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 Jacobean country mansion |
Trinity Road Aston Birmingham B6 6JD United Kingdom +44 121 327 0062 |
Built between 1618 and 1635 by Sir Thomas Holte, this fine Jacobean country mansion is filled with splendid furniture, textiles and metalwork. What's more, there is a spectacular 136ft long gallery. The house was used to harbour King Charles I for a short time during the Civil War, and scars from cannon fire in that conflict can still be seen on the Great Stairs. Although changes were made to the Hall during the 17th and 18th centuries, it remains largely Jacobean. The great thing about this attraction is that it is used as an educational working museum and it has its own schools' liaison team. Over 20 rooms have been opened to the public, and it also hosts magical candlelit guided tours every December. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Houghton  |
 Photo: Steve T |
 Photo: Kevin Pitt |
 Photo: The History Anorak |
 Photo: jon bounds |
 Photo: Duncan Leong |
 Photo: Filthy Faerie |
 Photo: Husein Shamshudin |
 Photo: Nigel Lloyd Parry |
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 Photo: caroline.stone18 |
 Historic park |
Trinity Road Aston Birmingham B6 6JD United Kingdom +44 (0)121 464 8728 http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/G... |
Close to the Aston Villa FC football ground, these 53 acres of parkland include many mature trees. The park has been popular with locals and visitors alike since it was opened to the public in 1858. A valuable green space, it's best known as the setting for the magnificent Aston Hall, which holds many fine art treasures. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kristhine Valencia |
 Photo: 6Cups. |
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Beautiful manicured gardens |
Westbourne Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3TR United Kingdom +44 121 454 1860 / +44 121 454 1860 http://www.birminghambotanical... |
These fine gardens, opened in 1832, were designed by John Claudius Loudon, a leading garden planner and horticultural journalist. The gardens offer you the chance to see some of the most beautiful greenery in the world along with stunning glasshouses. Attractions besides plants include: indoor aviaries, a restaurant with a fantastic view of the gardens, a children's adventure playground, a gift shop and plant centre and a gallery displaying work by local artists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Erin Evans |
 Photo: Caroline |
 Photo: Ben Contratto |
 Photo: Jason Weathers |
 Photo: Keith Hatton |
 Photo: Deborah Morris |
 Photo: kparrish |
 Photo: Marnie Webb |
 Photo: George Smyly |
 Photo: Rachel Clarke |
 Photo: Ginger Campbell, MD |
 Photo: speed42 |
 Photo: studom |
 Photo: Jessica Langston |
 Photo: Alice Green |
 Photo: Carl S Rix |
 Photo: Henry Cooke |
 Photo: Allen Herron |
 Photo: Katherine Cotney |
 Photo: Mrs Sheila Hess. |
 Photo: Robert Lamar |
 Photo: Christine Womack |
 Photo: David Treece. |
 Photo: jayap1 |
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Elizabethan farmhouse |
Blakesley Road Yardley Birmingham B25 8RN United Kingdom +44 121 303 4698 |
Blakesley Hall is a timber framed Elizabethan yeoman's farmhouse, built in 1590 in Old Yardley for Richard Smallbroke (a Birmingham businessman and farmer). The Hall is furnished and staffed in 17th century fashion and is a fascinating place to visit. It is open to schools as well as members of the public. No formal admission charge, but a voluntary contribution is requested. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lumpy Golightly |
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Picnics a-plenty |
Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RD United Kingdom +44 121 442 4226 |
This is the ideal park for the entire family, offering a variety of facilities including boating lakes, playgrounds, tennis courts, tropical greenhouses and nature conservation areas. It is also the home of the Midland Arts Centre. A walking/bicycling route winds through the grounds that has recently been extended. The park also plays host to a variety of concerts, performances and the annual Fireworks Fantasia. Admission to the park is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Sloman |
 Photo: David Rivier |
 Photo: John Dalkin |
 Photo: Tanya Upton |
 Photo: Michael Summers |
 Photo: Jonathan Sloman |
 Photo: namalzir |
 Photo: Giles Keen |
 Photo: John Wesley Barker |
 Photo: Emily Quinton |
 Photo: Matthew McConkey |
 Photo: DEBASISH DAS |
 Photo: Paul Tomlins |
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18th-Century Splendour |
Chester Road Castle Bromwich Birmingham B36 9BT United Kingdom +44 121 749 4100 http://www.cbhgt.org.uk/ |
Castle Bromwich Gardens has over 500 species of plants from the period of 1680-1740. The hall itself dates back to 1599, and its walled gardens have been lovingly recreated within a 10 acre site. In addition there is a Holly Maze that copies a design by George London and Henry Wise, an Orangery, Music Room and new Physic Garden. There is also a coffee shop, gift shop and plant stall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin Hartland |
