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 Renovated Classics |
Stoke Heath Bromsgrove Birmingham, Worcestershire B60 4JR United Kingdom +44 1527 83 1363 http://www.avoncroft.org.uk/ |
This unusual museum comprises historic buildings saved from ruin and re-erected here. Examples range from a working windmill to a Victorian toll cottage to a variety of timber-framed buildings. The museum also houses the National Telephone Kiosk Collection - a selection of phone boxes of yesteryear in shapes and sizes you never knew existed. Among them is a police box of the type familiar to sci-fi fans as Dr Who's Tardis. The museum is set in the Worcestershire countryside just to the south-west of Birmingham. See website for complete visitation particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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King's hiding place |
Boscobel, Bishop's Wood Brewood Birmingham, Shropshire ST19 9AR United Kingdom |
The story of how Charles II hid in an oak tree to avoid his enemies after the Battle of Worcester in 1651 is the stuff of legend and this is where it all happened. The house, and the tree, lie about eight miles north-west of Birmingham on a minor road between the A41 and A5 (signposted) and the site is currently run by English Heritage. Don't expect a huge stately home—the house is a modest timber-framed affair but it is attractive and has been fully refurbished. There are various events, including historic reconstructions, held throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Richard III's Waterloo |
Birmingham, Leicestershire CV13 0AD United Kingdom +44 1455 29 0429 http://www.leics.gov.uk/countr... |
The Midlands, because of its important geographical position, has been the site of many battles and this is of one of them. The Battle of Bosworth took place in 1485, when Henry VII defeated Richard III and founded the Tudor dynasty. It was a turning point in history and it happened within easy reach of Birmingham. The visitor centre is in a country park, offering pleasant walks. You can buy maps and an illustrated Battle Trail explains the finer points of this epic encounter. There are also special medieval re-enactment events which take place in the summer. The centre is open from April until October, but the park is open all year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Park with Shakespeare connection |
Wellesbourne Birmingham, Warwickshire CV35 9ER United Kingdom |
Charlecote Park has been the home of the Lucy family since the 13th century, but the present house dates from the mid-16th century and was visited by Queen Elizabeth I. This was probably not the honour one might think, since playing host to the Royal entourage was incredibly expensive. Signposted from the A41 and A34, it has Victorian interiors, but it's the park that is the main attraction. There are herds of red and fallow deer and it was here that Shakespeare was said to have indulged in a spot of poaching. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Scenic beauty |
Birmingham, Shropshire DY3 United Kingdom |
This is beautiful Shropshire hill country to the east of Ludlow - a market town well worth a visit in itself - and a short drive from Birmingham. The hills have long been popular with day trippers from the city and there are lots of pleasant walks. The highest hill, Brown Clee, stands at 1,772 feet above sea level. There is a tourist information point at Clee Hill itself, on the A4117 at Cleobury Mortimer, and at Ludlow. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Natural beauty |
Clent Hills Birmingham, Worcestershire DY8 United Kingdom +44 1384 81 2830 |
A renowned area of scenic beauty, the Clent Hills have long been popular with city people and cover a total of 443 acres. There are pleasant walks marked out, including an ascent of Clent Hill itself which offers fine views of the Black Country and Worcestershire countryside. Once at the top, there is a folly known as the "Four Stones" and a toposcope erected to help walkers identify features on the horizon. The hills are easy to reach by car, and are about 15 miles south-west of Birmingham. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Civil War history |
Sidbury Birmingham WR1 2HU United Kingdom +44 1905 355071 |
A timber-framed building in Worcester, less than an hour's drive from Birmingham, houses a museum dedicated to the history of England's great civil conflict. This was the royalist headquarters at the Battle of Worcester, which took place in 1651. This is the country's only museum dedicated solely to the Civil War, and apart from the artifacts on show there is also a beautiful garden here. Open all year round. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steven Suchomski |
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Rail excursions |
49 Bodenham Road Northfield Birmingham B31 5DR United Kingdom +44 121 477 4375 http://www.excursions.freeserv... |
Take a step back in time with a journey on a steam train. Luxurious Pullman coaches will be your accommodation as you travel along the Gloucestershire or Warwickshire railway amid attractive scenery. Tours are available at various times throughout the year, and your trip will include a meal. Excursions are ideal for celebrating special occasions or just for those who want to dine in nostalgic style. Visit the web site or send an e-mail for full details of excursion times, dates and prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Garden, shopping and wildlife haven |
Evesham Birmingham, Worcestershire WR11 4TP United Kingdom +44 1386 4 1661 |
