This route is a well-paved, easy walk. Visit the pockets of green and see kaleidoscopes of colourful flowers in the spring while seeing bits of history.
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Route overview
Our route starts at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Established in 1832, Birmingham Botanical Gardens now has over 7000 plants, four glass houses, and stunning outdoor gardens including a Japanese Garden of Bonsais. One of the highlights of the garden is the Butterfly House open from late May to early September every year. See hundreds of species of butterflies and, if you’re lucky, you may spot a butterfly hatching! To see their opening times and to buy tickets, click here.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Credit: T.K. Mc
Exiting the gardens, turn left on Westbourne Road then left onto Harborne Road and left again on Richmond Hill Road.
Part 1 of the 7.5km Fresh Birmingham Parks Walk
Turn left onto Farquhar Road and follow the curve. At the end of the road, turn left on Somerset Road, over the bridge and right onto Edgbaston Park Road.
Part 2 of the 7.5km Fresh Birmingham Parks Walk
Winterbourne House and Garden will be on your left. There is a sign leading up to the house.
Part 3 of the 7.5km Fresh Birmingham Parks Walk
Built in 1903 Winterbourne House and Garden is an example of Edwardian living. The house was also built and inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement with the idea that handcrafted goods are used instead of mass-produced ones. William Morris was one of the well-known figures in this movement and his designs, especially wallpaper, textiles, and tiles can be seen in various parts of the house. The Botanic Garden here is quite spectacular with its well-kept flower beds. Under the ownership of the University since 1944, the garden is used for research and study and is a Grade II listed building. To buy tickets and see opening times, click here.
Winterbourne House. Credit: Tony Hisgett
Winterbourne Garden. Credit: Donald Judge
Exiting the house, turn left back onto Edgbaston Park Road then left onto Bristol Road. Cross over the road where it’s safe to do so turning right towards King Edward’s School Playing Fields then turn left to walk along the grounds. Turn right into Mill Pool Way. Instead of following the curve of the road, continue straight onto the pedestrian pathway towards the Brook. Follow the path turning slight left to walk along the Brook. At the end of the pathway, turn left onto Pershore Road then right towards the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park.
Part 4 of the 7.5km Fresh Birmingham Parks Walk
Continue straight then at the memorial, turn slight left onto Queen’s Ride to walk along the River Rea. Turn right onto and over the first bridge then left to walk along the Lake. You are now in Cannon Hill Park. Feel free to detour around here and see the various memorials.
Part 5 of the 7.5km Fresh Birmingham Parks Walk
Cannon Hill Park was designed by Mr T J Gibson who also designed Battersea Park in London and was officially opened in 1873. Along Queens Ride are trees that were planted to commemorate 250 men who died in WWI. Throughout the park are various memorials and historical pieces such as the bandstand which has stood since the opening of the park. To view an interactive map, click here.
Flower beds of Cannon Hill Park. Credit: Elliott Brown
At the Cannon Hill Fun Park and Midlands Art Centre follow the path towards the River Rea and past the Canoe Pool, over the bridge and onto The Boulevard. When you reach the main road, Edgbaston Road, turn left and continue straight along Priory Road. Martineau Gardens will be on your right.
Part 6 of the 7.5km Fresh Birmingham Parks Walk
Martineau Gardens is a therapeutic community garden and charity. Therapeutic horticulture is offered to the volunteers at these Gardens with needs and disabilities including autism, dementia, and physical disabilities. To find out more, click here. There are ponds, herb gardens, orchards, and play areas for children. There are no cafes however hot and cold drinks are served in the Pavilion where you can donate.
Martineau Gardens pond. Credit: Damien Walmsley
Exiting the gardens, turn left back onto Priory Road, continue straight then turn left onto Pershore Road. Calthorpe Park will be ahead of you on your right after Edward Road.
Part 7 of the 7.5km Fresh Birmingham Parks Walk
Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our Edgbaston Walk.
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This route was compiled with kind assistance from the Birmingham City Council.