Living in a flat means that, unless I sit on the car park, my outdoors dining options are zero…read more That's why I'm a huge fan of Haden Hill Park. It is my nearest park and where I tend to head with my picnic basket as soon as the weather gets warm and sunny. Haden Hill Park slopes down towards Halesowen from the Old Hill entrance on Barrs Road. It has a bowling green, tennis courts and a good playground for children. There's normally an ice cream van on the car park, ideal for grabbing the obligatory Calippo or Cider Refresher. The top part of the park is landscaped, with formal gardens for Haden Hill House. But as you walk downward, everything gets a bit wild, with overgrown ferns and towering trees. You can have quite an invigorating walk around the place and it feels like you've been out in the countryside.

Living only a 5 minute drive from Haden Hill Park has its perks. Not only are we allowed to head…read moredown if we fancy a chilled afternoon in this surprisingly nice weather (jinx) but we are also able to take out 11 year old Labrador down for a stroll. The picaresque park is great for a kickabout amongst friends or a romantic picnic for two. My friends and I have been visiting the park, kicking a ball about there for years and consider it one of our favourite spots to meet up as a group. The higher end of the park has a tennis court, which admittedly over the years has become less and less appealing due to weathering etc, a basketball court and Haden Hill House, worth a visit if you've never been. Fingers crossed the weather remains as it has been over the past week or so and Haden Hill could be in for an invasion this summer. Overall, I would definitely recommend a trip to the park, providing the weather is half decent, the park can he the basis of a great day out for friends families and even couples.

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!

Ever since I was a wee gal I've been coming to Lickey Hills park - from school geography trips to…read morehuge picnics , it has something for everyone. As soon as you come in, theres a huge park for kids which is actually great fun for the big kids too ;) take my advice for it! And as you go deeper into the park, you realise what an incredible sigh of relief this park is as it gives you a break from the busy, industrial city ; instead offering you serenity and beauty. You wouldn't even think it's in Birmingham! Rolling hills, towering trees and a blanket of green surrounding you; each area is beautiful. Even if you do get drenched by the rain like I did, it's definitely worth it! A must for those seeking an escape!

How can this not be 5*?! Beautiful rolling countryside, amazing views, woods and generally stunning…read morescenery. I actually don't have much more to say for a change!! If you are looking for a place for a hike, romantic walk, dog walking spot or just generally a spot to get out of the city without going too far then check this place ut. I have been coming here since I was a kid and think ill be coming back for some years! Lovely.

My experience here will be quite different to anyone else's. Earlier this year my company got the…read moreokay on a music video idea that required a tribal forest location,mine with an array of different locations and setting opportunities, but at the same time has striking vistas for the wide shots. When i told the crew I had the perfect location that was 10 minuets from home they thought I was crazy, until I messaged them over the pictures of this hidden landscape. The nature reserve it's self needs some cleaning up, part of the reason I liked this place was party due to its messy nature, but in any other eyes but a film makers this is a bad point. The clay hills looks amazing in the sun light and the paths are clear and easy to navigate, there's a small fishing spot around the bottom of the valley but I've never seen any fish in there (except the one we put in) The view from the top is beautiful and it can give the impression turning the middle of nowhere at times but a trolley stuck in a tree or a dirty old tyre will bring you back to reality. The pub just outside the reserve is nice and has always been one of my personal favourites, foods good and cheap too. The nature sculpture walk is really interesting, some cool wooden, carvings to have a ponder at. Just try and catch it in a good day where the wardens have had chance to tidy up. To view the video we made here check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5cqwcVQCE8&sns=em

An area of woodland , open fields , canals and a large reservoir . The nature reserve is dominated…read moreby a large quarry which provided clay fir the local brickworks . Its q great place for walking the dogs . There is a sculpture trail but being of wood its all starting to rot . Theres a great bridge over the canal where you get a perfect echo .

This is a lovely and peaceful park, which I enjoy cycling to when I have the time. I like to come…read morehere with a book and some snacks and just chill out under one of the many beautiful trees. It is very green and also has a stream running through the centre of it. There is also a path that goes through the park and so it is easy for those on bikes, those with wheelchairs and those with pushchairs to venture through. It is great for children to come and play in here and I have often seen kids in the summer playing in the stream. There are a couple of benches situated in the park too, although I think that it is great to bring your own blanket and choose your own place to sit in the park. It is a tranquil and pretty place to come and chill out in.

