Overview

Cannon Hill park, Russell Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8RD www.Birmingham.gov.uk/info/parks/cannonhill. (Then read their part 4, history) Cannon hill is so named because it was a resting point for Royalist troops when on their way to the Battle of Naseby in 1645. It then became known as Cannon Hill Fields, and in 1873 Miss Louisa Ann Ryland gave around 57 acres of the families meadowland to Birmingham to become a park that could offer healthful recreation to the people of Birmingham. She hired one of the top park designers of that time period, John T Gibson, to landscape the park. He created two large lakes, being fed by the River Rea. Today these are named as the “Boating lake” (photo 4) and the smaller of the two as “Canoe pool” (photo 5). Seeds and Plants were donated by Kew Gardens so that students could use the collections to help them study Botany. The park was opened in September 1873, then a further 7 acres was given by the brewer, John Holder, in 1897, and then 5 more acres was later bought in 1898. Today, it has 250 acres which supports formal gardens, conservation, woodland and sports areas. It has 100 specially selected trees (photo 10) with 32 bird species which have been recorded, and Bats can be seen feeding across the lakes at night.p A number of memorials stand in the park, The Grade 11 Boar war memorial of 1906, created by Albert Toft was put in place in the park. As time passed, a 16th century timbered house, the Golden Lion inn that had been built in Deritend, Birmingham, was carefully taken down and re-erected in the park in 1911, now grade 11 listed, which serves as a cafe and a cricket pavilion. In 1924 The Scout memorial was erected in memory of those scouts who died during the first war. Other historical features have been preserved, The Red carriage Bridge across the river Rea, and the old bandstand, both from the time the park was first created. A model of the Elan Valley, which provides water to Birmingham, was built in 1960, located in a Japanese garden which lies close to the Canoe pool, and opposite the Edgbaston Cricket ground. Another memorial was unveiled on 4th March 2019, known as the South African memorial, (photo 12) in memory of British tourists who were killed by an attack in Tunisia. Many of these were tourists off two cruise ships that were visiting the port, who had entered the “Bardo museum” in Tunisia. The Memorial stands surrounded by formal gardens near to the Canoe pool. Visitors to the park may now enjoy boating, fishing, 2 bowling greens, 5 tennis courts, 1 putting green, a visiting fun fare, and Many picnic areas. Other attractions include the modern MAC centre (READ OUR REVIEW FOR THE MAC ) and a very nice small Wildlife conservation park and it’s zoo (READ ITS REVIEW) Personally, we really did enjoy our visit to the park, and would recommend you trying to visit when you can. ==================================================================== Let’s take a look now at our photos. (Photo 1) Having come out of the Wildlife zoo, and turned right the left on the driveway, Park your car as near as you can on Queens Ride to the gated railings that will lead you into the park towards The Red carriage bridge. (Photo 2) now follow the boating lake and head towards the MAC centre ahead of you. (Photo 3) late spring sees the park full of Canadian geese. (Photo 4). Early afternoon will see the pedalos being well used, mainly by families. (Photo 5). The second smaller lake is that of “Canoe Pool” The pigeons are always there, but you have a chance to see any of the 32 species of bird recorded visiting the park. (Photo 6) The train will arrive here at the Canoe pool, an ideal way for senior citizens to see the park, as well as young children, but it’s expensive for what you will see. During 2023 it cost £ 2.50 each for seniors, no help for disabled. But at least you will be taken on a round trip that will allow you to see almost all of the park area. (Photo 7) if you and your carer would enjoy a short walk in the park, then join us as we show you around. Follow the main path around away from the Canoe Pool from behind the Train starting and finishing point. (Photo 8) your path to follow will now take you away from the pool as you stay on the right, but first it’s worth taking a view over the pool, before leaving it behind, it’s so peaceful and attractive. (Photo 9) You will hear the happy sounds of small birds and water birds, and the little voice of a squirrel may be heard. There are lots of them all over the park. (Photo 10). The path branches off to the left, with wonderful views of many of the 100 species of trees from around the world. (Photo 11. Your path will now stay to the right so as to pass the first tennis court. (Photo 12). Over to your left you approach the South African Memorial erected in 2019. The flower beds are beautiful at this time of year as the first flush of summer colour begins to show. (Photo 13). You though, keep on the path that will swing right, and takes you round towards the Golden Putter putting course. (Photo 14). It’s a nicely laid out course, artificial green grass takes the holes over little waterfalls, and round and round you go, a lovely easy exercise course as well. Next to this stands a piece of land used for various shows, today it was a visiting fair, not a lot of interest, but would be ideal for your youngsters. (Photo 15) your eye though may be caught by the Ice cream van ahead that stands by the train station and the MAC centre ahead. (Photo 16) Forgetting the train ride because it’s a hot day today, the Ice cream is far more appealing, Dennis couldn’t wait to get his lips around that corner. (Photo 17) it’s like a little kid isn’t ? Do men ever grow up ? Why do they get into such a mess ? He will definitely need to go and wash his face after that. (Photo 18). The MAC centre has toilets, and an easy downhill ramp leads the way in. (Photo 19). Just inside and to your left you will find a small lift, big enough for most chairs anyway. Go down to level “minus 1” (Photo 20). The accessible toilet is large enough to take scooters as well, nicely decorated without being fussy, with pull cord and grab rails. Now that we have entered the MAC centre, we will offer you a quick review of the centre. See ( The MAC centre review which is our next report )

Transport & Parking

To visit the park itself, we suggest that after leaving Birmingham Wildlife Conservation park ( DO READ THE REVIEW FOR THE ZOO ) you TURN RIGHT from the zoo car park and drive along the driveway to follow its bend around to the left for just a few yards, and drive along Queens Ride, and park up opposite the first entrance on the right for the Park (FREE parking for Blue badge holders) ( photo 1). Here you cross the River into the parkland.

Access

The park is mainly flat on this trip, well maintained hard paths, but to see all on this review is quite a journey for your carer, so rest up as much as you can. There is a cafe available at THE MAC centre by the Canoe pool (photo 15) ( DO READ THE SEPERATE REVIEW FOR MAC CENTRE )

Toilets

Inside the MAC centre, and take the lift down (photo 19) to level -1. A key is needed, or staff will open it for you. It is roomy enough inside cubicle, clean and tidy, with grab rail and pull cord (photo 20)

Staff

You may not have to meet any, but those in the MAC centre were very helpful.

Photos