Where to go for a relaxing walk in Birmingham

With the sunshine making more of an appearance, spring-time walks are top of our to-do list. And if you happen to be in or around Birmingham, you’re in luck – from the calming canals to plenty of parks, you have your choice of walks in the city.

Save this guide for when you next want a relaxing walk in Birmingham with a view, or somewhere to go when you’re in need of a bit of peace.

1. Walk along the Birmingham’s canals

Birmingham’s canal network is actually bigger than Venice’s, and while there are no gondolas, it’s a popular choice for getting outside and clearing your head with a relaxing walk.

With over 35 miles of canal, you can make this walk as long or short as you’d like with plenty of paths to choose from. One of the most popular routes is from Brindleyplace to Bournville. You’ll pass Gas Street Basin, where the city’s industrial history meets modern cafés and bars, before following the quieter paths towards Bournville. 

If that feels too far, you can always loop back at the Mailbox and grab a coffee by the water instead.

2. Birmingham’s botanical gardens

If you love a walk that’s as aesthetic as it is peaceful, the city’s botanical gardens tick every box with its 15 acres of landscaped gardens. There’s 10,000 plants to explore, as well as glasshouses, the Japanese Garden, fish tanks and lots more.

It’s not just great for walking, but for taking some time out too – the Victorian bandstand or fountains are a great spot for unwinding with a book. If you’re a local, keep an eye on their event – from candlelight concerts to outdoor cinemas, it’s more than just a place to enjoy a walk.

3. Sutton park

Sutton park is Birmingham’s biggest park and one of Europe’s largest, which makes it an easy choice if you’re looking to spend quite a bit of time outdoors. The park has well-marked walking trails for all levels, so you have your pick of routes. Choose between lake views with your choice of seven lakes, or go for something more secluded in its 2,400 acres of woodland.

Make a day of it and visit the donkey sanctuary on site, or add something different to your exercise routine by going sailing, kayaking or canoeing in one of the pools at the park. Finish the day off with a meal at The Bracebridge – a restaurant that sits right on the lake, open until 11pm most days.

4. Take a guided walking tour in Shakespeare’s Town

For those who love history, kill two birds with one stone and get your steps up while taking a guided tour around Stratford town, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Explore key landmarks like Shakespeare’s birthplace, Holy Trinity Church, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, led by expert guides who bring the town’s literary history to life.

They’ll also share stories about Tudor England, Shakespeare’s life, and hidden secrets of the town. Finish with a peaceful riverside stroll along the Avon.

5. Explore Birmingham’s graffiti art walk 

If art is more your vibe, the graffiti walk in Digbeth makes a great alternative. Starting and ending at Moor St station, you’ll see the city’s best pieces of graffiti art – from famous characters to life-like murals. The total route should only take about an hour, with plenty of independent coffee shops along the way for a pit-stop.

6. Castle Bromwich historic gardens

For a quieter walk that feels like you’re in on a secret, visit the Castle Bromwich historic gardens. It’s a restored 18th-century walled garden that has kept to its original period-style with symmetrical flower beds, fruit orchards, and ornamental hedges. You’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to the Baroque countryside in 1680-1760.

There’s plenty of activities and events for children, making it perfect for families. Or just head there for a mindful walk on your own or with a friend, the seasonal flowers change the view throughout the year so it’s one to go back to again and again.

7. Cannon hill park

You could spend the day at Cannon hill park with everything it has to offer – from tennis courts, mini golf, pedal boats, a bar, tea room and more. But if you’re just wanting a relaxing walk, heading here in the early morning or late evening is an easy way to get your steps in while being around nature.

It’s one of Birmingham’s most popular green spaces for good reason. Take a leisurely loop around the lake where you’ll often see swans and ducks on the water. Or for a slightly longer walk, head through the shady woodland trails, with sculpture trails to spot and picnic areas to take a break.

8. Edgbaston reservoir

For another waterside walk without leaving the city, Edgbaston reservoir is an underrated pick. Originally built in 1827 as a top up for the Birmingham canal system, the reservoir is now a local nature reserve, home to a variety of birds, newts and bats.

The flat, circular walking path makes it an easy and accessible route for all fitness levels, whether you’re looking for a peaceful morning walk or a post-work wind-down. And if you’re looking for a calming backdrop, the water provides exactly that with sailing boats and rowers often seen sitting on the surface.

9. Harborne walkway

Following an old railway line, this walkway will take you through to Harborne, one of Birmingham’s most popular areas to live. It’s a straight path that’ll take about an hour and a half to walk, through Summerfield park, tunnels and past the Harbourne nature reserve. 

You’ll be shaded by the tree-lined path for most of your walk, so it’s best to do this one in the day. However, it’s a popular route for dog walkers and joggers, so you can expect to see others on your route.

Finish off your walk with a visit to Harborne village – there’s plenty of places to go for a coffee or a bite to eat.

10. Martineau Gardens

A community garden and a charity, the Martineau Gardens were created as an outdoor escape – perfect for those looking for somewhere relaxing in Birmingham. Just minutes outside the city centre, the gardens have two-acres of green space filled with nature trails, wildflower meadows, ponds and woodland homes for the likes of badgers, bats and birds.Its community vibe makes it one of the most calming places to visit in the city. 

Take something home from the on-site shop, selling homemade jam made from fruit grown in the gardens, or buy some plants to look after on your own.

Entry is free, but donations help support their work in conservation and environmental education.

11. Winterbourne house and garden

Originally built in 1903, this beautifully restored Edwardian-style house is surrounded by seven acres of gardens, offering a peaceful escape from city life. Designed by Margaret Nettlefold, a pioneering female garden designer of the early 1900s, there’s lots to spend time looking at, including:

• The Japanese bridge, tucked away in a quiet corner, perfect for reflection

• A walled garden decorated with seasonal flowers

• Wildflower meadows

• A glasshouse, home to tropical plants

• The botanic garden

We’d recommend ending your walk with a visit to Winterbourne’s tea room for a cup of tea and cake, or go all out with their afternoon tea.

Legs feeling it? Loosen them up with a home massage

After a long walk there’s nothing better than giving your legs some well-deserved love. Whether you’ve completed your longest hike yet or just fancy some extra relaxation, an at-home deep tissue or sports massage can help ease tension and speed up recovery. 

With the Urban app (that’s us!) you can book a professional massage straight to your door in just 60 minutes, so you can quickly book on your way back home, jump in the shower and you’re sorted.

Simply download the app, choose your treatment, and let a massage pro take care of the rest – just get some towels together and you’re good to go