 THE
BIG BRUM - BIRMINGHAM
Mercia Tourist Board
Official Guide
Big
Brum
is the local name for the clock tower on
the Council House .The
clock tower is sufficiently important in the
public consciousness of Birmingham people
that it has a name. Brum is the local term
for the town, the people and the dialect.
The name refers to the clock and tower, not
only the bell. The bell rings with Westminster Chimes
similar to Big Ben in London. |
|
website:
www.merciatouristboard.org.uk
24 hour
Hotline Tel: +44(0) 845 868
2810
Fax :
+44(0) 845 862 1954
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here to contact us
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380 Million Views to the Mercia Tourist
Board and The Wessex Tourist Board
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OUR SERVICES- ANY PROCEEDS ARE
GIVEN TO LOCAL CHARITIES
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Sammy, Your Webmistress.
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THE
MERCIA TOURIST BOARD
Our
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he Comprehensive Website for the Ancient
English Kingdom of Mercia
Mercia, sometimes spelled Mierce , was
one of the kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxon
heptarchy, in what is now the Midlands region of
England, with its heart in the Trent valley and
its tributary streams. This site shows
places of Interest & Events in
Birmingham
Click on Your search
THE
ANGLES HAVE LANDED
The
Angles came here for a visit 1515
years ago and liked it so much they
have stayed.
According
to
sources such as the History of Bede, after
the invasion of Britannia, the Angles
split up and founded the kingdoms of the
Nord Angelnen (Northumbria), Ost Angelnen
(East Anglia), and the Mittlere Angelnen
(Mercia). Confirmation is afforded
by English and Danish traditions relating
to two kings named Wermund and Offa of
Angel, from whom the Mercian royal family
claimed descent and whose exploits are
connected with Angeln, Schleswig, and
Rendsburg. Danish tradition has preserved
record of two governors of Schleswig,
father and son, in their service, Frowinus
(Freawine) and Wigo (Wig), from whom the
royal family of Wessex claimed descent.
During the 5th century, the Anglii invaded
Great Britain, after which time their name
does not recur on the continent except in
the title of Suevi Angili.
Our Group has generated over 380 million
visits to our sites since 1999, and this
is your opportunity to participate in the
success. Join up with these leading UK
advertising sites to maximise your website's
viewing in Britain.
The History
of Birmingham.
|
 Birmingham's
past undoubtably goes back as far as the Bronze
age and beyond. However, very little remains
from this era except the scattered flint stones
and bronze artifacts that can be found in the
city museum. Early Roman military roads have
passed through the region. Anglo-Saxon tribes
started to settle in the region around 700 A.D.
Tribes such as the Hwicce and Anglian Mercians
started to make the area their permanent home.
Evidence of Saxon settlement is apparent from
the name endings of some of Birmingham's well
known localities. The suffix -ley means clearing
in a forest. Therefore Selly, Yardley, Moseley
and Warley are likely to have been Saxon
clearings. Other place names also carry the
names of their founders. The town of Birmingham
was a hamlet hence ending in ham. The followers
of the ingas of Birm or Beorma completes the
equation and demonstrates how many town names
carry the names we have today. Medieval and
subsequent Norman occupation also added to the
variety of interesting place names, the origin
of which is often buried in a murky past. An
example of medieval remains can be found at
Weoley Castle.
The
Domesday Survey of 1086 (Domesday Book)
Leading up to the time of the Domesday
Book, the independence of the scattered
communities had started to fall under the
control of the large landowners. Dudley Castle
under the Norman William Fitz Ansculf was a
prominent influence over the region. The
Domesday book of 1086 values Birmingham manor at
£1. Peter de Birmingham, holder of a manor worth
considerably less than neighbouring areas such
as Yardley and Handsworth, was the first
recorded Birmingham. At the time there were five
villagers and four smallholders with two
ploughs. The most populous area at Aston records
43 adults.
Aston
Parish History
The next recorded entry of
significance comes in 1166 when Peter de
Birmingham bought the right to hold a weekly
market in his castle. The market prospered and
Peter laid the foundations of the town of
Birmingham. In 1232 a group of citizens
formalised an agreement with William de
Birmingham which freed them from the compulsory
haymaking duties. The tradesmen and merchants
were almost undoubtedly involved in the new and
lucrative cloth industry. Birmingham had started
its long and winding road to manufacturing.
Birmingham
on
the Map
Birmingham continued to expand and
by mid 1300's the town was listed as third town
in size in the county of Warwickshire. Coventry
and Warwick were larger. Aston, once the larger
settlement now became Aston beside
Birmingham.
|
The Birmingham market grew from
strength to strength with traders selling their
cloth ware and metal goods.
The castle of Birmingham, a focal point and
power base for the town was influential in
providing assistance for new chapel's, the Guild
of the Holy Cross in 1392 and a chapel of St.
John the Baptist at Deritend for the
parishioners of Deritend and Bordesley. Between
1400 and 1450 a new Guildhall and a school were
added. Birmingham had its first eductational
facility. The castle's dominance was not to
last. After a period of decline the castle lost
its importance and influence.
At the time of Edward de Birmingham in the
1530's the manor was lost after Edward made
enemies at court who confiscated his property.
He spent 4 years in the tower of London and by
1538 he had died. The end of a family line, his
wife Elizabeth continued to live in the town for
some time after Edward's unfortunate downfall.
The manor, a possession of the crown, later
passed to Lord Lisle of Dudley in 1545. Lord
Lisle later became the Duke of Northumberland
and the most powerful man in England during the
years of Edward VI.
Birmingham was becoming more of a town in its
own right. No longer under such heavy influence
of the whims of the current landlord the
officials of the town could plan its destiny
with little interference. Trade and
manufacturing industry was starting to take
hold. Birmingham was already known for its
metalworking. In 1511 the Clerk of Ordanance
placed an order for horseshoes and weaponry for
the Royal Army. Trade links were being forged
with East Anglia and Bristol. The tanning
industry was also thriving.
Birmingham
Expands
In the early 1500's the population of the town
of Birmingham was reaching a 1000 inhabitants.
The thriving local industry was already setting
the scene for greater things to come. Enter the
1600's. Things were starting to change. A
prominant and wealth landowner by the name of
Holte commissioned the building of a large
country house in the 1620's. Completed in 1634
it stood magnificient as it does today, standing
in its own grounds, a testimony to the wealth
and status of the Holte family. Sir Thomas
Holte, Lord of Aston manor had made a tidy sum
from the breaking up of the churches and was
well in with the the crown. Sir Thomas was not
the nicest of gentry having taken a cleaver to
one unfortunate cook, killing him in the
process. Aston Hall is one of the great Jacobean
country houses of England.
|
The civil war came and went. Birmingham
surpassed Coventry in size and status making it
the largest town in Warwickshire. In the mid
1600's, with a population of some 7000
inhabitants, William Westley by 1700 drew up a
town plan and calculated the population of
Birmingham as 15,000. In fifty years the
doubling of the towns population was caused by
immigration from the surrounding towns and
villages. Birmingham was gaining a reputation as
a town where things were progressing. A trading
and manufacturing town of status. Nails,
metalwork, and anything in iron was being
exported to London and Europe. Birmingham had a
monopoly. The change to industrialisation had
taken hold. Mills sprang up all around the town.
Corn mills were being converted to the
production of metal rolling and ironwork. An
example of this which survives to this day can
be found at Sarehole Mill . Birmingham was about
to test its new found industrial might. |
 
MERCIAN DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE
VICTORIA SQUARE,
BIRMINGHAM, 29 MAY 2003
We, representatives of the
Mercian Constitutional
Convention, have assembled here
today in the heartland of Mercia
to reaffirm and declare the
legal independence of the region
under The Constitution Of
Mercia, which we have now
published and which is available
to all the people of the region
upon request. We have spent over
two years in careful
deliberation and embrace this
Constitution in order to
re-create Mercia as an
autonomous region, constructed
as an organic democracy, based
on holistic principles.
Mercia
developed in the valleys of
the upper Trent and its
tributaries in the sixth
century and gradually
expanded to its natural
boundaries to form the
middle lands of England.
In 1066, Mercia was one
of six earldoms which
comprised the
non-expansionist
confederation of England and
operated as an organic
democracy. Most Mercians
lived as freemen in stable
subsistence farming
communities, which were
bonded by common customs and
traditions, kinship and
co-operative effort on the
land. They also held a great
respect for the environment
and Mercia was an extremely
wealthy region, both in
terms of its soil fertility
and agricultural production
and of its creation of
magnificent jewellery,
tapestries, manuscripts and
literature.
However,
historic
Mercia was annihilated by the
Norman invaders after the
Conquest in 1066 and its
territory, along with that of
the other English regions, was
forcibly added to the Norman
Empire. The Conquest also
destroyed the region’s ancient
organic democracy and imposed an
hereditary absolute monarchy in
its stead, under which the
people were reduced in status
from freemen to ‘subjects of the
crown’. New hierarchical
political and social systems
ensured the suppression of the
indigenous people and the
imposition of the Norman feudal
system marked the origins of the
iniquitous modern class system.
English community law was
replaced by a centralised system
of courts, where arbitrary
punishments were decreed, and,
following the Conquest, vast
numbers of English people were
murdered by their alien masters.
The conquerors regarded England
as a source of plunder and
therefore decisively altered the
human relationship with the land
thenceforth into one of
exploitation.
Today, little has changed,
despite the persistent efforts
of the radical political
movement extant in England for
almost a millennium which has
campaigned to free its historic
and natural regions from the
illegal and suffocating control
of the authoritarian forces of
the United Kingdom. Therefore,
Mercia remains locked inside a
crumbling empire, which shows
little inclination to release
the English regions from its
weakening grip. The
anachronistic hereditary
monarchy continues to thrive and
symbolise the impotence of the
millions of Mercian ‘subjects of
the crown’, who are obliged to
fund it , whilst only small
concessions to real democracy
have yet resulted from the
determined efforts of countless
English radicals over the
centuries. The class system
remains essentially intact so
that the rich live in luxury
whilst homeless people beg on
the streets and the environment
is currently being abused at an
even faster rate than it was
during the last millennium.
Consequently, destructive
individualism, centralisation
and generalised economic growth
are leading the region and its
people further down a blind
alley into disaster. This can
only be averted by the formation
of the new holistic society
outlined in The
Constitution Of Mercia,
based on organic democracy,
co-operative community and
ecological balance, the selfsame
principles that formed the
bedrock of the sustainable
society of historic Mercia.
Although
almost
a millennium has passed since
Mercia existed as an autonomous
entity, recognition of the
historic region has remained
remarkably strong. Mercia
gradually became better known as
the Midlands, but remains a rich
farming area and therefore still
constitutes a highly sustainable
region. Mercia also forms a
viable region culturally and
Midlanders generally see
themselves as belonging neither
to the north of England nor the
south.
Despite
its natural unity, Mercia was
unlawfully dismantled by
foreign conquerors and The
Constitution Of Mercia
consequently reaffirms its
legal independence.
Furthermore, the production of
the Constitution and this
declaration of independence
are part of a programme of
positive action aimed at the
de facto re-creation of Mercia
as an autonomous and
sustainable bioregion within
an English confederation.
It was hoped that this
might be achieved through a
process of negotiation with
the relevant representatives
of the UK, especially
following the election in 1997
of a government committed by
its manifesto to ‘the
democratic renewal of our
country through
decentralisation’ and to
‘decentralise power throughout
the United Kingdom’. This
was put to the test in January
2000 when the Mercia Movement
sent letters to the key agents
of political control in the
UK, requesting joint meetings
to discuss fully the future of
the region. However, none was
willing to enter into any such
discussions and their refusal
thereby revealed the hypocrisy
of the government’s professed
commitment to democratic
regionalism. Therefore, a
draft Constitution was
produced without their
assistance in January 2001 and
circulated as widely as
possible across the region.
This led to the formation of
the Mercian Constitutional
Convention on 17 March 2001,
which amended the draft to
enable the production of The
Constitution
Of
Mercia.
We hereby declare that this
Constitution is now the ultimate
legal authority in Mercia, but
that it remains subject to
amendment by the people of the
region. Furthermore, we reaffirm
and declare the legal
independence of Mercia, which
will comprise its historic
twenty shires (Bedfordshire,
Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire,
Cheshire, Derbyshire,
Gloucestershire, Herefordshire,
Hertfordshire, Huntingdonshire,
Leicestershire, Lincolnshire,
Middlesex, Northamptonshire,
Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire,
Rutland, Shropshire,
Staffordshire, Warwickshire and
Worcestershire) or such of these
that find a common Mercian
identity and wish to be included
in the region. Finally,
we hereby proclaim that the
Constitutional Convention has
now become the Acting Witan of
Mercia, to spearhead the full
democratisation of the region
and the re-establishment of its
de facto independence under The
Constitution Of Mercia.
Long live free Mercia!
Contact
Details
Jeff
Kent, Convener of the Acting
Witan of Mercia, Cherry Tree
House, 8 Nelson Crescent,
Cotes Heath, via Stafford,
ST21 6ST, Mercia. Tel. 01782
791673
email: witan@mail.com
Website
:
www.independentmercia.org
For
general enquiries:
info@acting-witan-of-mercia.org
INFORMATION
 |
|
Birmingham
received its Charter
of Incorporation as
a Borough on 1st
November 1838. The
package containing
the Charter was
opened by William
Scholefield, the
High Bailiff at the
office of the
Birmingham Journal
and was read to the
public at the Town
Hall on 5th
November. The first
town council, made
up of the mayor,
sixteen aldermen and
forty-eight
councillors elected
from thirteen wards,
met on 27th December
1838, the day after
they were elected.
One of the first
decisions made by
Birmingham’s very
first Council was to
adopt the town’s new
motto, ‘Forward’.
One of the
alternative
suggestions rejected
was ‘Fortitudo et
Rectum’. It is
suggested that the
‘Forward’ motto was
influenced by
Birmingham’s leading
position at that
time in the modern
spheres of science
and industry, the
motto demonstrating
that Birmingham was
proudly looking to
the future and not
back to past glories
in which it had
little share.
The City’s coat of
arms was adopted by
Birmingham
Corporation on 3rd
April 1889,
following the
earlier receipt of
‘letters patent’
granting a Royal
Charter Conferring
the title of “city”
on 14th January
1889. However, the
original coat of
arms was modified
and enhanced,
becoming the City
Council’s official
emblem on 10th May
1977. The modern-day
coat of arms shows a
shield divided by a
cross into patterned
quarters with a
crown at the centre.
