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 Jacobean country mansion |
Trinity Road Aston Birmingham B6 6JD United Kingdom +44 121 327 0062 |
Built between 1618 and 1635 by Sir Thomas Holte, this fine Jacobean country mansion is filled with splendid furniture, textiles and metalwork. What's more, there is a spectacular 136ft long gallery. The house was used to harbour King Charles I for a short time during the Civil War, and scars from cannon fire in that conflict can still be seen on the Great Stairs. Although changes were made to the Hall during the 17th and 18th centuries, it remains largely Jacobean. The great thing about this attraction is that it is used as an educational working museum and it has its own schools' liaison team. Over 20 rooms have been opened to the public, and it also hosts magical candlelit guided tours every December. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Houghton  |
 Photo: Steve T |
 Photo: Kevin Pitt |
 Photo: The History Anorak |
 Photo: jon bounds |
 Photo: Duncan Leong |
 Photo: Filthy Faerie |
 Photo: Husein Shamshudin |
 Photo: Nigel Lloyd Parry |
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 Photo: caroline.stone18 |
 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 |
 Major sports facility |
Holly Road Handsworth Birmingham B20 2BY United Kingdom +44 121 523 6336 |
An excellent range of sports facilities can be found at this fine centre. There is a gym, football academy, swimming pool, sunbeds and tennis courts - and that's just for starters. Aerobics classes take place here, and you can take dance classes or play badminton. The top quality facilities on offer make it very popular, attracting both local people and those from further afield. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Award-winning museum of industrial heritage |
Soho Avenue Handsworth Birmingham B18 5LB United Kingdom +44 121 554 9122 |
This award-winning museum, restored to its original 18th century appearance, was the former home of Birmingham's industrial pioneer Matthew Boulton. Soho House was often used as a meeting place for the Lunar Society: a group that counted Josiah Wedgwood (famous pottery maker) and Joseph Priestley (discoverer of oxygen) amongst its members. On display are some of the products of Boulton's nearby Soho Manufactory, including buttons and buckles, as well as silver and Sheffield Plate. The Lunar Society was so called because its members met when there was a full moon. This enabled them to see their way home safely in a time before street lamps were in common use. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Boyd |
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Premier Soccer Grounds |
Trinity Road Birmingham B6 6HE United Kingdom +44 0121 327 2299 http://www.avfc.co.uk |
With a capacity of nearly 43,000, this has been the home of the Aston Villa Football Club since 1897. Recognized as one of the premier football grounds in the country, rambunctious fans come from all over to witness brutal regional and national competitions. Stadium tours are popular amongst families and football fanatics. Tours include a look at the Players' Lounge, dressing rooms, Players' Tunnel, the Manager's Bench, and the Roll of Honour Board. For starving fans and business meetings, stop by the Cornerflag Restaurant open Su-F noon-3p and Sa 7p-9:30p. Check website for full information and upcoming game details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ted Osborne |
 Photo: Darren Rigby |
 Photo: Drunken Monkey |
 Photo: Byron Walker |
 Photo: Simon Lexton |
 Photo: Slystallone |