If
you like Schmoozy music then tune into Martini in The Morning by
clicking below. They even mention us!
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:
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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
A damning indictment of the
UK's dismissal of their obligations to its own children as
well as its vulnerable disabled. Whilst children in the UK are
plunged into poverty and near starvation, the
UK government pretends to be 'saving the 3rd world' from
starvation and injustice. The ultimate and
cruel hypocrisy of today's Britain as one of the
world's richest economies, we join the USA in hiding the
truth of what really is happening. We too have soup kitchens, and
church charities providing food for hungry families, 200 of them within
60 miles of where I live.. Save the
world's children dismiss your own. The UK gave
£80m to Africa recently, that was to buy influence away from
China. Madness, and completely immoral.
In the 30’s and 40’s, we fought for
children’s right to adequate nutrition in the UK. Our campaigning was a
success: the Education Act of 1944 made it compulsory that all schools
in the UK provide milk to children under the age of 18. We continue
fight for children in the UK today by supporting some of the most
vulnerable children and families. Right now, 1.6 million children live
in severe poverty in the UK. Our programmes make sure children living
in poverty get off to the best possible start in education, and we’re
making sure they get the essentials they need - a hot meal, blankets, a
warm bed.
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
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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 Holte's family seat
was at
Duddeston Hall. King Charles paid him a visit in 1642. A turbulent
period of English history, the civil war, was soon to begin. Charles I,
seeking allegiance in Birmingham was enraged that the Royal baggage
train was looted and the goods sent to the Parliamentary cause. Prince
Rupert descended on the town and meeting little resistance proceded to
remind the townspeople of their duty to the crown by terrorising the
local inhabitants . Birmingham thereafter was in favour of the
Parliamentary forces.
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!
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.
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
Visitor Centre - Birmingham Central
Library 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
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...
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
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.
95.6 (Birmingham and Wolverhampton) also
available on local DAB digital radio, in the Birmingham, Wolverhampton,
Telford and Shrewsbury areas listen live
to BBC WM on our audio pages
102.2 (Birmingham) also broadcasting on digital radio,
in the West Midlands region listen
live on our audio pages This station was formerly known as
Galaxy 102.2
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
Birmingham
Tourist Information Centre
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
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.
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.
Suffolk Street
Queensway,
Birmingham, , B1 1TT
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
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.
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.
Aston
Villa Football Club Aston Villa Football Club (/ˈæstənˈvɪlə/; 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.
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.
Birmingham City
Football Club Birmingham City Football Club (/ˈbɜrmɪŋɡəmˈsɪti/) 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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'
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.
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.
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.
Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens Trust
Chester Road, Castle Bromwich,
Birmingham, B36 9BT.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dormston
Mill Theater ,
The Dormston Centre
Mill Bank
Sedgley DY3 1SN
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Indoor Market
Under a complete new redevelopment of the Bull Ring shopping centre, a
brand new indoor market has been built
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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
Pen Room Museum & Learning Centre
Unit 3, The Argent Centre
60 Frederick Street
Hockley
Birmingham
B1 3HS
Email: pentalk@penroom.freeserve.co.uk
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
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.
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.
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.
Ruskin Glass Centre, Wollaston Road, Amblecote, Stourbridge,
West Midlands, DY8 4HF
email: info@ruskinglasscentre.co.uk
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.
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.
St. Paul's Church, St. Paul's Square
Birmingham, B3 1QZ
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.
Sandwell
Valley
Country Park
2000 acres of lakes,
woodland
and farms with hidden pools, wildlife refuges and the remains of an old
Benedictine
monastery.
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.
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.
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.
Selfridges & Co
The Bullring
Upper Mall East Birmingham
B5 4BP
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.
Corner of Maple Road and Sycamore Road
Bournville
Birmingham SELLY
MANOR CLICK
Tel: (0121) 472 0199
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.
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.
* 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
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.
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
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 Golf Complex with two 18 hole gold
courses - all with a tropical theme complete with palm trees,
volcanoes, caves, waterfalls and villages.Star City boasts one of the
largest Cinemas in Europe alonge with a 22 lane bowling alley, a 5 a
side football centre, gym, Laser Station and Climbing Centre. It also
has a huge choice of restaurants and a few shops.The UK's largest
Casino is also based here. Star City went through a major redevelopment
in 2008 and the venue is host to several shows and events throughout
the year. This is no longer just a big cinema. This is an impressive
family leisure destination of significant value to the region. Vue's
theatre screens all the usual Hollywood blockbusters and many popular
Bollywood films. You can't go wrong with Star City. If the weather is
bad and you feel like being cheered up then head straight here.
StarCity Birmingham
32 Watson Road
Birmingham
B7 5SA STAR
CITY CLICK
"Stourbridge
Schindler"
The plaque
above
can be seen at the entrance to Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge in
recognition
of the late Frank Foley, the Stourbridge man who saved thousands of
Jews in
World War 2. The plaque was unveiled on 27 January 2004, Frank Foley
was a
secret service agent who posed as a passport officer in Berlin, issuing
fake
documents to around 10,000 Jews, saving them from almost certain death
in
the Nazi concentration camps. Mr Foley lived most of his life in
Stourbridge
and died in 1958 and is buried at Stourbridge Crematorium.
Foley: The Spy who saved 10,000 Jews - buy the book
Foley:
The
Spy who saved 10,000 Jews
by Michael Smith
Sutton Park
Sutton Park is not just another park. It is a nature reserve
which consists of woodland, heathland and wetland. Plentiful in water,
a variety of plant life and tree specimens grow here. Sutton park
covers an area of some 2,400 acres.Henry VIII used Sutton Park as one
of his favourite hunting parks and settlements have been here from much
earlier times. The park was used by the military in the first and
second world war for training purposes. There was even a prisoner of
war camp here. Sutton Park is a National Nature Reserve under the
management of the Birmingham City Council. The park handles large
numbers of visitors especially in the summer months. It also caters for
a wide range of leisure pursuits from model aircraft flying, kite
flying clubs to joggers and cyclists as well as families who just love
to visit and picnic within the grounds. There is a visitor centre, a
restaurant by the lake, a nearby golf course and plenty of open space
and fresh air.
Sutton
Coldfield
The main entrance is Town Gate in Tudor Hill. The postcode for satnav
users is B73 6BU.
Symphony Hall
The Birmingham Symphony Hall opened in 1991 and is situated just
opposite the Hyatt Hotel adjacent to Centenary Square. Birmingham's
Symphony Hall is an impressive 2,262 seat concert hall in the heart of
the city. Located in the ICC ( International Convention Centre )
building, it was officially opened by the Queen in 1991. The Symphony
hall has world class acoustics and an impressive auditorium that must
place it amongst the finest in the UK. The Birmingham Symphony
Orchestra are based here and it is host to numerous international
orchestras. It is also a venue for community events and has a diverse
programme which includes all types of music, comedy acts, conferences
and graduations. Over 300 events a year take place here with nearly
400,000 people visiting the Symphony Hall each and every year. At a
cost of £30 million it was designed by Russell Johnson of Artec
Consultants Inc and features state of the art acoustics and 8 inch (
200 mm ) thick concrete walls and ceilings with dampening curtains and
sound reflection equipment. Many people are unaware that the Symphony
Hall is built just 98 feet ( 30 metres ) from a railway line. To
alleviate any interference the railway track is mounted on rubber
cushions as is the entire hall.
Symphony Hall is located in the International Convention
Centre (ICC) on Broad Street. On entering the Convention Centre from
Centenary Square, SYMPHONY
HALL CLICK
Box Office and information: 0121 780 3333
Town Hall
Designed by architect Joseph Hanson but based on Palladio's Books of
architecture the Birmingham Town Hall is an impressive building. Town
Hall re-opened on Thursday 4 October 2007, with a two-week festival of
events on the theme Celebrating the Past, Pioneering the Future.
Town Hall has undergone a £35m renovation, funded by Birmingham
City Council (£18.3m), Heritage Lottery Fund (£13.7m) and
European Regional Development Fund (£3m).
Acclaimed at its opening in 1834 as the finest music hall in the
country, this Grade 1 listed landmark has been lovingly and
painstakingly renovated by a dedicated team of conservation and
construction professionals. Since that time, its imposing neo-classical
design has dominated the City centre’s Victoria and Chamberlain Squares.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
The origins of our College can be traced back to the late nineteenth
century with the foundation of a Municipal Technical School offering
cookery and household science courses. In 1927 the name of the
School was changed to the Central
Technical College. By the 1950s the College had been renamed the
College of Technology and a department of Bakery and Domestic Science
had been established.
The new College of Bakery, Catering, Domestic Science and Associated
Studies opened to students in 1957. The following year, the name was
changed yet again to the Birmingham College of Food and Domestic Arts.
The College continued to operate on many sites across the City until
1968 when HRH The Duke of Edinburgh opened our main site in Summer Row.
Another name change, in the late 1980s, to the Birmingham College of
Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, was designed to recognise the
diversification of the College's programmes. We
welcome members of the public into University College Birmingham
to try our facilities and give our students valuable practical
experience, so why not make the most of what's on offer? Restaurants : bringing
fine dining at affordable prices, with lunchtime and evening
menus to rival the best Birmingham has to offer.
With a 3 course lunch from just £8.50 why not take time out of
your
busy day and let us serve you, or if time is short our Express Dish of
the Day is an ideal choice for those who want a quick bite to
eat. The
Atrium Restaurant is open Monday - Friday evenings with a range of
fine dining menus, or if you're looking for a night out with a
difference try one of our popular theme nights in the Brasserie
Restaurant. Cakes and Bakes
: Pick up delicious freshly baked goods and ready
meals in our shop, Cakes and Bakes. The
Spa :You could treat yourself to top class
pampering in The Spa
, with facilities that rival the most exclusive salons our students
learn in the best possible environment and you can benefit from that
too. Sports Therapy
Clinics :And if you require Sports
Therapy because of participation in sport or
merely the rigours of everyday life then our Sports Therapy Clinics are for you.
University College
Birmingham, Summer Row,
Birmingham, B3 1JB, UCB CLICK
Telephone:
+44 (0)121 604 1000
Restaurant Reservations: 0121 604 1010.
Sports Therapy:
To book a treatment call our dedicated
reservation line on
0121 604 1020.
Vintage Trains
(Birmingham Railway)
Vintage Trains is the operating company for the collection of steam
locomotives kept at Tyseley Locomotive Works under the guardianship of
the Birmingham Railway Museum Trust.
Walsall Art Gallery
The New Art Gallery Walsall opened on 16th February 2000 in the heart
of Walsall town centre. A unique civic building for Walsall, the
gallery is also a rare example of a brand-new building for the
millennial arts and has been hailed as one of the most exciting new art
galleries to be built in the UK in the last 20 years.
Gallery
Square
Walsall West Midlands WS2 8LG Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday 11.00 am to 4.00 pm E mail info@artatwalsall.org.uk
Walsall
Arboretum, Walsall
Walsall Arboretum is a
beautiful
park containing lakes, trees and gardens. Probably best known for the
annual
lightshow, Walsall Illuminations, which takes place during September
and October.