Beneath the shield
is the City’s motto
“Forward” and above
it is a crest made
up of a knight’s
visor helmet bearing
a mural crown with a
rose gules. From
this crest emerges
the arm of a smith,
holding a hammer.
The most striking
features of the coat
of arms are a man
and woman standing
either side of the
ornate central
shield clearly
representing
Birmingham’s
cultural and
industrial heritage.
On the left of the
shield is a woman
with a laurel
wreathe, holding in
her left hand a book
and in her right
hand a painter’s
palette. She is said
to represent the
artistic and
learning tradition
of the city. The
figure on the right
hand side is a man
in the clothes of a
smith, holding a
cupel and in his
left hand a hammer.
He is stood next to
an anvil and is said
to represent the
industrial heritage
of Birmingham.
The patterns on the
shield tell an
interesting story
and date back to the
medieval Lords who
gave not only their
family arms to the
town but also their
name. The de
Bermingham family
(or Bermyngham) were
Lords of the Manor
of Birmingham for
over 400 years. The
family probably
acquired the manor
shortly after the
Norman Conquest and
it was Peter de
Bermingham who was
first granted a
market near the
river Rea in 1166.
In 1536 it was
Edward de Bermingham
who was finally
deprived of the
Manor by the Crown,
having been unjustly
framed by John
Dudley.
The toothed pattern,
known as an indent,
which occurs in the
top right quarter
and bottom left
quarter of the
shield is from the
de Bermingham’s coat
of arms. The pattern
known as ‘lozenges’
in the top left and
bottom right
quarters of the
shield in the City’s
coat of arms
originally came from
the shield of the
noble Fitz-Ansculf
family, who were
Lords of Dudley.
When an heiress of
the Fitz-Ansculf
family married a son
of the de Bermingham
family, the lozenges
from her family
shield were
incorporated into
her husband’s
shield. This only
happened because she
was marrying beneath
her, normally the
male line would
dominate and his
shield would be
passed to his sons
unaltered.
Both of these
patterns occur on
three sculptured
effigies of knights
which lie inside St
Martin’s church and
also in the tiles of
the chancel floor.
These three knights
are said to include
William Bermyngham
who fought under
Edward the First and
Sir John Bermygham
who represented the
county in the
Parliament of
Richard the Second.
There are however a
number of anomalies
in the modern day
coat of arms.
Firstly, the
position of the four
patterned quarters
does not correspond
to ancient heraldic
rules in that the
lozenges of the
Fitz-Ansculf heiress
should occupy the
second and third
quarters whilst her
husband’s indent
should occupy the
first and fourth
quarters of the
shield. The correct
shield is
represented in the
old tiles of the
chancel floor of St
Martins, whereas the
shield used in the
coat of arms since
1889, is in fact,
wrong.
The second anomaly
lies in the fact
that the two figures
in the coat of arms,
the male smith and
female artist have
swapped sides since
they were originally
designed in 1889.
The coat of arms
used since 1977
shows the female
figure on the left
of the shield and
the male figure on
the right, whereas
in the original coat
of arms he was on
the left and she was
on the right.
|
www.birmingham.gov.uk/arms
|
|
THE BRUMMIE TRANSLATOR
TALK
LIKE A BRUMMIE
Brummie
(sometimes
Brummy) is a
colloquial
term for the
inhabitants,
accent and
dialect of
Birmingham,
UK, as well as
being a
general
adjective used
to denote a
connection
with the city,
locally called
Brum. The
terms are all
derived from
Brummagem or
Bromwichham,
historical
variants or
alternatives
to
'Birmingham'.
|
|
Trouble
understanding the Brummie
dialect maybe a thing of
the past thanks to a new
free mobile phone app
which has just been
launched. Developed by
Manchester based IT
company, Athernet Web
Solutions, the app allows
a user to listen to common
Brummie phrases and
translate them into the
Queen’s English. It
follows the stunning
success of the firm’s
iWiganese App which came
about after Athernet took
on a Digital Marketing
Manager from Wigan who no
one could understand. Now
phrases such as “go
and wash yer donnies”(go
and wash your hands)
“come up the wuddenill”
(come upstairs) and “put
yer
fizzog straight” (stop
sulking) will make sense
to everyone outside
Birmingham. Rather than
get a celebrity “Brummie”
voice such as Ozzy
Osbourne or Frank Skinner,
the company decided to run
a competition to find
local talent. The search
resulted in Alan Dugmore,
65, whose family moved to
Birmingham in 1767, being
chosen as the voice of the
city.
 The
retired paramedic, who
lives in Quinton was
chosen after a series of
test recordings and
interviews. He has lived
in Birmingham since he was
born and has traced his
roots back to 1746 in
Abbots Bromley in
Staffordshire before his
family moved to Birmingham
in 1767.
Director of
Athernet
Web Solutions, Ajay
Kapadia says that Alan’s
voice was chosen as it was
rich and natural. “We had
a number of applicants and
it was a very close
thing,” explained Ajay.
“Some people we listened
to seemed to be trying too
hard and in the end we
felt that Alan’s is a
genuine dialect that has
been developed over many
years. Other applicants
auditioned by sending
computer files, but Alan’s
first test was done over
the telephone. We knew it
was something special
straight
away.” Alan,
who is married and has two
children and three
grandchildren, was
delighted when he was
chosen. “It’s bostin!” he
exclaimed. He was keen to
get involved in the
project and provided a
number of extra phrases
that he has used over the
years and corrected some
errors. “Some of the
phrases were more Yamyam
than Brummie so I soon put
them right on that,” he
said. “It’s great being
involved in the iBrummie
App as I’m keen on local
history and something like
this really brings it to
life.” The iBrummie
App is available for free
download on iPhones and
Android phones and the
phrases are also available
at a special website,
iBrummie.com. The
company is also looking at
the possibility of doing
other regional dialects.
|
Tourism
Centre and Ticket Shop ,
The Rotunda 150 New
Street Birmingham
West Midlands England B2
4PA Tel: 0844 888
3883 Fax: 0121 616
1038 Email: visit@marketingbirmingham.com
Web: http://www.beinbirmingham.com
Map
The place to go for
friendly faces, bags of
advice and local
information. Opening
Times: Monday
- Saturday 9.00 -
17.00 Sundays and
Bank Holidays 10.00 -
16.00 (Open 30th May, Open
29th August.)
Christmas Opening
Hours:24 Dec -
9.00- 17.00 25 Dec -
CLOSED 26 Dec -
CLOSED 27 Dec- 10.00
- 16.00 28 Dec -
9.00 - 17.00
29 Dec - 9.00 -
17.00 30 Dec - 9.00
- 17.00 31 Dec -
9.00 - 17.00 1 Jan -
CLOSED 2 Jan - 10.00
- 16.00 3 Jan -
10.00 - 16.00
See
location on map
Located at:
Birmingham Central
Library,
Chamberlain Square,
Birmingham B3 3HQ
Services
Professional friendly staff
Tourist information, maps
and guides
Accommodation booking
service
National Express information
and tickets
Wide range of quality gifts
and souvenirs
Discounted tickets for local
attractions
Use of multi-linguistic
services
Free internet access
Access to library service
and resources
Disabled parking available
nearby
Opening Times:
Monday - Friday 9.00 -
20.00
Saturday 09.00 - 17.00
Closed Sundays and Bank
Holidays
From 12 December
2011
Monday - Friday 10.00
- 18.00
Saturday 09.00 - 17.00
Closed Sundays and Bank
Holidays
Email: CentralLibraryTIC@birmingham.gov.uk
Telephone:
+44 (0) 844 888 3883
See
location on map
|
Other
Birmingham
Information
Websites
Birmingham
Sparkling at
Christmas. www.visitbirmingham.com
is the official
tourist information
visitor web site
for the city of Birmingham.
LATEST NEWS AND ...
|
The
Tourist Information
section of the Birmingham
UK Com website
featuring
attractions,
places to visit,
art and museum
galleries and a
host of
other
interesting ...
|
Birmingham's
Sea Live Centre
Planning a flight
to or from Birmingham?
Click above for
loads of helpful information:
The Birmingham
Hippodrome Theatre
hosts ...
|
Updated
around the clock
with Birmingham
news, information,
what's on,
comment and
in-depth coverage
of Aston ...
Go to
LocalMole.co.uk
... Mail
mobile
site ...
|
|
Solihull
Council
For
the
official view on
Solihull
including news,
information and
local authority
job vacancies.
Adding more
information
every day and
now list
all events
at the Arts
Complex and have
a very
comprehensive
list of local
Organisations
and planning
applications.
www.solihull.gov.uk |
Birmingham
101
For all your
information and
news about
Birmingham UK
its people ,
businesses and
attractions
www.birmingham101.com |
Birmingham
Plus
details
restaurants in
and around the
city.
www.birminghamplus.com |
BBC
Birmingham
Online
is
a great new site
with local news,
information and
entertainment
news. Without
doubt its one to
watch.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham |
 |
|
 |
|
NEWSPAPERS
Birmingham now
has two local daily
newspapers—the
Birmingham Post and
the Birmingham Mail—as
well as the Sunday
Mercury, all owned by
the Trinity Mirror.
The publisher also
produces The
Birmingham News, a
weekly freesheet
distributed to homes
in the suburbs along
with Forward (formerly
Birmingham Voice), the
Birmingham City
Council's free
newspaper distributed
to homes and via
community centres and
public buildings.
Several local
newspapers serve
Birmingham, including
the Birmingham
Advertiser and the
Sutton Coldfield
Observer and Sutton
Coldfield News for the
area of Sutton
Coldfield.
Birmingham is
also the hub for
various national
ethnic media,
including The Voice,
The Sikh Times, Desi
Xpress, The Asian
Today and Raj TV
(based in The Mailbox
). National showbiz
magazine Ikonz is
based in Birmingham,
one of the few outside
London. The music
magazine Bearded and
culture magazine Fused
Magazine are produced
in the city.
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LOCAL RADIO STATIONS
 96.4
(Birmingham)
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 listen live on our
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 828
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area
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radio
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areas |
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radio, in the
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oldies
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(Wolverhampton)
also
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local DAB
digital radio,
in the
Wolverhampton,
Telford
and Shrewsbury
areas
listen live on our
audio pages |
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and links |
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music
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eighties to
today; old
skool tracks;
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listen live on our
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area
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98.7
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91.3
(Sandwell,
Birmingham) |
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Radio
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Birmingham) |
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programmes
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1296
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also
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(Small Heath,
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EQUINE
Please Click On To
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Birmingham Tourist
Information Centre
|
Tourism Centre and Ticket Shop , The
Rotunda 150 New Street Birmingham
West Midlands England B2 4PA
Tel: 0844 888 3883 Fax: 0121 616
1038 Email: visit@marketingbirmingham.com
Web: http://www.beinbirmingham.com
Map |
Birmingham Central Library
Visitor Centre
|
Birmingham
Central Library, Chamberlain Square,
Birmingham B3 3HQ
Telephone: +44
(0) 844 888 3883 Email:
CentralLibraryTIC@birmingham.gov.uk
|
Birmingham
Airport
Visitor Centre |
Between Terminal 1 and 2 , Birmingham
International Airport , Birmingham West
Midlands England B26 3QJ
Tel: 0844 888 3883 visitor information and
accommodation Alternate Tel: 0844
888 4415 ticket hotline
Email: visit@marketingbirmingham.com
Web: http://www.visitbirmingham.com/
Map
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Birmingham
Tourist Information Centre
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TBirmingham
, National Exhibition Centre , Convention &
Visitor Bureau , National Exhibition Centre ,
Birmingham West Midlands
T: 0121 780 4321 F: 0121 780 4260 E:
piazza@bmp.org.uk
|
Brierley Hill
Tourist Information Centre
|
Merry
Hill
, Merry Hill Centre , Brierley Hill West
Midlands Map
T: 01384 487 911 F: 01384
487 910 |
Bromsgrove
Tourist Information Centre
|
The
Museum, 26 Birmingham Rd, Bromsgrove,
Worcestershire, B61 0DD Tel: 01527
831809 Fax: 01527 577983 |
Dudley
Tourist Information
Centre |
Dudley , 39 Churchill
Centre , Dudley West Midlands
T: 01384 812 830 F: 01384 815 580 |
Solihull
Tourist Information Centre
|
Solihull , Central Library Homer
Road Solihull West Midlands
T: 0121 704 6130 F: 0121 704 8224
E: ckelly@solihull.gov.uk
|
Walsall
Visitor Enquiries
|
Walsall
Central Reference Library, Lichfield St,
Walsall, WS1 1TR
Tel 01922 653110 Fax 01922 654013 Textphone
0845 1112910
Email reference@walsall.gov.uk
WALSALL
CLICK
|
Wolverhampton
Visitor Information Point
|
18 Queen
Square, Wolverhampton West Midlands
WV1 1TQ
Phone: 01902 556110 or 556112 Fax: 01902
556111
E-mail: wolverhampton.tic@dial.pipex.com
Website: http://www.wolverhampton.tic.dial.pipex.com
|
If we have missed you
please contact us 0845 868 2810 or contact us by writing
Birmingham
Attractions
|
PICTURE |
Address &
Website
|
Tel/Fax
|
Alexandra
Theatre
The Alexandra Theatre was built in 1901 by
William Coutts at a cost of £10,000 and was
originally called the Lyceum. Its opening
production was a play entitled The Workman,
which ran from 27th May 1901, with tickets
ranging in price from two shillings to four
(old) pence. Unfortunately, insufficient public
support resulted in the theatre being offered
for sale just over a year later. The sale
attracted no great interest, and the Lyceum was
bought by Lester Collingwood for just £4,450.
