Kings Heath is one of Birmingham’s most vibrant and family-friendly suburbs. Bursting with history, culture, and plenty of green spaces, this leafy area offers much more than meets the eye. It’s a great place to explore with children, full of hidden gems and fun activities that can turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, here are five Kings Heath facts that will make your kids go “wow!” — including a crazy golf experience that is sure to thrill.
1. Crazy Golf Fun at Cannon Hill Park
Just a stone’s throw from Kings Heath is Cannon Hill Park, one of Birmingham’s most beloved green spaces. Here, families can enjoy a range of fun activities, but one that stands out for kids is the Golden Putter Mini Golf course. This crazy golf course, set amidst the park’s beautiful scenery, offers 36 holes of mini-golf fun, with each hole bringing a new challenge and quirky obstacles.
Your children will love competing to get a hole-in-one, navigating bridges, windmills, and other obstacles along the way. The combination of outdoor fun and a little friendly competition makes this a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Best of all, it’s close enough to Kings Heath to make it the perfect family day out.
While Cannon Hill Park is famous for its gardens and boating lake, crazy golf offers a fun and light-hearted activity that is sure to entertain both kids and adults. So grab your putter and get ready to wow your kids with an afternoon of laughter and golf challenges!
2. A Secret Underground River Flows Beneath the Streets
One fact about Kings Heath that will leave your children amazed is the existence of a hidden underground river that flows beneath the suburb’s streets. Known as the River Rea, this small river originates in the Waseley Hills and makes its way through Birmingham. However, as it passes through Kings Heath, it disappears underground, flowing beneath the roads and houses before resurfacing in other parts of the city.
Imagine walking down Kings Heath High Street and telling your kids that a river is flowing right beneath their feet! It’s a fun piece of local trivia that adds a sense of mystery and excitement to an everyday walk. You can even go on a little adventure with your children to try and spot where the river surfaces in nearby areas, such as Cannon Hill Park or Digbeth.
This hidden river also offers an opportunity to teach your kids about how cities and towns change over time. Originally an open waterway, much of the River Rea was covered over as Birmingham expanded, making way for roads and buildings. Yet, it still flows quietly beneath Kings Heath, waiting to be rediscovered by curious minds.
3. Kings Heath Park: A Historic Green Oasis
Kings Heath Park is one of the area’s most popular attractions, especially for families. But did you know that this beautiful green space has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century? The park was once part of the estate of the famous Muntz family, who were local industrialists in Birmingham. In fact, the grand Victorian mansion that sits within the park was the family’s home and is still standing today.
Your kids will love running around the expansive lawns and gardens, but they might be even more amazed to learn that the park was once the setting for a luxurious Victorian lifestyle, with lavish parties, horse-drawn carriages, and a grand estate at its heart. The mansion now houses a horticultural college, and the park itself is a great spot for exploring the outdoors, with a playground, tennis courts, and plenty of space for picnics.
In addition, the park is well-known for its role as the filming location for the popular gardening show, Gardeners’ World. This fact can turn a family visit to the park into a little adventure as you explore the areas that once featured on TV!
4. Home to Birmingham’s Oldest Public Library
Here’s a fact that will definitely spark curiosity in any book-loving child: Kings Heath is home to Birmingham’s oldest public library! The Kings Heath Library first opened its doors in 1905, thanks to funding from the famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who helped establish libraries all around the world.
With its grand architecture and historic significance, the library is more than just a place to borrow books. It’s a piece of Birmingham’s cultural heritage. Inside, children can explore a wide range of books, but they can also learn about the importance of libraries and how they’ve helped shape communities over the years.
Encouraging your kids to visit the library and explore the children’s section will not only foster a love of reading but also give them a deeper appreciation for this historic building. They’ll be walking through a space where generations of local children have come to discover the joy of books.
5. Kings Heath High Street: The Place Where the Beatles Played
Your kids may know the Beatles as one of the most famous bands in history, but did you know that they once played right in Kings Heath? That’s right — on 15 February 1963, the Beatles performed at The Ritz Ballroom on Kings Heath High Street, just before they skyrocketed to international fame.
The Ritz Ballroom, which was located where Cash Converters now stands, was one of Birmingham’s most popular music venues in the 1950s and 1960s. It hosted a number of famous acts, including the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin. However, it’s the Beatles’ performance that stands out as a moment of musical history right here in Kings Heath.
Although the ballroom no longer exists, you can still visit the site and tell your kids the incredible story of how the world’s most famous band once played in their very own neighbourhood. It’s a fun way to introduce them to the history of rock ‘n’ roll and the legendary musicians who passed through Kings Heath on their way to stardom.
Kings Heath may seem like an ordinary suburb at first glance, but it’s full of exciting facts, hidden history, and fun activities that will wow your kids. From playing crazy golf in nearby Cannon Hill Park to discovering a secret underground river, exploring a historic park, and walking in the footsteps of the Beatles, this vibrant neighbourhood has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a day of family fun or a chance to explore Birmingham’s history, Kings Heath is the perfect destination. So why not plan your next adventure in this fascinating area and watch your kids’ eyes light up as they uncover these amazing facts?
