These are some of the loveliest gardens I've ever seen. Wandered around here on a warm spring…read moreevening, there are many works of art, fountains, and memorials to local dignitaries. The flower displays are beautiful, all the trees are labelled with information. The river boarders one side of the gardens, and is very attractive. There is a cafe houses in a hot house within the gardens, and lakes. Locals know what a gem them have, and use it

I like these gardens and as a local (ish) resident for over twenty years I probably haven't made…read moreenough of them, however I think that says something in itself. I am not particularly overawed by the part - it is lovely, but that is about it. While the new cafe is nice, I think it is far too overpriced, especially for what you are getting and while it may be worth it for a one off visit, I wouldn't choose to visit on a regular basis.

Since getting a dog we are always looking for dog friendly places and Himley Halls grounds are…read moreperfect! They have parking (£1.80 all day), Golf course & hire, cafe, toilets and even water bowls for the thirsty doggies. Beautiful walks and even got a stream you can trek along. The food in the cafe is basic but good. My only criticism was the toilets where closed so we had quite a walk to get to the other toilets located by the hall. My mom has trouble getting around and nearly had to go in the bushes lol. Thankfully we got there in time! Overall great place for anyone who likes a good trek and ideal for dog owners.

Located in the old grounds of Himley Hall which was the home of the Earl of Dudley . Theres…read moreopenland , woods , fishing lake and a public golf course . They have many big events here such as the usual bonfire night but also music events , wedding fairs etc .

This is one of several country parks in Warwickshire. It is free to wander around, though there is…read morea £2 charge for car parking (and no other real options nearby). The paths are all gravel, so it is an easy place to take pushchairs or wheelchairs. Admittedly the scenery is not amazingly interesting, but the full route takes you past some fields (often with sheep) and the pools themselves. The route is cleverly constructed so you can do the full circuit (about 45 minutes), or you can cut back and do shorter ones. There is a small shop and visitor centre, and a cafe with lots of outdoor tables - though this has fairly limited opening hours. A very popular place to take kids out to get a bit of fresh air and exercise!

I live close by and its a great place to go for a nice walk, small play area for the kids, also the…read morerailway that normally runs twice a week, at the moment the lake doesn't have that much water in as earlier this year was emptied to do repairs on the dam, the work now has been done and is filling up naturally, will be around 2012 before completely full again. see some pics and details at my site at http://www.kevinsimon.co.uk/?p=274

I agree with marg - a great place for a day out, whether you want to picnic, see or ride the…read moretrains, bring your boat or just walk your dog. There are two places for refreshment, a book/nic-nac store (inside a train carriage), plus a toy shop.

One of Birmingham's lesser known parks, and all the better for it, if you ask me! We really are…read moreblessed / spoiled over in the south of the city when it comes to parks - there seems to be one every few hundred yards - from large, countryside-equse open spaces like Warley Woods and the Lickeys, to ornate urban parks like Cannon Hill Park. This place is a little of both - the large open space that dominates it provides a lovely respite from the bustle of Harborne, and the gardens that border it are well kept and a legacy of the park's Victorian roots. A great little park - much recommended!

Queens Park is one of Birmingham's best parks in my opinion, its very secluded and not very known…read moreabout and all the better for it! We don't have many great outdoor spaces in Harborne so its a great place for young children, teenagers and adults too. Its has a great open large space, people come here to play football, tennis (has 2 tennis courts), basketball (has a basketball court). Has a playground area for young children. Very popular with dog walkers, joggers and cyclists. Ive been here day and night and never had any trouble, the gardens are well kept and very pretty in every season. There is 2 car parks available on site which is free, space available for disabled vehicles too. A great little park!

Coombe Country Park in Coventry is a beautiful, historical spot that isn't crowded or touristy…read more There's plenty of parking, and the scenery makes it perfect for romantic rainy-day strolls or sunny picnic dates. The park feels peaceful and well-kept, and it's a lovely place to relax and enjoy nature without the crowds.

I love this park I go there with my family and friends and scouts sometimes . It's a nice place…read morebecause it has a café and a park for bigger children and younger children, which shows that they care for the children . It has a duck pond and a lake and you can feed the ducks however not a lot which is good because it proves they care about the nature . It has a jungle go ape area that has support and pros watching you for your entire experience to ensure your safety but you still have fun .

This is an area of mainly woodland concentrated on the old limestone workings that fed the iron…read moreworkings of the Black Country . The views off the top are amazing particulary at night . The place is famous for the Seven Sisters Caverns and the wealth of fossils that have been dug from the Silurian Limestone . The place is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is designated a Geological Nature Reserve but theres loads of wildlife too.

Elmdon park is a mammoth of a park and when I am feeling in need of some nice fresh air and a long…read morewalk I park at the top end by the Land Rover and walk all the way down to the playground section and back again, it usually takes around an hour and it is an enjoyable walk - typical that the hill back to the car park is fairly steep so don't over do it on the walk! Has events during the warmer months and within the last few years I have attended an Easter Egg hunt which took you on a walk around the park searching for letters to receive a creme egg for the kids who took part as well as a fun day where they had some bouncy slides which you had to pay £1-£1.50 to use

Visited here today, 18 Feb, because I wanted to see something 'typically British' and this was one…read moreof the few 'stately homes' open in winter. They opened the gates at 10:30 am, but the main house doesn't open til 11:30. If you want to do something similar make sure to check hours on the websites! We enjoyed walking around the gardens for roughly an hour before going inside the house. Despite it being winter, the grounds were really green and the light was wonderful. There is a kind of 'ring path' around the periphery - perfect for a long walk - but bring your wellies! It was too muddy for us to walk into the lower areas near the river. There were tons of deer all over - very nice to see bucks and doe all mixed together - and not spooked by people. On the grounds you can get snacks at The Orangery - but be prepared to wait - we tried to get in twice and both times the line was out the door and every table was taken. But inside is lovely with lots of artwork showing the home and grounds throughout the seasons represented in different mediums (block prints, photos, watercolors). And there is also outdoor seating, which would be really nice in warmer weather. There's also the Tea Garden with beverages and snacks on the other side of the house, but it's all outside. The home itself is really grand. The front hall, dining and living areas, library, pool room and ladies chambers, all on the first floor, give insight into how people used to live - and it's quite something. Only a small portion of the second floor is open to the public via staircases and the place does not appear to be accessible by people with special needs. Overall a very enjoyable experience! And a place to return to season after season to see the gardens, flowers in bloom and exhibits. And don't miss the kitchen and shops!

Really pleasant place to visit, great grounds, see full review…read more http://www.kevinsimon.co.uk/?p=513