Backhouse park is one of our local parks and it is so pretty, especially this time of the year with crocus everywhere and daffodils starting to appear. Backhouse park is very under rated in my opinion and unfortunately used to have a bad reputation but these days it is a haven for wild ring necked parakeets and various other wildlife and it is very popular with dog walkers. Friends of Backhouse park and ICOS are two local charities that do a lot for the park and it is starting to look even better.
Backhouse park has various entrances, there is no parking so you do need to park on the road (not Ryhope road, this is double yellows) scroll down to find out where to park.
2024 marks 102 years since Thomas William Backhouse gifted the park to the Sunderland corporation in 1922, once known as Ashburne park it was renamed to honour the Backhouse family. It is absolutely worth a visit. We visit regularly as we live within walking distance and I think it is a lovely place to just have a walk and watch the world go by. Over the last few years more and more ring necked parakeets have been making the park home and they make some lovely noises as you walk through the park. There's always lots of birds to spot too.
There's a play area for the kids which is enclosed and picnic benches dotted around near to the paly area as well as some lovely spots to sit in the grass and have a picnic. You can also find a lovely fairy trail to enjoy.
Bad parts
No toilets - Nearest is either Asda in Grangetown or Into the city centre which is also limited in my opinion with public toilets located in Park lane, Bridges Shopping centre or The new train station entrance
No café - You can find various food outlets located on Vilette road or in the City centre.
No parking - Best places to park are Glen Path or Ashbrook Road. Do not park on Ryhope road, this is a busy road and its double yellows.
Barley Mow Park
This is a small park across the road to Backhouse Park. There's been a few upgrades in this section by Back on the Map and you can now find upgrades such as brand new tennis courts (you have to pay to use these) there's also some new picnic benches located on one half of the old bowling green and the other half is now a community allotment. There's no facilities here.
Check out these other posts
Spring walk ideas (Also nice during summer)