Handsworth, an inner city suburb of Handsworth Birmingham wouldn’t be most peoples’ first thought as a place to revel in the glory of a British autumn, but at the heart of Handsworth is a gem of a park designed by Vertigens over 100 years ago and recently restored with heritage lottery monies.

What makes it stand out from so many others is the topography; wheelchair users should bring a strong pusher. It sometimes feels like three or four parks in one, so constantly surprised are you by the next view. Full of mature trees, it’s a great place to have a Sunday wander and wonder at colours, shapes lit with glorious autumnal light enhanced by the reflective bounce of two lakes.

Kids of all ages can collect conkers and leaves and when you need a break the Boathouse cafe sells gorgeous homemade cakes and dishes up chicken rice ‘n peas dinners on a Sunday. Heaven.

Entrances on Hamstead, Hinstock and Holly Roads B21. Use public transport, 20 min bus ride on the no 16 from City centre or use the car park by Holly Road gates.

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Part of much missed old Victorian Central Library and now housed in the new building on Chamberlain Square. Open once a year for City Discovery Day. Worth a visit if you are around the city centre that day.

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One of the most charming small museums in Birmingham with a recently added visitor centre and tea room. A real Brummy gem. The house itself is very small, but taken together this is a real treat.

Opening Times:
Open from 31st March to 28th October
Tuesday to Sunday 11.30am - 4pm
Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays

Blakesley Road
Yardley
Birmingham
B25 8RN
Tel: +44 [0]121 464 2193

www.bmag.org.uk/index.php?type=element&maincat=1&subcat=2&subelement=2

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The Custard Factory is a large former industrial complex housing creative businesses and a number of nice cafes and bars, including the Medicine Bar and Rooty Fruity.

There a few galleries, shops and showrooms that are also worth a visit.

You don't feel like you're in Brum when you visit this place, which for most people is a good thing.

Gibb Square, Birmingham, B9 4AA
0121 224 7777

info@custardfactory.com www.custardfactory.com/

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The University of Birmingham's own botanical gardens. Much more interesting than the nearby Botanical Gardens.

Several acres of charming gardens and glass houses in the grounds of an old Victorian house. Adjacent to a small lake and woodland in the heart of Edgbaston. Absolutely delightful.

Winterbourne Botanic Garden
University of Birmingham
58 Edgbaston Park Road
Birmingham B15 2RT

0121 414 3832


www.botanic.bham.ac.uk/

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This historic Grade 2-listed building is Birmingham's finest example of Victorian pub architecture, resplendent in decorative tiles and stained glass.

The pub serves Oakham's award-winning real ales, guest ales from the region and across the country and imported bottled beers from around the world. Authentic freshly cooked Thai food is served from 12 noon-2.30pm and 5.30-10pm Tuesday to Sunday.

One of Birmingham's true gems.

144 High Street
Aston
Birmingham
West Midlands
B6 4UP
0121 333 5988

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Battered in an air raid in December 1940, a clock tower and domed cupola are all that remains of St Thomas's Church, left to loom over these simple gardens as a monument to Birmingham's losses.

During 1998's G8 summit in the city, each world leader planted a tree here to represent their country. A 'peace pole' rises from the centre bearing the inscription 'May peace prevail on earth' in four languages. Forsaking the benches and sitting cross-legged beside the pole under the shadow of the church can be a powerful experience.

Holloway Head/Granville St, central Birmingham

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"They do say the trees can actually move, and can surround strangers and hem them in," a hobbit once said. Enclosed by twitching moss and ancient blackened mounds as you duck through the moist undergrowth, it's easy to see how Tolkien drew inspiration from this place.

Lamenting Birmingham's relentless expansion, he found here an oasis that civilisation passed by, and relaxing quietly beneath a leafy bower, a gnarled trunk twisting above and clasping twigs with its neighbour, you're liable to forget that city life is but a few hundred metres away.

Tucked out of the way between Yardley Wood Road and Wake Green Road, Moseley B13. Hall Green station is closest.

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