Collingwood was a flamboyant personality who
sported a magnificent moustache. He had
extensive theatre experience and was
particularly associated with the melodrama When
London Sleeps, in which he toured for some time,
playing the role of the villain. Many theatres
at the time had a royal connection, and
Collingwood bowed to tradition by renaming the
theatre to honour Queen Alexandra. The Alexandra
Theatre opened in 1902 with a melodrama called
The Fatal Wedding. Public taste greatly favoured
this genre of entertainment, and the new manager
quickly established his personality within
Birmingham, such that the venue was soon tagged
‘The People’s Theatre’. Collingwood also
initiated the Alexandra’s panto tradition,
beginning with Aladdin, which ran for eight
weeks. It is rumoured that Charlie Chaplin was
one of the actors to have starred in these
pantomimes. Today the Alex is
owned and managed by The Ambassador Theatre
Group (ATG) who are the largest theatre operator
in the world combining international stature
with core local venues. As a successful and
respected theatre provider, ATG has years of
experience helping millions of customers enjoy
the very best theatre and live entertainment.
|
 |
Alexandra
Theatre ,
Station Street,
BIRMINGHAM, B5 4D
ALEXANDRA THEATRE CLICK
|
Telephone
Booking:
0844 871 3011 |
Alpha
Tower
The Alpha Tower is Birmingham's
second tallest building at 99.9m high. It was
built between 1972 and 1974. The Alpha
Tower has 28 floors and stands at 328 feet. A
prominent landmark it resembles the Pirelli
Building in Milan. This particular building is a
smaller version by architect Richard Seiffert.
Now
looking somewhat outdated and on its own
amongst the more modern and tasteful
architecture of Brindleyplace it nevertheless
is an impressive building. Alpha Tower is
situated in Suffolk Street, near Broad Street
and not far from the Mailbox. |
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Suffolk
Street
Queensway,
Birmingham, , B1 1TT
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Artifex
The 3000 square foot gallery specialises
in designer/craftsman made furniture, glass,
ceramics, jewellery, metalwork, woodwork,
mirrors, clocks, sculpture & original
painting. The emphasis is on originality and
quality. The atmosphere is welcoming and
our staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The
first floor gallery is devoted to paintings, all
original, featuring the work of around 18
artists at any one time. We also run an
exhibition programme of more substantial one
person shows. Our furniture gallery specialises
in 'one-off' contemporary pieces made by
Britain's leading makers. You can buy from the
large selection on display, seek inspiration
from an extensive portfolio of makers' work, or
turn your dreams into reality through our
personal commissioning service. Open 7 days -
10.00am - 5.00pm
|
 |
The Mitchell Centre
Weeford Road
Sutton Coldfield
B75 6NA
Email: sutton@artifex.co.uk
ARTIFEX
CLICK
|
Tel: 0121 323 3776
Fax: 0121 323 2380
|
Aston Hall
Aston Hall was built by Sir Thomas Holte in
1618. One of England's great country houses.
Aston Hall is one of Birmingham's most treasured
buildings. Redisplayed as part of the
development project, Aston Hall boasts sumptuous
interiors from the 17th, 18th and 19th
centuries, including the magnificent Long
Gallery.Display rooms illustrate the part Aston
Hall and its residents played in key moments in
history, including the English Civil War, and
how it prepared to receive royalty on more than
one occasion.he acclaimed Astonish Gallery in
the newly restored Stables Range take visitors
on a journey through the Aston area. Astonish
describes the history of Aston, its industries,
sporting achievements and community changes
through historic objects and hands on
interactives.
|
 |
Trinity Road, Aston,
Birmingham, B6 6JD
ASTON
HALL CLICK
|
Tel: +44 (0)121 675 4722
|
Aston Transport Museum
A wide range of commercial vehicles on show so
if you are interested in transport, particularly
buses, then this is the place to come. Set
up in 1978 the Aston Manor Transport Museum can
be found on Witton Lane just down from the Aston
Villa Football Ground. It's only open on
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 11am -
5pm but if you are interested in transport,
particularly buses, then this is the place to
come. A wide range of commercial vehicles are on
show and clicking on our photographs section
will show you more of what is on offer. The
Museum closed its doors at Witton for the final
time on Sunday October 30th 2011. We were
unable to convince Birmingham City Council of
the value of the Museum to the City and,
crucially, to be given a reasonable period in
which to raise what would have been a quite
significant sum of money to secure the premises
and therefore the Museum for future
generations.Ongoing discussions are presently
taking place with a view to reopening on another
site, outside of Birmingham. Cataloguing
of all artefacts and preparing for their removal
is now taking place and sites have been located
where all these items and the vehicles can be
stored safely, if these discussions do not come
to fruition. This all has to take place
before the end of 2011. If the Museum is
able to relocate then we would expect to reopen
on the new site around Easter / early Spring.
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Aston
Villa Football Club
Aston Villa Football Club ( /ˈæstən
ˈvɪlə/;
also known as Villa, The
Villa, The Villans
and The Lions) ] is an
English professional association football club
based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was
founded in 1874 and have played at their
current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897.
Aston Villa were founder members of The
Football League in 1888. They were also
founder members of the Premier League in 1992,
and have remained there ever since. The
club was floated by the previous owner and
chairman Doug Ellis, but in 2006 full control
of the club was acquired by Randy Lerner. They
are one of the oldest and most successful
football clubs in England, having won the
First Division Championship seven times and
the FA Cup seven times.
Villa also won the 1981–82 European Cup, one
of only four English clubs to win what is now
the UEFA Champions League.
Aston Villa has the fourth highest total of
major honours won by an English club.They
have a fierce local rivalry with Birmingham
City. The Second City derby between Aston
Villa and Birmingham City has been played
since 1879. The
club's traditional kit colours are claret
shirts with sky blue sleeves, white shorts and
sky blue socks. Their traditional crest is of
a rampant
gold lion on a light blue background with the
club's motto "Prepared" underneath; a modified
version of this was adopted in 2007.
|
 |
Aston
Villa
-
Villa Park
Trinity Road Birmingham. B6 6HE
ASTON
VILLA
CLICK
SEE
OUR SOCCER SITE
Fixtures
List
Get
An Aston Villa Email Address
|
Main
Telephone No: 0121 327 2299
Main Fax No: 0121 322 2107
Ticket Office: 0800 612 0970
Ticket Office Fax: 0800 612 0977
Stadium Tours: 0800 612 0970
|
Avoncroft Museum
Avoncroft Museum is home to over
27 different structures which have been rescued
and re-built in rural Worcestershire. The Museum
is spread over 19 acres and includes a
wildflower meadow, period gardens, a traditional
cider and perry orchard as well as the
collection of buildings. In 1967 Avoncroft
Museum was opened to the public following the
rescue and reconstruction of a medieval
merchant’s house from Bromsgrove. Then, as now,
our priority was to retain historic buildings in
their original location. Over five decades,
Avoncroft Museum has continued to rescue
structures where this had not been achievable
and the museum now displays and cares for twenty
five historic buildings that range in date from
Worcester Cathedral’s fourteenth century Guesten
Hall roof to a post second world war prefab from
Birmingham. Visitors will be able to enjoy the
peaceful countryside as well as explore the
historic buildings, enjoy the Edwardian Tea Room
and discover the past.
|
 |
Avoncroft
Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR
AVONCROFT
CLICK
|
Tel:
01527 831363/831886
|
Birmingham
City Football Club
Birmingham City Football Club
( /ˈbɜrmɪŋɡəm
ˈsɪti/)
is a professional association football club
based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed
in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they
became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham
in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in
1943.
They
were relegated at the end of the 2010–11 Premier
League season and will play the 2011–12 season
in the Football League Championship. As
Small Heath, they were founder members and first
ever champions of the Football League Second
Division. The most successful period in their
history was in the 1950s and early 1960s. They
achieved their highest finishing position of
sixth in the First Division in the 1955–56
season and reached the 1956 FA Cup Final,
progressed to the final of the Inter-Cities
Fairs Cup in 1960
and 1961, and
won their first major trophy, the League Cup, in
1963, beating Aston Villa 3–1 on aggregate. They
won the latter competition for the second time
in 2011. They have played in the top tier of
English football for the majority of their
history.
Their longest period spent outside the top
division, between 1986 and 2002, included two
brief spells in the third tier of the English
League, during which time they twice won the
Football League Trophy. St Andrew's has been
their home ground since 1906. They have a
long-standing and fierce rivalry with Aston
Villa, their nearest neighbours, with whom they
play the Second City derby. The club's nickname
is Blues, due to the colour of their
kit, and their fans are known as Bluenoses.
|
 |
Birmingham
City - St Andrew's Stadium
St. Andrew's Stadium, St
Andrew's Road, Birmingham, West Midlands,
B9 4NH
Email: reception@bcfc.com
St Andrew's stadium was built in 1906 to replace
the Muntz Street ground.
Fixtures
List
BIRMINGHAM CITY
CLICK
SEE
OUR SOCCER SITE
Get
A Birmingham Email Address
|
Telephone
: 0844 557 1875
|
Birmingham
Back to Backs
An atmospheric glimpse into the lives of the
ordinary people who helped make Birmingham an
extraordinary city. On a fascinating guided
tour, step back in time at Birmingham's last
surviving court of back to backs; houses built
literally back-to-back around a communal
courtyard. Moving from the 1840s through to the
1970s, discover the lives of some of the former
residents who crammed into these small houses to
live and work. With fires alight in the grates,
and sounds and smells from the past, experience
an evocative and intimate insight into life at
the Back to Backs. Note: visits by guided tour
only (advance booking advised).
|
 |
50-54
Inge Street, 55-63 Hurst Street, Birmingham,
West Midlands, , B5 4TE
BACK
TO
BACKS CLICK
|
Phone:
0121 666 7671
|
Baddesley
Clinton Knowle
This atmospheric house dates from
the 15th century and was the home of the Ferrers
family for 500 years. The house and interiors
reflect its heyday in the Elizabethan era, when
it was a haven for persecuted Catholics – there
are three priest's holes. There is a delightful
garden with stewponds and a romantic lake and
nature walk.
|
 |
Rising Lane,
Baddesley Clinton,
Warwickshire B93 0DQ
BADDERSLEY
CLICK
|
Telephone:
01564 783294
|
Barber Institute
Monet, Manet, and Magritte; Renoir, Rubens,
Rossetti and Rodin; Degas, Delacroix and van
Dyck — not to mention Botticelli, Poussin,
Turner, Gainsborough, Gauguin, van Gogh,
Picasso, Hodgkin… The Red GalleryYou can see
major works by all these great artists in the
Barber Institute of Fine Arts, at the University
of Birmingham. There’s also a stunning coin
gallery and an exciting programme of
exhibitions, concerts, lectures, gallery talks,
workshops and family activities. The Barber is
also home to the University of Birmingham's
departments of History of Art and Music, as well
as the Barber Fine Art and Music libraries..
|
 |
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TS
BARBER
INSTITUTE CLICK
|
Telephone: +44 (0) 121 414 7333
Fax: + 44 (0) 121 414 3370
|
Bantock House
Bantock House was originally completed in 1788
and inherited from his father by Baldwin Bantock
in 1896. From what we know of Bantock he would
appear to have been a keen gardener. The
original name of the house was Merridale Farm
hence the farm courtyard and outbuildings which
now provide space for the tea rooms and
conveniences. Bantock House received funding
from the Heritage Lottery fund and extensive
work was carried out to restore it to its former
glory in 1999. The house holds some fine
examples of art and devotes a section to the
history of Wolverhampton.Bantock House also
houses a collection of dolls and japanned and
enamel ware. The gardens around the house are
now small but the surrounding parkland which
used to belong to the house is a wonderful
example of open space and a haven of tranquility
in a busy city.
|
 |
Finchfield Road
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
WV3 9LQ
Email:
bantockhouse@
wolverhampton.gov.uk
BANTOCK
HOUSE
CLICK
|
Telephone: 01902 552195
|
Birmingham Central Library
The city library
and central archives is one of the most
dominant and well recognised buildings at the
heart of the great city. The library carries a
massive collection of texts that relate to the
development of Birmingham, along with a great
many other types of media that are available
for loan. The city archives are connected and
carry a massive collection of documents from
the cities past.
|
 |
Chamberlain
Square,
Birmingham, B3 3HQ
|
Phone: +44
(0)121 303 4511 - Fax: +44
(0)121 303 4511 |
Birmingham
Central Mosque
Birmingham Central Mosque
is the second purpose built mosque in the United
Kingdom, which was built in 1969 and opened to
the public in 1975. It is one of the most
recognised religious buildings in the city of
Birmingham and a result, a vast number of people
visit the mosque every year. The mosque has a
special Guest Book which visitors have been
signing since 1984; all visitors are encouraged
to leave their messages about the mosque's visit
in the Visitors' book. The
Birmingham Central Mosque is open to visitors
throughout the year. We receive a large number
of visitors from schools, colleges, universities
and other institutions wishing to find out more
about a mosque and the Islamic faith for
projects and studies. |
 |
180 Belgrave
Middleway,
Highgate,
Birmingham,
B12 0XS
BIRMINGHAM
CENTRAL
MOSQUE CLICK
|
Tel: 0121 440
5355
Fax: 0121 446 6140 |
|
Birmingham Central Synagogue
An
informal, warm and welcoming provincial
community atmosphere exists at Birmingham
Central Synagogue, just a short distance from
the city centre. The Birmingham Jewish
Ashkenazi Orthodox community was established
in a private house in Belgrave Road in 1883
before moving to Wrottesley Street in 1900 and
then to Bristol Street in 1928, taking over a
former Methodist Hall. In 1961 a small group
of dedicated, hard working individuals
acquired the large plot of land upon which the
current Synagogue, hall and classrooms now
stand at 133 Pershore Road. Whilst the
formal services are a perfect mix of tradition
yet modern, Birmingham Central Synagogue is so
much more than just a place for Jewish people
to pray. The membership spans a great range of
ages and aims to cater for them all, from the
very young Toddlers' service to the teenage
youth activities to the retired ladies' and
gentlemen's programmes. Daily and
weekly learning sessions for a variety of
ages and abilities are offered including a
Gemara shiur, Chumash Rashi, talks on
topical subjects as part of our monthly
"Central Forum" after kiddush on Shabbat
and, of course, a short daily dose of
Halachah (law) at the end of all services.
|
 |
133 Pershore
Road
Birmingham
B5 7PA
BIRMINGHAM
CENTRAL
SYNAGOGUE
CLICK
|
Tel :0121 440
4044 |
Birmingham Conservatoire
The Birmingham
Conservatoire is one of UCE’s faculties and,
as such, regularly hosts performances by its
students. In addition to student concerts the
venue also puts on performances by regional
and national musicians which, in turn, makes
it an important concert venue for Birmingham
and the Midlands. If you are interested in
listening about music as well as listening to
it, many lectures take place throughout the
year on a variety of subjects. Rooms can also
be hired for meetings, conferences and
concerts.