This rural attraction comprises a shopping and garden centre as well as a wildlife visitor centre and coarse fishing facilities. The wildlife centre is devoted to native species such as barn owls, foxes, hedgehogs, red squirrels and native birds. It is situated on a 130 acre estate which is pleasant to stroll around. The Vale of Evesham is renowned as a fruit growing area, and a trip in the springtime when the trees are in blossom is particularly recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Steaming Ahead |
(at Broadway Road) Birmingham, Gloucesteshire GL54 5DT United Kingdom +44 124 262 1405 http://www.gwsr.com |
This railway was built in the 19th century and once provided links from Birmingham to Cheltenham. A team of enthusiastic volunteers has been working on the line since the early 1980s and while it runs on a limited line at the moment, there are plans to extend it further. However, it does run through some beautiful Vale of Evesham countryside and the Malvern Hills. There are various special excursions and there are courses for those who have always had a hankering to be an engine driver. Contact the station for timetable details. See website for complete particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stately film set |
Birmingham, Derbyshire DE45 1LA United Kingdom +44 1629 81 2855 |
The Derbyshire town of Bakewell, famous for its tart, is well worth a visit in its own right. Haddon Hall certainly is, especially if you are a film buff. It has been used as a setting for productions such as Elizabeth and Jane Eyre. It's been in the family of the Duke of Rutland for 800 years and boasts fine period interiors and a terraced rose garden dating from the 16th century. A word of warning - disabled access is not good, as there are lots of steps and uneven surfaces, and the house is some distance from the car park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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17th-Century House |
School Road Hanbury Birmingham, Worcestershire WR9 7EA United Kingdom http://www.nationaltrust.org.u... |
This is a delightful house, built in the reign of William and Mary. It's situated to the south-west of Birmingham and is easily accessible via the M5. A National Trust property, the Hall boasts re-created 18th century gardens, an orangery and icehouse. Within the house itself there are period interiors and it is a venue for various events and activities throughout the year. Refreshments are available in the tearoom. See website for complete visitation particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Popular and historic stately home |
Harvington Hall Lane Birmingham, Worcestershire DY10 4LR United Kingdom +44 1562 77 7846 http://www.harvingtonhall.com |
Parts of historic Harvington Hall, a popular stately home in Worcestershire, are medieval although most of it dates from the 16th century. Its owner in Elizabethan times, Humphrey Pakington, was a catholic and the hall contains what is acknowledged to be the best surviving set of priest holes in the country. Many additions and alterations have been made since and in 1923 it was bought by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, which restored the building and opened it to the public. A new programme of restoration is currently in progress and activities, including a music festival, are held here. There is also a licensed restaurant on site. The Hall is situated just outside Kidderminster, 17 miles south-west of Birmingham. A phone call is advised before a visit as the hall may be closed to accommodate a social function. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Country life |
Dark Lane Hatton Birmingham, Warwickshire CV35 8XA United Kingdom +44 1926 84 3411 http://www.hattonworld.com |
At Hatton Country World you can see a celebration of country crafts and there are demonstrations of rural skills from sheepdog displays to falconry. Attractions also include a maze made of maize (during the season, of course), an adventure playground and guinea pig village. There's also an antique centre with 20 dealers, a plant centre and a rare breeds farm. Various special events are held throughout the year. This award-winning rural crafts farm park and shopping village lies a little to the south-east of Birmingham off the A4177 Solihull to Warwick Road. Hatton Country World claims to attract 500,000 visitors a year and it can get very busy at weekends in the summer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Industrial heritage |
Shropshire Birmingham TF8 7JP United Kingdom +44 1952 88 4391 http://www.ironbridge.org.uk |
In 1779, a bridge made of iron was built across a gorge in Shropshire. This construction is widely regarded as marking the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and these museums celebrate the momentous effect this had. The details given here are for the Ironbridge Gorge Visitor Centre; there are nine museums in the area, each representing a different aspect of British industrial heritage. Examples include: the Museum of Iron; China Museum; Iron Bridge and Tollhouse; Museum of the Gorge; and Blists Hill - a "working Victorian town" The site has been designated as a world heritage site by the United Nations. Opening hours of some museums may differ from the hours shown, and some may not be open in the winter - check out the web site for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stunning steel sculpture |
Cherry Tree Hill Coalbrookdale Birmingham, Shropshire TF8 7EF United Kingdom +44 7971 25 8267 http://www.go2.co.uk/steelscul... |
