Handsworth Park: Birmingham’s Historic Urban Green Space
A historic Victorian park in Birmingham blending serene lakes, lush gardens, and vibrant cultural heritage across 63 acres.
Handsworth Park, located in Birmingham’s Handsworth district, is a 63-acre Victorian-era public park originally opened in 1888 as Victoria Park. It features landscaped grass slopes, a large boating lake, mature trees, flower beds, and diverse wildlife, offering a tranquil urban retreat with rich cultural heritage and community significance.
A brief summary to Handsworth Park
- Holly Rd, Birmingham, Handsworth, B20 2BY, GB
- +441214646336
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-10 pm
- Thursday 7 am-10 pm
- Friday 7 am-10 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 7 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Sunken Garden near the Grove Lane entrance to see the bronze sculpture of a child holding a lamb, a key historic feature.
- Explore the boating lake area for scenic views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
- Check the schedule for community events or festivals, such as the Birmingham Carnival, which originated here.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the spacious grass slopes and mature tree groves.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to fully explore the park’s varied terrain and pathways.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Number 11 or 11A bus from Birmingham city centre to Handsworth Park, with a journey time of approximately 20-30 minutes. Services run frequently during the day. A single fare costs around £2.50 GBP.
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Car
Driving from central Birmingham takes about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Limited parking is available near Holly Road and Grove Lane entrances. Be aware that parking can be busy during weekends and events.
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Train and Walk
Alight at Handsworth Wood railway station, about 1.5 km from the park. From there, it is a 20-minute walk through residential streets with some gentle slopes. The route is accessible but may not be suitable for all mobility levels.
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Cycling
Cyclists can reach Handsworth Park via local cycle lanes from Birmingham city centre in about 20 minutes. Bike racks are available near the main entrances for secure parking.
Handsworth 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 Handsworth Park
Origins and Victorian Vision
Handsworth Park was conceived in the 1880s by the Handsworth Local Sanitary Board as a municipal green space to serve the growing suburban population. Despite initial opposition from some local residents who prioritized infrastructure improvements, the park was established to provide a 'lung' for the city. The original land was acquired from the Birmingham and Midland Bank Ltd in 1887 for £7,500, and the park officially opened on 20 June 1888 as Victoria Park. Its design incorporated formal gardens, a walled garden converted into a bowling green, a terrace walk, and a cricket ground, reflecting Victorian ideals of public health and recreation.Expansion and Landscape Features
The park expanded in phases, with a significant eastern extension opening in 1898 that included a large boating lake fed by the Farcroft and Grove Brooks. Additional land acquisitions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries allowed for further landscaping and amenities, including a Sunken Garden created in 1922 by the Birmingham Civic Society. The park’s landscape is characterized by gently sloping grass areas, mature trees, flower beds, and water features, making it a diverse habitat for local wildlife and a scenic urban oasis.Community and Cultural Significance
Handsworth Park has long been a focal point for community events and cultural gatherings. It hosted the Birmingham Flower Show and various national events such as dog shows and jamborees for Girl Guides and Boy Scouts. Since 1984, it has been the original venue for the Caribbean-themed Handsworth Carnival, now known as Birmingham Carnival, reflecting the area’s rich multicultural heritage. The park is also associated with notable local figures in music and culture, highlighting its role as a community hub.Challenges and Restoration Efforts
By the mid-20th century, the park experienced decline, with the demolition of historic structures like The Grove (Park House) and public baths. In the 1990s, local campaigns emerged to protect and restore the park, culminating in significant refurbishment between 2004 and 2006. Birmingham City Council’s Parks Strategy of 1999 marked a renewed commitment to maintaining Handsworth Park as a high-quality green space for residents and visitors alike.Architectural and Natural Highlights
The park features historic elements such as the Sons of Rest shelter and iron railings donated before World War II. Its design by R H Vertegans and Edwin Kenworthy showcases Victorian landscape architecture with a harmonious blend of natural and formal elements. The boating lake and smaller ponds create serene waterfront views, complemented by diverse flora and fauna that enrich the park’s natural environment.Present-Day Experience
Today, Handsworth Park offers a peaceful escape within Birmingham’s urban fabric. Visitors enjoy walking paths, picnic areas, and open spaces for sports and leisure. The park’s mature trees and water features provide a tranquil setting for relaxation, while its cultural legacy and community events continue to foster a vibrant atmosphere. It remains a cherished landmark reflecting Handsworth’s history and diversity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gem Buildings
2.1 km
Historic Gem Buildings on Key Hill showcase Birmingham's rich jewelry industry heritage and early 20th-century industrial architecture.
