Rainbow Pooch in the Park (Warley Woods, Birmingham)

NEW TIME: 11AM - 1PM

Join us for Rainbow Pooch in the Park, a social dog walk dedicated to honouring the unique role that our Rainbow Pooches play in supporting LGBTQIA+ lives. Held in beautiful country parks, this event celebrates our dogs as quiet heroes who provide powerful mental and physical support to our community. Whether you’re a dog parent or a dog-loving ally, come and connect with others who share a love of canine companionship and an appreciation for the positive impact it brings to our lives.

What to Expect

Community & Connection
Enjoy a relaxed setting where fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals come together to celebrate pride and the deep, meaningful connections we have with our four-legged friends.

Mental & Physical Wellbeing
Breathe fresh air, feel the calm of nature, and take a step towards better wellbeing with a Rainbow Pooch by your side, whether they’re leading the way or walking alongside.

Silent Support, Unconditional Love
Our Rainbow Pooches offer quiet but powerful support, strengthening our sense of belonging and helping us thrive - one paw at a time. Join us to say ‘thank you dogs’ to these superheroes in dog disguise.

How it works

This gathering takes place on the third Sunday of each month. To keep the experience comfortable and inclusive, we welcome up to six dogs per walk, with one ticket required per dog. Our route includes a gentle, on-lead start, and well-adjusted dogs may go off-lead in safe areas at the discretion of the Event Coordinator. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as we’ll be exploring trails that venture off designated paths.

Booking

Dogs attend for FREE but we invite a minimum donation of £1 per person with the promise a lot of doggie treats in return!

We've also established a Discretionary Fund enabling individuals facing financial barriers to attend for FREE. Please select 'I want to access the Discretionary Fund' at point of sale.

Whether it's a humble pound or a generous sum, your support is invaluable to us. Your contribution covers essential costs and supports the continuation of our work in the community.

Please note: You can book on behalf of a maximum of 3 dogs and 2 people before a new booking is needed.

About the venue:

Warley Woods is a 100 acre community park which is a mix of woodland, open meadow and a golf course. It has registered, grade 2 status with English Heritage because of its historic plan, designed by Humphry Repton. The park is designated as a Site of Important Nature Conservation and a Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation. Warley Woods began its life as private parkland for the Galton family in the 18th Century. It was saved from being developed for housing by public subscription and was opened as public park in 1906, and became known as “The People’s Park”. Its public building is The Pavilion which is home to Warley Woods Community Trust and hosts its shop, a cafe, a meeting room and public toilets.

Directions: The address for Warley Woods is - The Pavilion, 101 Lightwoods Hill, Smethwick B67 5ED. Warley Woods Park and Golf Course is approximately 4 miles west of Birmingham city centre, just off the Hagley Road (A456) in Sandwell. The park is bounded by Abbey Road, Harborne Road, Lightwoods Hill and Barclay Road, the main entrance is off Lightwoods Hill.

Parking: The only on site car parking is off Lightwoods Hill (B67 5ED for sat navs) at The Pavilion where there is designated parking for disabled visitors. For your information: Some older maps show parking within the park off Abbey Road but this is no longer available although there is on street parking on all sides of the site.

Meeting point: The entrance to The Pavillion. Our Event Coordinator will be wearing Rainbow Pooch Pride branded clothing.

This event is only open to individuals aged 18 years plus who identify as LGBTQIA+

This event is funded by Birmingham Pride Community Grant.

This event is devliered in the English language

Info: Our Social Walk Lead, Graham, will meet you at the entrance to The Pavillion. We will take a register and then do a welcome. This will involve introducing us to your dog and we will set some simple treat-based exercises so that we learn a little more about your dog and what they need to have a joyful experience on the walk. The first part of the walk will be on lead with some invited to be off lead/ or on a long lead for the remainder. You are invited to bring your own treats to work with your dog but we will also have supplies on hand. The walk will leave the meeting point promptly no later than 11:15.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Warley Woods, The Pavillion, Smethwick, United Kingdom

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