BIRMINGHAM TRAVEL BOOKLET

Aston Hall

The Jacobean splendour of Aston Hall has recently re-opened following a £13million pound restoration project. Highlights include beautiful interiors from the 17th Century, to the landscaped gardens and Civil War connections. Admission charges apply to the Hall only, but the whole site is free on the first Sunday of every month during the open season.

The Jewellery Quarter

The Jewellery Quarter dates back over 250 years and is still home to over 400 jewellery businesses. The Jewellery Quarter offers a snap-shot of Birmingham’s innovative and creative industries set in the beautiful Georgian and Victorian surroundings. It has been described by English Heritage as a unique historic environment in England, which has few, if any, parallels in Europe.
The Quarter also contains one of Birmingham’s finest squares, St Paul’s, with its fine Georgian church, numerous restaurants, bars and galleries. Over 100 specialist jewellery retailers offer classic pieces and beautiful handcrafted jewellery - in many places you can commission your own design. Gems of the quarter are the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, The Pen Room Museum, St Paul's Gallery as well as the Birmingham Assay Office where you can learn about the history of hallmarking and find out their role in the 21st century (visit by pre-arrangement).

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

To fully appreciate the extraordinary range of the city’s heritage, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a must-see. The internationally significant collections of art and history include the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite artwork in the world and the Industrial Gallery, dedicated to the finest crafts produced in Birmingham over the past 200 years. After a visit at the museum, you can enjoy a traditional English tea in the historic Edwardian tea room.

Selfridges

The Selfridges Building is a landmark building in Birmingham, England. The building is part of the Bullring Shopping Centre and houses Selfridges Department Store. The building was completed in 2003 at a cost of £60 million and designed by architecture firm Future Systems. It has a steel framework with sprayed concrete facade. Since its construction the building has become an iconic architectural landmark and seen as a major contribution to the regeneration of Birmingha
Victoria Square

Victoria Square is a pedestrianised public square in Birmingham, England. It is home to both the Town Hall and the Council House, and directly adjacent to Chamberlain Square





Chamberlain Square

Chamberlain Square is a small square in the centre of Birmingham, just off the larger and grander Victoria Square. The square is named after Joseph Chamberlain, a former Birmingham mayor and MP. The centerpiece of the square is the Chamberlain Memorial, a Neo-Gothic monument designed by John Henry Chamberlain. 

Warwick Castle

 This 1000-year old castle is a fairy tale come true. Beautiful halls and staterooms, as well as a bone-chilling dungeon. Scenes from the castle highlight a party held in 1898 and the historic preparation for battle. Hosts an array of exciting local events, including medieval reenactments, concerts and fireworks displays. Business facilities available.

The Pen Room

The Pen Room is a unique U.K.[museum]] and learning centre in Birmingham, England dedicated to educating visitors on the history of Birmingham’s pen trade.The only museum in the United Kingdom devoted to the history of the pen making industry - find out why Birmingham became the centre of the world pen trade.

Three Wise MenThis distinctive, gold-colored statue is of Birmingham's three great industrialists and entrepreneurs who contributed greatly to the city's prosperity during the 18th century: Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch.



Red Palace

 This impressive red brick and terracotta building was erected in 1896 as a memorial to Lord Roberts of Kandahar, Commander in Chief of the British Empire.

Thinktank

Thinktank redefines the concept of a science museum.  Think of it more as a way to discover the world around you and the life you lead. From steam engines to intestines, this exciting museum has over 200 hands-on displays on science and technology including a state-of-the-artPlanetarium and outdoor Science Garden.

Council House

Built between 1874 and 1879 on what was once Ann Street, and designed by Yeoville Thomason, the Council House is now a Grade II listed building, used for all Council and most Committee meetings. The front, facing Victoria Square, has a pediment showing Britannia receiving the manufacturers of Birmingham.

St Philip's Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of Saint Philip is the Church of England cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. Built as a parish church and consecrated in 1715, St Philip's became the cathedral of the newly formed Diocese of Birmingham in the West Midlands in 1905. St Philip's was built in the early 18th century in the Baroque style by Thomas Archer and is located on Colmore Row, Birmingham, England The cathedral is a Grade I listed building. St Philip's is the third smallest cathedral in England after Derby and Chelmsford.

Sarehole Mill

Sarehole Mill was built in 1765 on the site of Biddle's Mill, which dated back to  1540. For most of Sarehole's working life it was used to grind corn, but in the industrial revolution it was used for blade grinding and metal rolling as well. Sarehole Mill is a fine example of one of more than fifty water mills that existed in Birmingham at one time. Matthew Boulton's father rented the Mill and Sarehole farm in 1756. When his father died, Boulton used the Mill for making buttons and for metal rolling until he moved his operations to Handsworth in 1761. In the late 1890s Sarehole was the childhood haunt of Hobbit author J.R.R. Tolkien, and famously mentioned in The Lord of the Rings.

Weoley Castle

Sarehole Mill was built in 1765 on the site of Biddle's Mill, which dated back to 1540. For most of Sarehole's working life it was used to grind corn, but in the industrial revolution it was used for blade grinding and metal rolling as well.
Sarehole Mill is a fine example of one of more than fifty water mills that existed in Birmingham at one time. Matthew Boulton's father rented the Mill and Sarehole farm in 1756. When his father died, Boulton used the Mill for making buttons and for metal rolling until he moved his operations to Handsworth in 1761. In the late 1890s Sarehole was the childhood haunt of Hobbit author J.R.R. Tolkien, and famously mentioned in The Lord of the Rings.