The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham
2.6 km
Birmingham's glittering historic heart where Victorian workshops craft timeless jewels amid cobblestone charm and creative revival.
Chamberlain Clock
2.7 km
An elegant Edwardian clock tower at the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, built in 1903 as a memorial to Joseph Chamberlain and recently restored to its former glory.
Aston Cross Clock Tower
3.2 km
A distinguished Victorian clock tower in Birmingham symbolizing historic community pride and architectural heritage.
The Best of Birmingham Trail
3.6 km
Explore Birmingham’s rich heritage through 20 iconic sites on this free, immersive city centre trail blending history, art, and urban renewal.
Chamberlain Memorial
3.6 km
A striking neo-Gothic monument in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square honoring Joseph Chamberlain’s legacy of public service and city transformation.
The River
3.7 km
Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.
Workers Memorial
3.8 km
A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.
Perrott's Folly
3.9 km
An 18th-century tower in Birmingham, steeped in history and Tolkien lore, now a cultural beacon for art and community.
Historic England
4.0 km
Uncover Birmingham's rich history and heritage at Historic England, a cornerstone of cultural preservation and education in the heart of the city.
The Grand Central Bull
4.0 km
Experience the vibrant culture and history of Birmingham at The Grand Central Bull, a landmark that embodies the spirit of the city.
Ozzy the Bull
4.0 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Birmingham at Ozzy the Bull, a stunning landmark celebrating the city's rich culture and heritage.
Millennium Point
4.1 km
Explore Millennium Point, Birmingham's architectural marvel and vibrant venue for conferences, exhibitions, and community events.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
4.1 km
Unleash your curiosity at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, where science comes to life through interactive exhibits and engaging experiences for all ages.
The Cube
4.1 km
Discover The Cube in Birmingham – a unique blend of leisure, dining, and entertainment that creates unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
Unmissable attractions to see
THE JEWELLERY TRUNK BIRMINGHAM
0.8 km
Bespoke bridal and event jewellery crafted with exceptional detail and personalized service in the heart of Handsworth, Birmingham.
Soho House Museum
1.1 km
Explore the elegant Georgian home of Matthew Boulton, a pioneer of the Industrial Revolution and hub of the Lunar Society in Birmingham.
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
2.3 km
Explore a time capsule jewellery workshop and discover Birmingham’s rich 200-year heritage of craftsmanship in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.
Jewellery Quarter
2.3 km
Historic Birmingham district where craftsmanship meets culture in a vibrant, preserved industrial setting.
The Jewellery Quarter
2.5 km
Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter: a vibrant hub of craftsmanship, culture, and creativity since the 18th century.
Springhill Interchange Birmingham
2.6 km
Explore Springhill Interchange, a vibrant hub in Birmingham, where culture, history, and modern urban life converge for an unforgettable experience.
7th Avenue Manhattan
2.7 km
Explore a vast wildlife safari and adventure park near Birmingham with free-roaming animals, immersive exhibits, and family-friendly rides.
J. W. Evans Silver Factory
2.9 km
Step into Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter to explore the remarkably preserved J. W. Evans Silver Factory, a century-old industrial treasure of silversmithing heritage.
Aston Hall
2.9 km
Step into a 17th-century Jacobean mansion in Birmingham, where grand architecture, Civil War scars, and ghostly legends come alive in a peaceful park setting.
Pen Museum
3.0 km
Discover where 75% of the world's pen nibs were made in a beautifully restored Victorian factory.
St Paul's Square
3.0 km
Birmingham’s last Georgian square, blending historic elegance with vibrant modern culture in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.
RSPB Sandwell Valley
3.1 km
A peaceful nature reserve near Birmingham with diverse wildlife, family-friendly trails, and scenic lakeside views.
St. Paul's Church
3.1 km
Explore St. Paul's Church, a Georgian architectural gem and historic spiritual heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Newhall Hill
3.1 km
Discover Newhall Hill’s scenic views and historic charm in Birmingham’s vibrant Soho & Jewellery Quarter district.
New hall Hill - Historical Signature!
3.2 km
Explore the historical charm of New Hall Hill in Birmingham, a captivating tourist attraction rich in heritage and local culture.
Essential places to dine
Kopitiam
2.6 km
Discover authentic Malaysian street food and warm family hospitality in Birmingham’s vibrant Jewellery Quarter at Kopitiam.
