Sutton Coldfield - Royal Town

Essential Intel

You will need to access The Sutton Park Visitor Centre to solve a clue along the route of this Trail. It is open all year from 10am to 6pm in the summer and 10am to 4.30pm in the winter, so please allow plenty of time to complete your quest.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Sutton Coldfield Royal Town, with Explorers following Treasure Trev Digger's hand-drawn map to help his son Lou and the Exploration Society pinpoint the location of Trev's find after years of searching around Sutton Park.

The quest covers approximately 2.5 miles and should take around 2.5 hours to complete. You'll begin at The railway station, investigate the town centre, head into Sutton Park, continue through Vesey Memorial Gardens and past Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, then loop back towards the station.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route mainly uses pavements and paths, but there is one steep incline, a covered sloping ramp at the station, and steps in Vesey Memorial Gardens unless you go round them.

Busy roads need to be crossed in several places, including a very busy road near Sutton Park entrance and Mill Street. The route also runs beside roads at times, so keep Mini Explorers close and take care with traffic.

Getting There

By car: Start your quest at The railway station (B73 6AT). The recommended parking is the railway station car park (B73 6AT). The railway station is described as ideal, and you can begin at the car park or the platform.

By public transport: The railway station is an ideal start point, so why not arrive by train? Once you're there, gather your Explorers and begin the hunt from the station area.

Need the Loo?

Toilets can be found in Sutton Park and in the town centre, giving your crew a couple of handy comfort-stop options during the adventure.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If you're bringing four-legged Explorers, we're currently unaware of any restrictions for dogs on this Trail. 🐾

Whilst most of our Trails can be enjoyed with dogs, those in towns and cities may be less suitable due to traffic and a lack of open spaces. You may also encounter restricted access to parks etc. This route includes busy road sections and crossings, plus time in Sutton Park, so keep canine companions close around traffic and follow any local signs you meet along the way.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure hunting around a Royal Town calls for proper supplies. There are plenty of snack shops and refreshment stops along the route, including a cafe at the leisure centre.

You can also pick up provisions and enjoy a picnic in Sutton Park at Clue 05, making it a great place to pause before the search continues.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Sutton Park

Sutton Park is the big outdoor prize on this quest. This National Nature Reserve is one of the UK's largest urban open spaces, and its history is just as impressive as its scale. In medieval times, archers trained here with the mighty longbow, and in 1957 it hosted the World Scout Jamboree, when around 50,000 Scouts camped here for 17 days. Keep an eye out for the gates too - their high handles help horse riders and cyclists open them without dismounting.

Vesey Memorial Gardens

Vesey Memorial Gardens adds a quieter historic pause to the route, with its crest on the iron bars and connection to Bishop Vesey's story. There are steps here, though you can go a little further round the garden and approach another way if you cannot do them.

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall is one of the route's main sights - an imposing Victorian building that now serves as a theatre and conference venue. It's a fine spot for Explorers to slow down and admire the town's grander side once the treasure map has stopped demanding quite so much attention.

New Hall

New Hall is said to be one of England's oldest continuously inhabited moated houses. Tradition says it began around 1200 as the Earl of Warwick's hunting lodge, before Tudor and seventeenth century additions reshaped the manor. Its spring-fed moat still frames the story today.

Anchorage Road Conservation Area

For Explorers who enjoy spotting odd details, Anchorage Road Conservation Area is worth a slower wander. Every house has its own character, with quirky windows, fancy brickwork, curious roofs and unusual doors to look out for as you continue the quest.