Green spaces in Birmingham
We all like to escape sometimes. The great news is, you don’t have to go far to find a number of Green Flag Award winning green spaces that you can enjoy in Birmingham city centre (and a couple further afield). Here are some of our favourite places close to our Birmingham serviced apartments in the heart of the city:
CITY CENTRE
VICTORIA SQUARE
Victoria Square, which many see as the heart of Birmingham, is ringed by some of the city’s finest old buildings. It’s a busy, pedestrianised square, but one where you can always find a place to chill out. Victoria Square is used regularly for arts events, so you might find yourself enjoying some high-quality entertainment.
The square is graced by four artworks by Dhruva Mistry. These include The River, a monumental bronze figure of a woman. The pool’s fountains, which earned her the nickname The Floozie in the Jacuzzi, have recently been restored and the gentle sound of flowing water can be heard again. A favoured lunchtime spot for city workers and visitors on a sunny day, we highly recommend a visit if you’re exploring the city.
You’ll find BMAG (Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery) at the top of Victoria Square.
EASTSIDE CITY PARK
Birmingham’s newest park and right in the city centre at Millenium Point. Eastside offers 14,000 square metres of green space. Enjoy the trees, a large canal water feature and a square with jet fountains.
LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM
A library may not be the most obvious place to head in search of green spaces in the city, but Birmingham is full of surprises. You’ll find a secret garden (pictured in our header image above) on the seventh floor of the library with views over the city.
The library is in Centenary Square, which has undergone a major transformation over the past five years.
BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL GROUNDS
Birmingham Cathedral is a beautiful building and the grounds it sits in are the perfect place to relax in the heart of Birmingham’s Business District. Grab a coffee, grab a bench and watch the world go by.
GAS STREET BASIN
Birmingham has more canals than Venice, but we’re not going to claim that we can equal the beauty of that city’s waterways (where can?!). However, Birmingham’s canals cut through the busy city and bring nature in. Gas Street Basin is a good spot to start a walk (and very photogenic) if you are in the area of The Mailbox.
ST PAUL’S SQUARE
St Paul’s Square in the Jewellery Quarter is an absolute gem. Lined with gorgeous Georgian buildings now home to bars, restaurants and coffee shops, St Paul’s Square has lovely green space that occasionally hosts craft and food fairs. Even when there aren’t any events, the Square is a must-visit for a bit of green space or if you’re heading to the Jewellery Quarter for a visit to a workshop or jewellery store.
FURTHER OUT
Birmingham BOTANICAL GARDENS
We have a serious soft spot for the Botanical Gardens; one of our favourite green spaces in Birmingham. They’re our city’s equivalent of London’s Kew Gardens. Founded in 1829, the gardens have the relaxing feel of a large Victorian park covering 15 hectares. Head for The Botanical Gardens for a great family day out.
Winterbourne House and Gardens
Currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions
Winterbourne is an absolute delight. The house was built in the Arts and Crafts style for the Nettlefold family in 1903. You’ll find examples of Birmingham crafts from that era throughout the house.
Margaret Nettlefold designed the gardens. She was inspired by the ideas of the brilliant Gertrude Jekyll. Jekyll collaborated with the architect Edward Lutyens on many of his projects. The gardens were restored in 2008 and then Grade II Listed .
Winterbourne is owned by the University of Birmingham. It’s not far to travel from the city centre and well worth the effort.
Thanks to @urban_savage_photography for our header image of @koko_sucre and to Birminghamweare.com for their help with sourcing images. Visit their website to find out more about green spaces in Birmingham. Want to learn more about our efforts to be the best sustainable hotel in Birmingham? Visit our sustainability matters directory.