The Fort Shopping Park — Attraction in Birmingham

Great for wheelchair access(imo, self propelled, self transfer, and i went with an able bodied person) but I found the shops large enough to manoeuvre and particularly liked that they all open straight outside, rather than under one roof like a shopping centre. It was easy to see what was there and the paths were wide enough and flat enough that it was easy for the other person to push my chair. I liked the range of shops but that's personal preference. They could do with more homeware stuff imo but with the new b and m opening that could change depending on what they focus on selling. The shops are good versions of the brands too, the new look for example is modern, spacious and clean, like most, but I just felt the clothes were hung nice, nothing loose off the hanger or on the floor, the shelves weren't just full of the clearance stuff either. Same for vision express, it had a really good range of higher end glasses, not super expensive, but the bulk wasn't their budget range, which can be the case. In The Works nothing was piled up in a jumble, broken, or leaking, and it had nice things, not just scuffed or cheap stuff.

If you've seen your local high Street go downhill, you know what I mean. Well, the Fort was the opposite. It was clean. There were places to sit besides a coffee shop, there's awnings/ cover across the walkways so you don't get wet but when the sun's out you don't feel like you're in the bowels of some big shopping complex. There's a good range of places to eat depending on what you what. Nothing very adventurous but your staples, a harvester, McDonald's, Gregg's, Costa, Nando's, an American coffee and shakes place, even a jacket potato stands and a fresh mini donuts stand. So wether your after a quick snack or are looking to seat a large group, they've got you covered.

After covid and so many high street shops becoming betfreds and wotnot, I found the shops on offer were plenty to keep me busy. And they were nice shops, the staff in all of them were really nice, friendly, helpful, and they were well stocked with this seasons wares. Clean, spacious, accessible parking, places to eat, plenty of shops, covered enough for the rain but open enough to still enjoy the weather if its nice. Honestly, I kinda forgot shopping could be like this. If you're looking for somewhere nicer than your local high Street (well, my local high Street, yours may be awesome, mine didn't survive lockdown), cheaper than the mailbox or the bullring, somewhere that has lots to offer but doesn't feel like your stuck inside a stuffy shopping centre, then i recommend the Fort. As someone with ASD/ND and a wheelchair user, it ticked a lot of boxes for my needs, like sensory, exits, food (I hate food halls or combined food smells indoors). Hadn't been before but it's my go to place if I need to shop...

But of a drive for me but it’s great to get out of the local area every now and again. Some great shops and places to eat but avoid at peak times and rush hour due to amount people trying to get into the park and of traffic on surrounding roads and carriageways which can be shocking. Great access link to motorway so you have been warned. Avoid both rush hours like the plague. Sometimes shops are being renovated which means you have to walk around on the edge of the pavement or actually into the car park which is in the road, so buggies, wheelchairs or scooters may need to locate a drop curb which can be a bit of a hassle. As well as walking or being in road section of the car park being dangerous, some drivers aren’t always paying attention when they’re looking for that car park Space. Parking is free but check as there’s a certain time max you can spend there, and can’t return before so long has elapsed. Park within a white lined bay or expect a ticket. Look out for holes in lining bushes in at park, quick shortcut to cut through the car park instead of walking all the way around. You’re welcome. Ok for variety of shops, a large boots and a new JDs. Usually one or two small food trucks offering different delicacies but otherwise there’s a couple big chain fast food places to eat at. As I only visit at non peak hours and outside of rush hour, I cannot comment on how the park is during...

I am disgusted with this place. My elderly Dad took me to do last minute christmas shopping, he waited in the car for me as he can hardly walk. He didn't want to get his wheelchair out with the busy hussle and bustle.

During my shop, my dad needed the toilet. As we had parked right by Costa (just incase this happened) he struggled to them on his walking sticks. Only to be told their toilet was "Out of Order"- Really, a busy place like Costa and they couldn't get it fixed. And they only have 1 toilet. So my dad struggled next door to Boots. Again to be shrugged off, told by the assistant that it was not for customer use.

He asked if there were any public toilets, only to be told no.

The next available toilet was all the way across the big, very busy car park. There was no way my dad was going to make that with just his walking sticks.

Upon this, I made it back to the car and we managed to get him seated and I drove home. As you can imagine he was a little flustered. It could.of turned out worse for him.

All i can say is if you are pregnant, or taking disabled or elderly people to the Fort, make sure you relieve yourself before you go. Or make plans to eat at the pub or nandos so you can use...