Harborne, a charming suburb of Birmingham, may seem like a quiet and picturesque place, but it’s packed with hidden gems, fascinating history, and fun family activities. If you’re looking for a spot that offers both a serene escape and exciting adventures for your children, Harborne has a lot to offer. From historic landmarks to quirky activities, there’s plenty to keep the little ones intrigued. Here are five Harborne facts that will make your kids go “wow!” — with one of them involving an exciting crazy golf adventure.
1. Crazy Golf Fun at Harborne Golf Club
While Harborne is known for its leafy streets and historic architecture, it’s also home to something kids love: crazy golf! For families looking for a playful outdoor activity, nearby crazy golf options are available to explore, and you can even find pop-up courses during special events.
Harborne Golf Club itself, one of the area’s oldest and most prestigious clubs, is known for its scenic beauty and long history dating back to 1893. While it doesn’t offer a full crazy golf course, it’s a great place to introduce children to the sport and show them where serious golfers hone their skills. Additionally, it sets the stage for kids to explore nearby venues offering themed crazy golf, where they can putt through quirky, themed obstacles and colourful settings. Crazy golf provides a fun, competitive activity for kids and adults alike, and your children will love the chance to show off their putting skills!
2. The Harborne Railway Walk: A Secret Nature Adventure
Did you know that Harborne was once home to its very own railway line? The Harborne Railway Walk is a hidden gem that traces the route of the former Harborne Railway, which was operational from the late 1800s until it closed in 1963. Today, it’s been transformed into a peaceful, green walking route that’s perfect for a family day out in nature.
Your kids will be wowed by the idea of walking along an old railway line, where trains once ran through the countryside, connecting Harborne to the city centre. Now, the path is lined with trees, flowers, and wildlife, making it an ideal place to explore with young adventurers. Along the walk, you’ll find benches, information boards, and scenic spots where your kids can stop to imagine the trains that once passed through.
The Harborne Railway Walk is also a great place for a nature scavenger hunt — challenge your kids to spot birds, insects, and plants along the way. This quiet corner of Harborne is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and it offers the perfect combination of history and outdoor fun.
3. Harborne’s Viking Origins
Your children might be surprised to learn that Harborne has Viking roots! While the area is now a thriving Birmingham suburb, its name actually harks back to the Viking Age. The name Harborne comes from the Old English words “Here-burna,” meaning “army brook” or “soldier’s brook.” This suggests that the area was once a strategic spot, possibly even frequented by Viking or Anglo-Saxon warriors.
For kids fascinated by tales of Vikings, this fact can spark their imaginations. As you walk through Harborne’s streets or visit local parks, you can tell your children stories of how ancient warriors might have once roamed these lands. It’s a great opportunity to introduce them to local history in a way that feels more like an adventure than a history lesson.
4. The Harborne Clock Tower: A Victorian Marvel
The Harborne Clock Tower, located in the heart of the High Street, is a striking landmark that your kids will definitely notice. Erected in 1880, the clock tower was built to commemorate William Henry Barber, a local benefactor who played an important role in the community’s development. While it may not look like much more than an old clock to adults, to children, it can be a symbol of the past and an iconic feature to explore.
Encourage your kids to count how many steps lead up to the tower or guess how high it stands (spoiler: it’s around 60 feet tall). Its Victorian architecture also provides a fun way to introduce children to the styles and structures of a bygone era. Plus, you can use the clock as a tool to teach younger children about time and how clocks used to be one of the few ways people kept track of it before smartphones came along!
The tower is right in the middle of Harborne’s bustling high street, so it’s a perfect landmark to visit while grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying a family day out.
5. Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre: Dive into Fun
What’s more fun for kids than splashing around in a pool? Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre offers a great space for children to burn off some energy, whether through swimming lessons, fun swims, or simply messing about in the water. The centre, which underwent a major refurbishment in 2011, is a modern facility that provides family-friendly activities all year round.
For younger children, the centre offers specific swimming times that are perfect for splashing around in a safe, supervised environment. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the basics of swimming while letting them enjoy some water-based fun. If your kids are already proficient swimmers, the pool has lanes for more focused swimming or time trials, giving them a chance to hone their skills.
Swimming is also a great way to stay active, and Harborne Pool provides a fun and healthy outlet for families. Your kids will love the opportunity to dive, splash, and swim their way through the day.
Harborne may seem like a tranquil and quiet suburb, but beneath its serene surface lies a world of excitement and intrigue for children. Whether it’s playing crazy golf in a nearby venue, walking along the old railway line, or learning about Vikings and Victorian clock towers, Harborne offers a surprising variety of activities and fun facts that will leave your kids amazed. From its historic roots to its modern amenities, this charming Birmingham suburb is brimming with hidden wonders just waiting to be discovered.
So, the next time you’re looking for a day out with the family, why not head to Harborne? These facts and activities are sure to make your kids say “wow!” while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