With over 50 illuminated features, lakeside lights, laser show,
floodlit
gardens, children's rides, entertainment and refreshments.
Lichfield
Street/Broadway
North
Walsall
WS4 2BU
From M6 Junctions 7,9 and 10, follow the brown and white tourist signs.
Open daily all year round from 7.15am.
Email: tourism@walsall.gov.uk WALSALL
ARBORETUM
CLICK
Tel:
01922
650309
01922 721682
Walsall
F.C
BOTH
Walsall Town (founded 1877) and Walsall Swifts
(founded
1879) had been in existence for a number of years before, in the course
of
the 1887/88 season, it was decided to end their fierce local rivalry
and
amalgamate. They were natural choices for one of the
places
in the new Football League second division when it was formed in 1892. Situated less than a mile from junction nine of the M6,
Banks
Stadium, opened in 1990, is close to the Walsall ring road; it has a
mainline
railway station across the road and there is parking space for well
over 1,000
vehicles.
Banks's
Stadium, Bescot Crescent,
Walsall,
West Midlands, WS1 4SA Main
Club
Email
- info@walsallfc.co.uk
Walsall Local History Centre
Welcome to Walsall Local History Centre, the Archive Service and Local
Studies Library for Walsall Council.We collect, preserve and make
available records relating to the history of the borough. Among
the kind of records which we hold are council minutes, accounting
records for local firms, registers for non-conformist chapels, events
programmes for local organisations, photographs, maps, recordings of
peoples’ memories and sale catalogues. We hold records of Walsall
Football Club, Shannon’s Mill and the Walsall Society for the Blind
among many others.
Walsall Museum
This friendly and welcoming community-focused museum is located in the
heart of Walsall. Dedicated to the history of Walsall, the museum
is home to a wide-ranging collection of artefacts reflecting Walsall’s
proud heritage, its many industries, and the lives of the people who
lived here. In particular the museum houses the nationally
important ‘Hodson Shop’ collection of twentieth century working
clothing. The borough’s
history is explored in the museum’s permanent local history gallery,
The Changing Face of Walsall, while an exciting programme of activities
for children and adults means everyone can engage with their heritage.Admission to the Museum is
free.
Walsall Wharf Narrowboat
A 40 seat narrowboat,
which
runs cruises throughout the year along the Walsall Canal starting from
Town
Wharf, next to the New Art Gallery. The Wharf is also available for
private
hire.
Wharf
Narrowboat,
c/o Sport & Leisure Development Services
Library Building, Walsall Street
Willenhall
WV13 2EX
Warwickshire County
Cricket Club Warwickshire County Cricket Club is
one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh
domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of
Warwickshire. Its limited overs team is called the Warwickshire
Bears. Their kit colours are black and gold and the shirt sponsor
is Gullivers Sports Travel. Its home is Edgbaston Cricket Ground in
south Birmingham, which regularly hosts Test and One Day International
matches.
Warwickshire
County Cricket Club Museum Warwickshire County Cricket
Club Museum at
Edgbaston takes visitors on a fascinating trip through more than a
hundred years of history. Located at the heart of one of the most
important cricket grounds in the country, the museum houses an
impressive collection of memorabilia. There are pieces of equipment,
scorecards, trophies, photographs, paintings and books amongst the
treasure trove of things to see here.
Waseley Hills
Country Park
Follow the A491. There is ample metered parking and a visitor
centre with refreshment facilities. It is run by Worcestershire County
Council and there are purpose built meeting and training rooms with
seats up to 40. This is not a large park. Don't expect that there will
be a lot going on. It is mainly used for hikers and people just using
it as a base to go wandering off in the countryside.It is popular with
dog owners.This a a good place to just park the car and go for a walk.
You are just far enough outside Birmingham to appreciate the
countryside and it provides an alternative to Lickey Hills if you are
seeking something different and dont wish to travel too far. Consider
paying a vist.
Countryside Service
Waseley Hills Country Pk Gannow Green Lane Rubery, Birmingham.
Tel: 01562 710025
Weoley Castle
The ruins at Weoley Castle are over 700 years old and are the remains
of the moated medieval manor house that once stood here. The site has
been inhabited from the 12th century and, according to the Domesday
Book, was part of the estates of William Fitz Ansculf. Weoley changed
hands several times between 1485 and 1531 when it began to fall into
disrepair. In the centuries that followed, stone from the castle was
removed to build a nearby farm and the Dudley no.2 canal. Today the
site is a scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance. The ruins
can be viewed from a viewing platform. Direct access to the actual
ruins is only available via one of our event days or for groups and
schools by a pre-booked guided tour. Telephone 0121 464 2193 for
further information.
West
Bromwich Albion F.C.] 1878 - Club
formed by workers from Salter's Spring Works in West Bromwich. Won
first game 1-0 versus Hudsons. 1879 - Took name of West Bromwich
Strollers after walking to Wednesbury to buy a ball. 1880 - Changed
name from Strollers to Albion.1888 - Became founder member of the
Football League, winning first game at Stoke City, 2-0, on September
8 .1900 - Albion moved to The Hawthorns, the highest ground above
sea level in the UK at 551 feet Why the Baggies? 4 Different
explanations:A corruption of 'Magee' - a popular full back in the 20's.
Unlikely, since Baggies was in use in the 1900's -The name of
protective trousers factory workers used in the area -From supporters
who took bags (baggies) round to local pubs to save the club from
extinction in 1905 -When the club was nearly bankrupt in the 1900's, a
number of the larger players left to have not only their shoes, but
their kit filled by smaller players. 'Spotting their voluminous
drawers, a wag in the crowd is supposed to have shouted 'up the
Baggies'.. the rest is history -Former club secretary Eph Smith gave
his explanation in a Throstle Club News as going back to 1904 and a
stocky back known as Amos Adams. 'His thickness of hips made his baggy
pants look even more huge, and one day when he was not playing well, a
fan shouted 'Baggy'. Albion and Adams recovered quickly, the name
stuck.'
We are continually adding to
our
events programme and you will find all the latest news and details
about
new events and the coming season, as well as family favourites on our
website.
There are usually all kinds of baby animals on show throughout the
season
- how many will you spot in the amazing four mile Safari drive!
West Midland Safari and Leisure Park
Spring Grove, Bewdley
Worcestershire DY12 1LF
The West Midland Safari And Leisure Park is open 10.00am daily,
including
Bank Holidays, from Saturday 11th February, until Friday, 3rd November
2006. WEST
MIDLANDS
SAFARI PARK CLICK
Tel
:01299 402114
Weston Park
The beauty and
tranquility
of the House is the result of centuries of creativity, collecting and
patronage
of artists and craftsmen, by generations of one family, the Bridgemans,
Earls
of Bradford. Gifted to the nation in 1986 by Richard the 7th and
present Earl
of Bradford, and with the suppport of the National Heritage Memorial
Fund,
it is now in the care of the Trustees of the Weston Park Foundation.
Award
winning 17th Century Stately Home set in 1000 acres of 'Capability'
Brown
Parkland and situated on the Staffordshire/Shropshire border. The
attractions
include the House, Adventure Playground, Miniature Railway, Gallery and
Gift
Shop, Stables Coffee Bar and Restaurant, Auditorium, formal gardens,
woodland
walks, lakes, follies and much, much more.
Weston-under-Lizard,
Staffordshire, TF11 8LE
on the A5 at Weston-under-Lizard, just 30 minutes from central
Birmingham,
three miles off the M54 Jct 3 and eight miles off the M6 Jct 12. New M6
Toll
Road, Jct 11A.
Wightwick Manor is
one of
only
a few surviving examples of a house built and furnished under the
influence
of the Arts & Crafts Movement.The many original William Morris
wallpapers
and fabrics, Pre-Raphaelite paintings, Kempe glass and de Morgan ware
help
conjure up the spirit of the time. An attractive 7-hectare (17-acre)
garden
reflects the style and character of the house.
Wolverhampton Art Gallery is located in the heart
of
Wolverhampton's
historical city and aims to provide a friendly, accessible and
inclusive environment
for visitors to explore art, at their leisure.
With exhibitions such as Hidden Treasures, which
explores
the
far reaching influence, of arts and crafts from India and the Middle
East, on Victorian interior design. And Sensing Sculpture, which allows
you to use
senses such as touch, smell, sound and sight to explore the artworks.
Lichfield
Street
Wolverhampton West Midlands WV1 1DU
Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Email: info@wolverhamptonart.org.uk
Wolverhampton Racecourse Wolverhampton
Racecourse, Dunstall
Park,
is Britain's first floodlit horse racing track bringing you the thrills
of
racing, day and night. It is also the UK's busiest racetrack as we host
around
100 fixtures during the year.The unique and electric atmosphere
of
racing has enthralled punters and families alike for generations. The
modern
facilities at Wolverhampton are testament to the fact that racing can
move
with the times but retain the excitement of the sport. Racing
takes
place on the all weather flat course throughout the year, so whether
you're
a seasoned race goer or a novice, we can tailor a package to suit your
requirements.
Wolverhampton Racecourse,
Dunstall Park, Wolverhampton. WV6 0PE Located north of the city centre, off the A449 dual
carriageway.
Follow the brown tourist signs to Dunstall Park.
Wolves first began life as a schoolboy team when the headmaster of St.
Luke's school in Blakenhall, Harry Barcroft, presented a football to a
group of pupils who had enjoyed an exceptional year's school work. The
presentation of the football was instigated by the co-founders of the
team, John Baynton and Jack Brodie.St Luke's FC were formed in 1877
and, two years later, after merging with the local cricket and football
club known as The Wanderers, they became known as Wolverhampton
Wanderers. Eight years later, the club moved to a new ground which is
still their home today - Molineux.. Wolves became founder members of
the Football League in 1888
Main phone:
0871 880 8442
Main fax:
01902 687006 Ticketline:
0871 880 8433
Ticket Office fax: 01902 687003
Birmingham, Shopping Centres
FOR INDIVIDUAL SHOPS & SERVICES IN BIRMINGHAM CLICK
HERE
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.
City Plaza
Still
in the bustling city centre but retaining an air of calm and
tranquillity, City Plaza is a shopping centre that offers a choice of
stylish designer ware and
specialist boutiques. For a leisurely look at some of the finest labels
around, you’ve found a true home from home.City
Plaza shopping centre is located in the heart
of Birmingham city centre in Cannon Street. It is full of some of
Birmingham's most exclusive shops and designer stores
47 Cannon Street, City Centre, Birmingham, B2 5EF
Tel
:0121 633 3969
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.
Fort Shopping Park The Fort Shopping Park is
packed with everything you need for a great day out; excellent shops,
delicious food and great entertainment all under one roof. Located in
Birmingham just off junction 6 of the M6, The Fort has 28
stores including high street names; Burton, Boots, Desire by Debenhams,
Next, Topshop, HMV, Oasis, Miss Selfridge and many more. The Food Court
also provides a range of refreshments including Nando’s, Burger King
and Starbucks.
