Calthorpe Park, Birmingham - A wonderful open space!

The park was formally opened on 1 June 1857, and takes its name from the Calthorpe family who provided the land for its creation.


Calthorpe Park is situated on the Pershore Road in Edgbaston, between Speedwell Road and Edward Road. The River Rea flows through the eastern part of the park. Additional parkland goes over into Balsall Heath close to Cheddar Road and Clevedon Road.

The park is served by the 35, 45 and 47 bus routes.  See our Green Spaces map for the exact location of Calthorpe Park.

Every October, the Great Birmingham Run passes by the park and the same happens around May for the Great Birmingham 10k Run. See photography below.

 

History of Calthorpe Park

The land on which the park sits was provided by the Calthorpe family and is part of the Calthorpe Estate.

The park was opened on the 1st June 1857 by Prince George, Duke of Cambridge. The event was recorded in a painting by Samuel Lines Snr and the ceremony had a triumphal arch to celebrate the opening of the park.

The Opening of Calthorpe Park 1857

The Opening of Calthorpe Park, 1857 by Samuel Lines Snr. Public Domain. From the Birmingham Museums Trust Image Library.

The park had its own lodge house which was built at the corner of the Pershore Road and Speedwell Road.

Calthorpe Park Lodge

Calthorpe Park Lodge (December 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Winter in Calthorpe Park

Calthorpe Park

Calthorpe Park (December 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Autumn in Calthorpe Park

Calthorpe Park

Calthorpe Park (October 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Statue of Robert Peel

The statue of Robert Peel (of 1855) was moved to Calthorpe Park in 1926 (having been knocked off it's pedestal in Victoria Square). The statue was later moved in front of Tally-Ho! the Police Training Centre in 1963, but the plinth was left behind.

Robert Peel plinth

The plinth of the Robert Peel statue in Calthorpe Park (December 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown

Today you can see the statue of Robert Peel on the Pershore Road in Edgbaston outside of Tally Ho!

Robert Peel statue

Robert Peel statue outside of Tally-Ho! The West Midlands Police Training Headquarters (November 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Great Birmingham Run as seen from Calthorpe Park

The last time the Great Birmingham Run went past Calthorpe Park was during October 2019. Sadly, due to the pandemic, the runs in 2020 were cancelled.

Calthorpe Park

Great Birmingham Run passes Calthorpe Park (October 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

Calthorpe ParkGreat Birmingham Run passes Calthorpe Park (October 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Great Birmingham Run, returned to the city streets of Birmingham during May 2022. Was also held a year later in May 2023, passing Calthorpe Park. This time the Great Birmingham 10K was only within the City Centre.

Great Birmingham RunGreat Birmingham Run passes Calthorpe Park (May 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Painted running tracks

By at least 2022-23, there is new painted running tracks on some of the paths around Calthorpe Park. Probably also used for cyclists as well.

Calthorpe Park

Calthorpe Park

Calthorpe ParkPainted running tracks in Calthorpe Park (May 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

Project dates

12 Aug 2019 - On-going

Passions

Green open spaces

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com