Soho House
Soho House was the elegant home of industrial pioneer Matthew Boulton, who lived in Soho House from 1766 to 1809. Here, he met with some of the most important scientists, engineers and thinkers of his time. Soho House has been carefully restored to its 18th century appearance and contains some of Boulton’s own furniture. Displays tell the story of this fascinating man and the interests he shared with his famous visitors including members of the Lunar Society. There’s also the chance to see some of the products of Boulton’s nearby factory – where buttons and buckles, clocks and vases, and silver and Sheffield plate tableware were made – and where he developed the steam engine in partnership with James Watt. In the visitor centre next to Soho House is a community gallery with a changing programme of exhibitions and activities.

Weoley Castle

The ruins at Weoley Castle are over 700 years old and are the remains of the moated medieval manor house that once stood here. The site has been inhabited from the 12th century and, according to the Doomsday Book, was part of the estates of William Fitz Ansculf. Finds have included glass from Syria and a range of kitchen equipment. Some of the objects can be seen at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Weoley changed hands several times between 1485 and 1531 when it began to fall into disrepair. In the centuries that followed, stone from the castle was removed to build a nearby farm and the Dudley no.2 canal. Today the site is a ‘Scheduled Ancient Monument’ of national importance, which means it, is legally protected from future development or damage.

Birmingham is said to have more canals than Venice. Certainly, in the middle of the 18th Century, there were 174 miles of canal in Birmingham. Now only 114 miles of them remain as navigable water. Walking the towpath gives you a chance to see the city and its surrounding towns in a new light. In the centre of the city, over 15 miles of canal have been improved to make safe and enjoyable walking - you don't need a boat!

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is one of the finest small art galleries in Europe. It is situated on the grounds of Birmingham University. The collection includes pieces by Rubens, Degas, Monet and Sickert. It is a bit out of town, but it's only a 5 minute walk from the University train station, which is just two stops from New Street.

The Birmingham Back to Backs Museum

The Birmingham Back to Backs Museum is a row of four houses on Hurst Street, Birmingham, that are owned by the National Trust. The houses are typical of the kind that dominated this area of Birmingham throughout the 19th and 20th century. As such each house has been restored to reflect a different date in history, 1840's, 1870's, 1930's and the 1970's. The later of which is quite thought provoking when you see how some people still lived in Birmingham only 40 years ago. There is an interactive exhibition and also a 1930's traditional sweet shop. (This attractions is only free for National Trust members and children under 5 adults otherwise adults have to pay an entry fee of £4.50 and children £2.20

Broadfield House Glass Museum

Broadfield House Glass Museum is situated in the historic Stourbridge Glass Quarter. Broadfield House celebrates the magical art of glassmaking and houses a magnificent collection of British glass, much of it made locally, dating from the 17th century up to the present day. A programme of events and temporary exhibitions compliment the glass displays. There is also a glassmaking studio on site where visitors can watch the glassblowers' at work.

Hall Valley Country Park

New Hall Valley Country Park consists of historic wetland, grazing meadows, former farmland and is part of Plantsbrook. It borders on a number of privately owned listed buildings, including a corn mill that dates back to the 17th Century. The park includes a network of cycle routes and footpaths and two play areas for children. The Valley is home to a wide range of animals and plants. Brook Trout, Kingfishers, Water Voles and Grey Herons can all be seen along the Plantsbrook. Oxeye Daisy and Black Knapweed grow in the wildflower areas, whilst other wild flowers such as Greater Burnet, Ragged Robin and Yellow Rattle can be found in the meadow. Birds of prey, including Buzzards, Kestrels and Sparrowhawks, can be spotted in the valley too. The Lickey Hills Country Park

The Lickey Hills Country Park lies 11 miles south west of Birmingham city centre and covers an area of 524 acres. The hills are covered by a mosaic of mixed deciduous woodland, conifer plantations and heathland; all are rich in a variety of wildlife. Included within the park boundary is an eighteen hole golf course, bowls, tennis, putting green and viewing platform allowing easy access to panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The Visitor Centre provides a focal point for nature conservation activities within the park. Exhibition, leaflets and information on nature trails, guided walks and other activities organised by the Ranger Service.

Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park is one of the premier parks in the city and has been awarded Green flag status. The park offers beautiful flowerbeds, lakes, pools and a wonderful collection of trees. There's plenty of opportunity for exercise at the park's tennis courts, bowling and putting greens and wildlife enthusiasts can follow the walkways and cycle routes alongside the River Rea. The conservation area within the park includes a 5 acre woodland known as the 'RSPB Centenary Plantation'. There is also a wildflower meadow, which is sown each year with cornfield annuals such as field poppy, cornflower and corn marigold. The park is an ideal venue for families, with children's play areas and boats for hire on the lake in the summer. There are plenty of picnic areas and refreshments are available at the Garden Tea Rooms.
Sutton Park
Sutton Park is included in the English Heritage's list of historic parks and gardens
and most of the site is also a ‘Scheduled Ancient Monument’ due its many sites of archaeological interest. Lying six miles to the north of Birmingham City Centre and covering over 970 hectares (2,400 acres). This landscape is a mosaic of open heathland, woodlands, wetlands, marshes and seven lakes each with their own rich variety of plants and wildlife. There are opportunities to enjoy walking, angling and nature watching. In addition the park has bridle paths, cycling routes, playing and picnic areas.