Great Western Arcade
Welcome to the Great Western Arcade website where you’ll find
everything you need to know about one of Birmingham’s most historic and
loved shopping destinations.Situated at the retail heart
of the UK’s second city, the Great Western Arcade is renowned for
offering more choice and a ‘niche’ retailer experience. Elegant
and overflowing with Victorian charm, the Great Western Arcade is a
favourite destination for city centre professionals and everyday
shoppers alike. Whether it is to purchase a unique, high quality gift
for that special someone or to simply ‘grab a sandwich’ at lunchtime,
the Arcade has something for everyone. The Great
Western Arcade is home to a wide variety of shops many of
which are independently run, or part of small local or regional chains.
This means that the Arcade's retail offering is significantly different
to what you would expect to find in most high streets or modern
shopping malls. From shoe shops and food shops to
children's wear, men's wear and ladies fashion shops, art gallery,
coffee shop, sandwich bar, restaurant, health food shop and a day spa.
Next
time your'e nearby, have a walk through, stop, look and take in the
elegantly different shopping experience. We think you'll be pleasantly
surprised.
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.
Martineau Place
Welcome to Martineau Place Shopping
Centre in Birmingham! With over 30 retailers including Boots,
Gap, H&M and Sainsbury, you’ll be sure to find what you need!
Martineau Place isn’t just a place for shopping, hidden within its'
centre is a hub of cafes and restaurants, where you can sit
outside and
take in the atmosphere, whilst sheltering from the weather under a
magnificent overhead sail.
Martineau Place is located right in the centre of Birmingham only two
minutes from the Bullring. We have entrances on Corporation St,
Union
Street and Bull St you’ll find bus stops and taxi ranks in Corporation
St and High St and we’re also not far from the 3 major train stations
of New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street.
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
The
Pallasades, Birmingham Situated above New Street Station, The
Pallasades
is the place in Birmingham if you are on the look-out for great buys
and value for money. With an eclectic mix of accessories, gifts,
fashion, electrical, sports and beauty stores, you can dress yourself
from top to toe, check out the latest computer games and pick up the
latest mobile phones. Top names include Argos, HMV, Peacocks,
Poundland, The Carphone Warehouse and 99p store.
Pavilions
On Birmingham’s High Street there is Pavilions. At
the heart of the shopping action, it’s jam-packed with top names. Marks
& Spencer, Waterstones and La Senza are
just the starter. Of course, break time offers nearly as much choice.
Dine and peer down on fellow shoppers from the spacious Food Loft.
Touchwood
Opened in 2001 and costing £110 million to build, the centre was
built on the former car parks behind the High Street.
Around 250,000 cubic metres of earth were excavated to form the
basements and over 4,000 tons of support the Touchwood structure.
Touchwood has the only John Lewis department store in the West
Midlands, at 265,000 sq ft (24,600 m2), as well as 80
other stores, over 20 restaurants and a Cineworld nine-screen multiplex
cinema.
The Touchwood access also leads to Library Square, for the Solihull
Central Library and Arts Complex.
Touchwood
is located in the heart of Solihull and is easily reached by car.
Junction 5 of the
42 is only
a short distance away from Solihull town centre, providing a convenient
link
Arley Arboretum Arley Arboretum is one of the
oldest Arboretums in Great Britain. Tucked away in the beautiful
countryside of the Worcestershire and Shropshire borders near Bewdley,
it boasts more than 300 species of trees in formal and informal
plantings and gardens.
The collection includes many rare and spectacular domestic and exotic
trees. Nestling in the Severn Valley and overlooking the river, it has
been growing and maturing in this idyllic setting for two centuries.
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.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens &
Glasshouses The gardens cover 15 acres. Designed by J.
C. Loudon, a leading
garden planner, horticultural journalist and publisher, they opened to
subscribers in 1832.
The Tropical House has a lily pool and lush tropical vegetation. Palms,
tree ferns and orchids are displayed in the Palm House. Outside there
is a colourful bedding on the Terrace and a tour of the gardens
includes; rhododendron walks, rose garden, rock garden, a collection of
over 200 trees, herb and cottage gardens, museum, children's adventure
playground, aviaries and the National
Collection of Bonsai.
Bodenham
Arboretum
Bodenham Arboretum has a collection of over 2700 trees. The
arboretum is set in 156 acres of Worcestershire countryside with 11
pools, four miles of footpaths and a working farm. The main part
of the Arboretum looks out onto the big pool and many rare and
ornamental trees can be seen in flower or fruit giving splendid
displays throughout the seasons, the autumn colours are
particularly well worth seeing. The Grand Avenue, now in its infancy,
is planted with Popes Seat Provenance Beech which will mature in 200
years time! It stretches up the hillside to the higher reaches of the
Arboretum where there are outstanding views to the Clent Hills and
surrounding countryside. Take time to visit the award-winning Visitor
Centre set in the hillside which overlooks the Big Pool.
Uniquely
situated
where three counties meet, the 7 acres of lawn and stunning borders of
Burford
House Gardens sweep along the banks of the picturesque River Teme.
Originally
designed by the late John Treasure in 1952 around an early Georgian
Mansion
now selling country house furnishings, the gardens contain a National
Clematis
Collection, along with around 2000 other kinds of plants.Burford Garden
Company's
store at Burford House has been designed to inspire and delight all
garden lovers. We have 200 varieties of clematis for sale and our
excellent garden
centre and café are bursting with a glorious assembly of garden
goods
- and wonderful food! Opening times - All year. Daily execpt Christmas
Day and Boxing Day. Open 9am to 6pm or dusk if earlier.
Nr Burford
Tenbury Wells
Worcestershire
WR15 8HQ
Burford House Gardens are 1 mile west of Tenbury Wells on the A456. BURFORD HOUSE
CLICK
Tel:
01584 810 777
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'
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.
The gardens of
Castle Bromwich Hall are a unique example of 18th century formal garden
design, with their terraces and surrounding walls. The on-going
restoration programme now provides the opportunity for visitors to see
the work which has been done to restore these unique 18th century
gardens. Much of the 10 acre gardens has now been recaptured in its
original form and offers numerous points of interest. The 10 acre
Walled Garden contains over 600 species of plants from the period.
Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens Trust
Chester Road, Castle Bromwich,
Birmingham, B36 9BT.
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.
Croome Landscape
Park
A house
and park designed by Lancelot Brown, described by Dorothy Stroud as
'one of the largest undertakings of Brown's early practice'. The estate
is on low marshy ground, Brown designed a river, a rotunda, a grotto
and a Corinthian summer house. Croome has
undergone 12 years of restoration, following 18th century plant bills.
There are specimen trees throughout the park including Gingko, Manna
Ash and Plane trees. Commissioned by the 6th Earl of Coventry in
1751, Croome is 'Capability' Brown's first complete landscape,
influencing garden designs around the world and establishing Brown's
reputation. Brown designed the exterior of the house along with the a
number of garden buildings and the church. Robert Adam had his first
architectural commission in the form of the Temple Greenhouse and went
on to design the interior of the church and several rooms in Croome
Court. James Wyatt was brought in after the deaths of Brown and Adam to
complete and tweak several designs - he also introduced a number of
Coade stone statues. Opening times - 1 Feb-1 Mar '09 Saturdays and
Sundays 10am-4pm 4 Mar-29 Mar '09 Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5.30pm 30
Mar - 31 Aug '09 every day 10am-5.30pm 2 Sep-1 Nov '09 Wednesday to
Sunday 10am-5.30pm 7 Nov-20 Dec '09 Saturdays and Sundays 10am-4pm 26
Dec-3Jan '10 every day 10am-4pm 9 Jan-31 Jan '10 Saturdays and Sundays
10am-4pm
High Green, Severn Stoke
Worcestershire, WR8 9JS
Croome lies 8m South of Worcester off the A38, and 6m West of Pershore
off
the B4084. Exit 1 off the M50 (A38N) and Exit 7 off the M5 (B4084 to
Pershore) map CROOME
PARK
CLICK
Tel:
01905 371 006
Dudmaston This 17th century House,
Dudmaston has delightful gardens which are a mass of colour in the
Spring. The Dudmaston Gardens are informal with sweeping lawns
overlooking pools with a superb collection of rhododendrons and
azaleas. There is a fine rock garden, rose garden, bog garden with
moisture loving plants and a herbaceous border. Amongst the gardens is
an interesting collection of contemporary sculpture. Lakeside and
Dingle walk with fine views to the Clee Hills.
Dudmaston,
Quatt, Nr Bridgenorth, Shropshire,
WV15 6QN
Free entry for National Trust members.
Tel 01746 780866
Eastgrove Cottage
Garden Nursery
A
thatched cottage with a well-planted cottage garden run in conjunction
with a nursery. The cottage is ancient and set in lovely countryside.
The garden was made by Malcolm and Carol Skinner. Opening times - Open
April to October. Closed August. Open 2pm to 5pm.
Sankyns Green,
Near Shrawley,
Little Witley,
Worcestershire,
WR6 6LQ
Eastgrove Cottage Garden is 8 miles north west of Worcester, between
the B4196 and the A443. EASTGROVE
COTTAGE GARDEN CLICK
Hagley Park
A serpentine park with temples, urns, obilisks and a
ruined castle,
laid out by the owner, George Lyttleton, after 1747. Like the nearby
Leasowes estate, the design is based on a circuit walk and has good
views. Hagley is not open to the public but the park is visible from
the public footpath which leads to the church and Milton's Seat.
Hagley,
Worcestershire,
SO920 810
Hagley Park is in the village of Hagley, on the A465.
Hanbury Hall Gardens
A William
and Mary house with an eighteenth century orangery, an ice house and
two domed nineteenth century gazebos. Hanbury Hall had a 'Dutch style
in England' garden in the early eighteenth century and it is being
restored. Keen to have an up to date and
fashionable garden in the early 18th century Thomas Vernon employed the
pre-eminent garden designer of the day, George London, to create such a
garden which was to include all the elements associated with the formal
style of gardening; a Parterre, Fruit Garden, Wilderness, Grove and
Bowling Green. The garden remained as such until the 1770s when it was
swept away as the fashions changed from the very formal to the natural
landscape style. In the mid 1990s with help
from generous bequests and a European Union grant, the garden was
carefully restored using the original plan, the distinguished surveyor,
James Dougharty’s, 1731-1733 garden survey, and archaeological work to
confirm the garden design accuracy. Today the gardens are truly
spectacular; from the beautiful intricately laid out formal parterre,
fruit garden and grove to the bowling green, a visit to Hanbury Hall’s
garden is unforgettable.Opening times - March to October: all facilties
are open Saturday to Wednesday open 11am to 5:30pm. Garden, Park, cafe
and shop 7 day opening during local school holidays and July and
August. November to February: Garden, Park, cafe and shop open Saturday
and Sunday 11am - 4pm.
School Road
Droitwich
Worcestershire
WR9 7EA
Hanbury Hall garden is 4.5 miles east of Droitwich and 4 miles
south east of junction 5 on the M5 map HANBURY
HALL
CLICK
Tel: 01527 821 214
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
Tel :01902 895 207
The
Leasowes
A famous ferme ornee, owned and designed by the
poet, William
Shenstone. Its designed features were walks through woods and fields,
adorned with urns and quotations from classical authors. Samuel Johnson
described it as ''the envy of the great, and the admiration of the
skilful; a place to be visited by travellers, and copied by designers'.
