The park comprises 63 acres of landscaped grass slopes, including a large boating lake and a smaller pond fed by the Farcroft and Grove Brooks, flower beds, mature trees and shrubs with a diversity of wildlife.

Where to find the Park.

Handsworth Park is located on Holly Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B20 2BY

View park HERE on our Birmingham map.

Plan your journey

We recommend catching the no 16 bus to Hamstead Road.

Hamstead Road gates at Handsworth Park (September 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Holly Road is to the south. The Soho Railway Line splits the park in half. The western side of the park is on Grove Lane. Hinstock Road and Church Lane takes the park to the north west corner.

To the north east side of the park is St Mary's Church where James Watt, Matthew Boulton, William Murdoch and the founders of Aston Villa FC are buried.

The churchyard of St Mary's Chruch can be seen from Handsworth Park (September 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The park is on the no 16 bus, where you can get off on the Hamstead Road.

The park comprises 63 acres of landscaped grass slopes, including a large boating lake and a smaller pond fed by the Farcroft and Grove Brooks, flower beds, mature trees and shrubs with a diversity of wildlife.

The Boating Lake at Handsworth Park (September 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

History of Handsworth Park

Handsworth Park (originally called Victoria Park) was created from the grounds of The Grove, an estate bought for the community in 1887. Grove House was soon called Park House. It probably had facilities like a Cricket Ground.

Handsworth Cricket Club at Handsworth Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

From 1889 to 1901 the park was enlarged to it's current size of 63 acres including the land to the east of the railway.

The boating lake was created in 1897, as well as a Boating Pavilion and the Park Lodge.

Boating pavilion at Handsworth Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

In the 20th century the park was used for many events including theatrical and musical celebrations held on the Bandstand which first appeared in the park in 1891.

Bandstand at Handsworth Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

In the 1920s the Birmingham Civic Society designed a new sunken garden near the Grove Lane entrance, and in 1930 a 'Sons of Rest' shelter was built to be enjoyed by local retired men. The park had losses too. In 1939 as part of the war effort, the iron gates and railings were taken away.

TheSons of Rest building at Handsworth Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Park House survived until the early 1980s when it was replaced by the large, new Leisure Centre.

History of Handsworth Park (September 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Austin Lines Fountain

The fountain dates to the late Victorian period, but the fountain itself has long since been removed, and now only the Victorian Drinking Canopy remains.

Victorian Drinking Fountain Canopy at Handsworth Park (September 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Park Lodge

This building was built in 1897 and is close to the gates at Hamstead Road. It can also be seen from the other side of the Boating Lake.

The Park Lodge at Handsworth Park (September 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

At least two of the painted bears can be still found in Handsworth Park, years after the trail had ended.

Sun Guardian was created by Goosensi working with Friends of Handsworth Park and the Handsworth Community. It was close to the Holly Road entrance to the park.

Sun Guardian (created by Goosensi) at Handsworth Park (September 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Well Active Bear was created by Mark Copplestone and Jennie Saunders working with Birmingham Wellbeing Service. Seen outside of the Handsworth Wellbeing Centre.

Well Active Bear (created by Mark Copplestone and Jennie Saunders) at Handsworth Park (September 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Handsworth Arts Trail

SS Journey

It was sculpted in 2017 by Luke Perry as part of the Handsworth Arts Trail. Near the large lake.

SS Journey by Luke Perry at Handsworth Park (September 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Here and Now bench

Commissioned for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Resembles a fairground waltzer car. Installed August 2023, artist was Tim Tolkien.

Here and Now bench by Tim Tolkien at Handsworth Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Here and Now figures

Commissioned for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Installed August 2023, artist was Tim Tolkien. Part of the same work as the Here and Now bench. Near a path opposite Handsworth Cricket Club.

Here and Now figures by Tim Tolkien at Handsworth Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Hands and Minds Speak

Located on an island within the small lake at Handsworth Park. It was sculpted in Lawson Oyekan and made in 2010.

Hands and Minds Speak at Handsworth Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Pyramid Tower by Veranda Stories

Located half way between the Sons of Rest building and small lake / pond at Handsworth Park. It was by the visual artists Pauline Bailey & Ola Brown, of Veranda Stories. It had many mandala patterns, which was then laser cut. It was designed with the Women's Sewing Group and Saathi House. Made in 2017.

The Pyramid Tower in Handsworth Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Anchor

Located within the Handsworth Park Community Garden, near Holly Road. The artist was Katie Sturridge.  A symbol of the Birmingham Assay Office. Made in 2015.

The Anchor by Katie Sturridge in Handsworth Park Community Garden (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Sons of Rest Mosaic

Located next to the Handsworth Park Community Gardens. The artist wasClaire Cotterill. Based on stained glass windows found in the Sons of Rest building in Handsworth Park. The mosaic was made in honour of the centenary of the end of WW1 in 2018.

The Sons of Rest Mosaic by Claire Cotterill at Handsworth Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Handsworth Revolution: Steel Pulse

The large mural at the entrance to Handsworth Leisure Centre was commissioned as part of Punch Records’ BASS Festival’s celebration of 50 years of Reggae and coincided with National Album Day and Black History Month.

Steel Pulse at Handsworth Park (September 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Benjamin Zephaniah mural

Located on a wall at the Sons of Rest Building in Handsworth Park. Mural in tribute to the late Benjamin Zephaniah (1958 - 2023), a Birmingham born poet. By I Create Not Destroy, aka Bunny Bread. It was unveiled on the 14th April 2024. Commissioned by the Black Heritage Walks Network (BHWN).

Benjamin Zephaniah mural at the Sons of Rest building in Handsworth Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact and further details:

www.birmingham.gov.uk

Friends of Handsworth Park

Handsworth Leisure Centre