Stirchley is a vibrant and fast-evolving suburb of Birmingham, filled with hidden gems, quirky corners, and fascinating history. While it’s best known today for its independent shops, cool cafes, and community spirit, Stirchley is packed with fun facts that will spark the imaginations of kids and make them say “wow!” Whether you’re local or visiting, here are five Stirchley facts that are sure to surprise and delight your children — with one of them being the ever-popular crazy golf!
1. Crazy Golf Adventure at Putt Club Birmingham
One of the most exciting things you can do with your kids in Stirchley is to take them for a round of crazy golf at Putt Club Birmingham. Located nearby in Acocks Green, this is no ordinary mini-golf course! Themed around a high-speed world of racing, the venue offers a quirky motorsport-inspired crazy golf experience that will have your kids revving their engines in excitement.
With colourful, adrenaline-fuelled obstacles to navigate — like tyres, race cars, and fun jumps — each hole presents a unique challenge. Your kids will love showing off their golfing skills as they compete to see who can get a hole-in-one first. The course’s high-energy atmosphere is perfect for kids who enjoy action-packed fun, and it’s bound to make them go “wow” at every twist and turn.
It’s not just about the golf either — the motorsport theme makes it extra engaging, with the vibrant décor and themed challenges transporting kids to a racetrack-like environment. Whether they’re into golf or not, the fun and creativity of this course are bound to get them excited.
2. The Stirchley Lido: A Lost Swimming Pool
Did you know that Stirchley once had its very own outdoor swimming pool? Known as the Stirchley Lido, it opened in 1903 and was one of Birmingham’s most popular open-air pools for much of the 20th century. Back then, the idea of a lido (an outdoor public swimming pool) was all the rage, and families from all over would flock to Stirchley to cool off in the summer.
Your kids might be amazed to imagine that over a century ago, children were swimming in a giant pool where there are now houses and streets! The Stirchley Lido was located where Hazelwell Park now sits, and though the lido has long since disappeared, the park is still a lovely place for families to enjoy a day out.
Tell your children about the fun families had in the past, diving into the cool waters and lounging by the side of the pool on warm, sunny days. It’s like stepping back in time to a place where summers were spent splashing around in the open air — a far cry from the indoor leisure centres we’re used to today.
3. The World’s Oldest Operating Co-operative
A fact that will surprise both kids and adults alike is that Stirchley is home to one of the oldest functioning co-operative societies in the world! The Ten Acres and Stirchley Co-operative Society was founded in 1875 and operated successfully for over 100 years. It still holds an important place in the community, with its roots in providing affordable goods and a sense of togetherness.
The original co-operative movement was built around the idea that communities should work together to provide essentials for everyone, and Stirchley was a key player in this movement. While the co-op no longer operates in the same way, Stirchley’s community spirit remains strong, with local businesses and shops often emphasising collaboration and sustainability.
Explaining this concept to your children can help them understand the importance of working together as a community. You could even take them to the Stirchley Community Market, where they can see local businesses selling goods, from fresh produce to homemade crafts — continuing the tradition of co-operation and community that started all those years ago.
4. Home to One of Birmingham’s Oldest Cinemas
If your kids love films, they’ll be excited to learn that Stirchley is home to one of Birmingham’s oldest cinemas — the Stirchley Picture House. While it no longer operates as a cinema today, it originally opened its doors in 1914, during the golden age of silent films. Back then, the cinema was a key part of community life, where families and friends would gather to watch the latest movies.
Though the building has since changed and is now home to Artefact, a local art space, the history remains. You can tell your children about how cinema-goers would have enjoyed the newest silent movies with live piano accompaniment, or later on, how they would have experienced the first “talkies” in the 1930s.
It’s a chance to let their imaginations run wild as they picture themselves in the early 20th century, sitting in a grand old cinema with popcorn in hand, eagerly awaiting the latest Charlie Chaplin or Laurel and Hardy film. You could even turn the visit into a mini-history lesson, explaining how film technology has evolved from silent pictures to the blockbusters we enjoy today!
5. A Ghostly Tale: Stirchley’s Haunted History
What kid doesn’t love a good ghost story? Stirchley has its very own spooky tale, tied to the historic Hazelwell Hall, which once stood near Stirchley’s Hazelwell Park. The hall was reportedly haunted by a mischievous spirit known as the Grey Lady. According to local legend, this ghostly figure would appear to those passing by the hall, shrouded in mist, creating a sense of mystery and eerie excitement.
Though Hazelwell Hall no longer exists (it was demolished in the early 20th century), the legend of the Grey Lady lives on, adding a touch of the supernatural to Stirchley’s history. While walking through Hazelwell Park, you can share this ghostly tale with your kids, asking them to imagine what the grand old hall would have looked like and whether they think they might catch a glimpse of the Grey Lady themselves!
Stories like this are perfect for fuelling young imaginations and sparking a sense of curiosity about local history. Kids love the thrill of a good ghost story, and Stirchley’s own haunted past is sure to give them chills (in a fun way!).
Stirchley is much more than just a Birmingham suburb — it’s a place full of history, fun, and surprising facts that will captivate your kids. From the motorsport-inspired crazy golf course at Putt Club Birmingham, to the lost swimming pool of Stirchley Lido, the world’s oldest co-operative society, an ancient cinema, and a ghostly legend, there’s plenty to keep children engaged and excited about learning.
Next time you’re planning a family day out, make sure to explore the hidden wonders of Stirchley, and watch your kids’ eyes light up as they discover the fascinating stories of this vibrant community.