Repton thought Shenstone had made an error in 'attempting to unite two
objects so incompatible as ornament and profit'. A Heritage Lottery
grant of £1.3m was awarded in 1997 for restoration of the estate.
Halesowen,
West Midlands,
Little Malvern
Court
14th Century
Prior's
Hall once attached to 12th Century Benedictine Priory, with Victorian
addition
by Hansom. Family and European paintings and furniture. Collections of
18th
and 19th Century needlework. Home of the Berington family by descent
since
the Dissolution. 10 acres of former monastic grounds. Magnificent
views, lake,
garden rooms, terrace. Wide variety of spring bulbs, old fashioned
roses,
shrubs and trees.Opening dates and times: Sun 21 Mar; Mon 3 May (2-5).
Little Malvern
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 4JN 3m S of Malvern. On A4104 S
of junction with A449 map LITTLE
MALVERN
COURT CLICK
Tel:
01684 892 988
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.
The Picton Garden has evolved during
several decades on the original site of Ernest Ballard's Michaelmas
Daisy nursery. There are many fine specimens of interesting trees and
shrubs, creating a backdrop to thousands of herbaceous perennials. The
garden is intensively planted with both traditional borders and areas
of more modern, natural planting schemes.The main feature is the NCCPG
Plant Heritage Collection of Autumn Flowering Asters. Also known as
Michaelmas Daisies, these create a rich tapestry of colour through
September and October. A wide range of other late season Herbaceous
Perennials are grown with the Asters. Many of them bring colour from
late July onwards. The garden has been featured on T.V. and in many
national newspapers and quality magazines. see website for openings.
Old Court Nurseries
COLWALL,
Malvern,
WORCESTERSHIRE
WR13 6QE
The home of Garden
Organic, the national charity for organic
growing. Explore ten acres of gardens that show how to grow fantastic
flowers, vegetables and fruit, including formal rose gardens,
ornamental plants, alpine banks, shrub borders, colourful flower beds,
a wildflower meadow and conservation area. For practical help, the
composting and safe pest control displays offer plenty of practical
ideas. The organic restaurant and café offer delicious
refreshments and
the shop sells organic plants, gardening goods, food and gifts. Events,
talks and courses held year round.
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.
Snowshill Lavender
53 acres
of lavender fields, planted since 2000. The lavender is harvested and
essential oils are extracted and sold in the farm shop. The best time
to visit is July. Opening times - Late May to late August. Daily. Open
10am to 5pm.
Hill Barn Farm,
Snowshill,
Broadway,
Worcestershire, ,
WR12 7JY
Snowshill
Manor
This
charming small organic garden surrounds this Cotswold Tudor Manor House
known as Snowshill Manor. It is set in the middle of the Cotswolds
amongst some of the most beautiful countryside in the British Isles. Very much in the Hidcote style but much smaller with garden
rooms planted to the brim. The 2 acre gardens
are organically grown with colourful borders, water features and
splendid views. The Manor House is also open
with fascinating collections of almost everything. Because the
Snowshill Manor Gardens are small make sure you see the house too. NT
Snowshill Manor and Garden open 2010 - 13 March - 31 October, -
Weds to Sundays 11 - 5.30 House - same days but 12 - 5. open BH
Mondays. Restaurant and shop.
Snowshill Manor,
Broadway
WR12 7JU
Tel 01386 852410
Spetchley Park
Gardens
A Georgian
house in a deer park with a lake and a Victorian garden. The gardens
were largely designed by Rose Berkeley (grandmother of the current
owner) and her sister, the great Edwardian gardener, Miss Ellen
Wilmott. They comprise a Georgian House, Deer Park, Garden Lake,
Herbaceous Borders, Fountains, Walled Gardens - and is widely described
as a 'Plantsman's Paradise'.Opening times - Late March to September.
Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Open 11am to 6pm. Also
open Saturdays and Sundays in October 11am to 4pm.
Spetchley Park,
Worcester,
WR5 1RS
Spetchley Park Garden is 2 miles east of Worcester on the A44. Leave M5
at junction 6 or junction 7. map SPETCHLEY PARK GARDENS
CLICK
Tel:
01905 345224
Stone House Cottage Gardens
A plantman's
paradise with over 3000 different plants, many rare and
unusual climbers, wall shrubs. A romantic garden set in an old walled
kitchen garden. The area is only 1 acre but seems much larger, hedges
divide it into different compartments and create diverse habitats in
which to grow the vast selection of rare and unusual plants that thrive
here. Unusual brick follies adorn the walls and these in turn, are
covered with a multitude of climbing and twining plants in which the
garden specialises.
Stone
Near Kidderminster, Worcestershire
DY10 4BG
Stone House Cottage Gardens are 2 miles south east of Kidderminster via
the A448 towards Bromsgrove. map STONE HOUSE GARDENS CLICK
Tel 01562 69902
Sutton Park
Sutton Park is not just another park. It is a nature reserve
which consists of woodland, heathland and wetland. Plentiful in water,
a variety of plant life and tree specimens grow here. Sutton park
covers an area of some 2,400 acres.Henry VIII used Sutton Park as one
of his favourite hunting parks and settlements have been here from much
earlier times. The park was used by the military in the first and
second world war for training purposes. There was even a prisoner of
war camp here. Sutton Park is a National Nature Reserve under the
management of the Birmingham City Council. The park handles large
numbers of visitors especially in the summer months. It also caters for
a wide range of leisure pursuits from model aircraft flying, kite
flying clubs to joggers and cyclists as well as families who just love
to visit and picnic within the grounds. There is a visitor centre, a
restaurant by the lake, a nearby golf course and plenty of open space
and fresh air.
Sutton
Coldfield
The main entrance is Town Gate in Tudor Hill. The postcode for satnav
users is B73 6BU.
Wagon House Gardens
The
garden is situated by a nineteenth century barn and wagon house.
Brick walls divide the garden into rooms. There are herbaceous borders,
box hedges and follies. Opening times - Thursday to Sunday and Bank
Holidays. End March to late December.
Walsall
Arboretum, Walsall
Walsall Arboretum is a
beautiful
park containing lakes, trees and gardens. Probably best known for the
annual
lightshow, Walsall Illuminations, which takes place during September
and October.
With over 50 illuminated features, lakeside lights, laser show,
floodlit
gardens, children's rides, entertainment and refreshments.
Lichfield
Street/Broadway
North
Walsall
WS4 2BU
From M6 Junctions 7,9 and 10, follow the brown and white tourist signs.
Open daily all year round from 7.15am.
Email: tourism@walsall.gov.uk WALSALL
ARBORETUM
CLICK
Tel:
01922
650309
01922 721682
White Cottage
(Cranesbill Nursery)
A garden
run in conjunction with a nursery. It has herbaceous borders, flowering
shrubs, a stream garden and a wild flower meadow. A peaceful
garden blending formal and informal areas with almost round the year
interest. Island beds display herbaceous plants, roses grow up through
trees as well as in the rose garden. The spring wild flower area is
carpeted with fritalleries, primroses and cowslips.An abundance of
colour and form are displayed in the stream garden. The rockery is home
to many hardy geraniums. The garden has developed over 27 years
from virtually an overgrown field. It is very heavy clay with some free
lime although the ph is neutral. Plants of Note We have a nursery in
the garden which specialises in Hardy geraniums and also a collection
of echinacea and other less common herbaceous plants. Opening times -
By appointment
Earls Common Road,
Stock Green,
nr Redditch,
Worcestershire,
B96 6SZ
White Cottage garden is 7 miles east of Worcester. map WHITE
COTTAGE
CLICK
Tel : 01386 792414.
Whitlenge
Gardens
Wander
through
the three-acre show garden of professional designer Keith J Southall,
set around his 18th century cottage. Walk the 'Twisted Brick Pergola'
with its
fan trained apples and pears, sit in the 'Verdigris Gazebo', see the
Water
Gardens with its split level waterfalls, listen to the Bubblers and
marvel
at the size of the Gunnera in the Bog Garden against the compactness of
the
Scree gardens. Walk into the manmade Cave and Fernery, dwell upon the
mystic
of the 'Green Man' and the 'Sword in the Stone' features. A plantsman's
delight
with over 800 varieties. Come and be inspired. Opening dates and times:
Suns, Mons 4, 5 Apr; 2, 3, 30, 31 May; 29, 30 Aug (10-5).
Whitlenge Lane
Hartlebury
Worcestershire
DY10 4HD 5m S of Kidderminster, on
A442. Take A449 from Kidderminster towards
Worcester, then A442 (signed Droitwich) over small island, ¼m,
1st R
into Whitlenge Lane. Follow signs map WHITLENGE GARDENS CLICK
Tel:
01299 250720
Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton
Wightwick Manor is
one of
only
a few surviving examples of a house built and furnished under the
influence
of the Arts & Crafts Movement.The many original William Morris
wallpapers
and fabrics, Pre-Raphaelite paintings, Kempe glass and de Morgan ware
help
conjure up the spirit of the time. Alfred
Parsons helped to design the gardens at Wightwick Manor - he also
designed the gardens atGreat Chalfield Manor. Set in
17 acres this is a Victorian and Edwardian garden with formal beds,
herbaceous borders and terrace. The poets garden contains plants from
the gardens of Shelley and Keats. There is a Yew Walk which leads to
shrubberies, ponds and streams.
Winterbourne House & Garden
Winterbourne is one of the best
surviving examples of an Edwardian
Arts and Crafts suburban villa garden. Offering colour and interest
throughout the year, the seven acre Grade II listed garden is home to a
beautiful walled garden, striking colour themed borders, original
sandstone rock garden and stream side planting. The
garden also displays plants from around the
globe with
collections of plants from China, North and South America and the
alpine areas of the world. There is also a programme of
public garden events
running throughout
the year including open days, special interest tours, local heritage
days, music concerts and an Edwardian fete.
Spectacular
ruins
of a once great country house. This vast Italianate mansion
incorporates porticoes
by John Nash and is surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens, the
'monster
work' of William Nesfield, which contains the Perseus & Andromeda
Fountain
and the Jerwood Sculpture Park. Opening times - Open all year except
Christmas and New Year. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays November to
February. Open 10am to 6pm or dusk if earlier.
Worcester Road,
Great Witley,
Worcester,
WR6
6JT
Witley Court garden is 10 miles north west of Worcester, off the A443. WITLEY
COURT
CLICK
New
Yorkers beat a path to Birmingham
From The Independant
January 9th 2012
How do you fancy strolling around Vienna,
sunning yourself in the Maldives or taking a rocket trip into space?
You'd be better off visiting a curry house in Birmingham, according to
The New York Times, which has named Britain's second city as one of its
top 20 holiday destinations thanks to its dining scene. Birmingham's placing at No 19 in the list
has surprised some in the Midlands, but many Brummie foodies are
bullish that the accolade is well deserved. As well as its famed "Balti
triangle" of Indian restaurants, and three eateries with
Michelin-starred chefs – Purnell's, Simpsons and Turners of Harborne –
Birmingham's smaller cafés, bistros and bustling farmers'
markets are a burgeoning source of local pride.