 Photo: bill.dargue |
 Park with Shakespeare connection |
Wellesbourne Birmingham, Warwickshire CV35 9ER United Kingdom |
Charlecote Park has been the home of the Lucy family since the 13th century, but the present house dates from the mid-16th century and was visited by Queen Elizabeth I. This was probably not the honour one might think, since playing host to the Royal entourage was incredibly expensive. Signposted from the A41 and A34, it has Victorian interiors, but it's the park that is the main attraction. There are herds of red and fallow deer and it was here that Shakespeare was said to have indulged in a spot of poaching. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Central park |
Cambridge Street Birmingham B1 2NP United Kingdom +44 121 643 2514 |
If you're at a conference at the International Convention Center on Broad Street and you're feeling stressed, a two minute walk will take you to this oasis of natural beauty. The award-winning City Center Gardens, to the rear of the ICC, are small but well tended and include several exotic-looking plants among the more familiar park species. There are lots of benches on which to sit and relax in this walled and gated garden paradise in the heart of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sophie Wiggins |
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Historic parkland |
Brinklow Road, Binley Birmingham CV3 2AB United Kingdom +44 24 7645 3720 |
This parkland covers over 400 acres and contains the historic ruins of the medieval Cistercian Coombe Abbey. The park also contains a large bird hide and boasts course fishing and regular events. These include craft displays, nature studies and car rallies. This is a most relaxing place to visit (even if you bring the children) and the surrounding countryside and country pubs are also worth investigation. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Plane spotting and bird watching |
Elmdon Park Road Solihull Birmingham, West Midlands B92 9EJ United Kingdom +44 (0)121 704 6130 |
A sizeable and very pleasant park on the south eastern outskirts of the city, Elmdon Park has mature trees, a good playground for children and a lake. Bird watchers will be interested to know that winter visitors are often seen here, and as it is fairly close to Birmingham International Airport it's the only place in the region where it is possible to go bird watching and plane spotting at the same time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: vitaee™｜Shu Di |
 Photo: MunstiSue |
 Photo: muppet2007 |
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Local park life |
Acocks Green Birmingham B27 United Kingdom +44 121 706 5882 |
In the Acocks Green/Hall Green area, to the south-east of the city centre, Fox Hollies Park covers some 40 acres. The land was originally purchased by the council in the 1920s for the then princely sum of over £3,000. A stream runs through the park and once provided power for a mill—long since demolished —which was one of many in the area (nearby Sarehole Mill is a rare survivor). There are mature trees, and more have been planted in the last decade. There is also a lake, which is stocked with various species of fish. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nature trail |
Edgbaston Birmingham B15 United Kingdom +44 121 454 1908 |
This trail, which lasts some two and a half miles, makes for a pleasant countryside walk and yet is very close to the city centre. It takes visitors from Edgbaston Reservoir (rich in wildlife, including migratory birds) through to the popular suburb of Harborne, in the south-west of the city. Much of the trail is through woodland and it is an area that is rich in flora and fauna. More specifically, you will find woodland flowers, rare mosses and more than 30 different species of birds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Home of television garden show |
Off Vicarage Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7TQ United Kingdom +44 (0)121 444 2848 http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/G... |
This is where the BBC's Gardener's World has been filmed for many years. Plant lovers and gardeners delight in the park, but it also a favourite for families and children. Located in the popular suburb of Kings Heath, it can offer a peaceful idyll but is far busier in summer when there is a carnival and the flowers are at their most exquisite. There is also a Gardener's World exhibition at the NEC if you want tips and advice on how to make your own garden look this good. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin Dean |
 Photo: Caroline Griffin |
 Photo: Mark, extralegs.com |
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Wild woods |
Warren Lane Rednal Birmingham B45 8ER United Kingdom +44 121 445 6036 / +44 121 447 7106 |