|
 |
Paradise
Place,
Birmingham B3 3HG
|
Phone: +44
(0)121 331 5901 - Fax: +44
(0)121 331 5906 |
Birmingham
Hebrew Congregation
Singers Hill Synagogue was built in
1856 and has played an important part of the
life of Birmingham Jewry. Even when movements of
Jewish population in Birmingham resulted in the
provision of synagogues elsewhere in the City,
Singers Hill has remained an important hub of
Jewish worship and communal life over the last
150 years, and is termed the "Cathedral"
Synagogue of Birmingham. Today, Singers Hill
Synagogue holds weekly Shabbat (Sabbath)
services, daily morning and mincha services
during the week. Shabbat Services, under the
auspices of the Birmingham Hebrew Congregation,
are also held at the King David Jewish Primary
School in Alcester Road, Moseley, to accommodate
the local Jewish population. Educational visits
from schools, universities, teachers training
colleges and other educational organisations are
welcomed throughout the year by prior booking.
|
 |
Ellis Street,
Birmingham B1 1HL
BIRMINGHAM
HEBREW
CONGREGATION
CLICK
|
Tel:
+44(0)121-643 0884 |
Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham
Hippodrome is in Birmingham city centre in the
heart of the gay village and is therefore
ideally situated close to the city’s many
pubs, clubs and restaurants. The venue hosts a
wide variety of shows for an equally diverse
audience. These include ballet, opera,
musicals, drama, pantomime, comedy and
children’s shows. The theatre also has its own
restaurant with set menus at reasonable
prices. The Hippodrome also has an educational
programme for young people which offers
performance arts training by professionals in
the business.
|
 |
Hurst Street,
Birmingham B5 4TB
|
Phone: +44
(0)870 730 1234 - Fax: +44
(0)870 730 5030 |
Birmingham
Progressive
Synagogue
During 2011, we have been
celebrating 75 years of Liberal Judaism in
Birmingham and we are as committed now, as our
founders were then, to providing a complete
range of religious, social and educational
activities.
Being a part of the Liberal Jewish movement we
value tradition and all that is good within
Judaism and combine it with innovation and
forward thinking to provide a secure future for
our community and our neighbours. Birmingham
Progressive Synagogue is an integral part of the
Jewish community in Birmingham but is also at
the forefront of interfaith work in Birmingham.
Our new synagogue building, on the corner
of Bishopsgate Street and Roseland Way was
formally consecrated on September 6th 2009. We
are delighted to be able to accommodate our many
and varied activities including services, study
groups, cheder and the synagogue office.
Everyone can attend our services or social
events and whatever your interests or background
you will always be welcome in our synagogue.
|
 |
Roseland
Way,
Bishopgate Street,
Birmingham, B15 1HD
BIRMINGHAM
PROGRESSIVE
SYNAGOGUE CLICK
|
Tel:
+44(0)121 446 5273/643 5640 |
Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Birmingham
Repertory Theatre, or the Rep as it is more
commonly known, was established in 1913 and is
acclaimed for launching the careers of new
playwrights by offering them a stage on which
to showcase their work. The Door hosts new
plays in the Rep’s old studio space and often
plays go on to London or other UK cities. In
addition to a wide selection of performances
throughout the year, the theatre also runs
programmes to encourage young writers and new
talent.
|
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Centenary
Square,
Broad Street,
Birmingham B1 2EP
BIRMINGHAM REP CLICK
|
Phone: +44
(0)121 236 4455 |
Birmingham Wheel
The Wheel of
Birmingham or Birmingham Wheel was a series
of transportable Ferris wheel installations
at Centenary Square in Birmingham, England.
These have been landmarks in central
Birmingham, visible from many parts of the
City. The first opened on 6 November 2003,
and its replacement opened on 21 October
2004 , both being 60 metres (197 ft) tall. A
third wheel, the Birmingham Mail Wheel,
operated from 18 January 2010 until 22
February 2010, and was also 60 m tall.
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Black Country Museum
Discover a fascinating world when you visit this
urban heritage park in the shadow of Dudley
Castle at the heart of the Black
Country.Historic buildings from all around the
Black Country have been moved and authentically
rebuilt at the Museum, to create a tribute to
the traditional skills and enterprise of the
people that once lived in the heart of
industrial Britain. Visitors are transported
back in time from the modern exhibition halls to
the canal-side village, where costumed
demonstrators and working craftsmen bring the
buildings to life with their local knowledge,
practical skills and unique Black Country
humour.
|
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Black Country Living Museum Trust.
Tipton Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4SQ.
BLACK
COUNTRY MUSEUM CLICK
|
Tel : 0121 557 9643
|
Blakesley Hall
The timber-framed house was built in 1590 by
Richard Smalbroke, a member of one of
Birmingham’s leading merchant families. More
than 400 years later, beautiful Blakesley is
still a haven; secluded from the avenues of
modern houses that lie beyond its gates.
Admission charges apply to the Hall only.
Gardens, grounds and visitor facilities are free
to all vistors. There is free admission to the
entire site on the first Sunday in every month
during the open season.
|
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Blakesley Road, Yardley,
Birmingham, B25 8RN
Website:
BLAKESLEY
HALL
CLICK
|
Tel: +44 (0)121 464 2193
|
Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens &
Glasshouses, situated in Edgbaston, Birmingham,
UK, are a 15 acre oasis of delight. Designed by
J. C. Loudon, a leading garden planner,
horticultural journalist and publisher, they
opened to subscribers in 1832.Today, you will
find beauty, peace and also tranquillity
combined with excellent visitor facilities for
all the family. We really look forward to
welcoming you into our gardens and glasshouses
where you can enjoy nature at its best and
discover the importance of plants to people. Our
Mission: We aim to bring enjoyment and to use
the plant collection to spread the message that
plants are essential. We need plants, yet our
actions determine whether they survive or become
extinct. As an educational charity we aim to
encourage our visitors to respect their
environment by maintaining and developing our
plant collection, sharing stories, organising
events and offering educational programmes.
|
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Westbourne Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 3TR
BOTANICAL
GARDENS
CLICK
|
Tel : 0121-454-1860
|
Brindleyplace
Brindleyplace is a 17 acre mixed use
redevelopment site on a grand scale. With more
canals than Venice, why not explore and dine in
Brindley Place on Broad Street. The architecture
is spacious, pleasing and modern and blends in
with its surroundings in style. Definately a
fine asset to any city, Brindleyplace backs up
to the old canal with its stylish bars and
restaurants and the nearby National Indoor Arena
and the Sea Life Centre.
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Brindleyplace
Estate Management Office
2 Brunswick Street
Brindleyplace
Birmingham B1 2JF
BRINDLEY
PLACE CLICK
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Birmingham
& Midland Museum of Transport
The Birmingham &
Midland Museum of Transport has been on its
present site for around 25 years. All facets of the museum are staffed
by volunteers. We are open to casual visitors
between 11a.m. and 4.30p.m. each Saturday and
Sunday between March and the end of October, and
Wednesday afternoons 1pm to 4:30pm between June
and August, when you are able to see volunteers
restoring and maintaining the collection.
Throughout the year we have themed Event Days
when museum buses offer rides, a delightful
ride-on miniature steam railway operates, and
the cafeteria and shop are open, the latter
selling transport models, books, magazines and
DVDs.
There are now three halls which
accommodate one of the most significant
collections of preserved buses in the country.
It has the largest collection of preserved
Midland Red buses and can probably make the same
claim for Birmingham City Transport. Midland Red is particularly important
because it built its own buses for half a
century and, whilst the term 'home made' may
imply primitive, in fact its products were
regularly at the leading edge of bus design.
Designers and engineers, however, were tempted
away by better pay and conditions in car
factories so production ceased in 1970. Midland
Red served many thinly populated rural areas
which led to severe financial difficulties and
it was broken up into smaller companies in 1981.
These were privatised in the 1980s and passed
into separate ownerships. |
 |
Birmingham
& Midland Museum of Transport
Chapel Lane
Wythall
Birmingham
B47
6JX
email
TRANSPORT
MUSEUM CLICK
|
Tel: +44 (0) 1564 -
826471 |
|
Broadfield
House Glass Museum
Situated in the historic Glass Quarter,
Broadfield House celebrates the magical art of
glassmaking. Our world-famous collections
feature the very best of British glass, much
of which was made in the Stourbridge area. The
collections range from the elegance of the
18th century to exciting contemporary work by
Britain's leading glass artists. See
glassmakers at work in the studio and visit
the gift shop, selling contemporary studio
glass.
|
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Broadfield
House
Glass
Museum, Compton Drive, Kingswinford, West
Midlands DY6 9NS
BROADFIELD
HOUSE
MUSEUM CLICK |
Tel:
01384 812745 |
Bull Ring
In
September 2003, the Bullring Shopping Centre
reopened its doors after a £500 million revamp
of the original building. Widely recognised by
the Selfridges building, the Bullring houses
over 140 shops, covering the size of 26
football fields, making it the largest
shopping complex in Europe. Just outside the
main building, the famous “Bronze Bull”,
designed by Laurence Broderick, stands at 2.2m
tall and weighs 5 tonnes. Just a two-minute
walk from the Bullring is Moor Street railway
station.
|
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Birmingham,
B5 4BU
|
Phone: +44
(0)121 632 1500 |
Cadbury World
Cadbury World is an adventure into the
world of chocolate. From humble beginnings in a
shop in Birmingham the Cadbury brothers created
a chocolate empire that has factories around the
world.The Cadbury factory at Bournville has a
visitor centre that is dedicated to the history
of chocolate. Both educational and excitingly
portrayed, the visitor can learn about how cocoa
beans are grown, how they came to be imported to
Europe and made into the chocolate that we know
today. How has chocolate changed over the
years?, and what made Cadbury's so successful.
It's all here. There is also an excellent
factory shop where visitors can purchase a wide
range of Cadbury products at factory prices. The
tour is optional and not necessary for access to
the shop for those that just want to purchase
chocolate. A restaurant/cafeteria can be found
on site and there is a play area for children.
Special features include a 3D video story and an
interactive theatre which deals not only with
chocolate, its manufacture and its advertising
but also provides an insight into the Cadbury
family who created the UK's favourite chocolate
produce. This is one of the main West Midlands
attractions and draws visitors from all over the
UK and beyond. More than 500,000 people per year
visit Cadbury World.
|
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Linden Rd
Bournville
Birmingham B30 2LU
CADBURY
WORLD
CLICK
|
Tel: 0844 880 7667
|
Cannon
Hill Park
This is the pride of Birmingham Parks.
Birmingham claims to have over 200 parks, more
than any other European city in fact. This is
the flagship and the most varied and attractive.
The park has two lakes, rowing boat facilities,
tennis, fishing and a host of activities
particularly during the summer months. This park
is very much used as a retreat from the hustle
and bustle of the city. It is popular and busy
and yet takes it all in its stride. The
Midlands Arts Centre is also based here and
provides refreshments and regular exhibitions as
well as cinema and theatre productions. The
Nature Centre is also close by and there are two
childrens play areas. A striking war memorial
has the following inscription 'To the glorious
memory of the SONS OF BIRMINGHAM who fell in
South Africa 1890-1902 and to perpetuate the
example of all who served in the war. This
memorial is erected by their fellow citizens'
|
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2 Russell Road
Moseley, Birmingham
B13 8RD
Buses from City Centre: No.1 (to
Edgbaston Road), 45 & 47 (to Pershore Road)
There is a large car park off Edgbaston Road,
opposite the Warwickshire Cricket Ground, near
the Mac entrance. A small car park is located
off the Russell Road entrance.
CANNON
HILL
PARK CLICK
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Carling Academy Birmingham
Opened in 2000,
Carling Academy Birmingham is a medium-sized
concert venue that follows in the footsteps of
the successful Carling Academy Brixton. The
complex consists of three sites: the
250-capacity Bar Academy - a 600-capacity in
Academy 2 as well as the main 2,700-capacity
venue - and can therefore accommodate gigs of
a variety of sizes. Since the relatively
recent opening, the venue has already hosted
the likes of Prodigy, Primal Scream, Blondie
and Black Sabbath.
|
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52-54 Dale
End,
Birmingham B4 7LS
|
Phone: +44
(0)121 262 3000 - Fax: +44
(0)121 236 2241 |
Castle
Bromwich Hall & Gardens
Castle Bromwich Hall was built in
1599 and was the property of Sir Edward
Devereux. The estate changed hands in 1657
when Sir John Bridgeman purchased the hall
and gardens. Many changes have taken place
since with the tower and kitchen block being
added in 1838. The
Bridgeman family inherited Weston Park in
1762 and Castle Bromwich Hall went through a
period of being let to tenants before the
family moved back to the hall in 1820. The
last member of the family lived in the hall
until 1936.
|
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Castle Bromwich Hall
and Gardens Trust
Chester Road, Castle Bromwich,
Birmingham, B36 9BT.
CASTLE
BROMWICH
HALL
& GARDENS CLICK
|
Tel & Fax 0121
749 4100 |
Centenary
Square
Centenary Square is one of Birmingham's newest
public squares. It is a popular meeting place
and walkway between Broad Street and the canal
area and those passing on foot to the city
centre. Many live concerts and events take place
in the square including the now popular New
Years Celebrations. The paving stones and
railings were designed by Tess Jaray. |
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The
Clent Hills
Clent Hills have a
special place in the hearts of Stourbridge
people. Before mass transport it was the
nearest thing working people had to a
holiday, along with Kinver Edge. Just about
1,000 feet high, there are fantastic views
from Clent Hills to the West over the
Worcestershire plain and Severn Valley,
across to the hills of Shropshire and even
the Welsh borders.
