Calthorpe Park
🏟 Playground & park · Balsall Heath, Birmingham
Calthorpe Park
A historic Victorian park in Balsall Heath, created in 1857, with an inclusive, extended children's play area.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Open daily, dawn to dusk · Free · No booking needed
About Calthorpe Park
Calthorpe Park is a historic public park in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, created in 1857 and managed by Birmingham City Council. The land was given by Frederick Gough, 4th Baron Calthorpe, of the Calthorpe family of Edgbaston Hall, and the park was formally opened on 1 June 1857 by Prince George, Duke of Cambridge. The River Rea runs through the park, crossed by two bridges. In its north-west section the park has a children's play area alongside a Multi Use Games Area, football pitches and a cricket pitch. The play area has been extended and designed to accommodate children with a range of abilities and needs, combining challenging, active equipment with a calm social space, following the 'Make Space for Girls' ethos to create a more inclusive play environment. There are entrances on Edward Road, Cheddar Road and Speedwell Road, and buses 45 and 47 stop in front of the park. There are no toilets on site.
⭐ What makes this place special
- Children's play area
- Multi Use Games Area
- Football pitches
- Cricket pitch
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Accessibility: Inclusive play area designed for children with a range of abilities and needs
🧒 Ages & play
- Children's play area with challenging active equipment
- Calm social play space
📍 Nearby places to play
- Cannon Hill Park · approx 0.3 miles · Edgbaston
- Highbury Park · approx 1.5 miles · Moseley
- Kings Heath Park · approx 1.9 miles · Kings Heath
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Calthorpe Park free?
Yes. Calthorpe Park is a free, public park managed by Birmingham City Council.
What's in the playground at Calthorpe Park?
There is an extended, inclusive children's play area with challenging active equipment and a calm social space, designed for children of a range of abilities.
Are there toilets at Calthorpe Park?
No, there are no toilets on site according to Birmingham City Council.
Where is Calthorpe Park?
It is on Edward Road in Balsall Heath, Birmingham (B12 9LF), with entrances on Edward Road, Cheddar Road and Speedwell Road.
Is the play area suitable for children with additional needs?
Yes. The play area is designed to accommodate children with a range of abilities and needs, with active equipment and calm social space.