Dovedale is a disaster waiting to happen. People climbing the mountains with large rocks nearly…read moremissing people head. Witnessed a small rock hitting a poor young child. Seen delinquents rolling rocks from the top of the mountain. If those rocks hit anyone it's game over for that person. Multiple barbecues being held on site with people smoking shishas. No security on site. No signs of any rangers in site. Litter everywhere. A disaster waiting to happen from what I saw today

Just north of Ashbourne, Dovedale is most peoples first foray into the Peak District. As a result…read moreit can be unbelievably busy on bank holidays and on any nice day in the British summer. It is a lovely place to go walking, picturesque countryside and a straightforward circular walk back to the car park of around 6 miles. Great in the winter to stretch the legs, but the stepping stones that Dovedale are famous for will probably be flooded in the winter, so don't get caught out on the wrong side of the river and have to retrace your steps! Its close proximity to Derby and Ashbourne means that the best time to go to Dovedale is 'off peak', unless you are partial to queueing and crowds.

We truly are spoilt and blessed with parks here in this corner of South Brum. You rarely have to…read moretravel more than a mile before you find an enclave of greenery and peace and quiet. Bourneville Park is a small but well-designed and maintained park that has the added bonus of having a stream running through it. There is a kids play area that my son loves and we're often here as it's just a short walk from our house. I rarely let my dogs off the lead in this park as it seems to be a popular park for kids, and so whilst there are no signs saying otherwise, I tend to respect the general feel of the place. That said, it's a good place to walk them round on the lead.

I love this park, it is wonderful. It is so green and luscious. I spent a lot of time here when I…read morewas a child and still visit it now for picnics or just to escape the nearby hustle and bustle of the city. There are lots of trees and it has a large stream snaking through it too, which I used to splash around in as a kid! It is great for cycling through and also for walking your dog or taking your kids here to play. It can get quite busy here in the summer, as you can imagine everyone wants to chill out and sunbathe and enough the nice weather. Occasionally an ice-cream van will pull up near the entrance of the park, which is ideal on sunny days. I think it is a really beautiful park and I would recommend it if you want somewhere to sit and forget city life!

This leisure center has a swimming pool, gym and all sorts of courts available. It is cheap to go…read moreswimming and the gym is around £20. The private courts for tennis, badminton and football are quite cheap if you split the prices! Also there is a cafe right at the top overlooking the pool. Great for that after work-out snack!

I used to love this place as a child, it never gets old though! The swimming pool is brilliant, it…read morehas waves and water choots. There are lots of lockers aswell to keep your stuff in while you swim and the changing rooms and showers are clean. The prices are alright, but i would say it is definately worth trying out the pool.

You can get to the farm from main sandwell valley site. You can take the one mile woodland walk…read morethere. This route is not suitable for people who have difficulties walking. Alternativly you can drive around to there which is much quicker. You first see a a small childrens playground and there are a few pinic benches there. Then there is a shop which sells fresh barn eggs and all of your snacks. Also all of your merchandise.Animal food is there to buy to. Then you come into the courtyard and there are goats infront of you and to your left are ponies and chickens. You then move into the farm a bit and there are loads of cows where you can feed an there are chickens that you can feed. Thats about it. Then there is the walkway to the main site There is plenty parking at the park and the farm. Parking is also free. There is no bus link or anything like that, that takes you directly to the park or farm. To get to the park take a bus and get off on the main road and its a short walk from there (sorry I cant be anymore accurate) Its free to get in and drinks and snacks cheap and animal food is 15p. ***** Suitable for toddlers and very young children and it will only pass an hour away if you decide to only visit the farm. A no no if you are looking for a good day out. *IMPORTANT :: This review is about the farm not the main site. This farm may not appeal to older children but if you go to Sandwell valley park. There is more to do.

Sandwell Valley Country Park is made up of lots of different areas and activities. It is also…read moreattached to Dartmouth Park, so it is easy to wander between the two. Where to begin? Well, there are two farms: Sandwell Park Farm and Forge Mill Farm (worthy of reviews in their own right). Then there is the nature reserve and RSPB bird reserve. There's an awesome adventure playground and a Close to the Edge aerial assault course (which looks, frankly, terrifying). I love how there is a little vintage double decker bus that gives rides around the showground area. Last time I was there, a guy was training an owl and doing a bit of an impromptu falconry demonstration. The woodland areas are beautiful and very peaceful to walk around, although I still get spooked out by the stories of the Sandwell Valley witches and ghost monks that I got told when I was a kid!

Wonderful open space in South Birmingham…read more Now an Active Park where you will find free activities for all provided.