A trip to "The Lickeys" has been a popular day out for generations of Birmingham people. The park itself, covering 524 acres, is a wonderful mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees, bluebells, marshes and heaths. Furthermore, because of this mix of conditions and plants there is a plethora of wildlife to be seen. Lickey Hills is a great place to learn about natural history and is a favourite day trip for schools. It is also a favourite among mountain bike riders, the highest point of the hills being Beacon Hill which reaches 975 feet. The park includes an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a bowling green. There is also a well-equipped visitor centre. Lickey Hills Country Park is situated to the south-west of the city, in the Bromsgrove area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tudor Barlow |
 Photo: Rob |
 Photo: Randeep Sami |
 Photo: Tudor Barlow |
 Photo: Rob |
 Photo: David Trippas |
 Photo: David Jarrom |
 Photo: Bob Taylor |
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The shortest woman |
Temple Row Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2QB United Kingdom +44 121 236 4333 |
Anyone who is intrigued by curiosities and unusual phenomena should not miss the grave of Nanetta Stocker. It is situated close to the main door of St Philip's Cathedral in the city center, and is barely three feet in length. It marks the final resting place of "the smallest woman ever in this Kingdom" who was only 33 inches high and, says the inscription, was "possessed of every accomplishment". Stocker was Austrian born and was buried here in May 1819. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Peace on Earth |
Holloway Head Birmingham B1 1SB United Kingdom |
Behind the ruin of St Thomas's Church, destroyed during World War II, lie the Peace Gardens. These were laid out in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. A large Portland stone monument overlooks the gardens and placed on it are plaques with messages of peace from various religions and countries. When the world leaders came to Birmingham for the G8 summit in 1998, each planted a tree here. Each premier choose a tree that most represented their respective countries and they are now a living symbol of peace. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew D Grewcock |
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Back to nature |
Eachelhurst Road Pype Hayes Birmingham B24 0QL United Kingdom +44 121 351 7007 |
It's nice to know that battles with developers can sometimes be won. This park covers nearly 30 acres of land some five miles to the north-east of Birmingham city centre; land that was to have been built on until the council finally purchased it a few years ago. The site comprises ponds, woodland and a wildflower meadow providing a home for various species of wildlife. Various events are held at the park throughout the year, including birdwatching, conservation workshops and nature rambles - phone for more information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fiona Ridger |
 Photo: trevgrant88 |
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Elegant park |
Court Oak Road Harborne Birmingham B17 9AH United Kingdom |
Not one of Birmingham's largest parks by any means, this is certainly among the prettiest. It commemorates Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and was opened in 1898—a year after the jubilee itself. There are mature trees and very well-tended flower beds, as well as tennis courts and a bowling green used by a local club. Although swings have been removed by the council, a roundabout and slide remain for young children to play on. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin Dean |
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Restored Tudor manor house |
Sycamore Road Bournville Birmingham B30 1UB United Kingdom +44 121 472 0199 |
This is a Tudor manor house that has been restored to its former glory, with a superb Tudor garden and a small gift shop. It was originally saved from demolition 100 years ago by George Cadbury (whose Cadbury World is next door) and authentic furnishings were acquired for the building. There are two houses that form the museum and you are able to have a guided tour if you'd like - these are included in the admission. Pre-booked tours for larger parties are also available. In the words of the staff, "We're small but gorgeous!". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher M. Bainb |
 Photo: The Notorious I.C.Y. |
 Photo: James Thornett |
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Town and country |
Old Rectory Farm Ragley Drive, Sheldon Birmingham B26 3TU United Kingdom +44 121 742 0226 |
To the south-east of the city centre, this is one of the many country parks dotted around Birmingham with the intention of bringing the countryside to city dwellers. It comprises of 96 acres of parkland at the centre of which is a large working farm with a variety of animals. It is this that makes the park a popular draw for families with young children. There is a programme of events including guided nature walks throughout the year, and there's also a tea room for refreshments. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lumpy Golightly |
