Located in the heart of the Black Country and gateway to Birmingham, Sandwell boasts a bostin’ day out if you’re making a visit. Here’s just a few things to explore.
Sandwell Valley
One of the hidden gems of the West Midlands and namesake of the region – Sandwell Valley has plenty on offer. Walks, cycle trails, play park, high ropes, visitor centre, café and even a rabbit village – what’s not to enjoy? Check out the latest events and activities on here.
Forge Mill Farm is also located within the park and always has lots to do. This summer its Sunflower Field will attract visitors from around the country with a quarter of a million sunflowers, its new food field for pick your own sweetcorn and potatoes will offer a hands-on experience as well as showing visitors how wheat and oats grow.
The farm works with lots of organisations from across Sandwell, including Sandwell Parents of Disabled Children for their Summer Sunflower party, the Farm Yard Circus for a virtual schools’ celebration, and a holiday activity and food programme for four weeks for children who receive free school meals.
Check out what’s on at Forge Mill Farm here and hear from farm apprentice Brandon on what makes working there so special.
Lightwoods Park & House
After a £5.2 million refurbishment, the Lightwoods Park, Bearwood, has new paths, playground, water fountains and more, and hosts numerous events and celebrations throughout the year. The park has been used by the pubic for over 100 years.
Whether it’s Sandwell’s Food Festival, Bearwood Dining Club or the numerous clubs and activities held year-round, there’s plenty going on. Check out the latest here.
Make memories at the Mela
Since 2011 Smethwick has played host to the Sandwell & Birmingham Mela, the biggest South Asian music festival in Europe.
Victoria Park will bring the sights, sounds and tastes of South Asia to the thousands of visitors who come to Sandwell for the event, which this year will be on 19-20 July 2025. Find out more here.
Museums & Buildings
From historic houses such as Manor House and Oak House Museums to industrial heritage spots that tell the story of our past, like Galton Valley Pumping Station museum, and impressive religious buildings like the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick, there’s lots to explore.
Plan what you’ll include in your next visit here
Sports
As well as being home to West Bromwich Albion FC at the Hawthorns, Sandwell’s Aquatic Centre continues its legacy of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 as host to numerous swimming and diving events, plus heaps of community clubs and activities.
Leisure centres across the borough are not only providing state of the art facilities, such as this newly kitted out gym, aka the ‘Burn Lab’ in Wednesbury for all gym goers, Hyrox fans and fitness influencers, but emerging sports are being introduced to the community through facilities like these Padel courts in Tipton. Read about Sandwell Making Sport for Everyone here.
Find out about what activities are on over the summer at Sandwell Leisure Trust facilities here and more about what sports facilities there are here.
For the latest of What’s On in Sandwell check out Visit Sandwell’s calendar here
