The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Birmingham

While Birmingham may feel like an urban jungle of skyscrapers and city lights, it’s also home to some unique Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you’re visiting Birmingham and need a moment away from the bustle of city surroundings, a trip to one of these beautiful spots should definitely be on the agenda.

Some of the most beautiful places to visit in Birmingham include:

• Cannon Hill Park
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens
• Aston Hall and Gardens
• Sutton Park
• Birmingham canals
• Cotteridge Park
• Woodgate Valley Country Park

Get inspired by the picturesque areas of this West Midlands city. 

Cannon Hill Park

Fancy a fun day out for the entire family? Cannon Hill Park is your answer. Located just a couple of miles outside Birmingham’s city centre, this park features 120 acres of conservation and woodland. It’s a lovely spot to walk, cycle, or just relax and have a picnic in the sunshine.

There are also plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, such as a Fun Park and a Land Train that travels across the park. You can also take a ride on one of the Swan pedal boats – a fantastic way to unwind and enjoy Cannon Hill Park’s beautiful surroundings.

The park is free to the public, but there are charges for certain attractions. Find out about up-to-date opening times here.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Venture just outside of Birmingham City Centre and you’ll find Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a 15-acre green paradise. The Botanical Gardens are home to four stunning glasshouses, ranging from the exotic Tropical House to the Mediterranean House. Here you’ll find all sorts of wonderful plants, including many rare species. There’s also a rose garden and a woodland walk to explore, as well as other unique features.

Stop for a drink and a bite to eat at the Pavilion Tea Room, and browse the treasure trove of gardening items in the Garden Centre.

Find out about up-to-date opening times and ticket prices here.

Aston Hall and Gardens

Aston Hall is a delightful 17^th-century mansion set in a public park on the north side of Birmingham. Once the home of Sir Thomas Holte, Aston Hall is now a grade II listed building open for the public to explore. The building has since been restored to its former Jacobean appearance and boasts a series of magnificent period rooms.

Visitors can also stroll around Lady Holte’s Garden, a walled garden located on the south side of Aston Hall. This garden is a complete oasis of colour and tranquillity, designed to impress former guests of Aston Hall. Here, you can discover the unique water feature and vibrant benches created by artist Anu Patel.

Find out about up-to-date opening times and ticket prices here.

Sutton Park

For a truly relaxing afternoon, visit Sutton Park, just six miles north of Birmingham City Centre. This park is a 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve and one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Here you’ll find a combination of woodland, lakes, wetlands and marshes, each with its own wildlife and range of plants. You might even spot some of the wild ponies that graze on the land! 

This idyllic park features a variety of cycle and walking routes to help you explore the gorgeous surroundings. There are also two children’s playgrounds dotted across the park, as well as several restaurants where you can stop for some refreshments.

Find out about up-to-date opening times here.

Birmingham canals

Birmingham is home to 35 miles of canals – a significant reminder of the city’s industrial history. Most of these canals were built in the 1700s and 1800s and bustled with the activity of transporting goods from city to city. Some of the main canals that meet in the city include Grand Union Canal, Stourbridge Canal and Stratford Canal.

Whether you fancy walking or cycling, Birmingham’s canals offer a fantastic escape from the busy city. As you explore the towpaths, be sure to admire Birmingham’s historic architecture along the way and stop for a drink at one of the waterfront bars. For something truly unique, take a water-bus trip along the canals.

Cotteridge Park

If you want a leisurely stroll around a scenic park, look no further than Cotteridge Park. This is one of the many Victorian parks dotted across Birmingham, featuring 22 acres of lush green space and activities for people of all ages. The park is full of easily accessible paths as well as a longer route around its perimeter. Enjoy a game of tennis or basketball on one of the sports courts or stop for a hot drink at The Shed. Cotteridge Park also has an amphitheatre and a playground for little ones.  

Woodgate Valley Country Park  

Woodgate Valley Country Park is a fabulous 450-acre stretch of countryside, featuring a mix of meadows, woodland and small ponds. Located on the edge of Birmingham, this park is ideal for a walk on a sunny day. Here, you can explore eight miles of path, with three waymarked routes to choose from. Woodgate Valley Country Park is also home to Hole Farm Riding Centre, where you can try out pony trekking.

Visiting with kids? The park features a fun play area, suitable for kids under 15 years of age. And if you get peckish, you can stop for a spot of lunch at the park café, which serves a range of hot and cold drinks and food.

Hotels in Birmingham

Planning a trip to Birmingham? Whether you’re visiting one of the city’s beautiful parks or exploring its other attractions, Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham offers the perfect home away from home. Boasting comfortable rooms, a contemporary restaurant and an all-day Costa Coffee bar, our hotel is built with comfort and luxury in mind. Plus, its convenient city-centre location provides excellent access to all parts of Birmingham. Take a look at our Birmingham City Guide to find out about the thrilling attractions and activities available near our stunning hotel.