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Typical Victorian park |
Coventry Road Small Heath Birmingham B10 0EF United Kingdom +44 121 464 8728 |
Small Heath is about a mile or so from the city centre and in many ways is a fairly typical inner-city area. It's not the most attractive part of the city, but it does have an excellent and typically Victorian park. The 43 acres of land covered were donated by Mrs Louisa Ryland in the 1870s and the park was visited by Queen Victoria herself. It is extremely well looked after, and provides a much-needed green space in the area with mature trees and a bandstand. The park also hosts various events through the year, such as funfairs and a bonfire party. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ted and Jen |
 Photo: Ted and Jen |
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Royal park of special scientific interest |
Park Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B73 6BU United Kingdom +44 121 355 6370 |
Without doubt, this is Birmingham's largest park. It comprises more than 2,400 acres in the north of the city and has been designated a site of special scientific interest. It lies in the suburb of Sutton Coldfield, a Royal town that has been within the city boundaries since 1974. Different habitats include woodland and heath and there is a ranger service that looks after the park and its visitors. There is a visitor centre here and various events take place throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lee Jordan |
 Photo: Pete Marshall |
 Photo: Helen Eden |
 Photo: Paul Limbrick |
 Photo: Carl Savage |
 Photo: B44 |
 Photo: Luke Lanchester |
 Photo: Steve Plowman |
 Photo: Aff |
 Photo: Brian Smith |
 Photo: Rachel A Webley |
 Photo: Paul Kenney |
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Natural history in action |
Park Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B74 2YT United Kingdom +44 121 355 6370 |
This national nature reserve park covers 2,400 acres of natural beauty with woodland, heaths, wetland and pools. The park contains a rich variety of wildlife, and birds such as kestrels, pheasants, plovers and buntings have been sighted here. Volunteer conservationists and park rangers help to keep this reserve in order and cattle have been restored to part of the park in order to keep young birch trees from entirely taking over areas of land. A cafe and restaurant is also open to those who work up a hunger on their rambles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian Smith |
 Photo: Sheng Li |
 Photo: Josh Holmes |
 Photo: Dan Hart |
 Photo: Alex Crow |
 Photo: paul harris |
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Beautiful parkland |
Lichfield Street Walsall Birmingham, West Midlands WS1 1TJ United Kingdom +44 1922 65 3148 |
This is a beautiful Victorian park, covering nearly 80 acres, full of fascinating tree specimens and other plant life. Most famous to people from Birmingham (and beyond) as the site of the annual Walsall Illuminations, it certainly repays a visit in daylight. It is just a few minutes' walk from the town centre, so is easily accessible. There is also boating and fishing on the lakes, which were formed from flooded limestone mines and are now home to a variety of wildlife. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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East of the city centre |
Washwood Heath Road Birmingham B8 2HB United Kingdom +44 121 643 2514 |
By the turn of the last century, it was clear that the inhabitants of the eastern part of Birmingham's increasing urban sprawl were in need of an open space. Ward End Park, which opened in 1903 on 54 acres purchased by the city, was the solution. Today, it remains as a great Edwardian park, with mature trees and a boating lake. There are also conservation areas within the park, which is especially popular with young families. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rambling opportunities west of the city centre |
Clapgate Lane Birmingham B32 3DH United Kingdom +44 121 421 7575 |
The park is in the middle of a housing estate west of the city centre, but it covers around 450 acres. One of Birmingham's many examples of how flora and fauna can thrive in the heart of a big city, it is home to wildlife and more than 300 species of wild flowers. Staff at the visitor centre are helpful and can tell you more about the site, including sites of archaeological interest within the park where various finds have been made. There is a cafe here to refresh yourself before (or most probably after) one of the recommended walks - you can choose from a long or a shorter ramble. There is also a city farm here that is popular with young families. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin Dean |
 Photo: Martin Dean |