Small Heath Park: A Victorian Green Haven in Birmingham
Discover Small Heath Park, a 43-acre Victorian green space in Birmingham offering lakes, playgrounds, and vibrant community events just a mile from the city centre.
Small Heath Park is a 43-acre Victorian-style urban park located about a mile from Birmingham city centre. Donated in the 1870s by philanthropist Louisa Anne Ryland, it features a boating lake, Victorian bandstand, playgrounds, basketball courts, and extensive walking and jogging paths. The park hosts community events, including funfairs and Eid celebrations, offering a tranquil yet lively green space for families, walkers, and runners alike.
A brief summary to Small Heath Park
- Birmingham, GB
- +441214648728
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 7:30 am-7:45 pm
- Tuesday 7:30 am-7:45 pm
- Wednesday 7:30 am-7:45 pm
- Thursday 7:30 am-7:45 pm
- Friday 7:30 am-7:45 pm
- Saturday 7:30 am-7:45 pm
- Sunday 7:30 am-7:45 pm
Local tips
- Visit during spring or autumn to enjoy the park’s stunning seasonal foliage and vibrant colors.
- Explore the walking and jogging routes, including the popular 0.8-mile circuit around the park.
- Check the calendar for community events like funfairs and Eid celebrations to experience local culture.
- Use public transport via Small Heath train station or nearby bus stops for easy and convenient access.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the open green spaces or by the boating lake for a relaxing day out.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train
Take a train to Small Heath railway station, which is a five-minute walk from the park. Trains run frequently from Birmingham New Street, with journey times of about 10 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £3-£5 one way.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve Coventry Road and Waverley Road near the park, including the 60 and 8C lines. Buses run every 10-20 minutes from Birmingham city centre, with fares around £2-£3 per single trip.
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Car
Driving to Small Heath Park is possible with entrances off Coventry Road and nearby streets. Parking is limited and may require street parking. Be aware of local parking restrictions and potential congestion during events.
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Walking
From Birmingham city centre, walking to Small Heath Park takes approximately 20-30 minutes over mostly flat urban terrain. The route is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Small Heath Park location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Small Heath Park
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Victorian Design
Small Heath Park’s origins date back to the late 19th century when the Small Heath estate was placed in trust to Birmingham by Louisa Anne Ryland, a wealthy philanthropist whose fortune came from the wire drawing industry. Her generous donation of over 80 acres of land helped shape public green spaces across Birmingham, with Small Heath Park being a prime example of Victorian park design. The park retains much of its traditional character, including a charming Victorian bandstand that stands as a reminder of its historical roots.Natural Features and Recreational Facilities
Spanning 43 acres, the park offers a variety of natural and recreational amenities. A large boating lake with an island provides a scenic focal point, surrounded by wooded areas and open green spaces ideal for sports and picnics. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained walking and jogging routes on tarmac paths, including a compact 0.8-mile circuit popular with runners. Facilities include children’s playgrounds, toddler play areas, and basketball courts, making it a family-friendly destination.Community Spirit and Events
Small Heath Park is more than just a green space; it is a hub for community activities. The Friends of Small Heath Park group actively works to improve and preserve the park’s quality, organizing conservation efforts and pop-up events. The park regularly hosts funfairs, bonfires, and annual Eid celebrations, reflecting the vibrant cultural diversity of the surrounding area. These events foster a welcoming atmosphere and strengthen the park’s role as a community gathering place.Accessibility and Location
Situated about a mile from Birmingham’s city centre, Small Heath Park is easily accessible. Entrances are located off Coventry Road, Wordsworth Road, Waverley Road, and Tennyson Road. The nearby Small Heath train station is just a five-minute walk away, and several bus routes serve the area, making public transport a convenient option. The park features wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking, enhancing its inclusivity.Scenic Surroundings and Extended Walks
Beyond the park itself, visitors can explore nearby natural features such as the Grand Union Canal and the River Cole, which offer extended walking routes through tranquil waterside environments. The park’s wooded areas and seasonal foliage, especially the vivid autumn leaf colors, provide picturesque settings throughout the year, making it an appealing destination for nature lovers and photographers.Ongoing Care and Visitor Experience
While Small Heath Park enjoys a strong community presence and regular maintenance, some feedback highlights areas where cleanliness and upkeep could be improved. Nevertheless, the park remains a peaceful oasis in an urban setting, offering ample seating, picnic areas, and open spaces to relax. Its blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and recreational facilities makes it a valued green space in Birmingham’s cityscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Factory Works
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Custard Factory
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Digbeth Art Space
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The Floodgate
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The Empire Remains Shop—Birmingham
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Digbeth Branch Canal
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Eastside City Park
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Kids' Park
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Millennium Point
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The Selfridges Building
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St. Martin's
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Bullring & Grand Central
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Workers Memorial
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Birmingham Heritage Walking Tours
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The River
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Unmissable attractions to see
Citizen Khan's House
1.7 km
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Digbeth Arena
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Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
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St. Martin in the Bull Ring
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Nightingale Club
3.0 km
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Horatio Nelson Statue
3.0 km
Historic bronze statue honoring Admiral Horatio Nelson’s naval victories, located in Birmingham’s Bull Ring since 1809.
National Trust - Birmingham Back to Backs
3.1 km
Step back in time at Birmingham’s last surviving 19th-century back-to-back houses, where history and community come alive through immersive guided tours.
54 Inge Street
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52 Inge Street
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Blakesley Hall Museum
3.1 km
Step back into Tudor England at Blakesley Hall, a beautifully preserved 1590 merchant’s house with original features and peaceful gardens in Birmingham.
Birmingham Hippodrome
3.1 km
Birmingham's grand Victorian theatre where 125 years of entertainment history meets world-class performances.
Hippodrome Square
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A lively cultural square outside Birmingham Hippodrome, alive with performances, festivals, and the spirit of the Chinese Quarter.
Ozzy the Bull
3.3 km
A towering mechanical bull named after Ozzy Osbourne, symbolizing Birmingham’s industrial might and musical heritage at New Street Station Forecourt.
The Grand Central Bull
3.3 km
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West Midlands Police Museum
3.4 km
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Essential places to dine
MyLahore Birmingham
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BA-HA
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The Old Crown
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Kanteen
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Rico Libre — Tapas with a Twist
2.3 km
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Cluck N Burger
2.3 km
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670 Grams
2.3 km
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Baked In Brick
2.3 km
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Falafel Vegan Munch
2.6 km
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Manzil Restaurant
2.7 km
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Original Patty Men
2.9 km
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Zindiya Streatery & Bar
3.0 km
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Browns Birmingham
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Chakana
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Carters
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ben Harad
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St Andrew's Shopping Park
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The Zen Shop
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Ridding & Wynn
2.3 km
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Genies Emporium
2.4 km
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Retro Kimono | Red Brick Market Birmingham
2.4 km
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TFA Birmingham inside RedBrick Market
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Thrifty Store
2.5 km
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BingX Cryto
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My Etsy Shop
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Cow Vintage
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Dark Bull Vintage
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Swan Shopping Centre
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Middle England
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Selfridges Birmingham
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Rainbow
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Luna Springs - Digbeth
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Birdies Bar - Birmingham
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Passing Fancies
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The Ruin
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The Anchor Digbeth
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Subside Bar
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The Loft
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The Bierkeller Birmingham
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All Bar One New Street Station
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Tilt
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Bacchus Bar
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Tonight Josephine - Birmingham
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The Cocktail Club - Birmingham
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
