Pype Hayes Park

Pype Hayes Park is a large public park in Erdington, in the north-east of Birmingham, England. It covers more than a hundred acres and blends open recreation space with the grounds of a historic country house. It suits visitors who want to see an everyday side of the city, away from the centre and the usual tourist trail.

Where is Pype Hayes Park?

The park lies in the Birmingham Erdington parliamentary constituency and straddles the boundary between the Pype Hayes and Erdington council wards. It borders the Pitts Farm estate as well as the Paget and Pype Hayes estates. From the city centre it is a short drive or bus ride, and there is a car park on site.

What is there to see?

The landmark is Pype Hayes Hall, a Grade II listed mansion. Sources disagree on its date: one gives 1620, another the 1630s and Henry Bagot as the builder. The Bagot family lived here for around 250 years. Birmingham City Council took over the hall in 1920 and used it as a convalescent home, then a children's home, and later for social services offices. Today it stands empty, and its future has long been debated by residents and the council. You can see it from the surrounding grounds.

Near the hall, an older traditional garden survives, with flower beds and dwarf yew hedges. The park also has a lake with an island and a western pond that attracts waterfowl, so a walk here is a good chance to watch ducks, swans and other birds.

What can you do in Pype Hayes Park?

According to Birmingham City Council, the park offers:

• a children's playground,
• four tennis courts,
• fishing,
• an accessible perimeter path,
• a car park.

A golf course, opened in 1933, lies alongside the park. The park once hosted an annual Bonfire Night funfair and fireworks, but Wikipedia notes that the council-funded fireworks have not run for several years because of cuts to city resources.

Frequently asked questions

Are there toilets in Pype Hayes Park?

The council states that there are no toilets on site, so plan ahead if you are visiting with children for longer.

Can you go inside Pype Hayes Hall?

The hall is currently empty and is not run as a visitor attraction. You can view it from outside, and the gardens around it are open.

Is the park suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs?

The perimeter path is described by the council as accessible, so it works well for pushchairs and wheelchair users.

Can you fish at Pype Hayes Park?

Fishing is listed among the park's facilities. Check the current rules and any licence requirements before you go.

Is it worth visiting as a tourist?

It is mainly a local green space. It rewards people who enjoy historic architecture, the story of English country estates, quiet walks by the water, and families looking for a playground and room to roam.

In short

Pype Hayes Park combines recreation, nature and heritage. A listed hall, a traditional garden, a lake with an island and sports facilities make it a well-rounded half-day outing in north Birmingham.