To the North and East is the West Midlands
conurbation, encompassing the UK's second
city, Birmingham, and the Black Country
region, a major manufacturing region of the
UK. The photos below show the extraordinary
diversity of the region, beautiful scenery
close to major residential and commercial
areas
|
 |
CLENT HILLS CLICK |
|
Coughton
Court
Coughton Court has been the home of
the Throckmorton family since 1409. It
holds a unique place in English history with its
close connections to the Gunpowder Plot of
1605. Behind the Tudor gatehouse house you
will find the courtyard with its fine
Elizabethan half-timbering, where a knot garden
leads to lawns and fine vistas of the
Warwickshire countryside. The house stands in 25
acres of grounds containing some of the most
breathtaking gardens in the country. It
was Clare McLaren-Throckmorton's intention to
create a garden that complements the beautiful
house, and to give it the setting it
deserves. She also wanted to create a wide
variety of gardens: formal and informal,
traditional and innovative. Created over
the last 15 years, the gardens are now mature
and varied and are solely managed by the
Throckmorton family.
|
 |
Throckmorton
Estates
Coughton Court
Alcester
Warwickshire B49 5JA
COUGHTON
COURT
CLICK
|
Visitor
information: +44 (0)1789 762435 |
Coventry
Cathedral
Glorious 20th century Cathedral,
with stunning 1950's art & architecture,
rising above the stark ruins of the medieval
Cathedral destroyed by German air raids in 1940.
The Visitor Information Centre housed in St
Michael's Tower.
|
 |
Coventry Cathedral
1 Hill Top
Coventry
CV1 5AB
COVENTRY
CATHEDRAL
CLICK
|
Tel: +44 (0)24
7652 1200
Fax: +44 (0)24 7652 1220 |
Crooked
House
The Crooked
House or ‘Siden House’ has been a Midlands
tourist attraction for well over a hundred
years. The building is a typical Black Country
pub, however, one side is four foot lower than
the other as a result of subsidence from 19th
Century coal mining. Originally built as a
farmhouse in 1765, it was then known as The
Glynne Arms on becoming a public house.
Visitors can now experience a variety of
optical illusions, including marbles rolling
uphill and drinks sliding up the table, before
even touching a drop!
|
 |
Crooked House
Lane,
Himley,
Near Dudley, DY3 4DA |
|
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. Before it was built the town
council met at such places as the Public Offices
in Moor Street, and even at a public
house. The town argued long and hard
whether the finished building should be called
The Municipal Hall, Council House, or Guildhall.
The total cost was £63,805. Big Brum is the local name for
the clock tower on the Council House. The clock
tower is sufficiently important in the public
consciousness of Birmingham people that it has a
name. Brum is the local term for the town, the
people and the dialect. The name refers to the
clock and tower, not only the bell. The bell
rings with Westminster
Chimes similar to Big Ben in London.
The clock tower (1885) is part of the first
extension to the original Council House of 1879
and stands above the Museum
& Art Gallery.
Behind it stands the Museum and Art Gallery,
built by the same architect in 1881-5.
Tours of the Council House can be arranged, for
availability please contact Democratic.Services@birmingham.gov.uk
or telephone (0121) 303 2438.
Virtual
Tour
of the Council House.
|
 |
Victoria
Square,
Birmingham B1 1BB
Council House Web site
|
Phone:
+44
(0)121 303 9944 |
Curzon
Street Station
Curzon Street railway station (formerly
Birmingham station) was a railway station in
Birmingham that was used briefly for regular
scheduled passenger services between 1838 and
1854 when it acted as the terminus for both the
London and Birmingham Railway and the Grand
Junction Railway, with lines connecting
Birmingham to London and to Manchester and
Liverpool respectively. It was then used for
excursions until 1893 and goods traffic until
1966 when it closed. More recently, the
surviving Grade I listed, entrance building has
been used for occasional art events. In 2010, a
new Curzon Street station, partly on the site of
the historical station was proposed as the
Birmingham terminus for High Speed 2.
Contents
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Custard
Factory
The
Custard Factory is a buzzing quarter in
Birmingham which is home to a hive of
young creative companies, galleries, fine
artists, independent shops and terrific
restaurants. We have
office space, studio offices and
exhibition space available so if you
fancy working amongst our thriving
creative community, get in touch now.
|
 |
Gibb Street
Birmingham
B9 4AA
CUSTARD
FACTORY
CLICK
|
Tel:
0121 224 7777 |
|
Dhamma Talaka
Pagoda
The pagoda in
Edgbaston is provided so that western people
are able to learn about Buddhism. The main
financial support however comes from
generous donations by the Myanmar community
around the country.
This
significant landmark and temple of Buddhism
serves as a shrine to local Buddhists for
traditional ceremonies and a focal point
where non Buddhists can explore Buddhism in
a tranquil and peaceful environment within
the beautiful surrounding of this pagoda.
|
 |
Buddhist
Vihara
Osler Street
Ladywood
Birmingham
B16 9EU
DHAMMA
TALAKA
PAGODA CLICK
|
Tel:
0121 454 6591 |
Digbeth
Digbeth was almost certainly the site of
Birmingham's birth when Berma's tribe chose to
settle in the River Rea valley during the 7th
Century A.D. The town which grew from this small
settlement came to be famous as a place of
opportunity where people with a wide assortment
of skills, and from many regions of both Britain
and the rest of the world, could make a
successful living. The "city of a thousand
trades" was no idle boast - and for centuries
those who wanted to be part of Birmingham life
were most likely to find a home in Digbeth. It
was Digbeth's plentiful water supply which acted
as a magnet - not only the River Rea, but also
the area's natural springs. In fact the name
Digbeth is believed to have originally been
'Duck's bath' - a quaint description of one of
these springs. The coming to Digbeth of the
canals in the 18th Century and the railways in
the 19th Century ensured that a large community
was in permanent residence. Until, that is, the
turn of the 20th Century, when Digbeth had
become full to bursting point and people began
to move out. Today, Digbeth is a successful
industrial centre and the vibrant community life
of Digbeth's past will no doubt help to point
the way to an equally lively future. Meanwhile
memories of by gone Digbeth are revealed in a
surprising number of its buildings, and 2
discovery trails have been devised to guide you
around this important area of Birmingham
heritage.
|
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Heritage:
Digbeth Tuck Trail
Heritage:
Digbeth
Slice of Life Trail
|
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Discovery Centre (Jewellery
Quarter)
When the proprietors of the Smith & Pepper
jewellery manufacturing firm decided to retire
in 1981 they ceased trading and locked the door,
unaware they would be leaving a time capsule for
future generations. Tools were left strewn on
benches; grubby overalls were hung on the coat
hooks; and dirty teacups were abandoned
alongside jars of marmite and jam on the shelf.
In the eighty years before its closure little
changed with the working practices or equipment
used within the family-owned business. Even the
décor had more in common with early 20th century
trends than a thriving business in the early
1980s. Today the factory is a remarkable museum,
which tells the story of the Jewellery Quarter
and Birmingham’s renowned jewellery and
metalworking heritage.
|
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75-79 Vyse Street, Hockley,
Birmingham, B18 6HA
Website:
MUSEUM
OF
JEWELLERY
CLICK
|
Tel: +44 (0)121 554 3598
|
Discovery - Millenium Centre
Thinktank, Birmingham’s award-winning science
museum offers an extraordinary, fun-packed day
out for all visitors. From steam engines to
intestines, Thinktank has over 200 hands-on
displays on science and technology from the
past, present and future. This includes the
state-of-the-art Planetarium, where you can tour
the night sky and fly through the galaxy without
stepping a foot outside! With an
ever-changing programme of workshops, classes,
laboratory sessions and interactive science
shows, there’s always something new to
discover.Thinktank is open seven days a week,
except 24, 25 & 26 Dec. Opening hours are
10.00am-5.00pm with last admission at 4pm.
|
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Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4
7XG
MILLENIUM
CENTRE
CLICK
|
Tel : 0121 202 2222
|
Dudley Zoo
There’s something for everyone at Dudley Zoo
& Castle . . .animals aplenty, an ancient
monument – and we’re big on conservation too!
DZG is unique . . . a zoo with hundreds of
animals set around an 11th century castle
incorporating the world’s largest single
collection of Tecton buildings all sited
on a 40-acre wooded hillside with a rich
geological history. |
 |
2 The Broadway
Dudley DY1 4QB
DUDLEY
ZOO CLICK
|
Tel:
0844
474 2272 Fax: 01384 456 048 |
|
Dormston Mill
Theater
|
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Dormston
Mill Theater ,
The Dormston Centre
Mill Bank
Sedgley DY3 1SN
|
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Edgbaston
Reservoir
Situated close to the city
centre, Edgbaston Reservoir is a Site of
Importance for Nature Conservation. It was built
in 1827 by Thomas Telford as a op upfor
Birmingham canal system and is still used for
that purpose today. The 70 acres site is mainly
open water and supports a variety of birdlife;
it is also a valuable city site for animals such
as newts and bats. A belt of woodland and
grassland encircles the reservoir providing an
oasis of natural beauty in an urban setting.
There are currently no public toilets on site.
|
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Reservoir
Road, Ladywood,
Birmingham, B16 9EE.
The main entrance and car park is at the
end of Reservoir Road. The car park opens at 8am
and is locked at dusk. There are three other
pedestrian entrances, Rotton Park Road, Ickneild
Port Road and Gillott Road. It should be noted
that the Gillott road entrance is a flight of
steps.
EDGBASTON
RESERVOIR
CLICK
|
|
Gas Basin
Birmingham’s
canals were once essential to the industrial
success of this thriving Midlands city and the
city centre’s Gas Street Basin was its pivotal
point. Today, the canal has been restored and
instead of the industrial canal that it once
was, it is now a waterside city centre
development that locals and tourists alike can
enjoy. There are pubs and restaurants lining
the canal at the Gas Street Basin and canal
boats to admire. The city is only a few short
steps away from the Basin which shouldn’t be
missed when visiting Birmingham.
|
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Near Broad
Street, Birmingham B15 |
|
The Grand
Theatre Wolverhampton
The
Grand Theatre first opened its doors in 1894.
Designed by prestigious theatre architect Charles
J. Phipps and Wolverhampton native
builder Henry Gough, the ten
thousand pound construction began June 28th 1894
when Mayoress C.T. Mander unveiled foundation
stone. Even today, the
Grand remains held in high regard as one of
Phipps’ crowning achievements, so much so that
the facade of the building has remained
virtually unchanged during both of its major
refurbishments. Many would agree that it is one
of the finest examples of Victorian architecture
in the city of Wolverhampton today. Unlike Repertory Theatres, venues
like the Grand Theatre do not produce their own
shows but stage the productions of touring
companies.
|
 |
The Grand
Theatre Wolverhampton,
Lichfield Street,
Wolverhampton WV1 1DE
GRAND
THEATRE
CLICK
|
Box Office:
01902 42 92 12
|
Gun Barrel
Proof House
The growth of gun making in London led in 1637
to the incorporation by Royal Charter of the
London Company of Gunmakers. This Charter marked
the introduction of “proof” into England.
Similarly in Birmingham, with a population at
this time of only 4000, there was a flourishing
trade of guns. Indeed, by 1767 Birmingham could
boast of having 35 gun and pistol makers, 8 gun
barrel makers and filers, 5 gun barrel polishers
and finishers, 11 gunlock makers, forgers and
finishers, and 3 gun swivel and stock makers,
supplying all of the kingdom. The reputable
gunmakers of Birmingham had set themselves a
high standard for material and workmanship and
were eager to submit their products to an
independent. compulsory proof test as available
to the London Trade. Private Proof Houses were
in use in Birmingham, sited on the premises of
reputable gunmakers and available for use by
others, but as proof was not compulsory they
were not used by the less reputable members of
the trade. As a result, the Birmingham Proof
House was established in 1813, by Act of
Parliament, it was requested and obtained by the
Birmingham Trade at its own expense.Almost 200
years later the purpose of the Birmingham Gun
Barrel Proof House remains essentially unchanged
and is able to offer many additional services to
that of proof. Inside this historical &
unique institute are assembled a store of
documents and artefacts of real interest
|
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Gun
Barrel Proof House,
Banbury Street
Birmingham
B5 5RH
GUN
BARREL PROOF HOUSE CLICK
|
Tel.
0121 643 3860, Fax 0121 643 7872
|
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Hagley
Hall
The last of the Grand Palladian houses,
designed by Sanderson Miller and completed in
1760. The house contains the finest example of
Rococo plasterwork by Francesco Vassali and a
unique collection of 18th century furniture
and family portraits, including works by Van
Dyck, Reynolds and Lely. Location: just off
A456 Birmingham to Kidderminster. Exit 3 or 4
from M5. Is within easy reach of M6, M42, M40.
Specialists in Corporate Entertaining,
Conferences and Weddings. Open to the public
for guided tours
|
 |
Hagley
Worcestershire
DY9 9LG
January and February and Bank Holidays
from 2pm - 5pm 2pm - 5pm 18 - 22 April
25 May - 28 May
24 - 27 Aug
HAGLEY
HALL CLICK |
Tel: 01562 882 408 |
Hall of
Memory
Birmingham's Hall of Memory was erected in the
1920s (before Baskerville House, in front of
which it now stands) to commemorate the 12,320
Birmingham citizens who died in the "Great War",
which we now know as the First World War (a
further 35,000 Birmingham men came home from
that war with a disability). The Hall, made from
Portland Stone, from Portland Bill near
Weymouth, was opened by Prince Arthur of
Connaught on July 4, 1925. It cost £60,000,
which was raised by public subscription.
Further memorials were added after the Second
World War, and for subsequent campaigns,
including Korea, Vietnam and the Falklands.
Around the exterior are four allegorical bronze
figures, by local artist Albert Toft,
representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and
Women's Services.Inside the Hall are three Art
Deco panels, "Call", "Front Line" and "Return",
by William Bloye, another local artist. Opposite
the Hall of Memory, outside what is now the Rep
Theatre, stood a colonnade of Portland Stone.
When Centenary Square was created, this was
moved to the Peace Gardens (formerly St Thomas'
church) in Bath Row. The Hall of Memory is open
to the public every Mon - Sat (except for
Christmas Day), from 10 am to 4pm. For further
information, please contact the curator, Paul
Ellis, on (0121) 303 2822.
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|
Tel:
0121 303 2822. |
Handsworth
Old Town Hall
A rare medieval survival at the
junction of Slack Lane and Oxhill Road is
Handsworth Old Town Hall which dates from before
1500. It is a timber-framed building of three
bays each divided by a cruck truss. Few examples
survive in the Birmingham area of cruck-frames.
