At long last, the sun has returned in Birmingham, and it looks like it might just be here to stay. If you’re ready to pack your hamper and roll out your picnic blankets this summer, here is a list of some of the best picnic spots in Birmingham, where you can make the most of the gorgeous summer sunshine.
Winterbourne House & Gardens
Situated in the heart of Edgbaston, Winterbourne House is a historic Edwardian property built for housing reform pioneer John Nettlefold. The house has been restored and opened to the public as a museum, with displays, interactive exhibits, a tea room, gift shop and a delightful little book shop. All profits from the shops and tearoom are funelled back into the maintenance of the site.
The gorgeous 7-acre gardens have been maintained by the University of Birmingham, and make for a stunning backdrop to a picnic lunch, with collections of plants and flowers from around the globe. Winterbourne is definitely worth making a day of, and the site offers free entry to students and staff of the University of Birmingham, single entry, concessionary, child and family tickets, and annual memberships. Open 7 days a week, including bank holidays, Winterbourne is a must for a sunny day in Birmingham.
Cannon Hill Park
One of the biggest and best parks in Birmingham, Cannon Hill is centred in Moseley, and has been awarded Green Flag status. With stunning lakes, flowerbeds, and woodland, the 80+ acre park is a perfect picnic venue. If you’re looking to fill a day out, Cannon Hill is also home to the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can see a range of animals from goats, guinea pigs and other domestic family favourites to monkeys, snakes and even red pandas!
The park is also home to the MAC, a cultural arts centre with galleries and exhibitions, theatre, crafts workshops, a cinema and food and drink sites. The Land Train offers tours around the park to take in the sights, or you can hop on a Swan Pedal Boat across the boating lake to explore the waters in beautiful surroundings. There are lots of sports facilities, and footpaths for nature-filled walks to balance out the copious sandwiches and cakes that fuel family picnics!
There is also a mini-golf course, and a Fun Park full of rides to keep your little ones happy. Cannon Hill is a brilliant place for a summer picnic, and a venue for great days out all year round.
Sutton Park
At a staggering 2400 acres, Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in all of Europe, and is located right here in Birmingham, in Sutton Colfield. With woodlands, open heathland, marshes and seven lakes, the park is a diverse natural space with much to see.
Cattle and wild ponies are free to graze on the land, and there is a Donkey Sanctuary based in the park for animal lovers. There are two children’s playgrounds, and opportunities to learn sailing, kayaking and canoeing, so plenty of post-picnic fun for all!
The Secret Garden at The Library of Birmingham
A slightly less conventional picnic spot, but certainly one with a brilliant view. Perhaps the worst-kept secret of all secret gardens, the outdoor spaces at the city library are full of benches from which you can eat your lunch surrounded by greenery, right in the heart of the city. The garden has a brilliant view over Centenary Square, but on a clear and sunny day, the rooftop allows a view over all of Birmingham. Not a bad place to survey over your sandwiches!
Selly Oak Park
Another park with Green Flag status, Selly Oak Park is another brilliant spot to check out this picnic season. Featuring a nature trail with information points, sculptures and play features, the park is a great place for a walk. Take a stroll down the adjoining Lapal canal, use the outdoor gym equipment, or have a quiet afternoon lounging in the sun with your snacks.
There are plenty of public parks in Selly Oak – check out Selly Park Recreation Ground or Muntz Park for some smaller picnic spots with plenty of greenery.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The green heart of the second city, the Birmingham Botanical Garden is one of the best destinations to suit all your summer picnic needs. With over seven thousand plants in Victorian Glasshouses, across 15 acres, the gardens provide a beautiful backdrop to your lunch. If you don’t fancy carrying your sandwiches all the way there, the Pavilion Tea Room on the Loudon Terrace is an excellent place to stop for a bite to eat.
The Gardens offer Family, Adult, Concession and Child tickets, and under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Lickey Hills Country Park
For the more serious walkers, the 524 acres of the Lickey Hills Country Park are home to some stunning views to accompany your picnic. The park spans areas of Birmingham and Worcestershire and hosts a sculpture trail, a tri-golf course, and a play park to keep the children occupied. There are a number of marked trails and walks on and around the hills, all of which are provided in a walking booklet (available to buy in the Visitor Centre).
One of the most impressive and famous views can be experienced at the top of Beacon Hill, which stands at 297m above sea level. On clear and sunny days, visibility extends to locations such as Worcester, the Abergavenny Sugar Loaf, Epwell Hill in Oxfordshire, and May Hill in Gloucestershire.
Cambrian Wharf
If you have a lunch break to kill in the city centre, and don’t want to waste the fleeting nice weather by sitting at your desk, bring your packed lunch along to Cambrian Wharf. Sitting on the steps or one of the benches scattered along the towpath, you can pass a peaceful lunchtime watching the canal barges sail through the Farmer’s Bridge locks.
St Paul’s Square
Nestled in the Jewellery Quarter, St Paul’s Square is another great lunch-break spot. The green space is the last remaining Georgian square in the city and is a great place to set out your picnic blanket, with a fabulous view of the Grade II listed church at its heart. The square is surrounded by copious restaurants and cafes, so if your picnic in the Jewellery Quarter is a more spontaneous affair, do not fear – there will be something there for everyone!
Victoria Square
Another fabulous spot at the heart of the city, Victoria Square is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. Admittedly, it features a little less greenery than some of the parks we’ve listed here, but nonetheless it has spectacular views of the gorgeous architecture of the Town Hall and City Council House. Sitting on the steps gives you an excellent view of the elaborate fountains with their impressive statues.
This is certainly a non-exhaustive list – wherever you choose to savour your sandwiches or crunch on your crisps, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic view in the second city. From Birmingham’s ample parks and green spaces to its gorgeous architectural features, you’re sure to find an excellent backdrop for your picnics this summer.