One restaurant cited by
the newspaper as proof of Birmingham's credentials is Lasan, located in
the city's Jewellery Quarter. Its head chef Aktar Islam – whose
signature dish, hiran achari, combines slow-stewed shin and loin chops
of Balmoral venison with charred brocolli, curried pumpkin and honied
shallots – said he believed Birmingham was the best place in the UK in
which to eat. "The great thing is that it's all concentrated, so you
don't have to worry about travelling," he said. "We have some of the
best chefs – Steve Loves, David Colcombe at Opus, Andy Waters at
Edmunds – and we're all about a mile or so from each other."
A growth in small,
independent food producers is also helping Birmingham's kitchens. Alex
Claridge, who runs the vegetarian Warehouse Café and is about to
launch Edible Brum magazine to promote the community, said economic
problems had helped this part of the city's food scene. "We have got to
the point where everything else is falling apart, so you might as well
give it a go doing what you really love," he said. "It's great for
those of us trying to find good food producers because all these people
who are really obsessive and eccentric in really loving one thing are
coming together."
Tom Baker, a breadmaker
who runs the Loaf cookery school, said the authentic recipes at Al
Frash in the Balti triangle and the way Moseley farmers' market heaves
with customers, even in the rain, were further proof of the city's
culinary diversity. "Local chefs like Glynn Purnell are getting on TV
and he's a proper Brummie – you can't deny that from his accent," he
added.
However, he said
Birmingham still had some way to go before it deserved the title of
"gastro capital of the UK". "People are guessing that it's going to be
quite an important place for food in the future," he added, "but it's
still young."
Terry Kirby: A deserved
gastronomic accolade for Britain's second city
It earned global accolades
for making cars and chocolate but when it came to eating out, England's
second city – my home town – had a second-rate reputation: a bleak
landscape of Indian or MSG-dominated Chinese, enlivened only by a
couple of half-decent Francophile outfits. Then came the "Balti Belt":
great fun, authentic food. In the 1990s, Terence Conran and Raymond
Blanc opened and, since Glynn Purnell gained his first Michelin star,
others followed.
While The New York Times
rightly highlights the astonishing transformation, visitors risk
disappointment if they venture far from the city centre. However, there
are encouraging signs – decent little bistros, cheese shops – that the
foodie revolution is reaching the suburbs. Now all Birmingham needs is
a new menu for making things again.
Central Square, Holliday Street
Birmingham, B1 1HH Hotel Front Desk: +44-0121-2245000 Hotel Fax: +44-0121-2245119 Hotel in Birmingham
near International Convention Centre In city center.
Located in the heart of Birmingham, this hotel
is walking distance from
Adrian Boult Hall, International Convention Centre, and The Mailbox.
Also nearby are Bullring Shopping Centre and Victoria Square. CROWNE
PLAZA CLICK
Radisson Blu
Hotel, Birmingham ****
12 Holloway Circus Birmingham, B1
1BT Tel: +44 121 654 6000
Fax:+44 121 654 6001 E-mail: info.birmingham@radissonblu.com Business-friendly
Birmingham hotel near Birmingham Council House
Bullring
Shopping Centre nearby
This business-friendly hotel is located in Birmingham, close
to
Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Council House, and Birmingham
Central Library. Also nearby are International Convention Centre and
Victoria Law Courts. RADISSON BLUE
HOTEL CLICK
Copthorne Hotel
Birmingham ****
Paradise Circus Birmingham, B33HJ
T: +44 (0) 12 1200
2727
F: +44 (0) 12 1200 1197
E: Email Us Modern hotel by International
Convention Centre Near art gallery
This modern hotel is adjacent to the
International Convention Centre and 150 metres from Birmingham Museum
and Art Gallery. COPTHORNE
HOTEL CLICK
Hogarths Hotel ****
Four Ashes Road Solihull, B93 8QE Business-friendly Solihull
hotel with a complimentary breakfast. Airport nearby. This business-friendly
hotel is located near the airport, where area
attractions include Sarehole Mill. Regional attractions also include
The Mailbox and Warwick Castle.Show
more
Breakfast
included.
In addition to a restaurant, Hogarths Hotel
features a conference
center. Other amenities include complimentary parking and complimentary
wireless Internet access.
LCD
TVs, DVD players
LCD televisions come with digital channels.
Guestrooms also feature
complimentary wireless Internet access, DVD players, and welcome
amenities.
Novotel Birmingham
Airport ****
Birmingham Airport Birmingham, B26 3QL
Airport Hotel
Airport
location near NEC
The hotel has an unrivalled location situated
directly opposite the 2 passenger terminals.
Crowne Plaza Nec
****
Pendingo Way Natl Exhib Ctr Birmingham,
B40 1PS Hotel Front Desk: 44-871-942 9160 Hotel Fax: 44-121-781 4321 Birmingham golf hotel near National
Exhibition Centre
National
Exhibition Centre nearby
Situated in Birmingham, this golf hotel is
close to LG Arena and National Exhibition Centre. NEC
CROWNE PLAZA CLICK
Hyatt Regency
Birmingham **** 2 Bridge
Street, Birmingham, B1 2JZTel: +44 121 643 1234Fax: +44
121 616 2323Email: birmingham.regency@hyatt.comMaps &
Directions
Enjoying a prime location in the city centre,
the luxury Hyatt Regency
Birmingham is a modern, four-star deluxe hotel located in the city
centre, within a five-minute walk of the exclusive Mailbox and Bull
Ring shopping centres, as well as Broad Street and Brindley Place,
where you can find wide range of vibrant bars and restaurants, along
with theatres and art galleries. HYATT
REGENCY CLICK
Hilton
Birmingham Metropole hotel ****
National Exhibition Centre Birmingham
(UK) B40 1PP, Telephone: 0121 780 4242 Email usMaps Just 10 minutes from Birmingham
International Airport, the
Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel is one of the UK’s largest conference
hotels. Located on the site of the NEC, the hotel has
excellent transport links to the city centre. Unwind
in a bright and comfortable guest room or upgrade to an Executive Room
to enjoy access to the new Executive Lounge. Indulge in international
cuisine at one of 3 restaurants or relax with cocktail in the Lounge
Bar. The Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel also boasts a fully-equipped
LivingWell Health Club and the only indoor heated swimming pool on the
NEC site. HILTON
BIRMINGHAM METROPOLE CLICK
Thistle Birmingham City ***
St Chad’s, Queensway Birmingham B4 6HY Phone:
0871 376 9005 / +44 845 305 8305 Fax: 0871 376 9105 / +44 845 305 8344
At Thistle Birmingham City Hotel, our city-centre location makes us an
ideal venue for both business and leisure travellers. Our hotel and
meeting rooms are near the Bullring shopping centre, and within 10
minutes’ drive to the City Stadium, Villa Park and Edgbaston. THISTLE
BIRMINGHAM CITY CLICK
Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Birmingham, ****
Church Street, Birmingham B3 2NR
Telephone: +44 (0)121 200 0600 Email: info.birmingham@hotelduvin.com
This previously disused Eye
Hospital
is the distinctive location for our largest hotel. This ornate, early
Victorian red brick building in the old city centre, now part of the
newly revitalised Jewellery Quarter, was sympathetically converted to
provide 66 rooms around a courtyard. A relaxing haven in the city,
offering a spa, gym and Pub du Vin serving local ales and traditional
pub food with a du Vin twist.
HOTEL DU VIN CLICK
Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre
***
Smallbrook Queensway,
Birmingham B5 4EW Hotel Front Desk: +44-0121-6346200 Hotel Fax: +44-0121-6161049 Stay central at the comfortable Holiday
Inn Birmingham City Centre hotel, 3 minutes' walk from Birmingham
New Street station.
Friendly staff welcome you to the chandelier-lit lobby of Holiday
Inn Birmingham City Centre. Contemporary decor makes your guest
room a stylish home-from-home and you can check email with complimentary
wireless Internet throughout the 11-storey hotel. We're
conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Host banquets and conferences for up to 600 people in Holiday Inn
Birmingham City Centre's 13 modern meeting rooms. Wireless
Internet and projectors make for an impressive corporate event, and our
dedicated conference staff are on hand to help with
catering and seating arrangements.HOLIDAY
INN CLICK
Novotel
Birmingham ****
70 Broad street, Birmingham, B1
2HT Tel. (+44)121/6432000 Fax.
(+44)121/6439786 Email: H1077@accor.com
Novotel Birmingham Centre hotel is a 4-star hotel on Broad Street in
the centre of Birmingham. Book the hotel to be a short walk from the
National Indoor Arena and the shopping and nightlife of Birmingham.
Each of the 148 modern guest rooms has a flat screen TV and wireless
internet access. Elements Restaurant and Bar serves international
cuisine and a range of drinks. Relax in the sauna after a work out in
the fitness room. The hotel has 8 function rooms for up to 300
guests. NOVOTEL
BIRMINGHAM CLICK
Jurys
Inn Birmingham Hotel, ***
245 Broad Street, Birmingham,
B1 2HQ Tel:+44 121 606 9000, Fax:+44 121 606 9001 Jurys Inn Birmingham hotel is in the heart of this
exciting and
regenerated city, on Broad Street, and perfectly situated for the
world-class convention centres that England’s Second City is famous
for, including the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the International
Convention Centre (ICC) and the National Indoor Arena
(NIA) Our spacious and comfortable rooms are
all en-suite and can accommodate
three adults, two adults and two children, or just one person in
complete comfort.. JURY's INN CLICK
Birmingham Marriott Hotel
****
12 Hagley Road, Five Ways · Birmingham, B16
8SJ
Phone:+44-121-452 1144
Fax: +44-121-456 3442
Enter the lavishly appointed lobby of the Birmingham
Marriott Hotel in
the West Midlands, and you will know that you have arrived. Centrally
located in the heart of the city, this 4-star Birmingham hotel is
renowned for responsive service and comfortable accommodation. Newly
upgraded guest rooms have been luxuriously appointed with amenities
that ensure a comfortable and productive stay, featuring king beds, a
spacious work desk and high-speed Internet access. As our guest, you'll
enjoy one of the only hotels in Birmingham offering full leisure
facilities, including a well-equipped fitness centre, indoor pool and a
blissful full-service spa with two treatment rooms. Fine dining awaits
in the stylish West 12 Restaurant and Bar, with its contemporary
British cuisine and soothing ambience. The Birmingham Marriott Hotel
offers 6 meeting rooms, expert catering, audiovisual and communication
services. The Marriott Hotel is one of the only Birmingham Hotels to
offer onsite car parking with direct access to the hotel BIRMINGHAM
MARRIOTT CLICK
The Birmingham Malmaison Hotel ***
The Mailbox, One Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1
1RD telephone 0121 246 5000
You
need a hotel in Birmingham and you need it sorting at the double. Need
a destination bar with a brasserie? Sorted. You're going to need a
slinky room or a suite. That's sorted too. Then there's the need to
spa. That my little brum boutique bounty hunter is also on the cards. There's
a hotspot in the heart of the city that never fails to
deliver. Wi-fi, plasma TV's, toiletries actually worth stealing. A
first class room like no other in our nation's second city. You'll find
it in the Mailbox.
