth was on, so didn't go far. Saw a fun fair on the way to the Sandwell Park Visitor Centre. A tourist road train was also going round this part of the park. I've not got around to going back to this park. This visit end of July 2017. Not sure if I'll travel back here, is a long way to travel there


Do you miss the summer with all the Christmas festivities in winter? Lets go back a couple of summers to late July 2017.

On the 30th July 2017 I was following The Big Sleuth trail of painted bears from Dudley to Sandwell (via the bus). In West Bromwich I got the bears in the Town Centre, then headed through Dartmouth Park and entered the Sandwell Valley Country Park.

On the left was a summer fun fair.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017) fun fair (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A couple of bouncy castles here. The one of the right was the Space Shuttle.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017) fun fair (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Disney Cottage. Would guess that kids and explore it and see Disney cartoon characters?

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017) fun fair (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Crazy Caterpillar. A small rollercoaster for kids to enjoy.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017) fun fair (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The blue tourist road train seen going round the park. Was close to the fun fair. The visitor centre seen in the background.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017) road train (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was called the Sandwell Express. All aboard, full steam ahead!

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017) road train (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It did several loops around this end of the park close to the fun fair.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017) road train (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This is the Sandwell Park Visitor Centre. The Big Sleuth bear I was looking for was outside. While a selection of Little bears was inside. Was originally the Sandwell Park Farm.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017) visitor centre (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A Grade II listed building. Dating to around 1800. Near Lodge Hill Road. Built of brick with tile roofs. The farm buildings were built as the home farm on the Earl of Dartmouth's Sandwell Hall estate. Sandwell Hall was demolished in 1928.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Country Park (July 2017) visitor centre (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The only reason for this visit was to see The Big Sleuth bear called Uncle B. The artists was Louise Blakeley and Warren McCabe-Smith working with Cradley Heath Creative and was funded by Cradley Heath and Sandwell Council.

dndimg alt="Big Sleuth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Big Sleuth bear (July 2017)) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The back side of Uncle B. Wishing he was at the fun fair.

dndimg alt="Big Sleuth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley Big Sleuth bear (July 2017)) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The other little bears were inside the Visitor Centre.

More photos on my Flickr here: Sandwell Valley Country Park.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

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