When the 18th-century manor, Lightwoods House, was threatened with demolition in 1902, the estate was saved by public subscription and turned into a park controlled by Birmingham City Council (although it’s technically in Bearwood and was handed over to Sandwell Council in 2010).
Today, the 12-hectare Lightwoods Park is home to tennis courts, five-a-side and basketball pitches, a skate park, a Grade II listed bandstand, and a one-acre Shakespeare Garden inspired by the plants mentioned in the Bard’s texts. And it might just be the best beer garden in Birmingham and beyond.
What makes it a beer garden?
If you didn’t know, the Jewellery Quarter’s 1000 Trades—an independent pub known for craft ales, Sunday roasts, and live shows—has a sister site located inside Lightwoods House. Placing it right on the edge of the public park, which now becomes your whole beer garden on a hot sunny day like today.
Operating out of the Grade II listed manor house since 2024, 1000 Trades On The Park brings its incredible quality of food and drinks, and more—also doubling as a tearoom for those that would like a more refined visit—to all park attendees. Expect a similar offer of ‘refined pub classics’ and craft beers as you find in JQ.
1000 Trades On The Park is open all day (10 am to 11 pm), Wednesday to Sunday, and in the evening (4 to 10 pm) on Tuesday. So whether you’re after a weekend coffee morning with a stroll, an after-work summer’s pint, or a family lunch with a view, there’s nowhere that can quite match this grand pub and beer garden.
What else does Lightwoods House and Park do?
An incredible venue that’s been in the local community for over a century, which underwent a huge restoration project in 2015, Lightwoods House and Park hosts countless events throughout the year—from yoga and pilates to music festivals and art classes. You can have your wedding here if you like.
How do I get there?
By bus, Lightwoods Park is on several major bus routes from and to the city centre including the X8, 9, X10 and 126. The outer circular 11A, serving Harborne, Selly Oak, Stirchley and Kings Heath, also passes through Bearwood.
You can learn more about 1000 Trades On The Park here.