The Birmingham Mal has 189 slinky bedrooms and rock'n'roll suites. THE
BIRMINGHAM MAL CLICK
Mint Hotel Birmingham,
1 Brunswick Square, Brindleyplace,
Birmingham
, B1 2HW Sat Nav Coordinates: 52.476981039655705, -1.914890706539154
Tel: +44 (0)121 643 1003
Mint Hotel Birmingham is situated in the centre of the city close to
all its shopping and cultural attractions, including the ICC, the NIA,
and the Symphony Hall. It's also a perfect option when considering
staying over for one of the many conferences held at the NEC, with the
complex only a short 20 minute drive away. As standard in all
guest rooms, you’ll also find a beautiful
bathroom with mist-free mirrors and walk-in power shower, tea and
coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board and hairdryer.Mint
also provides White Company luxury toiletries, a menu of pillows to
choose from, all to make guests feel at home. MINT HOTEL
BIRMINGHAM CLICK
Apollo Hotel
Hagley Road, Edgbaston,Birmingham B16
9RA Telephone: 0121 455 0271 e-mail: info@apollohotelbirmingham.com
Whether you are a business or leisure traveller, the
Apollo Hotel
facilities are renowned for their comfort, affordability and attentive
service.
Great location just two miles from the city centre.
Close to all transport links including Birmingham New Street Station
and M5; M6; M40 and M42 . 126 comfortable en-suite bedrooms to suit all
budgets - economy; standard; larger executive rooms and suites . 7 air
conditioned meeting rooms all with natural daylight accommodating from
six to 140 people Complimentary on site car
parking. Complimentary Wi-Fi. Bistro and bar serving good food;
beers and wine in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. APOLLO HOTEL CLICK
Ramada Birmingham City ***
Suffolk Street Queensway. Birmingham B1 1XL Tel: 0121 643
9344
Our superbly located
Birmingham city centre hotel is in the Mailbox, the exciting shopping
and entertainment area that has changed the face of Birmingham and made
it one of the smartest places to see and be seen in! Ideally located in
the centre of the City, convenient for the International Convention
Center and the National Indoor Arena, The Ramada Birmingham City hotel
offers a relaxing oasis in the center of the city. All 90
bedrooms are en suite with power showers
and offer free
broadband internet access. Cots & family rooms are also
available. For our business guests, executive rooms are available
with
a larger working space, mini fridge, fresh filter coffee and enhanced
toiletries.
Canal view rooms on are available on request.
The Ramada Birmingham City Centre Hotel offers 5 accesible rooms.
RAMADA
CLICK
Ramada Encore
Hotel***
Ernest Street/Holloway Head, Brimingham, B1 1NS Tel: 0121 6228
800 Fax 0121 6228 810 Email :reservations@encorebirmingham.co.uk
Ramada Encore concept is simple - fresh stylish vibrant and upbeat has
its own restaurant bar and offers a complementary wireless internet
access on public areas and limited on-site car park on a first come
first serve basis at the cost of £10.00 for overnight stay.Ramada
Encore has 131 stylish ensuite bedrooms and 1 modern purpose built
meeting room. All guest rooms feature a stylish wooden floored room
with modern ensuite wetroom and power shower high-speed internet access
work area direct dial telephone teacoffee facilities hairdryer and flat
screen satellite TV. RAMADA ENCORE
CLICK
ibis Birmingham City
Centre
Ladywell walk, Birmingham B5 4ST Tel.:
(+44)121/6226010 Fax.: (+44)121/6226020
Ibis Birmingham City Centre hotel is a budget hotel
located in central
Birmingham. Your hotel booking puts you close to the Chinese Quarter
and the Arcadian Centre. The hotel has 159 contemporary guest rooms,
all with air conditioning, satellite TV and internet access. The Chilli
Bar serves snacks and light meals 24 hours a day, while the bar is a
the perfect spot for a nightcap. The hotel is a 3 minute walk from
Birmingham New Street station, and the 5 meeting rooms can welcome up
to 120. IBIS
HOTELS CLICK
Ibis Birmingham Bordesley
Budget Hotel
1 Bordesley Park Road Small Heath ,B10
0PD. Tel.:
(+44)121/5062600 Fax.: (+44)121/5062610
Located in Birmingham the Ibis Birmingham Bordesley
offer 87 spacious
and confortable bedrooms. They are all en-suite with TV satellite Flat
screen TV Pay and Interactive TV direct dial telephone tea and coffee
making facilities air cooling. The hotel has a restaurant open between
6pm and 10 pm daily. Serving a selection of traditional and continental
cuisine. The bar open between 12 noon and 11 pm. IBIS HOTELS CLICK
ibis Birmingham Holloway Circus,
Budget Hotel
55 Irving Street , Birmingham
B11DH Tel.:
(+44)121/6224925 Fax.: (+44)121/6224195
The Ibis Birmingham Holloway Circus is in the city
centre 700 m from
the train station. Easily accessible from the M6 M1 and M42 motorways
it is 10 min on foot from the International Convention Centre the
National Indoor Arena and the Symphony Hall 30 min by car from the
National Exhibition Centre. Hotel has 51 rooms warm snacks menu and a
bar offering soft drinks 24 hours 7 days. Alcoholic drinks are served
from 11:00 until 12am. There is a free car parking for our guests. In
each room there is broadband connection and tea and cofffee making
facilities. In the lobby wireless Internet access is available for our
guests. Friendly and professional staff are available 247 to assist
you IBIS HOTELS
CLICK
Ibis Hotel Birmingham Airport NEC
Hotel**
Ambassador Road Birmingham International Airport
,B26 3A Tel.:
(+44)121/7805800 Fax.: (+44)121/7805810
Ibis Hotel Birmingham Airport is located in the
heart of Birmingham
International Airport and only 300 yards away from the Airport
Terminals. LG Arena NEC National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham
International Railway Station are a free 90 second MonoRail ride away.
Cafe style Restaurant offers a wide variety of meals. 24 hours
Reception as well as 24 hours Hot and Cold Snacks available for hotel
guests. Cooked Buffet Breakfast on offer from 04:00 am till 10:00 am
every day till 12:00 noon on weekends. Multimedia broadband TV and WIFI
throughout the building.Plenty of car park spaces across the road at
NCP Short and Medium Stay 3; great discounts for hotel guests if
pre-booked.IBIS HOTELS
CLICK
Radisson Park Inn
Birmingham Road, Birmingham ,B70 6TU
A vibrant hotel ideal for both business and leisure guests; providing
168 contemporary styled bedrooms with plasma televisions climate
control WiFi and comfy cotton duvets. Fully equipped gymnasium
including a 10 metre indoor heated simming pool steam room sauna and
spa bath. RBG Restaurant Bar and Lounge and 17 flexible meeting and
function rooms accommodating up to 180 delegates.Ideally located at
Junction 1 on the M5 giving easy access to the motorway links of the M5
M6 M40 and M42.Sandwell and Dudley Train Station is a 10 minute walk
from the hotel giving direct access to New Street Station.Only 4 miles
from Birmingham city centre the Symphony Hall and International
Conference Centre.
Premier Inn Birmingham
Nec/Airport ***
BICKENHILL PARKWAY ,B401QA
Conveniently positioned within easy reach of the M42. Adjacent to
Birmingham NEC complex just a short walk to the northern Exhibition
Halls and 5-minutes drive to the NEC Piazza suites. An ideal location
just 1 mile from both Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International
train station. Our Birmingham NEC Airport Premier Inn has everything
you'd expect free parking incredibly comfy beds in every room and an
integrated restaurant serving a mix of traditional and contemporary
dishes.
Sheriden House Hotel Budget Hotel
82 Handsworth Wood Road , Birmingham B20
2P Tel:
0121 554 2185
.We are a small family run Hotel based just north of Birmingham
City
Centre. We are within easy reach of the following venues; NEC-National
Exhibition Centre NIA-National Indorr Arena ICC-International
Convention Centre Alexander Stadium UCE-University of Central England
Aston University Aston Villa Football Club West Bromwich Albion
Football Club Handsworth Golf Club Sandwell Golf Club and Broad Street
Entertainment Venues.
Birmingham
Hotel Budget Hotel Poets Corner Golden Hillock Road Sparkbrook
, Birmingham B11 2PN. Tel: 0121
622 4925
The Birmingham Hotel offers you a warm and welcoming
atmosphere that
emphasizes friendly and hospitable service.The hotel features a variety
of facilities and service that are sure to meet the needs of business
and leisure travellerswith its own restaurant bar conference and
banqueting facilities and extensive free car parking.With large
comfortable en-suite rooms direct dial telephone with modem TV tea and
coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi internet.The hotel is located on the
A45 opposite Small Heath Station 2 miles from the Bull Ring and only 5
miles from the NEC and Airport.
Quality Hotel Birmingham, *** 166 Hagley Rd., Birmingham, B16
9NZ Tel: 0121 454 6621
The Quality
Hotel Birmingham, is situated in the perfect location for both leisure
and business. The Quality Hotel Birmingham is set amidst beautiful
peaceful gardens, and is just a few minutes aaway from the city centre
in Birmingham.
The Quality Hotel Birmingham has now new leisure facilities free of
charge for guests including gym, sauna,spa, Jacuzzi and indoor swimming
pool. QUALITY
HOTEL CLICK
BEST
WESTERN Westley Hotel
***
Westley Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham, West
Midlands, B27 7UJ Tel: 0121
7064312
The BEST WESTERN Westley Hotel enjoys a truly
wonderful location,
equidistant between the NEC/Airport and Birmingham city centre! We
work hard to make sure you don't have to lift a finger. By paying
such close attention to detail, our staff will take care of you and
your every need WESTLEY
HOTEL CLICK
BEST WESTERN PREMIER Moor Hall
Hotel & Spa****
Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, West
Midlands, B75 6LN Tel: 0121 3083751
The BEST WESTERN PREMIER Moor Hall Hotel & Spa
is a delightful
country house hotel set in parkland yet within easy reach of
Birmingham. As such, you'll enjoy peace and quiet without having to
stay too far away from all that the city has to offer.Family run for
over 50 years, the hotel has a unique and charming atmosphere. We'll
look after your every whim, and go out of our way to make sure you
enjoy a most pleasant stay in Sutton Coldfield.Close to Birmingham, the
hotel is a heartbeat away from countless attractions and city centre
facilities. Sports venues, family days out and business locations can
all be reached easily, while local castles and Cathedrals are also well
worth a visit during your stay at the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Moor Hall
Hotel and Spa! MOOR
HALL HOTEL & SPA CLICK
Holiday Inn
Express Birmingham Oldbury M5, Jct 2 ,
The Holiday Inn Express hotel in Birmingham
Oldbury enjoys a great
location, well connected to everything the West Midlands has to offer.
