Sheldon Country Park and Old Rectory Farm
A vibrant park offering thrilling plane spotting, farm animals, and open spaces for family fun and relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for plane spotting action
Sheldon Country Park and Old Rectory Farm
Best Time
Best for plane spotting action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant park offering thrilling plane spotting, farm animals, and open spaces for family fun and relaxation.
"Absolutely incredible place to spot for aviation lovers, great for departures and arrivals!"
🎯 Best Plane Spotting Spot
Head towards Hazeldene Road for the best views of planes taking off and landing.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Walks
Plenty of space and paths for walking dogs, a great spot for pups to explore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Runway Views
Near Hazeldene Road
Witness planes up close as they take off and land at Birmingham Airport. Hear the engines roar!
Old Rectory Farm Animals
Within the park
A charming small farm with various animals, perfect for a relaxed stroll and for children to enjoy.
+1
Spacious Greenery
Throughout the park
Ample open space for picnics, dog walks, and simply enjoying the outdoors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plane Spotting Hotspot
Park Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Plane Spotting Spot
Head towards Hazeldene Road for the best views of planes taking off and landing.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Walks
Plenty of space and paths for walking dogs, a great spot for pups to explore.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the open spaces while watching the planes.
🚗 Parking Advice
Parking is available, but can get busy. Consider Marston Green train station for a short walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Plane Spotting Spot
Head towards Hazeldene Road for the best views of planes taking off and landing.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Walks
Plenty of space and paths for walking dogs, a great spot for pups to explore.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the open spaces while watching the planes.
🚗 Parking Advice
Parking is available, but can get busy. Consider Marston Green train station for a short walk.
✈️ Flight Schedule
Check flight schedules for Birmingham Airport to time your visit for specific aircraft.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sheldon Country Park is highly praised as an excellent spot for plane spotting, offering close-up views of aircraft and the thrill of engine sounds. It's also appreciated for its family-friendly amenities, including a playground and farm animals, set within spacious, accessible grounds. While generally well-regarded, occasional temporary closures of specific access points have been noted.
"Absolutely incredible place to spot for aviation lovers. Great for departures out of 33 or arrivals into 15. Lots of open space so you can get a good view. Have experienced Sheldon both completely empty and full but you get a great view either way. Easy access, especially from Marston Green train station which is just a few minutes walk away."
Jack Phillips
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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."
Aaqib Ali
"We love coming to sheldon for walks with the pups and to chill and watch the planes go by ❤️🫶🏼 theirs a whole load of space to walk around and paths on paths to explore, theirs animals too and a picnic area, it's nice to go and relax and chill out for a few hours 🌳🌷🐾 and let the dogs walk off their energy x"
Agnetha Greenhalgh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sheldon Country Park is accessible by car, with parking available. For plane spotting, driving towards Hazeldene Road is recommended. It's also a short walk from Marston Green train station.
Yes, there is parking available within the park. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is advised.
While not directly adjacent, Marston Green train station is a short walk from the park, and it's a few stops from the airport.
Many visitors suggest heading towards Hazeldene Road for the prime viewing spots.
Yes, Marston Green train station is within walking distance, making it accessible via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Sheldon Country Park is free to enter, making it a great budget-friendly option for a day out. +1
The park generally offers open access, but specific car park hours might vary. It's best to check for any seasonal or temporary closures.
No, tickets are not required as entry to Sheldon Country Park is free.
While the park itself is generally accessible, it's advisable to check for any specific restrictions on car park access, especially in the evenings.
Yes, you can enjoy a quick visit for plane spotting or a short walk, or spend a longer time picnicking and exploring.
🎫 ✈️ Plane Spotting
Weekends during the day offer the most activity. For specific aircraft like the Emirates A380, check flight schedules. +1
Absolutely! You can witness both departures from runway 33 and arrivals into runway 15, with planes flying overhead.
You can see a variety of commercial aircraft, including large jets like the Emirates A380 and Qatar Airways 787. +2
Yes, the roar of the engines can be quite loud when planes are taking off or landing, which many aviation enthusiasts find thrilling.
While there aren't formal viewing platforms, the open space provides excellent, unobstructed views of the runway.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The park features open green spaces, a children's play area, a small farm with animals, and picnic spots.
Yes, there is a play area in the main car park that is popular with children.
The park has a small farm area with various animals, including cows and other farmyard creatures. +1
Absolutely! There are plenty of open spaces and designated picnic areas perfect for a family meal.
Yes, the park offers numerous paths for walking, making it ideal for strolls with family, friends, or pets.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas near Hazeldene Road offer fantastic opportunities for capturing aircraft in flight. +1
Yes, the park provides excellent vantage points for photographing planes during takeoff.
The farm area offers charming opportunities to photograph the animals.
Plane spotting photography is very popular, capturing aircraft against the sky. +1
The open space allows for unobstructed views, making it easier to get clear shots of the aircraft.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Pack a picnic to make the most of the spacious grounds and enjoy a relaxed family outing. Consider visiting on a weekday morning for a less crowded experience. The combination of exciting aviation action and gentle farm life makes it a well-rounded destination for younger visitors.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Aim for the Hazeldene Road area for the best photographic opportunities and to truly feel the power of the engines.
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Plane Spotting
For the best experience, many recommend heading towards Hazeldene Road, which provides a prime vantage point.
While the primary draw is aviation, the park also offers a pleasant environment for general relaxation. The sounds of the aircraft, combined with the open air, create a unique atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of visitors.
Family Fun and Farm Animals
Adding to the charm is the Old Rectory Farm, home to a collection of farm animals. Visitors can enjoy seeing cows, and other farmyard creatures, making it an engaging experience for children and adults alike.
Many reviews highlight the park's ability to offer a bit of everything, making it a great spot for a relaxed day out. The combination of plane spotting, animal encounters, and open green spaces ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Park Accessibility and Amenities
While the park is largely open, it's worth noting that specific access points, such as the gate on Hazeldene Road, may experience temporary closures.
The park's amenities, including the playground and farm animals, contribute to its appeal as a versatile destination. It's a place where you can enjoy the excitement of aviation or simply unwind in a natural setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit