Where are Birmingham's Best Parks Part 2
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Where are Birmingham's Best Parks? (Part 2)
Birmingham, we're informed, has more parks than Paris!
As lockdown restrictions began to bite, hundreds of people rediscovered many of those green spaces, to meet friends, family or simply explore.
Here's just a small selection of some of our favourite parks - below - but don't forget to also check out our earlier list (Part 1), also on WeekendNotes.
Lightwoods Park
Divided in two, and situated on the Birmingham/ Smethwick border, Lightwoods Park has undergone a massive redevelopment over the last few years.
There's a small free skateboard park, basketball court, play area, outdoor exercise equipment and new pathways.
Meanwhile, Lightwoods House has had an impressive multi-million pound makeover, and is now home to several small businesses, a nursery, and Jonathan's - a top-notch cafe/ restaurant that's especially popular for afternoon teas.
Behind the house, there's also the tranquil Shakespeare Garden, and the bandstand opposite is host to regular one-day free mini-music festivals under the banner Bearwood Shuffle.
Location: B67 5DP
Link:
lightwoodsparkandhouse.co.uk
Cannon Hill Park
Home to the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Cannon Hill Park is a popular hub for the local communities of Edgbaston and Balsall Heath.
Alongside the famed arts centre - home to cinema, theatre, exhibition and learning spaces, as well as a cafe and bar - the park's 200 acres is also home to a couple of lakes, tennis courts, and Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Centre (admission fee applies).
Situated on the Pershore Road, and opened in the mid-1970s, the Wildlife Conservation Centre features a unique collection of animals from across the globe, including Red Pandas, meerkats, lemurs, reptiles, otters, birds, wallabies and a large collection of monkeys.
Location: B13 8RD
Link:
www.birmingham.gov.uk/cannonhillpark
Lickey Hills Country Park
Situated on the outskirts of Birmingham, 'The Lickeys' (as they're known to locals) is a hefty 524 acres (that's around 2km).
And Brummies ruddy well love it!
Always popular, especially around the cafe area and during school holidays, there's plenty of ups and downs, wooded and open areas, and a few hidden treats too - like a strange mini-castle, random sculptures, and 'bluebell woods'.
If you're very lucky, you might even chance upon a shy stray deer!
Heading up to the higher points, you'll also see some fine panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
A great place to get lost.
Location: B45 8ER
Link:
www.birmingham.gov.uk/lickeyhills
Sheldon Country Park
Although there are some mature woodlands and old hedgerows, Sheldon Country Park is predominantly flat grassland - so perfect for a kick or run-around.
It's proximity to Birmingham International Airport means that you can get some good views of planes taking off and landing, if that's your thing too!
But the main draw for the park is The Old Rectory Farm, a small restored demonstration farm, showing traditional methods of farming.
Animals on-site include Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and geese - and entry is free.
Location: B26 3TU
Link:
www.birmingham.gov.uk/sheldonpark
facebook.com/SheldonCountryParkRangers/
Please note that during Covid-19 restrictions the facilities at some parks may not be open or operating to full capacity - this includes toilets, play areas and cafes. As a result, we suggest you may wish to check their websites before visiting.
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70250 - 2023-01-26 01:45:46