Ironbridge, within a 45 minute drive of Birmingham, was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and its connection with iron is maintained through this unique sculpture park. Here in 10 acres of Shropshire countryside is a collection of 60 sculptures, some of which are on a huge scale while others are much smaller. This collection represents the work of 11 different artists, some of whom may be seen renovating their work on site or making new additions. Coalbrookdale, where the museum is located, is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Picturesque ruins with literary connection |
Castle Green Birmingham, Warwickshire CV8 1NE United Kingdom |
Kenilworth Castle, to the south-east of Birmingham, was immortalised in Sir Walter Scott's novel of the same name. The sandstone castle is largely in ruins but remains picturesque nonetheless. Visitors can be entertained, as Queen Elizabeth I was, by an interactive display and audio tour. Special events include medieval entertainments and mock battles between Saxons and Vikings. Admission adults £3.50, concs £2.60, children £1.80 Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Walking country |
Comber Kinver, nr. Stourbridge Birmingham, Worcestershire DY7 6HU United Kingdom +44 1384 87 2418 |
Kinver Edge is a sandstone ridge covered in heathland, from which there are views across Shropshire and the West Midlands. Curiosities include the "rock houses" in which people lived until the 1950s. One of these was rebuilt for tenants in the early 1990s, but it is not open to the public. The views and the scenery are open at any time, and are free. This place of outstanding natural beauty is situated about 15 miles west of Birmingham. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful place of worship |
19 The Close Birmingham, Staffordshire WS13 7LD United Kingdom +44 1543 30 6100 http://www.lichfield-cathedral... |
To the north of Birmingham and easily accessible by rail and road, Lichfield is a lovely city. It is a fine place to visit if you are based in Birmingham, not least because of the medieval triple-spired cathedral. Its many treasures include an illuminated 8th century manuscript and rare 16th century Flemish glass. The city was also the site of a Civil War battle in which a Parliamentarian commander was killed by a fluke shot fired from the top of the cathedral. Visitors are welcome, and guided tours for groups are available by arrangement. There is also a coffee shop. Admission: free, but a donation of £3 is suggested. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Country crafts |
Church Lane Nr. Bewdley Birmingham, Worcestershire DY14 9JY United Kingdom +44 1299 83 2834 |
A collection of 17th century barns on an ancient medieval site with views to the Clee Hills, the Mamble Craft Centre makes for an entertaining day out. There are rural crafts demonstrations, a craft gallery and an exhibition room with a continuing programme of shows and events. The village of Mamble is an attractive place to visit, having a 13th century church and picturesque countryside. It is situated less than 30 miles to the south-west of Birmingham. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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China in your hands |
Royal Worcester Severn Street Birmingham, Worcestershire WR1 2NE United Kingdom +44 1905 23221 |
One of the world's best known names in porcelain opens its doors to the public. See the craftsmen making and decorating fine pieces and have a go yourself. Behind the scenes tours for connoisseurs offer visits to departments not usually open to the public. You can also buy the latest designs as well as cut-price seconds from the shop, and visit the fascinating museum. Children under 11 are not allowed in the factory (for safety reasons). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Famous writer's home |
Breadmarket Street Birmingham, Staffordshire WS13 6LG United Kingdom +44 1543 26 4972 |
The celebrated Dr. Johnson of dictionary fame and utterer of so many famous quotes, is Lichfield's most famous son. The city in which he was born is but a short drive from Birmingham and his house is now a fine museum to the life and works of the great man. Whilst in the city, make sure you also pay a visit to Lichfield Cathedral. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Age of steam |
The Railway Station Birmingham DY12 1BG United Kingdom +44 1299 40 3816 http://www.svr.co.uk |
Between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, to the west of Birmingham, the Severn Valley Railway is a steam buff's paradise. Steam trains run through picturesque countryside throughout the year, although the most frequent services operate in the tourist season. The journey takes just over an hour. Your return ticket entitles you to unlimited travel on the line for the entire day - and there are lots of places to see and regular events. These include 1940s weekends with authentic costume, Classic Vehicle Day, Severn Valley in Bloom and a Thomas the Tank Engine weekend for the children. Check the web site for full event and timetable details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Winter wonderland |
River Drive Leisure Island, River Drive Birmingham, Staffordshire B79 7ND United Kingdom +44 990 000011 http://www.snowdome.co.uk |
Winter sports are guaranteed here, whatever the weather. A few miles to the north-east of Birmingham lies this winter wonderland, which was the first indoor slope in the UK with "real snow". Snowboarding, tobogganing and of course skiing make for a great day on the piste, with plenty of après-ski options available in a range of restaurants and bars. There are lanes set aside for different levels of experience and expert staff are on hand to help and advise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Medhurst |
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House of Curiosities |
Snowshill Road Birmingham, Gloucestershire WR12 7JU United Kingdom +44 1386 85 2410 http://www.nationaltrust.org.u... |
Set in the beautiful Vale of Evesham to the south-west of Birmingham, Snowshill Manor is a must for lovers of the unusual. It contains a collections of craftsmanship from around the world. Themed rooms delight the visitor with Samurai armor in one and bicycles in another. Yet another display is of musical instruments. There are also attractive grounds with a cottage garden. The manor is open daily from the end of March until the end of October, and admission is via a timed ticket. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Over 900 years of history |
The Holloway Birmingham, Staffordshire B79 7LR United Kingdom +44 1827 6 3563 |
"Tamworth may boast one of the smaller English castles, but there is nevertheless much to see. The buildings that survive within the fortress walls date from the 15th and 16th centuries and hold period rooms inside. These give visitors a glimpse of the life and times of past owners, most famously the Marmion family who were hereditary Royal Champions to English kings from 1114 to 1327. Permanent exhibitions tell the story of the castle and the town, and the site overlooks an attractive park with a children's adventure playground. A fully refurbished dungeon invitest you to see what it would have been like to be chained up and forgotten. Oh, and if it's ghosts you are after, this claims to be the most haunted castle in England. Tamworth is just 15 miles north-east of Birmingham and the castle is in the town centre. Admission: GBP4 adults, GBP3 OAPs, GBP2 children." Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful Blue John |
Castleton Hope Valley Birmingham, Derbyshire S33 8WP United Kingdom +44 1433 62 0571 http://www.bluejohnstone.com |
One of many attractions in Derbyshire's beautiful Peak District, this can truly claim to be unique in the sense that it is the world's only source of Blue John. This mineral, whose name is believed to derive from the French bleu-jaune, or blue-yellow, is a form of fluorspar and was known to the Romans. The mineral was and is made into a variety of beautiful ornaments - 18th and 19th century Blue John urns are highly prized in the antiques trade. Visitors can take guided tours of the cavern and there is a gift shop where you can buy examples of Blue John ornaments. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of the finest castles in England |
Castle Hill (Castle Lane) Birmingham CV34 4QU United Kingdom +44 870 442 2000 http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk |
Warwick is known as the finest medieval castle in England. Located a 30-minute drive from Birmingham, it encapsulates over 1,000 years of English history. There are ramparts, battlements and even a dungeon and torture chamber;all absolutely authentic and in excellent condition. Displays include medieval weaponry and a waxwork display of a weekend party circa 1898. The grounds, including Peacock and Rose gardens, are especially popular. Numerous events are held each year, including the Mediaeval Festival, Flight of the Eagle and Meet the Castle Craftsmen. Admission: adult GBP10.75-GBP12.50; children ages 4-16 GBP8.10-GBP9.40; senior citizen GBP7.70-GBP9. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wild animals and amusement park |
(Bewdley) Birmingham, Worcestershire DY12 1LF United Kingdom +44 1299 40 0700 http://www.wmsp.co.uk |
This 200-acre safari park is located less than a 60-minute drive from Birmingham. It will take you about an hour to drive through the animal reserves, where you can see elephants, rhino, giraffes, lions, monkeys, wallabies and tigers. The amusement park has many different rides, and a wristband ticket that gives you access to all the rides. Other attractions include a seal aquarium, reptile house and sea lion show. There are also plenty of theme places to eat and buy souvenirs. General admission is applicable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stately home with many art treasures |
Weston-under-Lizard nr. Shifnal Birmingham, Shropshire TF11 8LE United Kingdom +1 44 1952 85 2100 http://www.weston-park.com |
A day out in beautiful Shropshire is enhanced by a visit to this 17th century house set in 1,000 acres of parkland. The seat of the Earls of Bradford for 15 generations, the house includes art treasures by the likes of Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Stubbs. For the children, there is a woodland adventure playground, pets' corner and deer park as well as a miniature railway. There are tea rooms and an ice cream parlour for refreshments, and special events take place throughout the year. These include a classical music festival and rock concert in August, international horse trials in October and a bonfire and firework display in November. Admission: £4.00 adults, £3.50 senior citizens, £2.50 children, and £12.00 family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stately ruins |
Witley Court Birmingham, Worcestershire WR6 6JT United Kingdom +44 1299 89 6636 |
This historic house was once one of the finest stately homes in England. Today it is a ruin, but a spectacular one. Audio tours are available, allowing visitors to listen to imagined memories of serving staff, party hosts and their auspicious guests. Other attractions include the monster gardens, a sculpture park and some fantastic fountains. Special events are held throughout the year, such as open-air Shakespeare productions, a Victorian weekend and falconry demonstrations - ring for full details. There is also a fine baroque church adjacent to Witley Court, which is easily accessible from Birmingham on the A443 near Worcester. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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