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
The Floodgate
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The Selfridges Building
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Workers Memorial
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Birmingham Heritage Walking Tours
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The River
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Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
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The Cube
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St Chad's Catholic Cathedral
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Chamberlain Memorial
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Chamberlain Sq
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The Best of Birmingham Trail
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Chamberlain Square
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Clue HQ Birmingham - The Live Escape Game
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Hall of Memory
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Historic England
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Unmissable attractions to see
Citizen Khan's House
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Digbeth Arena
2.1 km
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Factory Works
2.3 km
A vibrant events venue blending industrial heritage with contemporary creativity in Birmingham’s Custard Factory.
Custard Factory
2.3 km
A vibrant creative quarter in Birmingham’s Digbeth, blending industrial heritage with arts, culture, and independent shops.
Digbeth Art Space
2.3 km
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The Empire Remains Shop—Birmingham
2.6 km
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Digbeth Branch Canal
2.6 km
Historic canal link weaving Birmingham’s industrial past with vibrant urban renewal and tranquil waterside charm.
Swan Shopping Centre
2.7 km
A lively urban shopping and leisure centre in Birmingham offering over 50 stores, dining, cinema, and entertainment under one roof.
Eastside City Park
2.8 km
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Kids' Park
2.9 km
A lively, interactive outdoor science playground for children within Birmingham’s vibrant Science Garden.
Millennium Point
2.9 km
A bold Birmingham landmark blending science, education, and events in a striking modern building at the heart of the city.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
2.9 km
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St. Martin in the Bull Ring
2.9 km
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Nightingale Club
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Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Birmingham at Nightingale Club, a renowned gay night club offering unforgettable experiences and a welcoming atmosphere.
Bullring Rag Market
3.0 km
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Essential places to dine
MyLahore Birmingham
1.8 km
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BA-HA
2.1 km
Innovative vegan dining with hearty flavors and warm vibes inside Birmingham’s charming Rainbow Pub.
The Old Crown
2.2 km
Step into Birmingham’s oldest Tudor pub, The Old Crown, where centuries of history blend with hearty fare and lively community spirit in Digbeth.
Kanteen
2.3 km
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Rico Libre — Tapas with a Twist
2.3 km
Discover bold, fresh tapas with a creative twist at Rico Libre, Birmingham’s intimate BYOB hotspot in the heart of Deritend.
Cluck N Burger
2.3 km
Savor smoky barbecue and inventive burgers in Birmingham’s buzzing Custard Factory, where bold flavors meet lively music and cocktails.
670 Grams
2.3 km
Experience innovative modern European tasting menus in a vibrant, punk-inspired setting inside Birmingham’s historic custard factory.
Baked In Brick
2.3 km
Lively wood-fired pizza haven in Birmingham’s Custard Factory, blending street food roots with creative toppings and a buzzing arts vibe.
Falafel Vegan Munch
2.6 km
Fresh, handmade vegan falafel wraps and vibrant juices in the heart of Birmingham’s creative Digbeth district.
Manzil Restaurant
2.7 km
Discover vibrant Indian flavors and a welcoming atmosphere at Manzil Restaurant, a Digbeth gem serving authentic dishes in Birmingham’s lively heart.
Original Patty Men
2.9 km
Discover Birmingham’s legendary burger joint in Digbeth, serving bold, flavorful patties and craft beers in a cool industrial setting.
Zindiya Streatery & Bar
3.0 km
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Browns Birmingham
3.0 km
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Chakana
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Experience vibrant Peruvian cuisine and inventive cocktails in a stylish Moseley restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Robert Ortiz.
Carters
3.1 km
Michelin-starred modern British cuisine rooted in local terroir and sustainable sourcing.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ben Harad
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St Andrew's Shopping Park
1.3 km
A vibrant shopping destination in Birmingham offering diverse stores, eateries, and convenient access for a fulfilling retail experience.
The Zen Shop
2.1 km
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Ridding & Wynn
2.3 km
Eclectic antiques and vintage homewares under the red-brick arches of Deritend — perfect for design-minded treasure hunters.
Genies Emporium
2.4 km
Uncover enchanted gifts and local artistry in Birmingham's creative heart at Genies Emporium, where every treasure tells a story.
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
2.6 km
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Dark Bull Vintage
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Middle England
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Menkind
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KENJI Birmingham Bullring
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dead Wax Digbeth
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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
2.4 km
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The Anchor Digbeth
2.5 km
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Subside Bar
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The Loft
3.0 km
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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
3.4 km
Three floors of cocktail theatre, bottomless brunches, and Birmingham nightlife magic—where sexy sips meet wild vibes until 2am.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Disco Wonderland
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VOID Nightclub
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The Night Owl
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Quantum Vnues
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Next Door & Spotlight
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Club PST
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Sector 57
2.4 km
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suki10c
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Sobar
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101 Night Club
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Bambu Nightclub
3.1 km
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Mango Night Club
3.2 km
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King of clubs
3.4 km
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What do you mean
3.5 km
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Tunnel Club Birmingham
4.0 km
Dive under Birmingham's arches into Tunnel Club's seven-room warehouse wonderland, where house, techno, and hip-hop fuel all-night dances amid pounding bass and vivid lights.
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