Not far from Junction 2 of the M5, it makes an excellent
base from
which to explore Birmingham and the West Midlands.Located
near Junction 2 of the M5, and a short drive from the city centre, the
Holiday Inn Express hotel is ideal for business travel, leisure travel,
holidays, or even for overnight stays for shoppers!Great Value Room
Rates: The hotel offers modern accommodation at great value rates,
including
complimentary hot breakfast. Each en-suite bedroom features
satellite
TV with in-room movies, a choice of firm or soft pillows, telephone,
WiFi (fees apply) power shower and hairdryer. HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS CLICK
New Hall Hotel
& Spa ****
New Hall Drive, Walmley Road, Sutton
Coldfield B76 1PH Tel: 0121 378 2442
Twelfth Century New Hall is the oldest inhabited
manor house in
England. Set in 26 acres of tranquil grounds, this very special Grade 1
listed building was once a hunting lodge for the Earls of Warwick.
Today, as a award-winning country house hotel, it welcomes another
generation of guests. History is all around you at New Hall from the
16th century oak-panelled dining room, where our award-winning chef
creates modern classics, to the four-poster beds and stained-glass
windows. The result is a hotel so unique that it consistently offers
excellent food and service. Every single one of our 60 bedrooms is
individually and appropriately furnished and appointed with every
modern comfort. Our guests particularly appreciate the evocative views
through latticed windows, across the shimmering moat and lawns to
wooded arbours and sunlit glades. Whether you want to play golf, stroll
through the beautiful grounds or simply relax and enjoy superb food in
front of an open fire. New Hall is the place. NEW
HALL HOTEL & SPA CLICK
Hotel Indigo
The Cube, Wharfside Street, Birmingham,
B1 1RS Hotel Front Desk: 44-121-6432010 Hotel Fax: 44-121-3690117 Hotel Indigo located on the top 3
floors of the iconic Cube building
near to the Mailbox
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill located within the hotel
brings some affordable glamour to guests dining experience. The vibrant
and stylish design schemes together with complimentary Wi-Fi and mini
bar make this an ideal place to stay whilst visiting Birmingham for
business or pleasure. Hotel Indigo in the New upscale boutique,
product by Intercontinental
Hotel Group and boasts 52 beautiful boutique bedrooms, oozing
effortless style and luxury. The hotel takes on the terminology
Refreshingly Local taking elements of design form the surrounding area.
The New product is Inspiring, Stylish and Vibrant HOTEL
INDIGO CLICK
Plough & Harrow***
135 Hagley Rd, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16
8LS Tel: 0121 454 4111 Fax:
0121 454 1868 Email:reception@ploughandharrowhotel.co.uk
A warm welcome and traditional hospitality awaits
guests at the Plough and Harrow Hotel Birmingham.
Built in 1704, originally as a wayside inn, the hotel has over the
centuries become steeped in history and is recalled by many as being
one of the most popular places to stay in Birmingham during the last
few decades. In 2010 the hotel returned to private ownership and
the
owners intend to gradually refurbish the entire hotel and return it to
its historic position as a prominent and sought after hotel in
Birmingham The red brick Victorian architecture of the original
building
together with the large garden, lawns and plentiful car parking serves
to set the Plough & Harrow Hotel apart from other Birmingham
hotels. PLOUGH &
HARROW CLICK
Macdonald Burlington
Hotel formerly Midland Hotel
126 New Street, Birmingham, B2. Tel: 0121 429 2598
Set amid the fine
architecture of Birmingham's New Street,
Macdonald Burlington Hotel offers guests an oasis of luxury and
tranquility in a vibrant, culture-rich city. Fed by an underwater
spring, the historic Burlington is a short walk from world-class
shopping, heritage and entertainment, such as Birmingham Symphony
Hall. Comfortable bedrooms and delicious food and drink combine for
a perfect city break or romantic weekend. Luxurious and flexible
executive accommodation make this an ideal business base. It is
rumoured to have been Winston Churchill's favourite Birmingham
hotel and has hosted at least four serving British prime ministers.
A popular Birmingham conference and meeting venue, the Burlington
also makes a grand, glamorous setting for your cosmopolitan
wedding. BURLINGTON
HOTEL CLICK
The University of Birmingham
Conference Park Hotel
Lucas House Reception 48 Edgbaston Park Road ,B15
2RA. Tel: 0121 415 8400
An all year round BandB with 4 Visit Britain
accreditation situated in
one of the UK's most vibrant cities based in the quiet suburbs of
Edgbaston and just minutes from the acclaimed University of Birmingham.
This hotel and conference centre provides a peaceful comfortable
getaway set within quiet lawns and gardens. The ideal base for business
travellers and people looking for a short weekend break with two
restaurants one of which is situated in the conservatory of adjoining
property Hornton Grange a lovingly restored Edwardian red-brick
residence with fabulous garden and water feature. Both restaurants also
have private bars.When the days event are over there's plenty to keep
you entertained within the Universities Campus from art exhibitions at
the acclaimed Barber Institute of Fine Arts to peaceful walks in the
grounds at the impressive Winterbourne House and Garden a heritage
centre and botanical garden. CONFERENCE
PARK HOTEL CLICK
The Briar Rose- a JD Wetherspoon
Hotel Restaurant with Rooms
25 Bennetts Hill ,Birmingham B2 5RS Tel:
0121 634 8100
The Briar Rose Hotel is a completely non smoking
Hotel with a
Wetherspoon pub attached. We have just completed a full refurbishment
of the whole Hotel and pub and some of the photos of the bedrooms shown
are of our recently refurbised rooms. We are located off New street in
the very heart of Birmingham and a short walk from New street and Snow
hill train stations. BRIAR
ROSE CLICK
Norwood Hotel **
87-89a Bunbury Road ,Birmingham B31 2ET.
Tel: 0121 411 2202
A
small friendly family owned and run Hotel situated 5 miles south of
city centre.Very close to Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Northfield
Robert Clinic Cadbury World Birmingham University Queen Elizabeth and
Selly Oak Hospitals. All rooms en-suite.Ideal location for visitors to
Kings Norton Longbridge and south west suburbs of Birmingham.Wi-Fi
access at no cost to residents. Good RailBus link to city centre.
NORWOOD
HOTEL CLICK
Innkeepers Lodge Birmingham
Budget Hotel
563 Hagley Road, West Quinton, Birmingham,B321HP Tel: 0845 11 26 066
Pub & Carvery 'The Swan',
High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham,B46 3BL
Tel: 0845 11 26 061
The ancient ridge town of Coleshill, lying
on the rivers Cole and Blythe, is surrounded by beautiful Warwickshire
countryside.
Coleshill
began life in the Iron Age (before the Roman Conquest of 43 AD) as the
Grimstock Hill Romano-British settlement, north of the River Cole. It
developed into a Medieval town and, in 1086, the town was recorded in
the Domesday Book as land held by William the Conqueror THE SWAN
CLICK
Herons Nest Vintage Inn,
Innkeeper's Lodge Solihull, Knowle,
Warwick Road, Knowle, B93 0EE Tel: 0845 11 26
070
Dating back to the times of King Edward I,
Knowle was on a stagecoach
route from Birmingham and London. In the pretty village square lies the
early 15th century church and Guild House. Leading from the village
square is Kenilworth Road, which is the oldest part of the village -
and where Knowle's most attractive timber-framed cottages can be found.
Chester House (home of the local library) dates back to Tudor times and
the formal Knot garden of aromatic plants and culinary herbs has
recently been restored. HERON's
NEST CLICK
Menzies
Strathallan Hotel ****
225 Hagley Road, Birmingham, Warwickshire, B16 9YR Tel: 0121 455 9777 Email: strathallan@menzieshotels.co.uk
The Menzies
Strathallan Hotel is ideally situated in a prime location just a short
distance from the city centre. The hotel also offers easy access to the
international conference centre, the indoor arena and the Midlands via
the motorway and railway . The newly awarded
four-star Menzies Strathallan
Birmingham city centre hotel offers a superb range of facilities and
excellent value for money.With modern,
comfortable
bedrooms, a contemporary Brasserie style restaurant and a spacious
lounge bar our, four- star Birmingham city centre hotel is ideal
for
both business and leisure guests STRATHALLEN
HOTEL CLICK
Britannia Hotel
New Street, Birmingham
Britannia Hotel Birmingham is in the heart of the city surrounded by
major stores, designer shops, jewellery markets, and shopping centres.
The hotel's restaurant and bar offer a range of hot and cold dishes,
while the 9th floor of the hotel is devoted to conferences and banquets
with outstanding panoramic views over the city. New Street train
station is opposite the premises, and there is quick access to the
National Exhibition Centre and the main train networks. If you want to
be right on the spot, there is no better hotel than Britannia
Birmingham. Wi-Fi Internet access is available in the bar area of
the hotel.
Clover Spa & Hotel
759 Chester Road, Birmingham
Scouring the net for accommodation in
Birmingham? Take a look at Clover Spa and Hotel. There are many great
attractions nearby, including Sutton Park, Villa Park, Aston Hall and
Birmingham Speedway. Other attractions in the area include Bullring
Shopping Centre and International Convention Centre.
This
3.5-star Birmingham hotel offers a full-service spa, beauty services
and massage/treatment rooms. Clover Spa is the place to be for rest and
relaxation, offering manicures and pedicures and aromatherapy, as well
as body scrubs, body treatments and facials. Limited
complimentary onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served
basis. Free wireless Internet access is available. Other amenities
include a garden.
Eaton Hotel
279 Hagley Road, Birmingham
Around 2 miles' (3.2 km) from Birmingham City Centre, the Eaton Hotel
is an ideal Birmingham ICC hotel,
just a short drive from the International Conference Centre (ICC) as
well as the National Indoor Arena (NIA). The NEC and Birmingham
International Airport are within easy driving distance, and the
American restaurant TGI Friday's in the immediate vicinity. Catering
for business guests as well as visitors to Birmingham, this
central Birmingham hotel offers great value for money as well as over
40 years of experience in looking after its guests. Corporate
travellers will be particularly impressed by the free wireless
access throughout the hotel.
Inkford Hotel
Alcester Road,
Wythall Birmingham B47 6DJ Telephone: 01564 824330
Fax: 01564 829697
Inkford Hotel offers hotel rooms in
Birmingham.
There are a host of attractions in the local area, including Sarehole
Mill, Cadbury World and Lickey Hills Country Park. Other attractions in
the region include The Mailbox and Hanbury Hall. This Birmingham
hotel offers banquet facilities. Guests can also enjoy drinks as there
is a bar/lounge. INKFORD
HOTEL CLICK
Cavalier House Hotel
202 Hagley Road, Birmingham B16
9PQ Tel: 0121 455
6696
There are many great attractions
nearby, including International Convention Centre, Bullring Shopping
Centre, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and National Indoor Arena. Also
close by are The Mailbox and Big Brum. This Birmingham hotel
offers valet parking, a 24-hour front desk and a garden. There is also
a bar/lounge where guests can enjoy drinks after a long day. You will
also have access to a business center at this hotel. Wireless Internet
access is available for a surcharge. free parking is available
on site.
The Campanile Hotel Birmingham is located 1km
from the city
centre and New Street train station, and 9 km from BIRMINGHAM Airport.
