Hallow

Mary Stevens Park

Oldswinford · 16 miles

A public green space in the Norton area of Stourbridge, West Midlands, covers roughly 13.65 hectares (33.7 acres) and has been accessible to the community since 1931. The land was presented to the town by local industrialist Ernest Stevens as a tribute to his wife, Mary, and it now welcomes around 1.3 million visitors each year. The layout combines open lawns with pockets of woodland, centred around Heath Pool – a former mill pond that adds a water element to the scenery. Architectural interest is provided by the Grade II-listed War Memorial and the Main Entrance gates, while ancillary buildings such as the park-keeper’s cottage, a council house, a bandstand and a tea-garden café contribute to the historic ambience. Recreational provision includes tennis courts, a multi-use games area, facilities for Crown green bowls and croquet, an outdoor gym, the Healthy Hub Activity Centre, and a children’s playground with a water-play feature. Access is via the surrounding streets of Oldswinford, with the park positioned within walking distance of the town centre. As a public park, entry is unrestricted, and the on-site café offers refreshments for visitors. The combination of natural, historic and sporting elements makes the site suitable for a range of leisure activities throughout the year.

The Lace Guild Museum

Audnam · 18 miles

A collection of historic and contemporary lace is displayed at The Hollies, the permanent headquarters of The Lace Guild in Stourbridge, West Midlands, with Audnam noted as the nearest town. The museum, operated by the charitable organisation, presents themed exhibitions drawn from its extensive holdings of lace and related artefacts. Exhibitions rotate each quarter and are accessible to the public on Fridays; visits on other days or for larger groups require an appointment, and individual items can be viewed by arrangement. The Lace Guild itself was founded in 1976 after a revival of interest in a craft that has been practised in Britain since the sixteenth century. After acquiring The Hollies in 1985, the charity secured accredited museum status in 2009. In addition to the museum, the Guild maintains a large library, publishes a quarterly magazine and instructional books, and runs courses, a summer school and an annual convention. An email service titled “Artefact of the Month” allows subscribers to receive a monthly image from the museum’s collection. No admission charges or on-site facilities such as a café or shop are mentioned in the source material.

The Leasowes

Webb's Green · 19 miles

A 57-hectare estate set on the edge of Webb’s Green, The Leasowes combines historic house, garden and open parkland within the Halesowen area. The name translates as “rough pasture land”, and the grounds are recorded on English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens at Grade I. Part of the site is occupied by Halesowen Golf Club, while the remainder is maintained as a public park under the care of the local council. The landscape originated between 1743 and 1763 as a ferme ornée created by the poet William Shenstone, whose design aimed for an unadorned, pastoral feel that later attracted commentary from contemporary writers. After Shenstone’s death, Edward Horne acquired the property, replaced the original house with a new building completed around 1776 and added a walled garden and hothouse. Subsequent owners, including Major Francis Halliday, introduced features such as a stone portico and a whimsical hermitage, though later proprietors made little effort to preserve Shenstone’s original layout, leading to a period of decline by the 1820s. The council purchased the estate in 1934, converting it into a publicly accessible park while leasing part to the golf club. A restoration programme carried out from May 2008 to January 2009 reinstated many 18th-century elements and introduced a linear lake within the former Lapal canal, enhancing the historic scenery.

Laugherne Brook Local Nature Reserve (Area 4, Coles Meadow)

Dines Green · 1.9 miles

Public space with brook

Tank Clock

Great Malvern · 8.1 miles

Small Grassy area around the historic Tank Clock tower, starting point of many interesting footpaths

Berlin Wall Segment

Eastnor · 14 miles

A preserved segment of the original Berlin Wall.