Edited 21/05/24
Read time: 8 mins.
With over 8,000 acres of open space and parks, Birmingham is one of the greenest cities in the UK, making it the perfect place to enjoy a summer picnic!
To help you decide where to set up, we’ve put together a list of the best picnic spots near Birmingham and within the city itself.
Have you got your picnic ready? If not, take one of our ready made picnic hampers. Delivered to your door wherever you are in the UK!
So, get your snacks and picnic blanket at the ready and make the most of the sunny days whilst they last.
Get your picnic basket ready or pick up a picnic to go before heading out to one of Birmingham’s picnic spots.
Here are our top 10 Birmingham picnic spots:
1. Picnics in Cannock Chase Forest
Best picnic spot for: wildlife spotting.
Within this extensive pine forest north of Birmingham lies Pingle Slade, a large open area that’s perfect for picnics.
The park covers 3000 acres, making it one of the largest country parks in England. There are plenty of woodland walks, perfect for deer spotting and enjoying outdoor activities with the family.
Things to do nearby:
- Take a walk along the stream and cross the stepping stones at Sher Brook.
- Hire a bike and ride the Follow the Dog or Monkey trails.
- Hop on a Forest Segway for some off-road fun in the Go Ape forests.
- Challenge yourself with the Gruffalo orienteering course. Navigate the woods to find the 12 hidden Gruffalo markers.
Nearest car park: Marquis Drive or Milford Common car parks (rates from £1 for up to 2 hours).
The forest is home to wild Fallow, Red and Muntjac Deer. Photo by Rebecca Prest on Unsplash.
2. Picnics along the Canal Old Main Line.
Best picnic spot for: a view of the city’s canals.
Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? In fact, it has more than 35 miles of them!
Tuck into your picnic with a view of The Old Main Line canal on the benches outside the ICC before wandering down the canal’s 6.6 miles of navigable walkways.
Things to do nearby:
- Hop on the ‘Ariel’ water bus from Sherborne Wharf and discover an alternate view of the city.
- Still feeling peckish post picnic? Pop to the bars and restaurants of Brindleyplace to refuel.
- Visit the UK’s only 360˚ Ocean Tunnel at the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham.
Nearest car park: Paradise Circus, Q-Park Brindleyplace and Arena Central Car Park are all within walking distance of this part of the canal.
Birmingham is home to more canals than Venice. Photo by Elliott Brown via Creative Commons.
3. Picnics in the Malvern Hills
Best picnic spot for: epic views across the countryside.
Make sure to bring plenty to drink as you trek this miniature mountain range in search of a picnic spot. Covering more than 3,000 acres, there are plenty of picnic spots to choose from.
We recommend a steady hike up to the top of the Beacon for views across the countryside whilst enjoying your picnic.
Things to do nearby:
- Learn about the prehistoric history of Malvern at the Malvern museum.
- Sample some English wines at Coddington Vineyard and Garden.
- Relax and unwind at The Malvern Spa.
- Get active with a family activity day at Boundless Outdoors.
Nearest car park: Upper Beacon Road (£5.50 per day).
The view from the Malvern Hills towards Malvern. Photo by Christopher Eden on Unsplash.
4. Picnics in Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Best picnic spot for: a day out with the family.
Can you picnic at Birmingham botanical gardens? You certainly can!
This 15-acre grade II listed botanical garden allows picnics for up to 30 people on its landscaped lawns.
Sit back and admire the view of these stunning gardens, home to over 7000 plant species, complete with four climate-controlled glasshouses as you tuck into your picnic.
Things to do nearby:
- Discover the plants and birds in the garden’s Tropical, Arid, Subtropical and Mediterranean glasshouses.
- Join in the fun with a Garden’s Explorer family backpack, full of activities to keep the little one’s entertained as you stroll around the gardens.
- Attend one of the park’s special events. Previous affairs include concerts for the Brass in the Blooms series and garden yoga sessions.
Nearest car park: On-site (rates from £3.00 per visit for non-members).
Birmingham Botanical Gardens are home to four climate-controlled glasshouses. Photo by Mike Finn via Creative Commons.
6. Picnics in Cannon Hill Park
Best picnic spot for: an adventurous day out.
A hit with the public since its opening to visitors in 1873, Cannon Hill includes 80 acres of formal parks packed with picnic spots, as well as 120 acres of conservation area and woodland.
Extra refreshments can be sourced from the site’s Garden Tea Rooms or the MAC’s café and bar.
Things to do nearby:
- Explore the waters in a Swan Pedal boat.
- Find out who’s the best golfer at the Golden Putter mini golf course.
- Visit the famous red pandas at Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park.
Nearest car park: Russell Road. The site is also well serviced by buses from the city centre (The numbers 1, 35, 45, 47, 61 and 63 buses all have stops within 5 minutes walk of the park).
The lake at Cannon Hill Park. Photo by Dave Morton via flickr.
6. Picnics in Handsworth Park
Best picnic spot for: a peaceful escape from the city.
Easily accessed by public transport, the scenic Handsworth Park is the perfect spot to relax with flowers, trees, birds and a large boating lake in its 63 acres.
There are plenty of benches and large grassy areas to set up your picnic. Extra treats can be picked up from the Boathouse Café.
Things to do nearby:
- Hire a rowing boat and explore the lake.
- Follow the Handsworth Park art trail and find the Pyramid Tower, SS Journey and the Sun Guardian Bear.
- Explore Soho House, a Georgian home that was once the meeting place of the Lunar society.
Nearest car park: Holly Road Leisure Centre. The park is well serviced by bus route 16 from the city centre.
Handsworth Park is home to a sculpture trail. Photo by Ted and Jen via Creative Commons.
7. Picnics in City Centre Gardens
Best picnic spot for: a quick lunch or after-work picnic.
This oasis in the city is home to well-kept shrubs and plants, including a plant filled gazebo at its centre, and plenty of benches for picnicking at.
Away from the bustle of the city, this is a great spot for people watching, admiring the surrounding buildings and relaxing in nature whilst on your lunch break.
Things to do nearby:
- Got time to spare? Join a walking tour and get to know the history of the city.
- Go to an exhibition at the Library of Birmingham.
- See a show at the Birmingham Rep, the city’s world-class theatre.
Nearest car park: Paradise Circus. The Gardens are an 11 minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station.
After your picnic why not take a look inside the Library of Birmingham? Photo by farin sadiq on Unsplash.
8. Picnics in Winterbourne House and Gardens
Best picnic spot for: Sunday relaxation amongst the flowers.
This botanic heritage garden in Edgbaston is grade II listed and complete with plant collections from around the globe, a Japanese bridge and a woodland walk.
Perch on one of the many benches within the gardens to enjoy your picnic and admire the garden’s colourful borders.
Things to do nearby:
- Discover the interactive exhibits in Winterbourne House.
- Have an afternoon tea at Winterbourne’s tea room.
- Watch an open-air performance in the gardens. Patrons are invited to bring a chair and a picnic whilst watching the show.
Nearest car park: Available on site or nearby at Pritchatts Road.
The gardens are home to plants from North and South America, China and the Alpine regions. Photo by Elliott Brown via Creative Commons.
9. Picnics in St Philip’s Place
Best picnic spot for: people watching.
This city centre spot is full of green space, benches and company (including a significant number of pigeons).
Pop a picnic blanket on the grass and watch the world go by in view of the 18th century St Philip’s Cathedral.
Things to do nearby:
- Join a guided tour of the baroque-style cathedral.
- Explore the independent shops of the Great Western Arcade.
- Discover important collections from around the world and local history at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BM&AG).
Nearest car park: St Philips Point or Snow Hill Station.
Admire the Baroque architecture of St Philip’s Cathedral. Photo by farin sadiq on Unsplash.
10. Picnics in Sutton Park National Nature Reserve
Best picnic spot for: getting in touch with nature.
Covering 2400 acres, this National Nature Reserve is one of Europe’s largest urban parks. Spot the cattle and wild ponies as you wonder through the reserve’s woodlands, wetlands and marshes.
For a picnic spot close to the car, set up between the Bistro and Blackroot Pool.
Things to do nearby:
- Visit the Donkey Sanctuary.
- Try your hand at canoeing or kayaking with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Canoe Club at Blackroot Pool.
- Spot the model aircrafts taking off at the Flying Field.
Nearest car park: The Visitor Centre, Streetly Gate, Banners Gate and Four Oaks Gate. Other spots are available within the park.
The park’s largest pool is a prime watersport and boating spot. Photo by Elliot Brown via Creative Commons.
Those are our top picnic spots in Birmingham!
Many of these spots are accessible via public transport, but please check before travelling if you are unsure of the route.
Have we missed your favourite picnic spot in Birmingham? Let us know on social!
Are you picnic ready? If not, take a look at our collection of British picnic hampers perfect for a Summer’s day.
Discover our picnic hamper range online.
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