The Wilderness
2.7 km
Experience bold British fine dining with innovative tasting menus in a moody, industrial-chic setting at Birmingham’s Wilderness.
Cappadocia Restaurant
2.7 km
Authentic Turkish flavors and warm hospitality await you in Birmingham’s Cappadocia Restaurant on Frederick Street.
24 Carat Bistro
2.7 km
Hidden gem serving slow-cooked goat curry and Punjabi fusion in Birmingham's historic Jewelry Quarter.
The Rolling Mill
2.7 km
A vibrant gastropub in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter blending traditional British charm with modern culinary delights and lively atmosphere.
Decorum Restaurant Birmingham
2.8 km
Elegant steakhouse in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter blending refined dining with stylish ambiance and cultural charm.
The Button Factory
2.8 km
A stylish blend of industrial heritage and modern dining, The Button Factory offers vibrant food, drinks, and rooftop vibes in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Restaurant Folium
3.0 km
Intimate modern British fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
Modern Restaurant & Cafee
3.0 km
A vibrant modern dining spot in Birmingham offering diverse cuisine and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for small parties and late-night meals.
Lasan Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
3.0 km
Experience Birmingham’s premier fine dining Indian restaurant blending authentic flavors with modern culinary artistry in the stylish Jewellery Quarter.
Pasta Di Piazza
3.1 km
Authentic Italian dining with generous portions and warm service in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
Somewhere in Brum
3.1 km
A vibrant bar and brunch spot in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, blending diverse cuisine with a lively social atmosphere.
Locanta italian restaurant
3.1 km
Authentic Italian dining in a historic Victorian setting with fresh seafood, handmade pasta, fine wines, and live music in Birmingham’s city centre.
Cucina Rustica
3.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors crafted with passion in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter at Cucina Rustica.
Opheem
3.4 km
Experience Michelin-starred Indian cuisine reimagined with British seasonal flair in Birmingham’s elegant Opheem.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gingermegs Vintage
2.3 km
Discover timeless style and impeccable vintage finds at Gingermegs Vintage, Birmingham’s boutique for authentic retro fashion and antiques.
Design Centre
2.6 km
Family-crafted diamonds and luxury watches in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter since 1977—timeless elegance for life's milestones.
Arnett Creations - Unique Quality Jewellery
2.6 km
Discover bespoke Sterling Silver and hallmarked gold jewellery in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where expert craftsmanship meets personalized service at Arnett Creations.
A&N Jewellery
2.6 km
Discover family-crafted silver treasures and bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's legendary Jewellery Quarter, where 50 years of expertise meets timeless elegance.
Top Jewellery UK
2.7 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Top Jewellery, where family expertise crafts diamonds, gold, and silver into timeless treasures.
Adamas Antique Jewellery
2.7 km
A boutique Jewellery Quarter shop offering curated antique and estate jewels with specialist appraisal and bespoke care.
Quarter Jewellery
2.7 km
Independent jeweller on Warstone Lane offering commissions, valuations and attentive, workshop‑minded service in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
SACET
2.7 km
Ethical elegance awaits at SACET, Birmingham's sustainable jewellery gem in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter—where timeless craft meets modern conscience.
Artfull Expression
2.7 km
Discover independent jewelry artistry in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Artfull Expression, where unique handcrafted designs blend historic craft with modern flair.
Ivy and Rose Gift Shop
2.8 km
Discover handmade UK treasures at Ivy and Rose, Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter boutique for unique jewelry, candles, and artisanal gifts from local makers. (162 characters)
Buff Jewellery
2.8 km
Timeless minimalist jewellery handcrafted in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—personalised birthstone designs blending sentiment, subtlety, and modern British elegance for everyday sparkle.
Fine Jewellery Collections & Bespoke Design Service
3.0 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where custom gems and fine collections craft heirlooms with personal stories etched in gold.
Designer Exchange
3.7 km
Discover authenticated preloved luxury fashion in Birmingham’s elegant Victorian Great Western Arcade.
Community Gift Shop
3.7 km
Discover unique products and support diverse entrepreneurs at Birmingham’s Black Pounds Project Community Gift Shop in the historic Great Western Arcade.
The Alice Boutique
3.7 km
Discover timeless vintage-inspired fashion in a charming boutique nestled within Birmingham’s historic Great Western Arcade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Jewellers Arms
2.5 km
Traditional Birmingham boozer in the Jewellery Quarter: exceptional real ales, hearty pies, and cosy fireside chats since the 1830s.
The Red Lion
2.6 km
Traditional Hockley pub fusing heritage, modern art, and hearty British fare in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem on lively Warstone Lane.
The Rose Villa Tavern
2.7 km
Classic British pub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, serving hearty meals, diverse drinks, and warm hospitality amid historic streets.
Lucky7
2.9 km
Precision mixology meets playful vibes in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—a relaxed haven for cocktail lovers seeking crafted perfection.
The Pig & Tail
2.9 km
Victorian charm with a punchy, colourful gastropub vibe — British small plates, rotating craft beer and lively evenings in the Jewellery Quarter.
1000 Trades
2.9 km
A vibrant neighbourhood bar celebrating Birmingham’s industrial heritage with craft beers, local food, and a quirky artistic vibe.
40 St Paul's
3.0 km
Discover Birmingham's hidden gin speakeasy: 100+ global varieties, intimate vibes, and masterful cocktails in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.
Actress & Bishop
3.2 km
Two floors, live music every night and a split personality — cosy downstairs, sweaty upstairs — in the Jewellery Quarter.
Queen's Arms birmingham
3.2 km
Traditional Jewellery Quarter pub pouring fine ales in a quirky, welcoming space with games, books, and hearty grub amid Birmingham's historic heart. (162 characters)
The Distillery
3.4 km
Birmingham's canal-side gin distillery pub: rotisserie feasts, wood-fired pizzas, house gins, and terrace vibes from brunch to late-night drinks.
Malt House
3.5 km
A vibrant British pub in Birmingham city centre offering classic dishes, lively atmosphere, and a great spot for social gatherings near the arena.
All Bar One Brindleyplace
3.6 km
Stylish canal-side wine bar and cocktail lounge in Birmingham’s vibrant Westside, perfect for bottomless brunches and lively evenings.
The Alchemist Brindleyplace
3.6 km
Experience Birmingham’s theatrical cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindleyplace, where molecular mixology meets creative cuisine above the canal.
Madeleine
3.6 km
An elegant, salon‑style cocktail bar in The Grand Hotel — famed for refined afternoon tea and meticulous cocktails in a dramatic, over‑sized parlour.
The Alchemist Colmore Row
3.6 km
Experience Birmingham’s iconic Grand building transformed into a theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular magic with vibrant city nightlife.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
DIAMOND SPARKLEZ
2.4 km
Ignite your night in Birmingham's diamond district at this glittering nightclub, where top DJs, stunning lights, and electric crowds create pure nightlife magic.
Dreams Night club and Shisha
2.6 km
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem fusing aromatic shisha clouds with thumping club beats until 5am—pure late-night energy on Barr Street.
PAVO Birmingham
2.7 km
Vibrant African fusion lounge and nightclub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where bold flavors meet electrifying beats until 4am on weekends.
Tunnel Club Birmingham
3.2 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.
Reflex - Birmingham
3.6 km
Spin into 80s-00s nostalgia at Reflex Birmingham: revolving dance floor, karaoke booths, neon vibes, and epic sing-alongs on Broad Street's party strip.
What do you mean
3.7 km
Dive into Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at What Do You Mean, a premier nightclub known for electrifying music, creative cocktails, and an unforgettable party vibe.
Popworld - Birmingham
3.7 km
Broad Street's ultimate pop party hub: 90s-00s hits, neon dance floors, cocktails, and celebration packages until 3am.
Rosies - Birmingham
3.7 km
Birmingham's ultimate super club: five themed rooms, killer cocktails, and non-stop beats on Broad Street for epic nights out.
Snobs
3.9 km
Birmingham's 40-year indie-retro nightclub legend: cheap drinks, themed dance floors, and non-stop beats on Broad Street.
King of clubs
4.0 km
Compact late‑night Birmingham club for high‑energy R&B, hip‑hop and DJ nights, pulsing into the small hours with neon, bass and bar-driven parties.
Bambu Nightclub
4.3 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
suki10c
4.4 km
Quirky Digbeth nightclub with local art, sustainable vibes, and eclectic beats in an intimate 180-capacity space powered by wind energy.
101 Night Club
4.4 km
Unleash your nightlife spirit at 101 Night Club, Birmingham's vibrant center for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.
Sobar
4.4 km
Dive into Birmingham's electric nightlife at Sobar, where R&B beats, masterful cocktails, and inclusive vibes fuel unforgettable weekend revelry in the heart of the Arcadian.
Mango Night Club
4.5 km
A high‑energy Bristol Street nightclub serving Afrobeats, hip‑hop and R&B for late‑night dancers and party crowds in central Birmingham.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