The technique involved sawing a tree, usually
oak, lengthways and leaning the two halves
against each other to form an arch. This
building served variously as a community meeting
place, a village jail and a workhouse. In a poor
state of repair and due for demolition, it was
bought by the Birmingham Archaeological Society
who modernised it to form two dwellings and who
gave it to the City in 1947.
|
 |
20 Slack Lane,
Handsworth,
Birmingham
B20 2JL. |
|
Himley
Hall
In early days, it was a moated manor house,
standing beside the medieval church. For over
four centuries it served as a secondary home to
the Lords of Dudley and their knights. Its
occupants included Dud Dudley, whose
seventeenth-century experiments in smelting iron
ore with coal were carried out nearby. In 1645,
King Charles I encamped in the grounds on his
way to defeat at the Battle of Naseby during the
English Civil War. In 1628, the
Ward family inherited the title Lords of Dudley
through the marriage of Humble Ward to the
heiress to the Dudley estates, Frances Sutton.
Humble Ward was the son of the jeweller and
goldsmith to the court of King Charles I.
Following damage to Dudley Castle during the
Civil War, Himley Hall became the principal
family home. Today's hall dates
from the 18th century when John Ward demolished
the medieval manor to make way for a great Palladian mansion.
The village of Himley was relocated at this
time, and its church rebuilt on its present site
in 1764. In 1774 John Ward died and was
succeeded by his son John junior. He brought in
Lancelot 'Capability' Brown to re-design the
parkland. The 180 acres (728,000
m²) of grounds were designed by Capability Brown to
include a great lake, fed by a series of
waterfalls from a higher chain of smaller pools.
|
 |
Himley Hall,
Himley Park,
Himley, Dudley, DY34DF |
01902 895 207 |
Hatton
Country World
Set in the beautiful Warwickshire
countryside, Hatton Farm Village offers a
wonderful family day out with a fun packed
programme of farmyard animals adventure play,
fun fair rides, children’s shows, falconry
displays and tractor rides. With a seasonally
changing programme there is always something new
to see and do from new born lambs at our
February Frolics event, Easter Egg and Bunny
Hunts, an A-maize-ing Maze in the summer, free
pumpkins during our Pumpkin Week and Santa’s
Grotto at Christmas. We’re open all year and
just five minutes from Junction 15 of the M40 on
the Solihull to Warwick road.
|
 |
Dark Lane,
Hatton,
Warwick,
Warwickshire CV35 8XA
HATTON
COUNTRY WORLD CLICK
|
Tel : 0192684
3411 |
Indoor
Market
Under a complete new redevelopment of the Bull
Ring shopping centre, a brand new indoor market
has been built
|
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|
|
Ghosts and Graveyard Walks
Would you like to hear about the dark side of
Birmingham's history, to hear about the ghosts
of Birmingham's past - or should that be
'passed-on'.
|
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Ikon Gallery
The Ikon Gallery is a well known art gallery for
new art. Exhibitions from the UK and further
afield. From its beginnings in a small
kiosk in Birmingham’s Bullring, Ikon’s
reputation for innovation, internationalism and
excellence has developed over 40 years. Now
housed in the neo-gothic Oozells Street School,
Ikon has an artistic programme consisting of
four interdependent strands.
|
 |
Ikon
Gallery,
1 Oozells Square,
Brindleyplace,
Birmingham b1 2hs
email. art@ikon-gallery.co.uk
/
website
IKON
GALLERY CLICK
Ikon Gallery is a registered charity no.
528892 |
tel.
+44
(0) 121 248 0708 / fax. +44 (0) 121 248 0709 |
International Convention Centre
The key to a successful event is a
successful, accessible venue. A venue that fits
your budget, supports your efforts and
understands your requirements. A venue that
promotes your values and enhances your
reputation with superb surroundings and high
quality presentations. That venue is The ICC
Birmingham. At The ICC we offer all of the
elements key to delivering a superb conference,
seminar, banquet or meeting. These include
professional customer service, advice and
support in event management, catering, technical
equipment and other services.Our ten halls and
ten executive meeting rooms, with dedicated
registration and foyer areas, mean we can offer
one of the UK's largest selections of facilities
under one roof. We offer the support of a
dedicated team of event managers and
presentation specialists to ensure everything
runs smoothly from start to finish. From your
first welcome handshake to your final farewell
wave, you’ll experience total dedication to
detail and commitment to quality delivery. And
we hope that you’ll leave making a promise to
yourself: to come back very soon.
|
 |
Broad Street,
Birmingham,
B1 2EA
THE ICC
CLICK
|
Tel
:
0121 644 5025 |
The
Iron Bridge
Ironbridge is a
settlement on the River Severn, at the heart
of the Ironbridge Gorge in Telford,
Shropshire, England. It lies in the parish
of The Gorge, in the borough of Telford and
Wrekin. The village developed beside, and
takes its name from the famous Iron Bridge,
a 30 metre (100 ft) cast iron bridge that
was built across the river there in 1779.The
area around Ironbridge is described as the
"Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution"
because it is near a the place where Abraham
Darby I perfected the technique of smelting
iron with coke, allowing much cheaper
production of iron. The grandson of the
first Abraham Darby, Abraham Darby III,
built the famous bridge - originally
designed by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard - to
link the two areas. Construction began in
1779 and the bridge opened on New Year's Day
1781. Soon afterwards the ancient Madeley
market was relocated to the new purpose
built square and Georgian Butter Cross and
the former dispersed settlement of Madeley
Wood gained a planned urban focus as
Ironbridge, the commercial and
administrative centre of the Coalbrookdale
coalfield. The Iron Bridge proprietors also
built the Tontine Hotel to accommodate
visitors to the new Bridge and the
industrial sights of the Severn Gorge. On
the hillside above the river are situated
the stone-built 16th century hunting Lodge
at Lincoln Hill, many 17th and 18th century
workers cottages, some imposing Georgian
houses built by ironmasters and mine and
canal barge owners, and many early Victorian
villas built from the various coloured
bricks and tiles of the locality.
|
 |
The Wharfage, Ironbridge Telford,
TF8 7AW
Tel: 01952 432166 Fax:
01952 432204
E-mail:
tic@ironbridge.org.uk
Adjacent to A4169, Ironbridge,
Shropshire TF8 7JU
|
Tel: 01952
432166 Fax:
01952 432204
|
Ironbridge
Gorge
Museums
Ironbridge is a World Heritage
Site, chosen for its outstanding character and
the historic importance its monuments. The ten
Ironbridge Gorge Museums tell this revolutionary
story. Most famous is the Iron Bridge built by
Abraham Darby in 1779. The Museums catalogue the
remarkable innovation and invention which
followed. The social history of the managers and
men of the Industrial Revolution is brought to
life through the illustration and demonstration
of their labours - most vividly at Blists Hill
Victorian Town, set in a 50 acre woodland site,
where you can step back in time. The 19th
Century ceramic industry also flourished, and
original bottle ovens are the backdrop to the
China Museum, where the premier collection of
Coalport China is exhibited. The original
factory at Jackfield houses a kaleidoscopic
collection of tiles and art pottery. Both
Museums offer 'hands on' workshops. A Museum of
Iron, the Broseley Pipeworks and the Tar Tunnel
complete your visit to the 'most extraordinary
district in the world'. New for 2003 is
Enginuity - it opened August last year and is a
hands-on Design Technology Centre. Passport
Tickets admit you to all ten Museums in your own
time. |
 |
Exit J4 of
M54. Follow signs for Ironbridge Gorge. Then
follow signs for Blists Hill Museums
The IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUM TRUST,
Coach Road, Coalbrookdale, Telford, TF8 7DQ
A
QUICK TASTER OF IRONBRIDGE CLICK |
Tel:
01952 435 900
Fax:01952 435 999 |
Jerome K
Jerome Birthplace Museum, Walsall
Birthplace of the famous
Victorian author Jerome K Jerome (1859-1927)
writer of 'Three Men in a Boat'. The Museum is
situated in two rooms of his family home. One
room is dedicated to the life and works of
Jerome and the other room is a reconstructed
Victorian Parlour. |
 |
Lichfield
Street
Walsall
WS1 1TR
Sat - 12noon-2pm
Email: www.walsall.gov.uk/museums |
01922 653116
01922 632824 |
Jewellery
Quarter Birmingham's
Gem
A unique area with Conservation Area status,
Birminghams Jewellery Quarter still makes an
estimated 40% of UK jewellery. Dating back over
250 years it contains Birmingham's last
remaining Georgian Square and is being
sensitively regenerated with the support of the
Birmingham City Council funded Jewellery Quarter
Regeneration Partnership.
|
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JEWELLERY
QUARTER
CLICK
|
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JW Evans –
The Silver Factory
English Heritage stepped in to rescue J.
W. Evans Silver Factory in 2008. With the
completion of the repairs programme, the site
will open to the public in summer 2011 on a
pre-booked guided-tour basis only.Established in
1881, J. W. Evans is one of the most complete
surviving historic factories in Birmingham's
Jewellery Quarter. To walk into the factory
today is to enter a lost industrial world.Behind
the frontage of four terraced houses, the
workshops retain their original drop stamps and
fly presses. They are packed with thousands of
dies for the manufacture of silverware, as well
as the whole of the working equipment, stock and
records of the business. Guided Tours Tours of
J. W. Evans are available on a limited number of
days throughout Summer 2011. The size of the
property means these are limited to 10 people
per tour, and must be booked in advance.The
property opens for guided tours on 1 June 2011.
For tour times and to book, please call Customer
Services on 0870 333 1181.
|
 |
54-57
Albion Street
Birmingham B1 3EA
JW
EVANS
CLICK
|
0870
333 1181.
|
Kings
Heath Park
An award winning Birmingham Park and home to the
BBC television series 'Gardeners World'.Kings
Heath Park is not a particularly large park but
it is beautifully presented and is definately
worth a stroll round. The flowers and mature
trees make this one of the most pleasant inner
city parks of Birmingham.
|
 |
Kings Heath
Park
Vicarage Road
Kings Heath
Birmingham, B14 7TQ |
Tel:
0121 444 2848 |
Lapworth Museum
The Lapworth Museum of Geology is a
fascinating place to visit if you have
even a passing interest in the earth that
lies beneath our feet. This collection
represents one of the most impressive of
its type in the country, and has many fine
samples and specimens that have been
collected from across the world, piecing
together the natural history of our
planet.
|
 |
University
of
Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15
2TT
|
Phone:
+44
(0)121 414 4173 - Fax: +44
(0)121 414 4942 |
Leather
Museum
Leather MuseumAdmission to the Museum is free
Discover why Walsall became the British leather
goods capital in this fascinating working
museum, housed in a restored leather factory.
For two hundred years Walsall people have been
making some of the world's finest saddles and
leather goods. Walsall Leather Museum seeks to
celebrate this great tradition and reflect the
achievements of the leather craftsmen and women
of Walsall. Dog Collar MakingIn our atmospheric
workshops you can watch skilled leather workers
in the process of hand-crafting leather goods
such as wallets and purses and perhaps have-a-go
yourself. The displays around the museum tell
the stories of the Walsall leather trade and
feature splendid examples of local craftsmanship
past and present, including saddles made for the
Royal Family and exciting contemporary designs.
"Excellent, friendly and welcoming staff, well
maintained grounds and buildings together with
very high standards of presentation,
interpretation and cleanliness throughout all
areas of the museum…fresh flowers, daily
newspapers and clean menu cards added a
welcoming feel to the café… The museum continues
to offer a very good quality visitor experience,
with staff providing very high standards in
visitor welcome….The museum has met the
standards of the Visitor Attraction Quality
Assurance Service at a very high standard."
(Extract from our VAQAS report for 2010) Walsall
is still home to over ninety leather companies
between them making an astonishing variety of
items which are exported to most parts of the
world.
|
 |
Leather
Museum
Littleton Street West
Walsall
WS2 8EQ
LEATHER
MUSEUM
CLICK
|
Telephone
01922 721153
Fax 01922 725827
|
Lickey Hills
Lickey Hills is one of the regions oldest parks.
An area of outstanding beauty this has long been
a favourite destination for the citizens of
Birmingham. The views from Beacon Hill across
the city are outstanding. The park itself covers
some 500 acres as well as having a golf course,
bowls, tennis and putting green.The visitor
centre which was built in 1990 is a popular
place for a rest and refreshments. It also has
plenty of guide books and recommended walks to
offer. Lickey Hills has over 500,000 visitors a
year and it is an excellent adventure playground
for the children. If snow falls the visitor
centre is invaded by local children with their
sledges and the hill on which the visitor centre
stands makes a good and yet safe launch
pad.Lickey Hills is home to a variety of
different habitats with over 380 species of
flowering plants and a wide range of wildlife.
The area became a designated Country Park in
1971.
|
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|
|
Lord
Nelson Statue
This bronze statue was the
first publicly funded statue in Birmingham, and
the first statue of Horatio Nelson in Britain.
It was made in 1809 by public
subscription of £2,500 by the people of
Birmingham following Nelson's visit to the town
on 31 August 1802, the year before he sailed
against the fleets of Napoleon.
The statue was unveiled on 25 October 1809, that
being the day decreed as the official golden jubilee of George III. |
 |
stands in the
Bull Ring,
Birmingham |
|
Mailbox
Birmingham's Mailbox shopping arcade
opened just before Christmas 2000. The mailbox
is one of the newest prestige buildings to be
added to the growing collection. Advertised as
Britain's largest mixed use building the
mailbox will soon have a brand new square at
the entrance. What is
suprising about the mailbox is the sheer length
of the arcade. The upper floor goes even further
and opens into a courtyard. The Mailbox is a
landmark building in Birmingham city centre's
ongoing renaissance. Since opening in December
2000, it has fast become a key attraction
alongside the city's existing tourism and
visitor destinations. The Mailbox is an upmarket
development of offices, designer shops,
restaurants, bars and luxury city-centre
apartments in the City Centre and on the
boundary of the City Centre Core in
Birmingham, It includes a mini supermarket
and three art galleries: the Artlounge, Castle
Galleries and the Three White Walls Gallery. It
is also home to BBC Birmingham.
