South-west of Birmingham, near Barnt Green

Lickey Hills Country Park

Forest recreation landscape

Place photograph

6.2

Wildland

2–3 hours

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandHillsRemote countrysideWalkersFamiliesWildlife loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

6.2

A 524-acre sweep of woodland, heathland and grassland on Birmingham’s edge, with hilltop views and a network of waymarked walks.

Lickey Hills earns its place for the way its varied habitats and elevated viewpoints create a substantial countryside escape close to Birmingham. It is a well-equipped, popular park rather than a remote wilderness; come for the walking, changing landscape and broad views.

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South-west of Birmingham, near Barnt Green

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The experience

Allow around 2–3 hours for a walk among the park’s varied habitats and a stop at a hilltop viewpoint. Ask at the visitor-centre ranger desk for the current waymarked route map. Paths include hills, so choose a route to suit your ability.

Things to do

Walk a waymarked trail

Choose a route from the map at the visitor-centre ranger desk. The park has waymarked walking routes; check the current map for distance and difficulty.

Seek out the hilltop viewpoints

The Toposcope and Cofton Hill are listed among the park’s top sights; include a viewpoint in your walk.

Look for the habitat changes

Notice how the scenery shifts between woodland, heathland and grassland across this varied country park.

Take a break at the visitor centre

Check the ranger desk for route information, then visit the café if it is open. Dogs, except assistance dogs, must stay outside the visitor-centre building.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: a hilltop view

01
Start at the visitor centre and check the ranger desk’s current map of waymarked walks.
02
Choose a short route to a hilltop viewpoint, such as the Toposcope or Cofton Hill.
03
Return by a suitable waymarked path; ask about gradients and distance before setting off.

Half day · 2–3 hours

Make a half day of it: explore the changing habitats

01
Pick up the current waymarked-walk map from the visitor-centre ranger desk.
02
Follow a walk that takes in more than one of the park’s woodland, heathland and grassland habitats.
03
Pause at a hilltop viewpoint, then finish with a visit to the visitor centre or café if open.

When to go

March · April · May · September · October · Early morning on a weekday for a quieter visit.

The supplied source describes spring flowering plants and returning birds, and autumn leaf colour. The park is presented as a year-round destination.

Expect exposed conditions on hilltops. Check the forecast and choose footwear suitable for walking; route conditions are not specified in the supplied sources.

What to look for

Notice the shift between woodland, heathland and grassland as you walk. Make time for the hilltop viewpoints, including the Toposcope and Cofton Hill.

Best time to go

Year-round; spring brings flowering plants and returning birds, while autumn offers changing leaf colour.

Spring for flowering plants and returning birds; visit early on a weekday if you want a quieter walk.

How long to spend

2–3 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Families · Wildlife lovers · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

Public country park. The visitor centre is at the end of Warren Lane, off Rose Hill. Car parks lock at dusk; check entrance signs for closing times.

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Parking

Car parks are available; they lock at dusk and closing times vary seasonally. Check the signs at the entrances.

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Toilets

Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are inside the visitor centre.

Food & drink

Grounds Café at the visitor centre serves hot and cold food and drinks. It opens with the centre and closes 30 minutes before it shuts.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed inside the visitor-centre building, except assistance dogs. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are allowed in the café; check current signage for other park rules.

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Accessibility

The source row reports wheelchair-accessible paths and designated accessible parking, but the council source does not specify which routes are suitable. Check current route information before setting out.

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Cost

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