Parents can forget about keeping the kids occupied this Easter, when families can enjoy an immersive nature-inspired experience at The Belfry Hotel and Resort, near Sutton Coldfield.

The brand-new Woodland Adventure playground—nestled within the resort’s scenic woodlands—offers thrilling activities, from climbing towers and zip wires to sunken trampolines and swooping slides, perfect for kids who love outdoor exploration.

A Playground Inspired by Nature

Designed to reflect the resort’s native woodland wildlife, the playground is divided into three exciting zones:

• The Owl’s Roost – Soar down slides and swing like an owl in flight.
• Hoppers Hollow – Jump on trampolines and dash through tunnels.
• Squirrel Play – Climb, scramble, and balance like a woodland squirrel.

Paul Travers, Head of Operations at CAP.CO (the team behind the playground’s design), says:
“Our bespoke play experiences blend local narratives with adventure. The Belfry’s Woodland Adventures is packed with multi-sensory play, making it a unique family attraction.”

More Easter Family Fun at The Belfry

• After exploring the woodland, families can enjoy:
• Go-karting – Race around the track for high-speed excitement.
• Toptracer Range – Perfect your golf swing with tech-driven practice.
• The Green – Outdoor games including badminton, volleyball, and football.
•  Mini Golf, Swimming & Indoor Game Zone – Fun for all weathers.

Sudden closure at Mere Green eatery

A well-known Sutton Coldfield restaurant has closed its doors suddenly, seven years after its opening, with the loss of a number of jobs.

Pierre’s in Mere Green, formerly Bistrot Pierre, was among eight restaurant closures nationwide, including Bistrot Pierre in Birmingham city centre’s Gas Street, in a deal to save the remaining 10 locations. 

Five of the closures are in the Midlands, including restaurants in Kidderminster, Leamington Spa, and Coventry.

The closures have led to the loss of 158 jobs. The company cited rising minimum wage and national insurance costs imposed by the government as reasons that made smaller locations “unviable.” 

They also stated that the administrators will provide support to those affected by the job losses.

The French-themed chain had recently changed its Bistrot Pierre in Mulberry Walk, Mere Green into a “Pierre’s” last September. 

This change was intended to shift away from formal dining and create a “more informal drinking and eating venue.”

The revamp included complete refurbishment and a new look and a new menu.

Sutton Coldfield is to host a new Victorian-themed Christmas market later this year, it has been announced.

Following on from the 22-day festive market in 2024, Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID and market operator LSD Promotion have announced a new format for this year.

Organisers have said the 2025 market will run across two weekends, each spanning four days, taking on board feedback after last year’s market.

The first event will be held from 11 to 14 December, followed by the second from 18 to 21 December.

With a Victorian theme throughout, the market will offer an array of gifts, handmade crafts, seasonal food and mulled drinks, all in an inviting, festive atmosphere.

Each stallholder will be dressed in Victorian attire, adding to the immersive experience.

A variety of Victorian-inspired entertainment will also take place – including traditional Christmas carols, street performers, living statues, stilt walkers, story tellers, magic shows and festive rides. 

Michelle Baker, manager of Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID, said: “We saw the positive impact that the 22-day Christmas market had on Sutton Coldfield last year.

“The community’s strong support showed that a festive attraction is something our town needs in order to compete with other towns, but we also wanted to respond to feedback.

“We believe this new eight-day format with a new Victorian theme, will bring something fresh and magical to our town, and we look forward to delivering a truly memorable experience for all.”

LSD Promotions will be responsible for booking all traders for the market, while Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID will be organising the entertainment schedule, ensuring that the market offers an authentic and immersive Victorian experience.