The Mailbox is about 300 metres (980 ft) long
from front to back including The Cube. Above the
front shops it has an additional 6 floors. The
Birmingham and Worcester Canal passes along the
back.
|
 |
61
Wharfside
Street
The Mailbox
Birmingham B1 1XL
MAILBOX
CLICK
|
Tel:
0121
632 1000 |
Merry Hill Shopping Centre
Westfield Merry Hill is a shopping
centre in Brierley Hill near Dudley, West
Midlands, England. The first businesses moved
into the complex in 1985 and the centre was
fully occupied by 1989 with several expansion
projects taking place since then. The original
developers and owners were Richardson
Developments but the Centre has had a number of
other owners including Chelsfield and
Mountleigh. The current owners are Westfield and
QIC.[2] It was built by Tarmac Construction.
Merry Hill is home to over 250 Shops, Retail
Park, Cinema and a Eat Central food hall
including Pizza Express & Nandos with 10,000
Car Parking Spaces. Adjacent to the main
shopping site is The Waterfront, which
accommodates offices for HM Revenue and Customs
amongst others, and has a marina area providing
space for a number of bars and restaurants.The
Dudley No.1 Canal passes though the adjacent
Waterfront site and high above the edge of the
shopping centre, before descending Delph Locks.
|
 |
Merry Hill ,
Merry Hill Centre ,
Brierley Hill
DY5 1QX
Westfield Merry Hill is easily accessible
from the M5 and the main routes leading from
Birmingham city centre.
MERRY
HILL
SHOPPING CENTRE CLICK
|
Tel: 01384 487 911 Fax: 01384
487 910 |
Moseley
Old Hall
This atmospheric Elizabethan
farmhouse conceals a priest's hole and hiding
places, in one of which Charles II hid while on
the run after being defeated at the Battle of
Worcester in 1651. You can also see the bed on
which the royal fugitive slept. Follow the story
of the King's dramatic escape from Cromwell's
troops and find out about 17th-century domestic
life in this friendly and fascinating historic
home. The Hall is an integral part of the
Monarch's Way Trail. The garden has plant
varieties in keeping with the period and has a
striking knot garden following a 17th-century
design. |
 |
Moseley Old Hall Lane,
Fordhouses,
Wolverhampton,
Staffordshire WV10 7HY
MOSELEY
OLD
HALL CLICK
|
Telephone:
01902 782808 |
Museum and Art Gallery
This
excellent museum at the heart of the city
centre was opened in 1885, and stands in a
good looking museum that is filled with pieces
that relate to both the history and
development of Birmingham and the surrounding
areas. There is a large collection on offer
that includes artefacts, paintings, documents,
maps and many other pieces that help tell the
story of the city.
|
 |
Chamberlain
Square,
Birmingham, B3 3DH
Birmingham Museum &
Gallery CLICK
|
Phone:
+44
(0)121 303 2834 |
Museums
Collections Centre
The Museums Collections Centre in Nechells has
brought together 80 per cent of Birmingham
Museums and Art Gallery’s stored collections
under one roof. The 1.5 hectare site, close to
Duddeston Station, holds hundreds of thousands
of objects. Among the collections are steam
engines, sculptures, an entire collection of
Austin, Rover and MG motor cars, a red phone box
and even a Sinclair C5.
|
 |
25
Dollman Street, Birmingham B7 4RQ
MUSEUMS
COLLECTION
CENTRE CLICK
|
Tel:
+44 (0)121 303 0190
|
National Exhibition Centre (NEC)
The
Birmingham NEC (National Exhibition Centre) is
one of the largest exhibition spaces in
Britain with 20 interconnected halls. The
centre is often chosen to host the most
prestigious events outside of London due to
its flexible nature with events large and
small often running in parallel. The NEC is
situated near to the J6 of the M42 motorway,
adjacent to Birmingham International Airport
and next to Birmingham International railway
station allows visitors easy transport access.
Annual events generally include BBC Gardeners’
World Live, BBC Good Food Show, Gadget Show
Live, Horse of the Year Show and Crufts
International Dog Show.
|
 |
National
Exhibition
Centre,
Birmingham B40 1NT
NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE
CLICK
|
Phone:
0121
780 4141 |
National Indoor Arena (NIA)
The
National Indoor Arena is situated in central
Birmingham and used for many of the most
prestigious sporting events in the country.
The arena has a seating capacity of 12,700 and
is by default designed around a ring, thus
making it best suited for sporting and other
ringside events. Examples of its use include
the World Badminton Championships, World Judo
Championships, Davis Cup tennis matches and
the The Gladiators television programme from
1992 to 2000. The arena is located next to the
National Sea Life Centre. There are four car
parks on site with ticket machines, and the
NIA is around a 5 minute taxi ride from
Birmingham New Street Station.
|
 |
The
NIA,
King Edwards Road,
Birmingham B1 2AA
NATIONAL INDOOR ARENA CLICK
|
Tel : 0121 780
4141 |
National Motorcycle Museum
The
National Motorcycle Museum has a vast
collection of British made motorcycles (from
past and present) making it is one of the best
and largest motorcycle museums in the world.
This museum pays tribute to those involved in
the British motorcycle industry, an industry
that once dominated world markets for
approximately 60 years. The museum also hosts
a range of conferences, seminars and other
functions.
|
 |
Coventry
Road,
Bickenhill,
Solihull, B92 0EJ
|
Phone:
+44
(0)1675443311 |
National Sea Life Centre
Situated at Brindley Place this is an underwater
wonderland. Collections of sealife from around
the globe. National Sea Life Centre The National
Sea Life Centre in Brindleyplace is a popular
tourist attraction which features over 60
displays of various sea and freshwater
creatures. It boasts the worlds first
transparent 360 degree tunnel which provides
spectacular views of an ocean floor, complete
with stingrays and sharks and other fish and
marine life.The one million litre ocean tank
also has giant green sea turtles which are often
a favourite with visitors. The building was
designed by Sir Norman Foster. The diverse and
colourful displays along the tour route of this
unique building give the visitor a close look at
sea life from a perspective they would probably
never see in real life. This is a popular
destination for school tours and groups. The
National Sea Life Centre also breeds seahorse,
is home to a Giant Pacific Octopus, crabs,
lobsters, otters and many species of fish.
|
 |
The Waters Edge,
Brindleyplace,
Birmingham, B1 2HL
We are located in the corner of Brindleyplace,
Birmingham on the Waters Edge.
NATIONAL
SEA
LIFE CENTRE CLICK
|
0121 643 6777
|
Nature
Museum
The Birmingham Nature Centre can be found
situated on the Pershore Road not far from BBC
Pebble Mill. Set back off the road it is easily
missed. An oasis of calm adjoining Cannon Hill
Park, this is a delightful inner city animal
kingdom on your doorstep. It's only 2 miles from
the city centre.The centre strives to retain the
original habitat of the animals and it expresses
the importance of conservation. A place for
young children to find out about animals, the
Nature Centre is perched right along aside the
River Lea. Six and a half acres and with a wide
selection of domestic and wild
animals.Advertising itself as having 134 species
of British and European wildlife, the centre
allows free admission to children. The Nature
centre is home to otters, foxes, deer, owls,
sheep, goats, wallaby, donkeys, pigs, polecats,
chickens, rabbits, rodents, beavers, reptiles,
porcupine, cats, waterfowl, lynx, and has a
selection of wild flowers and birds.
|
 |
Pershore Road,
Birmingham, B5 7RL
|
Tel :
0121 472 7775 |
Neville
Chamberlain's House
Neville Chamberlain was born in 1869, the son of
Joseph Chamberlain
|
 |
Edgbaston,
Birmingham
|
|
New Hall
Mill
New Hall Mill, a Grade 2 listed
building, is one of only two water mills still
surviving in the Birmingham area. The Mill and
its meadow field are privately owned and managed
by the New Hall Water Mill Preservation Trust
(Registered Charity No. 502226). Although now
surrounded by the New Hall Valley Country Park,
the Mill is only open to the general public on
specific Open Days, or by prior arrangement. Now
restored to a working condition, New Hall Mill
is located off Wylde Green Road, Walmley, Sutton
Coldfield, in the West Midlands area of central
England. It is a significant local example of
our industrial heritage and has been described
as 'Sutton's little gem'. The present structure
dates from the 18th century, although some parts
are much older. An external overshot waterwheel
provides power for the two pairs of millstones,
while a diesel engine over 50 years old powers
various other milling machinery.
|
 |
Off Wylde
Green Road
Birmingham B76 1QU
NEW
MILL
CLICK |
Tel:
0121 526 3131 |
Newman
Brothers Coffin Fittings Works
Newman Brothers Coffin Fittings Works in Fleet
Street is to be refurbished and opened to the
public. Production stopped in 1998, but
the company made some of the world’s finest
coffin furniture, including fittings for the
coffins of Churchill, Chamberlain and Diana,
Princess of Wales. Thanks to the unique
atmosphere of the interiors, the building
reached the finals of the BCC programme
‘Restoration’ featuring Griff Rhys Jones.
|
 |
Fleet
Street
|
|
Numbernine
Gallery
Birmingham's most exciting and ambitious art
gallery which has created ripples of
enthusiastic interest, at both local and
international level.Number nine was established
by Lee Benson in 1999. The business features
upcoming and existing artists who specialise in
art, glass, ceramics, sculpture and Rock Art.
The website is continually updated with fresh
material and artists. The idea behind Number
nine the gallery is to display art in a
commerical environment. When you are next in
Brindleyplace you might like to stop by and take
a look. Anyone interested in fine and modern
arts will find something to their taste here.
|
 |
Number
nine the gallery
9 Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2JA,
NUMBERNINE
GALLERY
CLICK
|
(0)121
643 9099 or fax: +44(0)121 643 9199
|
Oak House,
West Bromwich
16th century timber framed yeoman
farmer's house surrounded by pleasant grounds,
housing Tudor and Jacobean furniture.
|
 |
Oak House
Museum
Oak Road
West Bromwich B70 8HJ
Email: oakhouse@sandwell.gov.uk
OAK HOUSE CLICK |
0121 553 0759
0121 525 5167 |
Oratory
Hagley Road
After several oratory locations in the city the
current location in Edgbaston commenced in
1852. The church was
constructed between 1907 and 1910 in the Baroque style as a
memorial to Cardinal Newman, founder of the
English Oratory. His papers are located here. It
was designed by the architect Edward Doran Webb .
It is also known as Little Rome in
Birmingham. The Grade II listed
church is served by the Congregation of the
Oratory; who also serve the Brompton
Oratory in London and the Oxford Oratory. J. R.
R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the
Rings, worshipped here for about seven
years.The Oratory was visited by Pope Benedict
XVI, immediately after the Beatification Mass of
John Henry Cardinal Newman which was held at
Cofton Park, Birmingham, on the morning of
Sunday September 19, 2010. |
 |
Oratory House
Hagley Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B16 8UE
ORATORY
CLICK
|
Telephone
+44 (121) 454 0496
Facsimile
+44 (121) 455 8160 |
Packwood
House
The house is
originally 16th-century, yet its interiors
were extensively restored between the world
wars by Graham Baron Ash to create a
fascinating 20th-century evocation of domestic
Tudor architecture. Packwood House contains a
fine collection of 16th-century textiles and
furniture, and the gardens have renowned
herbaceous borders and a famous collection of
yews.
|
 |
Packwood Lane,
Lapworth,
Warwickshire
B94 6AT
PACKWOOD
HOUSE
CLICK
|
Telephone:
01564 782024 |
Pen Room
Museum
During the 19th Century, 75% of everything
written in the world was with a ‘Birmingham’
pen. Birmingham was at the forefront of
this trade until it declined in the 1950’s with
the invention of the biro and fountain
pen. At one time there were about 100
factories in the Jewellery Quarter area.
The development of the steel pen reduced the
cost of writing and enabled the spread of
literacy throughout the world.Set in the
atmosphere of a former Victorian pen factory,
the Pen Room Museum is dedicated to preserving
and promoting the legacy of this trade.
There is ongoing research into the social,
historical and technical aspects of the trade
and also the Jewellery Quarter itself. The
museum has assisted people tracing their
genealogy and is keen to hear from anybody who
has had connections with the trade. The Pen Room
is more than just a passive museum with objects
on display. It is a hands on
collection! Visitors can try writing with
a variety of different implements including
quills and typewriters; you can also try writing
in Braille or make your own pen nib using
original machinery.
The Pen Room has a range of educational
activities that covers both formal and informal
learning. The collection can be used to
support a variety of curricular subjects
including literacy, local history and
citizenship. Calligraphy Classes are held
at the Pen Room on Saturday mornings from 10am –
11.30am.The Museum is keen to form partnerships
with community groups to encourage participation
in various cultural activities
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Pen
Room Museum & Learning Centre
Unit 3, The Argent Centre
60 Frederick Street
Hockley
Birmingham
B1 3HS
Email: pentalk@penroom.freeserve.co.uk
PEN
ROOM MUSEUM CLICK
|
Tel:
0121 236 9834
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Perrot's
Folly
The tower or folly is not actually one hundred
feet tall. It is in fact 94 feet high and offers
panoramic views of leafy Edgbaston and the
surrounding area from its top.he enchanting
tower that inspired Tolkien's 'Two Towers' in
Lord of the Rings is open for an extended period
for the first time in over 20 years.Birmingham's
historic landmark tower Perrott's Folly,
celebrating it's 250th anniversary, will be open
to the public for an extended period the first
time in over twenty years.The tower was built by
eccentric landowner John Perrott in 1758. Though
the reason for its construction is unknown,
historical accounts suggest that in keeping with
the fashion of the day, it was built as an
elaborate hunting lodge for the entertainment of
Perrott’s wealthy friends. It later went onto be
used as a weather observatory |
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Edgbaston,
Birmingham |
0121
248 0708
|
Ragley
Hall
Ragley Hall is the home of the Marquess
& Marchioness of Hertford & the seat of
the Conway-Seymour family since 1680. The
Stately Home and Gardens include extensive
parkland, a large lake with a picnic and play
area, an Adventure Wood, Maze, Woodland Walk,
Stables and the Jerwood Sculpture Park.
Refreshments of food and drink can be obtained
from Bodgers cabin near the Adventure Park as
well as in a dedicated Tea Room in the house.
