Sheldon Country Park
📍 Birmingham, West Midlands
Large free country park adjacent to Birmingham Airport with an official aircraft viewing area, children's playground, farm animals, and extensive picnic space. Pram-friendly paths throughout with free parking at the Old Rectory Farm entrance.
🏆 Funzaroo Verdict
Best for families with aviation-mad children — the aircraft pass low and loud enough to be genuinely exciting rather than distant specks. The free entry and free parking make it one of the better-value full days out near Birmingham. Combine the playground, animal pens, and viewing area for a three-hour circuit that works across a wide age range.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,930 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Ishtiaq Hussain
10 months ago
“Great place for plane-spotting with the kids! We parked in Car Park 5 at Birmingham Airport and walked a few minutes to the official viewing area. There are benches, good run-way views of aircraft taking off and landing, and plenty of space for children to sit or move around. Ideal for a relaxed outing or picnic while you watch the action in the sky. As a tip: bring wind-proof clothing and check parking charges ahead of time. Overall a fun and easy-to-access spot for aviation fans of any age!"”
Deb Hughes
7 months ago
“Great place to visit, Sheldon country park is a big place, it’s great in the summer for picnics and watching the aeroplanes land and take off. Great park / play area for kids. Plenty of parking Park and ride at one of the car parks next to Marston train station.”
Aky
a year ago
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sheldon Country Park is a really lovely place to visit! It’s perfect for plane spotting – you can see everything up close and really hear the engines roaring, which is amazing. There’s also a small play area for the kids, a few animals to look at, and plenty of open space to enjoy. It has a bit of everything, making it a great spot for families or anyone who just wants a nice day out.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Sheldon Country Park sits directly alongside Birmingham Airport's runway, giving families close-range views and audible engine noise as aircraft take off and land. The playground cluster sits near Old Rectory Farm alongside small farm animal enclosures. A 10-15 minute walk across the park connects the play area to the dedicated aviation viewing spot with benches. Paths are pushchair and wheelchair-accessible throughout.
