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 Gothic mansion |
Nuneaton Birmingham CV10 7PT United Kingdom +44 24 7638 2804 |
Arbury Hall is an Elizabethan mansion that has been in the Newdigate family since 1586. In Victorian times, the house was adapted to the Gothic style and nowadays it is admired for its striking Gothic architecture which includes examples of fan vaulting and filigree tracery. Arbury also has fine collections of glass, china, paintings and furniture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Hall Among Halls |
The Avenue Birmingham, Shropshire TF12 5RX United Kingdom +44 1952 88 2159 http://www.nationaltrust.org.u... |
This 16th-century manor house has an intricately carved wooden staircase, interesting molded chimneys and elaborately decorated ceilings. The hall stands in a rural setting and is supplemented by a 19th century terraced garden that has herb, rock and rose gardens within it. There is also an attractive Restoration church within the grounds and the site itself is only a mile from the famous town of Ironbridge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
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Stately home of Throckmorton family |
Alcester Birmingham B49 5JA United Kingdom +44 1789 40 0777 http://www.coughtoncourt.co.uk/ |
This is one of Warwickshire's finest historic houses, 15 miles south of Birmingham. Coughton Court has been the home of the Throckmorton family since the 15th century and among the attractions here is an exhibition on the family's part in the notorious Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Other highlights include a children's clothes exhibition, priest's hiding place and the chemise worn by Mary, Queen of Scots at her execution. Outside are extensive gardens with a gift shop and plant sales, an orchard, river and lakeside walks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lions & Tigers & Bears |
2 The Broadway Dudley Birmingham, West Midlands DY1 4QB United Kingdom +44 1384 21 5314 http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk |
Dudley castle now lies mostly in ruins, albeit rather impressively so and its hilltop location offers dramatic panoramic views. Set on a 40 acre site, the zoo below is home to a wide variety of animals from every continent. These include endangered species as well as more commonplace examples like goats and cattle. The zoo also carries out important work to help with the continued survival of endangered animals and there is an adopt-an-animal scheme for those who would like to help with this work. Other attractions include a bouncy castle, discovery center and face painting. 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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Palladian House |
Hall Drive Birmingham, Worcestershire DY9 9LG United Kingdom +44 1562 88 2408 http://www.birminghamuk.com/ha... |
A great Palladian (or neoclassical) house, Hagley Hall was the last of its kind built in England. It was completed in 1760 and boasts remarkable Italian plasterwork and rococo decoration, and holds a superb collection of paintings and furniture. The surrounding park contains temples, cascading pools and even a ruined castle. It lies to the west of Birmingham, a journey of half an hour by car. Phone to check opening times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Moseley home of Joseph Chamberlain |
Yew Tree Road, Moseley Birmingham B13 8QG United Kingdom +44 121 449 6549 |
This grand mansion was built for the well-known MP, Joseph Chamberlain, who lived here between 1880 and 1914 and used the house to entertain the wealthy and influential on the political and social scenes. Nowadays Highbury can be hired out for conferences and weddings and can be visited by the public. The hall is the focal point of the building; spacious, grand and two storeys high, whilst the library is now a museum on the Chamberlains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joe  |
 Photo: Emma (editorialgirl) |
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Elizabethan Elegance |
Moseley Old Hall Lane Fordhouses Birmingham, Staffordshire WV10 7HY United Kingdom +44 190 278 2808 http://www.nationaltrust.org.u... |
Moseley Old Hall is a beautiful Elizabethan house famous for being the hiding place of Charles II after the Battle of Worcester. The Hall boasts oak paneling and beautiful furniture whilst the enclosed grounds have a walled garden, arbor, herb garden, topiary and knot garden. Not too far from Birmingham, this house is definitely worth a visit and there is an exhibition and tearoom in the barn. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Jacobean Country Home |
Lapworth Solihull Birmingham B94 6AT United Kingdom +44 1564 78 2024 http://www.nationaltrust.org.u... |
Packwood is a beautiful Jacobean country house to the south-east of Birmingham. It is a National Trust property and its interiors were designed in the 1920s and 30s after the Elizabethan and Jacobean era. Flemish tapestries adorn the rooms, furniture is 17th and 18th century and there is oak paneling throughout. The garden is a delight and includes a 17th century yew garden, acclaimed herbaceous borders and a lake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Simon Harrison |
 Photo: Simon Harrison |
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Palladian house with peacock gardens |
Alcester Birmingham, Warwickshire B49 5NJ United Kingdom +44 1789 76 2090 |
Situated near Alcester, a few miles to the south of the city, Ragley Hall is a beautiful Palladian house which is the home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford. Various events take place throughout the year and the extensive gardens, especially the rose gardens, are particularly recommended. They also abound with peacocks. It will appeal to lovers of stately homes and fine architecture, but the children aren't forgotten as there is an adventure playground. There is also a picnic area and an attractive lake within the grounds. Open from early April until early October. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Distinguished School |
1 High St Birmingham, Derbyshire DE65 United Kingdom +01283 559200 http://www.repton.org.uk/defau... |
Founded in 1557 Repton is considered to be one of the top schools in the country. It is now a co-educational school and has over 600 pupils; check website for admissions and event details. Hogwarts has nothing on Repton. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lord Lichfield's Home |
Milford Birmingham ST17 0XB United Kingdom +44 1889 8 8388 http://www.shugborough.org.uk/ |
The ancestral home of Lord Lichfield, this fine 18th century mansion lies to the north of Birmingham. It is set in some 900 acres of parkland. The estate has many attractions, including a rare breeds farm, a working corn mill and county museum that is strong on social history. The domestic quarters have been renovated so that visitors can see what life was like for the staff "below stairs" in days gone by. Admission: £8 adults, £6 children Review © 2007, Wcities |
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12th-Century Relic |
Church Road Yardley Birmingham B33 8PG United Kingdom +44 121 783 4736 |
This fine Grade I listed parish church dates from the 12th century and stands in the oldest part of the suburb of Yardley, south-east of the city centre. This part of the suburb has an almost country village feel about it and the church, with spire and clock, has several interesting features. These include "Catherine of Aragon's door", dating from 1533, and attractive stained glass windows. Since Birmingham is a city with little visible history prior to the Industrial Revolution, places such as this are to be truly cherished. See their website for further information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fortified manor house |
Stokesay Birmingham, Shropshire SY7 9AH United Kingdom +44 1588 67 2544 |
Nestling in the Shropshire countryside to the west of Birmingham, Stokesay is not really a castle but a fortified manor house. It is, however, the most perfectly preserved example of its type. It dates back to the 13th century and its Great Hall has remained unchanged since the lord of the manor feasted here 700 years ago. This beautiful and haunting building is now run by English Heritage and free audio tour guides are available. A lively program of events is particularly strong on medieval and Elizabethan musical performances. 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 |
 Photo: Mark McQuitty |
 Photo: jw247 |
 Photo: African Star |
 Photo: lucia corral-patterson |
 Photo: Stuart Harley |
 Photo: John |
 Photo: christopher price |
 Photo: peter reynolds |