There is also a gift shop.This is an ideal
location for a family day out. Take a picnic and
let the kids enjoy themselves in the Adventure
Wood. There are climbing frames, trampoline,
swings, wooden walkways and rope climbs and
plenty of places to run and hide. The 3D maze is
also very popular. Ragley Hall Gardens contain
some fascinating sculptures with some very
lifelike human figures and unusual stone and
metal ones with various themes. Ragley Hall
itself was designed n 1680 by Robert Hooke, a
friend of Sir Christopher Wren. Of particular
note is the Baroque plasterwork by James Gibbs
which is dated 1750 and the collection of 18th
century paintings, china and furniture. The
gardens and lakeside of Ragley are set in 400
acres of parkland which was landscaped by
'Capability' Brown. There are also some 18th
century carriages and equestrian memorabilia
with an ice house and game larder.
|
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Ragley
Hall
Alcester
Warwickshire
B49 5NJ
RAGLEY
HALL CLICK
|
Hall
Office 01789 762 090
|
Red House
Glass Cone Museum
There are only four surviving glass cones
in the UK. This one at Stourbridge is the best
preserved. At one time there would have been
many dotted around the landscape. Glass cones
were quite common in the UK and first appeared
around the end of the 17th century. Glass cones
were used to provide a work space for the
glassmakers and at the same time they acted as a
giant chimney for the furnace itself. Through
the use of underground tunnels, air was
channelled to the furnace to ensure that the
high temperatures necessary for glass making
were achieved. Glass cones should not be
confused with the kilns of the potteries which
were in effect large ovens where ceramics were
fired. The current site was purchased in 1788 by
a Richard Bradley and the Red House Cone was
completed around 1790. It changed hands several
times and in 1916 Stuart Crystal purchased the
large glassworks ( now disused ) across the
road. In 1920 they purchased the Red House Cone.
Production ceased here in 1936 and was moved to
Vine Street in Birmingham. A new factory was
opened in Gwent in 1965. The Red House Cone is a
Grade 2 listed building and after the closure of
Stuart Crystal the restoration of the buildings
and restored craft shops continued until in 2002
it was opened as a visitor attraction. Inside
the cone the building becomes even more
impressive than from the outside where its size
is misleading. The attraction features working
glassmakers, an exhibition, information on the
history of glassmaking, a tea room and a Stuart
Crystal shop. This is an attraction suitable for
all the family and there is plenty to do and
see.
|
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Wordsley,
High Street, Stourbridge DY8 4AZ
RED
HOUSE
CONE MUSEUM CLICK
|
01384
812750
|
Ruskin
Glass Centre
Glassmaking has taken place in Stourbridge for
over 400 years. Glass and Crystal is still made
here today. Following a £1.4m refurbishment,
made possible thanks to funding from Advantage
West Midlands, the site that once was home to
the glass trade greats of Royal Doulton and Webb
Corbett is continuing to help the glass trade
thrive in Stourbridge. Ruskin Glass Centre is
home to a wide array of glass crafts; from live
glassblowing, respected studio glass artists,
engravers, glass decorators, and glass repair
specialists to the diverse yet complementary
trades of furniture design, handmade soap,
textiles, photography, printing and publishing.
There is also a brand new 30 cover cafe on site
serving high quality fresh organic snacks, meals
and desserts.
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Ruskin
Glass Centre, Wollaston Road, Amblecote,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 4HF
email: info@ruskinglasscentre.co.uk
RUSKIN
GLASS CENTRE CLICK
|
tel:
01384 399 419
|
St.
Martin's Church
St. Martins is the parish church of Birmingham,
or "The Cathedral of the Bull Ring", as some
would say. The first church was probably Norman,
but was rebuilt in the 13th century. As it
stands today, most of the church dates from the
late 19th century, though inside you can see
effigies of the de Berminghams, who were Lords
of the Manor. Their home was nearby. There are
windows by Burne-Jones and William Morris
inside. In 2003, the exterior was cleaned and
refurbished, in conjunction with the
redevelopment of the adjacent Bullring area.
This is one of the most ancient and contemporary
buildings in Birmingham. Most of this Grade II
listed church is from the nineteenth century. It
was built in 1873 and is an example of gothic
Victorian architecture, designed by Alfred
Chatwin, from Birmingham, who also worked on the
houses of parliament. But St Martin's is much
older than that. There has been a church on this
site since 1290 and may well have been a simple
place of worship here in Saxon times. St
Martin's is also a place of worship for a
thriving community who refurbished the building
in 2000 making it more light and open. In 2009
we created a tea lounge, healing centre, and
learning and advice service so our hospitality
in the heart of the city could be extended. We
believe that what Jesus called 'Life in all its
fullness' can be discovered right here in the
crosscurrents of the marketplace. You are very
welcome to come in and walk around.
|
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St.
Martin in the Bull Ring,
Edgbaston Street,
Birmingham
B5 5BB.
ST.
MARTINS CLICK
|
0121-600
6020
|
St.
Paul's Church and St. Paul's Square
St Paul's Church was built in 1777-9 when the
estate of the Colmore family was released for
development. It was the parish church of James
Watt, Matthew Boulton and Washington Irving. The
rectangular church has a West Tower and its
spire was added in 1823. Unfortunately, over
time the church became run down. However it has
since undergone refurbishment and restoration.
It stands in the centre of Birmingham's only
remaining Georgian square. This was built in
1779 as part of the Newhall estate. Once a most
elegant area, it was encroached upon by
factories and fell into disrepair. In recent
times regeneration has taken place and a number
of bars (such as the Jam House) and restaurants
are now situated in and around the square,
making it a desirable and vibrant place to be
once more.
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St.
Paul's Church, St. Paul's Square
Birmingham, B3 1QZ
ST
PAUL'S CLICK
|
Tel)
0121 236 7858 (Fax) 0121 233 0332
|
St.
Philip's Cathedral
St. Philip's Church was consecrated in 1715,
having been designed by Thomas Archer in the
baroque style. When Birmingham became a
bishopric in 1905, St Philip's, despite rival
claims from St Martin's, became its cathedral. A
statue of the first bishop, Charles Gore, stands
by the west door. Inside there are fine windows
by Burne-Jones, for which the artist waived his
fee, being himself a Birmingham man.
|
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Birmingham Cathedral, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3
2QB
Email us enquiries@
birminghamcathedral.com
ST.PHILLIP'S
CLICK
|
Tel:
0121 262 1840 Fax: 0121 262 1860
|
Sandwell Valley Country Park
2000 acres of
lakes, woodland and farms with hidden pools,
wildlife refuges and the remains of an old
Benedictine monastery. |
 |
Salters
Lane
West Bromwich
B71 4BG
Email: enquiries@sandwellvalley.com
SANDWELL COUNTRY PARK CLICK |
tel : 0121
553 0220
0121 525
9435
|
Sandwell
Valley Park Farm
Sandwell Park Farm is a fully restored working
Victorian farm. Grazing meadows, a traditional
farmyard, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II
listed buildings, a small museum and award
winning Tea Rooms provide a perfect day out.
|
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Sandwell
Park Farm, Salters Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4BG.
SANDWELL
PARK FARM CLICK
|
Telephone 0121 553 0220. |
Sarehole Mill
he 200-year-old mill at Sarehole is one of only
two surviving watermills in Birmingham. The
cobbled courtyard and mill pool are a tranquil
haven from 21st century life outside, while the
buildings and their impressive machinery give a
unique insight into the lives of the millers who
once inhabited this rural retreat.More than
seventy watermills once occupied the riverbanks
around Birmingham and there has been one at
Sarehole for at least 460 years. Sarehole
was first built as a corn-grinding mill but has
also been used for rolling sheet metal, grinding
blades and wire rolling.The Mill was once rented
to Matthew Boulton before he moved to Handsworth
to build his famous Soho Manufactory. The local
landscape also provided inspiration for the
stories of JRR Tolkien who spent his childhood
here.
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Cole Bank Road,
Hall Green
Birmingham, B13 0BD
SAREHOLE
MILL
CLICK
|
Tel: +44 (0)121 777 6612
|
Selfridges
Birmingham
Selfridges is a chain of department stores in
the United Kingdom. It was founded by American
entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge who opened a
large store in London's Oxford Street on 15
March 1909..The Birmingham store is covered in
15,000 spun aluminium discs and was designed by
architects Future Systems. A further store is
scheduled to open in Glasgow in 2007.
The Birmingham store, designed by architects
Future Systems, is covered in 15,000 spun
aluminium discs. Since it opened in 2003, the
Birmingham store has been named every year by
industry magazine Retail Week as one of the 100
stores to visit in the world.
The current shopping centre at the Bull Ring is
the busiest in the United Kingdom with 36.5
million visitors in 2004. It is also the UK's
eleventh largest shopping complex and it houses
one of only four Selfridges department stores
and the largest Debenhams outside of London.
Consequently, the centre has been a huge
success, attracting custom from all over the
world, including New York.
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Selfridges & Co
The Bullring
Upper Mall East Birmingham
B5 4BP
SELFRIDGES
CLICK
|
Tel:
0800 123 400
|
Selly Manor
Selly Manor is one of Birmingham's oldest
buildings. It used to stand in Bournbrook Road.
First mentioned in the Court Rolls in 1327,
Selly Manor was originally a sub-Manor of Weoley
Castle. Early last century it was condemned to
be demolished to make way for new building
development.It was bought by George Cadbury and
transported piece by piece from the original
site in Bournbrook (about a mile away) then
repaired and re-built in his new village of
Bournville. Owned by the Bournville Village
Trust, Selly Manor was opened to the public in
1917 and houses the Laurence Cadbury collection
of furniture. dating from c. 1500-c.1750 it is
one of the best collections of vernacular
furniture in the country. The garden surrounding
Selly Manor and the smaller Minworth Greaves is
planted with many herbs and plants that would
have been familiar to the people living in the
houses.
|
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Corner of Maple Road and Sycamore Road
Bournville
Birmingham
SELLY
MANOR
CLICK
|
Tel: (0121) 472 0199
|
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Severn
Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway runs for 16
miles from Kidderminster in Worcestershire to
Bridgnorth in Shropshire and boasts one of the
largest collections of working steam
locomotives and coaches, including some
rolling stock which is over 80 years old. It
hosts many special events throughout the year
including visits by those children's
favourites 'Thomas the Tank Engine' and of
course 'Santa'. Other events include the
popular '1940s Weekend', 'Classic Car and Bike
Day' and 'Severn Valley in Bloom', which
highlights the beautiful Station gardens.The
Railway also offers a wide variety of catering
facilities ranging from the buffets at the
main stations, a trolley service on the
trains, through to the ever popular Sunday
luncheon trains. These trains operate on most
Sundays throughout the year and advance
booking is required. The beautiful valley of
the River Severn is best seen from the train
or by alighting at one of the intermediate
stations you can enjoy a walk along the
riverside paths.
|
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The
Railway Station
Bewdley
Worcestershire
DY12 1BG
SEVERN
VALLEY
RAILWAY CLICK |
Tel:
01299
403
816 |
Shakespeare
Express
Birmingham ( Snow Hill ) to Stratford and back
twice a day on Sundays during July, through to
the beginning of September and occassionally on
other Sundays The Shakespeare Line - the railway
line between the City of Birmingham and
Stratford-upon-Avon. Stations along this line
serve the City’s shopping and business
districts, urban suburbs, market towns, rural
communities and Stratford-upon-Avon’s
international visitor centre and facilities. The
Shakespeare Line offers residents and visitors
quick, convenient and economical travel for
business, leisure and educational purposes.
Shoppers, in particular, find the trains a quick
and easy way to get to the Birmingham, Stratford
and Henley markets and for other shopping
outings. The route is relatively unusual as it
is used by regular modern diesel services and
seasonal heritage steam train operations. Over 2
million passengers per annum use the stations
between Stratford and Small Heath, with many of
those people using Birmingham Moor Street and
Snow Hill stations travelling to and from other
Shakespeare Line stations.
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* Birmingham - Snow Hill (BSW)
* Birmingham - Moor Street
(BMO)
* Bordesley (BBS)
* Small Heath (SMA)
* Tyseley (TYS)
* Spring Road (SRI)
* Hall Green (HLG)
* Yardley Wood (YRD)
* Shirley (SRL)
* Whitlocks End (WTE)
* Wythall (WYT)
* Earlswood (EWD)
* The Lakes (TLK)
* Wood End (WDE)
* Danzey (DZY)
* Henley-in-Arden (HNL)
* Wootton Wawen (WWW)
* Wilmcote (WMC)
* Stratford-upon-Avon (SAV)
SLPG,
12 Morris Field Croft.
Hall Green,
Birmingham B28 0RN
SHAKESPEARE
EXPRESS
CLICK
|
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Soho House
Soho House was the elegant home of industrialist
and enterpreneur Matthew Boulton from 1766 to
1809. Carefully restored, this fashionable
Georgian house features period room interiors
with fine collections of ormolu, silver,
furniture and paintings. It was once a regular
meeting place for some of the greatest minds of
the 18th century. Matthew Boulton (1728-1809)
was a founding member of the Lunar Society, a
group of great thinkers and inventors who met
regularly at his home at Soho House. Boulton’s
guests included James Watt, Erasmus Darwin,
Josiah Wedgwood and Joseph Priestley.
|
 |
Soho Avenue (off Soho Road) Handsworth
Birmingham B18 5LB
SOHO
HOUSE CLICK
|
Tel: +44 (0)121 554 9122
|
Solihull
and District Hebrew Congregation
The Solihull
and District Hebrew Congregation is a small
and vibrant community which holds regular
religious services as well as a wide range of
social activities. It also operates a
successful Cheder which utilises the latest
audio/visual teaching aids to bring Judaism
alive for its pupils. Visitors are always
welcome
|
 |
3 Monastery Drive,
Solihull,
B91 1DW
SOLIHULL
& DISTRICT HEBREW CONGREGATION
|
Tel:
+44(0)121 603 5170
|
 |
Star City
Europe's largest cinema complex right here in
Birmingham. Warner Village.The Warner Village
cinema at Star City is just off Junction 6,
Cuckoo Road near the Heartlands Spine Road. A
massive entertainment complex, it is very close
to Spaghetti Junction.Star City came into being
as a result of the regeneration of the
Heartlands area of Birmingham. It was opened in
2000 by George Clooney, having been referred to
as Warner Village and now as Vue under its new
branding.Star City is a premier destination for
family leisure in Birmingham and the West
Midlands. There are a host of attractions under
one roof including the recently opened Adventure
Island Golf which is the UK's first indoor
Adventure Go | |
