Cannon Hill Park — Attraction in Birmingham

A big, atmospheric, multicultural family space. Needs some TLC though.

A huge park with a lot of areas, each with a different style and feel. There's so much to see and soak up that repeat visits are a necessity.

The variety of planted areas varies from formal beds to 'wilded' shrubbery to exotic trees and more traditional ones. It's like a selection of everything all in one (large) place.

This is very much a family space and there's always a fair spread of cultures and languages to be seen and heard enjoying the park.

Wildlife aplenty - tame(ish) squirrels and lots of birdlife: coots, northern mallards ('ducks'), moorhens, Canada geese, sometimes swans and always gulls. Plus a few smaller birds; robins and something that moved so fast I couldn't identify it. Maybe on the next visit.

Dogs are welcome but must always be on a lead in all parts of the park.

The 'Fun Park' is either a garish abomination or a kids' paradise, depending on your viewpoint. It's not my thing but if it brings young people into the park then I'm for it. Ditto the mini golf and swan boats on the lake.

I wasn't sure about the place when I first came here but am coming to like it more and more on each visit as I explore the corners and spend time just soaking up the atmosphere.

The main attraction for me are the wonderful trees in the South corner on the top of the slope furthest from the lake. In Summer the area's a cool space and in Winter, it gives off a delicious dark vibe with a rich wet earth aroma.

Sadly there are many signs of lack of maintenance: cracked or uneven walkways, the neglected model of the Elan Valley, puddles at the foot of benches, peeling paint on railings and pillars and signage that's either missing, faded or water damaged.

The 'mansion' in the centre of the park is in a dire state and quite an eyesore. I've yet to find any information about it but can only hope that restoration is planned.

Likewise the 1920's/ 30's style Garden Tea Room needs a makeover and someone running it who knows what they're doing.

With investment of a little time and money the park could be lifted from good to great.

After heavy rain the main slope from the south /east towards the lake become a wet / soggy mess so stick to the paths.

There's plenty of parking right next to the arts centre. However, it can be a problem especially during Summer, events at the Arts Centre and when there's a match on at the neighbouring cricket ground. Also make sure you pay for parking at the correct machine or with the right site reference on the RingGo app.

There's another car park on the east side of the park (Russell Road East Car Park). It's small but is usually the...

I recently visited this parking facility and, unfortunately, had a frustrating experience that I feel is worth sharing. One of the biggest issues is the lack of cash payment options. If you’re someone who prefers to pay with cash—or perhaps just doesn’t have a mobile payment app handy—you’re out of luck. The facility is set up to only accept payments through a smartphone app, which may seem convenient in theory, but in practice, it comes with its own set of problems.

Not only do you need to have the app downloaded and working, but you are also charged a so-called “convenience fee” on top of the normal parking rate just for using it. Personally, I found this frustrating. The fee feels unnecessary and punitive, especially since there’s no alternative payment method available. It makes the experience feel less like paying for parking and more like being nickel-and-dimed for simply following their system.

After realizing that paying here would require me to jump through these hoops—and incur an extra charge—I decided it wasn’t worth it. The process felt cumbersome, and I wasn’t comfortable installing or navigating a payment app just to park for a short period. I ended up driving away rather than dealing with the inconvenience.

Fortunately, I knew of another option nearby: Arrow Valley Park in Redditch. It’s not only larger and more spacious, but parking there is completely free. The difference is striking. Arrow Valley Park offers ample space, clear signage, and the peace of mind that comes with not having to worry about payment apps or hidden fees. It’s much more user-friendly, and for anyone looking to park without frustration or extra costs, it’s a far better alternative.

In summary, while this parking facility might be convenient for those who are comfortable with mobile payments and don’t mind the extra convenience fee, I found it restrictive and off-putting. The lack of cash options combined with the mandatory app fee makes the experience unnecessarily complicated. For me, the hassle simply wasn’t worth it, and I would recommend exploring other nearby parking options, such as Arrow Valley Park, which provides a bigger, free, and more straightforward...

Cannon Hill Park, located in the heart of Birmingham, UK, is a splendid public space that offers a wealth of activities and sights that appeal to visitors of all ages. Covering 250 acres, the park is not only vast but also beautifully maintained, making it a popular choice for families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

One of the highlights of Cannon Hill Park is its variety of landscapes. The park features expansive grassy areas perfect for picnics and sports, two picturesque lakes, and a variety of scenic walking paths that are well-suited for leisurely strolls or vigorous jogs. The park's features expansive grassy areas perfect for picnics and sports, two picturesque lakes, and a variety of scenic walking paths that are well-suited for leisurely strolls or vigorous jogs. The park's mature trees and carefully curated flower beds add to its charm and provide a colorful backdrop during the spring and summer months.

For families, the park is particularly appealing due to its range of facilities. The fun park and mini-golf course offer entertainment for children, while the tennis courts, bowling greens, and boat hire on the lake provide activities for adults as well. The Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), located within the park, enriches the visit further by offering a variety of performances, cinema screenings, and art exhibitions.

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the park's conservation and woodland areas, which serve as a habitat for a diverse array of birds and small mammals. This not only makes Cannon Hill Park a great place for nature watching but also enhances its peaceful ambiance.

Accessibility is another strength of the park, with ample parking available and good public transport links. This ease of access, combined with its well-maintained facilities such as clean restrooms and a café serving refreshments, ensures a comfortable visit for all.

Overall, Cannon Hill Park is a jewel in Birmingham’s crown, offering a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle. It is an ideal spot for everything from a relaxing afternoon to an active day out, making it a must-visit destination for both locals...