Local Explorer Route

Inspired by Birmingham hosting the European Athletics Championships in August 2026 we have created some great local explorer routes so you can have fun discovering Birmingham. Building on our 69wards by bike or foot maps, the routes are mostly traffic free and suitable for all abilities. There are walking and cycling routes for each of the 10 Birmingham constituencies, helping you get outside and discover local greenspaces, hidden gems, heritage sites and cool places to visit.   

All the routes are designed to be self-guided, easy to follow and achievable in one day. Alternatively, you can choose one or two places along the routes to visit and use the route to help plan your journey. 

🚶 Selly Oak – Cadbury Heritage and Green Spaces

Enjoy a short walk taking in several key historical sights of Bournville including Cadbury’s chocolate factory and the local heritage left by the Cadbury family, as well as some wonderful green spaces, hidden gems and places to visit.  Perfect for those who like sport but also have a sweet tooth, love to indulge in a bit of local history and get lost in nature – all not too far from home.

Notes 

• A lovely route to explore at your own pace for a great day out, but with so much to see you might want to choose one or two places to visit and use the route to help plan your journey.   

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Bournville village green – bakery, mini market, café 

• The Hub on The Green – community building, warm welcome coffee and events 

• Cadbury World shop/café  

• The Little Coffee Van – Bournville park, check opening times

• Stirchley high-street  – Various options

Points of Interest 

• Cadbury Factory and surrounding area – several sites to visit including Cadbury World, Bournville recreation ground and Cadbury park, Old Bournville Baths and the Statue of Terpsichore. 

• Selly Manor – a medieval building saved by George Cadbury.  

• Maple House school – historically the Bournville day continuation college  

• Bournville village and rest house. 

• Quaker meeting house.  

• Bournville Carillon – one of the finest and largest in the UK with 48 bells (a gift from George Cadbury to the Cadbury workers). 

Green Spaces 

Rea Valley 

A scenic trail that follows the river Rea through a series of green spaces. It is a key part of National Cycle Network Route 5 and offers a largely traffic-free corridor for walking, wheeling, cycling, and running. 

From source at Waseley Hills to the River Tame by the Spaghetti Junction – Birmingham was founded near the river Rea by an Anglican tribe lead by Beorma. 

Cadbury park 

A small greenspace, part of local Cadbury heritage. A pretty park with a terrace and pavilion. 

Bournville recreation ground 

Home to Bournville Village Cricket Club   

Bournville park

Bourn Brook flows through the park – which Bournville is named after 

• Children’s playground 

• Tennis courts 

• Benches 

Bournville boating lake

A lovely greenspace and home to Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club boathouse. Model boats sailing most weekends. Look out for blossom trees in spring.

Public Transport Links  

• Bournville train station – start/finish 

• Bus number 27, 11, 55, 45  

A few things to remember while you are out exploring these routes: 

• Be prepared – ensure you are wearing suitable shoes and clothing for your activity. Dress for the weather and take water/snacks. 

• If cycling, make sure your bike is in good working order and safe to ride – Do a quick bike check before heading out.

• Please be extra careful when near open water. 

• When cycling always follow the Highway Code.  

• Be courteous to others, particularly on towpaths and shared paths. 

• Most of all, have fun! 

ENJOY exploring your chosen route. We’d love to see what you get up to and hear what you think of the routes so remember to tag @ecobirmingham when sharing your adventures on social media or send us a quick message.  

The development of this route and activities in Birmingham has been supported by: