There are innumerable benefits to being outside for our mental and physical well-being. And if you’re a student in the city of Birmingham, then you’re in luck! Birmingham is home to some of the best green spaces and parks for students. As the fourth greenest city in England, it boasts over 500 parks. With everything from historic monuments to lush foliage, there is so much to explore.
Winterborne Gardens
Since it’s free to enter for University of Birmingham students, Winterbourne Gardens is an easy favourite of ours. (Don’t forget your student ID!) Just minutes away from campus, I love to wander over when I need a change of scenery or to reconnect with the natural world. Plus, regular tickets are still budget-friendly even if you’re not a UoB student. The seven-acre botanical gardens are home to a beautiful array of unique and tropical plants. There’s a river that you can cross either by stepping stones or the picturesque Japanese bridge to explore more of its beauty.
From beekeeping courses to Shakespearean performances, there’s everything you could want if you’re looking for a study break or a weekend trip just down the road. What’s more, Winterborne was awarded the ‘Travellers’ Choice Award’ for 2025, so it’s a clear winner for all. After a stroll through the gorgeous botanical gardens, peruse the second-hand bookshop or have a look around the Winterborne House. There’s even a tea room to really get that Edwardian feel!
Lickey Hills Park
Locally known as The Lickeys, this park is a little further out than others on this list. However, it is still worth the 20-minute drive. Its serene woodlands are filled with scenic walking trails that lead to a peak with gorgeous hilltop views. A castle-like monument sits on top, great for an Instagram-worthy shot. Lickey Hills is also close to a local pub, ideal for when you need to refuel after a day out. Lickey Hills is the perfect spot to give yourself a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Eastside City Park
Eastside City Park is great for getting a breath of fresh air. Within walking distance of both BCU and Aston, it’s ideal for students craving some greenery. It’s also a 15-minute drive from UoB, so be sure to take a trip over! There’s plenty of seating, jet fountains and the lovely canal nearby. As well as this, Eastside City Park is close to the Birmingham Science Garden and Thinktank, making it superb for a relaxing and fun day out. There are cafés down the street, and a Subway just 5 minutes away, if you want to snack in the sunshine.
Cannon Hill Park
As the self-proclaimed ‘most beautiful green space’ in Birmingham, Cannon Hill is one of Birmingham’s crown jewels. A popular spot for students, it’s a great place to get some fresh air if you’ve spent all week in the library. Cannon Hill’s boating lake and beautiful greenery are a must-see. There’s even a mini golf course and Midlands Arts Centre (MAC for short). It’s the perfect spot for a post-study wind down, with galleries, exhibitions, and art shows to enjoy.
However, if you get tired of exploring the scenic park on foot, then there’s a Land Train that circles Cannon Hill. It’s a great way to explore the tennis courts or find a swan pedalo to take a trip across the lake. Cannon Hill is also home to a Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can take a break with a variety of animals, from the European lynx to the famous red pandas. And if all of this leaves you needing refreshments, then Bridges café is the perfect spot for a pick-me-up.
Cotteridge Park
Birmingham is home to 15 green flag parks, so we’re allowed to brag about how good they are. Alongside Lickey Hills and Cannon Hill, Cotteridge’s standard for maintaining the park is high quality. This means that it is a well-maintained, safe and beautiful space to get some fresh air. Whether that be a walk in the sun, or a nap under a tree. Cotteridge also has a café, so it’s a nice spot for an afternoon trip and some lunch, or a study session with your mates.
Highbury Park
Ever heard of Old Joe? Well, this park is home to its namesake’s former estate. (Joseph Chamberlain!) Highbury Hall is a Grade II listed building. So, whilst you’re strolling through fields of green, you can also find some lovely historical architecture to admire. The heritage site is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and gardens, making it a great spot to enjoy nature. Also, Highbury Park is said to be less crowded than other popular options on this list, so it’s great for those who want somewhere a little quieter.
Sutton Park
Sutton Park is one of Europe’s largest urban parks, so it’s bound to have the perfect spot for you! With seven lakes, and everything from woodland to wetland to marshes, take one of the many walking trails to explore this Eden right on your doorstep. A plethora of activities and rare plants are available to explore if you need a break from work. You can see the cattle and wild ponies, or take a bike ride around the lake. Afterwards, you can sit in and enjoy some grub in one of the many eateries dotted around the park. Blackroot Bistro Café is a great spot to catch up on some reading over a latte. However, Sutton Park is known for a lot of car traffic, so you might want to visit one of the smaller parks if you’re looking for somewhere less busy!
Moseley Bog
You might not know it, but you’ve probably already heard of Moseley Bog. As the inspiration for the ancient forest in The Lord of the Rings, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a fantasy novel with the lush forest and beautiful greenery. It is one of Birmingham’s hidden gems, with a serene lake and gorgeous walking trails to meander across in Joy’s Wood. Sarehole Mill’s museum is just down the road, too, if you want to keep exploring after your trek into the Old Forest. It’s open all year round, but I’d recommend visiting in the spring to see their amazing bluebells as they blossom.
Edgbaston Reservoir
A popular choice for Brummies, and affectionately named ‘the resi,’ Edgbaston Reservoir is one of Birmingham’s best green spaces. With open water and peaceful woodlands, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the conservation site for newts and bats or just go for a run, the resi has everything. It’s also home to lots of fun water sports, like sailing, rowing and canoeing. Sports like these are a great way to get some fresh air and look after your physical and mental health. This is why parks are so awesome!
If you’re not the sporty type, then don’t worry, we have some other great ways to boost your wellbeing here. (That don’t include the sweat and cycling shorts.)
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
This is one of my favourite places to get away from student stress. The Botanical Gardens are in the heart of Birmingham. They are filled with gorgeous plants and flowers to look at as you wander through. There’s even a glasshouse filled with butterflies!
With a Medicine Bakery and The Gardens shop, there’s everything from locally roasted coffee to delicious sweet treats. However, if you’re looking to save some cash, you’re free to bring your own food to picnic on the lawn. Entrance tickets even have a student discount, so it’s a great option for when you’re on a student budget! Buses to the Gardens are also offering a 25% discount on Day Savers, so what’s not to love?
If you’re looking for somewhere affordable and aesthetic to explore some of Brum’s beautiful flora, this is the spot.
Woodgate Valley Country Park
If you love animals, then you’re going to be just as obsessed with this park as I am! With horse riding and pony trekking trails, alongside wildlife spotting and an urban farm, Woodgate Valley is perfect for a relaxing afternoon outside. With woodlands and meadows, you can take your choice from the abundance of nature walks. Walking is just one of so many great outdoor activities, and you can find loads more to do in our guide!
At Woodgate Valley, there are picnic areas if you’d like to make your own Pinterest-worthy spread, or you can take a seat in their café. Its tasty menu is budget-friendly too, so it is a good spot for a lowkey date or a study meet-up.
Kings Heath Park
Kings Heath Park is a friendly and relaxed space, perfect for a calm afternoon out or a meetup with friends. The tree-lined paths are great for a stroll. Furthermore, Kings Heath has a student-friendly café that is perfect for a study sesh or a chat with your mates over a coffee.
Another great thing about parks like Kings Heath is that they’re perfect for a laid-back and affordable date. Picnics, stargazing, hand-in-hand strolls past the pigeons… all so romantic. Ergo, don’t waste any more time and go grab your picnic basket!
Handsworth Park
Looking for a cultural hub in Birmingham? Well, Handsworth Park is a vibrant space, with regular community events and festivals to enjoy. Just 15 minutes by bus from the city centre, Handsworth is ideal for a fun day out. It is also full of picturesque nature, with a boating lake and open fields decorated with beautiful flower beds.
University
Whilst we’ve showcased some great spots to take a break from uni work, sometimes we just don’t have the time or energy to travel after studying. This is why your university may be one of the best places to look!
UoB’s Green Heart is one of my personal favourites. Set in the middle of campus, it’s a large grass area surrounded by lush trees and benches. There are other great spots dotted around campus too, like the Vale’s gorgeous lake and wildflower-lined paths.
Aston has 60 acres of green space on its campus, and Newman has 4 quads to choose from. These spots are perfect for taking a break in between lectures or changing up your study routine.
Whether you need a break between seminars or you’re looking for a fun weekend outing, Birmingham’s green spaces are the place for you. Inexpensive and filled with beautiful sights, we’ve curated some of the very best spots. But this list isn’t all that Brum has to offer. There are so many more great parks to explore! You can find your nearest one here.
However, if the indoors is more your style, our Birmingham guide has some other great activities you can check out instead.
Hi! I’m Emmie, and I’m currently studying English Literature and Classical Literature & Civilisations at the University of Birmingham. This means I’m a huge fan of anything historical and literary, so you can usually find me diving into research rabbit holes for a new blog post or engrossed in a good book. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy activities like karaoke, travelling, or spending the day in a museum!
