Where is Cadbury Ladies' Recreation Ground (Cadbury Park)?

Cadbury Ladies' Recreation Ground (Cadbury Park) is at Bournville Lane, Bournville, Birmingham B30 2LU

 

In brief

A hidden park off Bournville Lane. The land was originally the gardens of the long since demolished Bournbrook Hall. The Ladies' Recreation Ground was developed after 1879 when the Cadbury Brothers (Richard and George Cadbury) purchased the land for their chocolate factory in Bournville. There is a pergola here, as well as an ornamental pond. Bournville Bowls Club is based on Mary Vale Road.

Cadbury Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Stables to Bournbrook Hall 

Grade II listed building, dating to the 18th century. Beyond is the brick wall of what was a Kitchen Garden.

Cadbury Park (December 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Close up the former stables building is boarded off with graffiti and litter around, could do with restoration, reopening for public use.

Cadbury Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Kitchen Garden walls also Grade II listed, dates to the 18th century. Also boarded off, but was a gap in the gate on the left, which should be sealed off.

Cadbury Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Ornamental Pond

There is a sunken pond in the gardens of the park.

Cadbury Park in 2011. Photo by Graham Young (formerly of the Birmingham Mail)

 

The sunken pond as it is now in 2023-24.

Cadbury Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Pair of 1920s postcards shows how the pond used to look a century ago.

Cadbury Park in the 1920s. Courtesy Bournville Tenants

 

Bournville Bowls Club

Located on the southern side of the park is the Bournville Bowls Club, near Mary Vale Road.

Cadbury Park (December 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Pergola

The pergola at the end of 2023, before work began on restoring it.

Cadbury Park (December 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The pergola near the entrance is being restored in 2024.

Cadbury Park (April 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown