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 Arts for everyone |
City Centre (various locations) Birmingham United Kingdom +44 (0)121 675 4514 (Programme Co-ordinator) http://www.artsfest.org.uk/ |
This annual event is the biggest arts' festival in the UK and takes place mostly in and around the Broad Street/Centenary Square/Brindleyplace area in the city centre. There are over 300 events taking place during a three day period, and institutions such as the Barber Institute and the Museum and Art Gallery take part in a festival that's all about bringing the arts to the people. There's just too much going on to mention everything in detail, but there are activities to suit all age groups and tastes, and chances to participate as well as to watch. Best of all, it's completely free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Valentin Tablan |
 Photo: Valentin Tablan |
 Photo: Phil Coyne  |
 Photo: Jono Kenyon |
 Photo: Karl Randay |
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Historic cars and vintage vehicles |
208-216 Witton Lane Aston Birmingham B6 6QE United Kingdom +44 121 322 2298 |
Set in an old tram depot, more than a hundred vehicles and two unrestored tramcars await the vintage vehicle enthusiast here. This is a fine collection, with an emphasis very much on the history of local transport. A good place, then for children to learn more about the origins of modern day transportation and for older adults to reminisce about vehicles of their past. Special event days are also held throughout the year - ring for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Boyd |
 Photo: Mr C Evans Rugeley |
 Photo: Stuart Marlow |
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Vintage buses and other vehicles |
Chapel Lane Wythall Birmingham B47 6JX United Kingdom +44 1564 82 6471 http://www.bammot.org.uk/ |
The regional transport museum for Birmingham and the Midlands began in 1977. It consists of two large halls filled with collections of over 80 buses and coaches from all over the Midlands, including the biggest collection of preserved Midland Red vehicles. There are battery electric vehicles, fire engines and other commercial vehicles on display. If you're a fan of Bedfords and Leyland, they can also be found here. The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers, and if you are lucky enough to go on an "operating day" you could take a ride on one of the vintage buses that have been lovingly looked after. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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World-renowned art |
Chamberlain Square Birmingham B3 3DH United Kingdom +44 121 303 2834 / +44 121 303 1966 http://www.bmag.org.uk/ |
Housing one of the world's finest collections of Pre-Raphaelite art, with works by Rossetti, Ford Madox Brown and Holman Hunt, Birmingham's principal museum and gallery is located in a stunning Victorian building. The museum displays works by British and European artists, along with collections of ceramics, sculpture, silver and stained glass. You can also find archaeological, ethnographical and local history exhibits, including Egyptian mummies. Admission is free; voluntary contributions appreciated. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lindsay Lovell |
 Photo: Rachel Tomlinson |
 Photo: Alan Saunders |
 Photo: Jay Tabor |
 Photo: Alan Saunders |
 Photo: Yi-Ying Lee |
 Photo: Crystal Hudgeons |
 Photo: Derek Morrison |
 Photo: Helen Peake |
 Photo: petercastleton |
 Photo: Jamie Burrell |
 Photo: THALITA ARRÉ |
 Photo: Deedra & Amy in Birmingham |
 Photo: Daryl Perez |
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Railway magic |
670 Warwick Road Tyseley Birmingham B11 2HL United Kingdom +44 121 707 4696 |
The museum lies three miles east of Birmingham city centre, located on a former site of a Great Western Railway steam shed and locomotive works. The museum is now home to a dozen steam locomotives, ranging from the 7029 "Clun Castle" to "Henry" the industrial tank engine. Visitors can see the exhibits from outside, revolving on the fully operational turntable, and inside the work shop. Admission: £2.50 adults, £1.25 concs. (Free admission M-F term time). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Ellis |
 Photo: Mark Ellis |
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Industrial heritage centre |
Tipton Road Dudley Birmingham, West Midlands DY1 4SQ United Kingdom +44 121 557 9643 http://www.bclm.co.uk |
The Black Country is a large industrial area to the north-west of Birmingham and this museum is a reminder of how things used to be here 100 years ago. It comprises many historic buildings, taken down from elsewhere and re-erected to make an authentic town of a century ago. Highlights include an old-fashioned funfair, a narrowboat ride and a trip down a coal mine, light is deliberately kept to the levels that would have been experienced by the miners so it's unsuitable for young children. All children and adults, however, can take a lesson in an 1840s school and tour round a Victorian sweetshop, chemist's, nail-making shop and stables amongst many other exhibits. This is a genuinely interesting living museum and a tour of at least three hours is recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Emma-Jo Schmidt |
 Photo: Darren O'Donnell |
 Elizabethan farmhouse |
Blakesley Road Yardley Birmingham B25 8RN United Kingdom +44 121 303 4698 |
Blakesley Hall is a timber framed Elizabethan yeoman's farmhouse, built in 1590 in Old Yardley for Richard Smallbroke (a Birmingham businessman and farmer). The Hall is furnished and staffed in 17th century fashion and is a fascinating place to visit. It is open to schools as well as members of the public. No formal admission charge, but a voluntary contribution is requested. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lumpy Golightly |
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Imaginative celebration of glass art |
Compton Drive Kingswinford Birmingham, West Midlands DY6 9NS United Kingdom +44 1384 81 2745 http://www.glassmuseum.org.uk/ |
Kingswinford, just to the west of Birmingham, lies within the boundaries of the borough of Dudley - a leading glassmaking area. This museum is housed in a modern glass-fronted (naturally) building and is devoted to the glassmaker's art. It contains examples from various historical periods and has a strong local emphasis. There is an imaginative programme of temporary exhibitions alongside the museum's permanent displays, including shows of work by leading contemporary glass designers. Admission is free Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Home of great political figure |
Highbury Hall 4 Yew Tree Road, Moseley Birmingham B13 8QG United Kingdom +44 121 235 1678 |
This museum is housed in the 19th century home of Joseph Chamberlain, the great Birmingham politician and statesman whose influence was felt far beyond his home town. He was noted for reforms in education and public health that brought Birmingham international admiration. The house is as it would have been in 1888 and it is used for educational purposes, with school children greeted by role-playing actors. There are, however, public open days. A phone call is advisable to find out when the next one will be. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine Art & Fine Fossils |
St James's Road Birmingham DY1 1HU United Kingdom +44 1384 815575 http://www.dudley.gov.uk/leisu... |
Dudley, to the west of Birmingham, boasts a museum with a fine art collection including many noted 19th century oils, water-colours and prints. It also provides exhibition space for local art groups. Dudley has produced some fine artists of its own, including Shakespeare—Percy Shakespeare (1906-43), who has just been the subject of a major retrospective here. Local history is well covered—a history that includes dinosaurs. Dudley was once part of a tropical sea and is rich in fossils. See website for complete visitation particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Coventry's history |
Jordan Well Birmingham CV1 5QP United Kingdom +44 24 7683 2381 |
Free to enter, this art gallery and museum focuses on Coventry's past with exhibitions including Graham Sutherland's sketches for his tapestry in Coventry Cathedral (which is nearby). Other temporary exhibitions detail various aspects of this city's history (most famous for Lady Godiva and its suffering during the Blitz) and works of contemporary art. Coventry is only 25 minutes by road or rail from Birmingham, and although it does not have a great reputation there is plenty more of interest in the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cars & Drivers |
Banbury Road Gaydon Birmingham CV35 0BJ United Kingdom +44 1926 64 1188 http://www.heritage-motor-cent... |
Within easy reach of Birmingham (just off junction 12 of the M40), the Heritage Motor Center has the largest collection of historic British cars in the world. Names from motoring yesteryear such as the Riley Elf and the Morris Oxford are here, as are high performance racing cars. The site extends over 65 acres and includes a four-wheel drive circuit, playground and nature trail. Exhibits are constantly changing, so repeat visits are always worthwhile. See website for complete visitation particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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Entertainment Utopia |
Edgbaston Road, off Pershore Road (A441) and Bristol Road (A38) At Cannon Hill Park Birmingham B12 9QH United Kingdom +44 (0)121 440 3838 http://www.macarts.co.uk/ |
The mac is one of the country's leading arts' centres, welcoming over half a million visitors each year. The centre covers all aspects of art and culture within the region and is appreciated by everyone who comes here. There are three performance spaces, 14 studios/workshops, an outdoor arena, a cinema, six galleries and exhibition spaces. The centre has a wide-ranging programme covering performance arts such as drama and dance, music, film, and comedy. The great thing about the mac is that it caters for everyone and has a real community feel; there are puppet theatres for the younger ones, foreign films and theatrical productions to suit all tastes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy |
 Photo: Larry Tomkins |
 Photo: robanti |
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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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Arts and crafts |
Weeford Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B75 6NA United Kingdom +44 121 323 3624 |
Old meets new at the Mitchell Center, which is situated in a semi-rural location in a converted group of Victorian farm buildings. Inside, you will find galleries and workshops demonstrating that the artistry and skills of the artisan did not end with the Victorian age, but are still alive and well. The Mitchell Center also has a tearoom in which you can relax after a leisurely browse, as well as a pleasant walled garden. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic cars |
Hales Street Birmingham, West Midlands CV1 1PN United Kingdom +44 24 7683 2425 http://www.mbrt.co.uk |
Coventry, just 20 minutes from Birmingham by road or rail, has a number of attractions well worth visiting. One such is this museum, which is devoted to British-made motor vehicles in a city famous for its car manufacturers—over 130 have been based in Coventry including Daimler, Jaguar, Rover and Triumph. Here you can see 230 cars, 90 motorcycles and 200 cycles, including some once-famous names that are now no more. There are also Edwardian vehicles as used by royalty and there is a display of model vehicles. More modern exhibits are also on display, such as Thrust 2, the holder of the world land speed record, and prototypes of the latest in car design. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Forest tales |
Valley Road Hednesford, Cannock Birmingham, Staffordshire WS12 5TD United Kingdom +44 1543 87 7666 |
Cannock Chase comprises many acres of woodland and heathland to the north of Birmingham. It has long been a popular local beauty spot, but its museum is also worth a visit. It tells the story of the Chase from its early days as a hunting forest to more recent times when coal was extracted from beneath it. Indeed, the museum is located on the site of a colliery used to train young miners in simulated mining conditions. Formal galleries, complemented by temporary exhibitions, display what life was like for miners and their families and guided tours are led by costumed guides. Special events also take place throughout the year - ring for more details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Birmingham's most famous industry |
75–79 Vyse Street Hockley Birmingham B18 6HA United Kingdom +44 121 554 3598 |
The jewellery industry developed in Birmingham from the mid-19th century. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is an award-winning working museum which offers a guided tour around a real jewellery factory, showing you all the different aspects of jewellery in the 19th century and also highlighting the work of new designers. There is a tea room, in case you need refreshments, plus a shop from which you can purchase souvenirs, books and jewellery. If English is not your mother tongue, then you can will find guided tours on tape in French, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish and German. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ride Easy! |
Coventry Road Bickenhill, Solihull Birmingham B92 0EJ United Kingdom +44 1675 44 3311 http://www.nationalmotorcyclem... |
The museum houses a collection of over 700 veteran and unusual motorcycles and memorabilia from the 19th and 20th centuries. Unsurprisingly, this is a fascinating place for both children and adults to learn about the history of an industry which once dominated the world. Conference facilities and seminar rooms are also available and various exhibitions (other than of motorcycles) are held here too. The venue is located opposite the NEC and offers easy access to the M42. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Morris |
 Photo: John Morris |
 Photo: Rob Langham |
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Musical instrument collection |
Ashorne Hall Birmingham CV33 9QN United Kingdom +44 1926 65 1444 |
This is the private residence of the Whitehead family, and also the home of an amazing collection of cinema organs and mechanical musical instruments. Revenue gained from visitors goes towards the cost of maintaining these extraordinary instruments. See a cinema organ rising through the floor just like they used to, not to mention Belgian robots playing their own foot-tapping rhythms. There is also a narrow gauge railway for rail buffs. Admission is £6.80 for a cinema organ and the "Nickelodeon tour" with reductions for senior citizens and for tours limited to the gardens and railway. There are also musical tea parties for pensioners. A telephone call to check opening times is always advisable, as it is a small, family-run attraction. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Military & Civilian Aircraft |
Neachley Lane Cosford Birmingham, Shropshire TF11 8UP United Kingdom +44 1902 37 6200 http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk |
The museum is a celebration of classic military and civilian aircrafts spanning a 90 year period of aviation history. These are housed in three hangars, fully heated in winter, and among the military aircraft you will find such evocative names as the Spitfire, Mosquito and Liberator. More recent aircrafts include a Buccaneer and a Jaguar as well as V bombers which once carried Britain's nuclear deterrent. The British Airways hangar has examples of passenger planes dating back to the days when travellers flew from Croydon. There are also displays of rockets, missiles and aero engines, sectioned so that working parts are displayed. RAF Cosford lies to the north-west of the city and is easily accessible by rail. See website for complete visitation particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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Restored Tudor manor house |
Sycamore Road Bournville Birmingham B30 1UB United Kingdom +44 121 472 0199 |
This is a Tudor manor house that has been restored to its former glory, with a superb Tudor garden and a small gift shop. It was originally saved from demolition 100 years ago by George Cadbury (whose Cadbury World is next door) and authentic furnishings were acquired for the building. There are two houses that form the museum and you are able to have a guided tour if you'd like - these are included in the admission. Pre-booked tours for larger parties are also available. In the words of the staff, "We're small but gorgeous!". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher M. Bainb |
 Photo: The Notorious I.C.Y. |
 Photo: James Thornett |
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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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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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Heaven for leather |
Littleton Street West Birmingham, West Midlands WS2 8EQ United Kingdom +44 1922 72 1153 |
Walsall, to the north of Birmingham, remains the capital of Britain's leather industry. Nearly a hundred companies operate here, making everything from wallets to saddles - the local football team is even known as The Saddlers. The leather museum is housed in a Victorian building that was once a leather goods factory, and tells the story of how and why the industry developed here. There is a shop and cafe on the site. Review © 2007, Wcities |