Our Hotel is a modern, canal-side hotel which provides ideal
accommodation for business travellers and tourists. The city centre is
within walking distance and we are easily accessible from the motorway,
M6 junction 6, yet quiet enough for a relaxing weekend. The Campanile
Hotel Birmingham is the perfect choice for business and leisure
travellers alike visiting the Birmingham area. HOTEL
CAMPANILE CLICK
The Edgbaston Palace Hotel
198 & 200 Hagley Road, Edgbaston,
Birmingham B16 9PQ
The Palace Hotel is in Edgbaston and has easy access to Birmingham city
centre, 2.5 miles away. It offers free parking, good food and en suite
rooms.
Parts of the Edgbaston Palace date back to 1854 and the original
Victorian building has been carefully preserved. The rooms have a
traditional style, and include a Freeview TV and tea/coffee.
Edgbaston is quiet and green and has easy access to the shops, pubs
and restaurants of the city centre. The Edgbaston Palace Hotel is on
the A456, a major route into Birmingham. There are regular buses
nearby.
The hotel has a private courtyard, gardens, a bar and a restaurant
where guests can enjoy a full English breakfast in the morning and
dinner in the evenings.
Birmingham Nightlife & Clubs
Somewhere over the rainbow…
In the late 90s Birmingham’s
music scene revolved around a handful of nightclubs in the city being
Gods Kitchen at the Sanctuary, Bakers, Miss Money Pennies, Hush, the
Que Club and it pretty much stopped there.
Things were different back then. There was no facebook or Twitter,
there wasn’t even myspace. People were out on the town several
nights and week and the explosion of the house scene saw Birmingham
become a Mecca for some of the best parties this side of Miami.
Birmingham City Council didn’t fine or even license
promoters back in the day either, meaning that nights like Gods Kitchen
regularly saw a crowd of 2000 + with just as many queing outside being
turned away.
Then as the naughties kicked off with a depressing bang, everything
changed. The club scene experienced a commercialisation which would
change Birmingham forever. For three or four years the cool kids
had to go underground and between 2001 and 2004, the country went up in
smoke. House music lost its massive appeal as the Superclub was
labeled dead by DJ and Mixmag respectively.
The whole city was swept away by the birth of UK hip hop, and the
emergence of Drum and Bass as a replacement for Jungle music. The
Medicine Bar was here. For a long time, many ravers changed their
chemical days for a backdrop of Cheech and Chong films and rizlas
packed with a new kind of smoke….Cheese.
Nights of rappers and drum and bass MCs quickly replaced the house
generation and The Custard Factory complex housed literally hundreds of
world class events putting Birmingham on the underground map of the UK.
But eventually the
custard factory and the medicine bar
also changed and the old ravers discovered a new kind of music. This
was when in 2005 Lee McDonald and Adam Shelton birthed a daytime party
called BELOW playing deep, underground house. Fuzz’s partner in The
Rainbow, Chris McLaughlin, was reluctant to change the Friday and
Saturday reggae vibes and so,instead, BELOW was born on a Sunday
daytime. This was an instant hit with the loyalists of
Birmingham’s
musically minded crowd who had long been waiting for the re emergence
of a special kind of dance music, and electro was the answer they had
been waiting for.
Sadly though in 2007, a rival promoter tipped off the
authorities that
the quirky Rainbow Courtyard didn’t tick all the health and safety red
tape and in fact lacked an adequate fire exit. Sadly, The Courtyard was
condemned and BELOW had to go on the road finding alternate,
non-commercial spaces across Birmingham using drained pools, strip
clubs, restaurants, parks, beer gardens, 60s retro clubs, car parks and
even roof tops in their quest to party.
Time went on and it was apparent The Rainbow couldn’t afford the work
need to get the place up to scratch: they were forced to offer the sale
of the lease to Lee McDonald. Without delay, Lee approached Adam
Shelton and a third investor, Kent (who at the time owned a vegetarian
restaurant in another city hotspot, Custard Factory) and the
triumvirate duly took over the Rainbow.
BELOW continued to go from strength to strength and created a movement
in Birmingham introducing the masses to the more underground side of
house. In 2007,BELOW promoters Lee and Adam found a large warehouse
space on the same road as The Rainbow Pub on Adderley Street. In May
2007 they threw a FREE Warehouse Rave to which over 1600 people
attended. Weeks later The Rainbow Warehouse was born.
Being selected by The Prodigy above all other venues in the UK, to
establish their emergence on the live scene, said everything about this
new world class venue. That same summer Lee McDonald felt more should
be done with the unique adjoining outdoor area that stretched
underneath a disused Victorian viaduct. As such, he converted the whole
space into a beach for the summer with 20tonnes of sand, tropical trees
and the DJ booth a beach hut.
Bigger Than Barry’s secret guest for a show on the beach was Annie Mac
that when word got out sold out instantly but Lee really wanted to put
something in there regularly so thought a Sunday daytime gay party
would be a winner.
Without wasting anytime
he approached Jordan Patel, a
local lad who was familiar with the gay market and suggested he put a
team together to do a 3tillmidnight party. Jordan approached Will Power
and Dee and GLAS was born (Gays, Lesbians and Straight) The party
exploded and quickly become one of the biggest gay brands in the UK
pulling a crowd from all over the UK playing more commercial bass heavy
music.
Without wasting anytime
he approached Jordan Patel, a
local lad who was familiar with the gay market and suggested he put a
team together to do a 3tillmidnight party. Jordan approached Will Power
and Dee and GLAS was born (Gays, Lesbians and Straight) The party
exploded and quickly become one of the biggest gay brands in the UK
pulling a crowd from all over the UK playing more commercial bass heavy
music.
A 2009 noise abatement order was The Rainbow’s Waterloo. Emulating a
tactical master plan worthy of the Iron Duke, The Rainbow took the
fight to the environmental Taliban. Within 10 days 22,000 people had
signed up to a Save The Rainbow face book group (indicative of the
emotion the venue stirs) - newspaper editorials covered the story
almost daily, BBC TV Inside Out scheduled a programme on the subject
and BBC Breakfast broadcast live to the nation from inside The Rainbow.
Locally based 60 million record selling UB40 performed a fundraising
concert at The Rainbow Warehouse to ‘Raise the Roof’ – with proceeds
enabling a sound insulating roof to be installed, that stymied further
council action.
In 2010 FACE was created - a weekly underground house night.
Lee was
finding it difficult to acquire quality promoters with an interest in
filling the Rainbow so he decided to put a team together and approached
Scott Rourke and Elliot Croft. The event was weekly and brought in the
consistency that was so badly needed.
In May 2010 the venue started its most ambitious period of
metamorphosis yet. How do you get more underground than The Rainbow? –
only one way – turn the cellar into a venue. The Cellar Door (opened in
May 2010)- is under the very floorboards of the The Rainbow itself.
CELLAR DOOR - UNDERGROUND,
OVER CLAIMED, The Rainbow validates this
status by digging deep & excavating an innovative & intimate
new space - below the surface. Kitted out with a Funktion One System
and low ceiling it became a no frills rave pit.
It gave a third room of music to appeal to a wider audience.
Lee McDonald was later
approached by Rue Jay a successful promoter in
the midlands to put on a new weekly after party and Rocknrolla was born
pulling in a solid 500+ crowd on a weekly basis with the highlight
being sunrise from the gardens terrace. It’s popularity grew and they
booked some leading names in the more commercial side of dance,
Funkagenda, Audio Bullies, Judge Jules, D Ramirez, Jamie George,
Example and many more.
COME & ENJOY
Air Nightclub
: Birmingham
Air Warehouse is a widely acclaimed multi-award winning venue located
in the Custard Factory Complex in the nations second city; Birmingham.
Situated in a former warehouse, Air Warehouse is a meticulously
planned, 1,650 capacity multi-purpose venue spread over 3 separate
floors and rooms. The venue regularly plays host the world’s best
talent, producing sell out electronic music events and club nights by
setting high standards in creative musical programming as well as being
home of world-renowned electronic dance music events brand
‘Godskitchen’ Air Warehouse also plays host to corporate events and
private hire for some of the UK’s leading brands for photo shoots,
fashion shows, product launches and after parties. Air Warehouse is
proud to have received the much sought after ‘Best Bar None’
accreditation as well as beating all entries in its category by winning
‘Best Nightclub’. http://www.airbirmingham.com/
The Custard Factory Complex . Heath Mill Lane . Digbeth .
Birmingham . B9 4AL Tel: 0121 766 6646
après bar
après Summer Row has
had a gorgeous new refurb and reopened Jan 2011.
The decor, layout, great food & drink offers and perfect atmosphere
is sure to make you keep coming back for more. http://www.apresbars.com/
Bambu
In July 2002, Birmingham’s night life was taken by storm when Bambu
opened its doors for the very first time. Quickly establishing itself
as Birmingham’s ultra glamorous venue, combining both the rich and
famous with an elite sophisticated crowd.In September 2008, Bambu
re-opened its doors to a breath taking new look after an eagerly
awaited re-fresh, where ethnic now meets contemporary featuring a
unique smoking terrace, luxurious VIP area, bigger and plusher booth
areas with personal waitress service, lavish decor, intelligent LED
lighting and an enhanced sound-system partnered with the cream of DJs
providing the finest soundtrack that the city has to offer working
alongside the country’s best known brands. http://www.bambubar.co.uk/
Wrottesley St, China Town, Birmingham, B5.
Tel: 0121 622 4124
Barracuda Bar
Partying is the name of the game at the high
energy Barracuda Bar in Hurst Street, Birmingham which opened in
September 2002.
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday till 3am. http://www.barracudabarbirmingham.co.uk
Bar Risa
Located on Birmingham’s busiest going out street, Broad Street, Bar
Risa is one of the biggest and most stylish venues. With 6 rooms and 7
bars Bar Risa has been designed to ensure there is an area to suit
every mood or occasion.Bar Risa is open until 3am Wednesday to Saturday
and until late Sunday to Tuesday. Bar Risa also incorporates
Hightlight, the UK's largest comedy club, where you can eat, drink,
laugh and dance all night long. http://www.risa-birmingham.co.uk/
Chic Ltd
Home of Birmingham's best night out " Chic Breakfast Club" Now
open Thursday Friday, Saturday and once monthly Sunday....amazing venue
and amazing people! From Old school classics to Funky House.
28 Horse Fair, Birmingham, B1. Tel: 0121 666 6806
Club Toxic
CLUB TOXIC has opened its doors and the party has now
begun....This new luxurious venue boasts 2 rooms of music with state of
the art sound systems, lighting shows, starlight ceilings and much much
more....Wana be in the crowd? the main rooms for you or choose to chill
with the VIPs the 2nd room is your style! TOXIC plays host to many top
name brands and Djs with all the tunes you love. The experience is
forever changing so theres something for everyone!
Eden
eden is one of the most popular and well established bars on the
Birmingham gay scene. Since opening our doors in March 2008, after a
massive refurbishment from the old White Swan, we’ve become known as a
friendly, fun and entertaining place to be. Open from 2pm every day of
the week eden is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon drink, game
of pool or just chilling out in our fantastic outdoor area; voted
Birmingham’s best at the 2010 Midlands Zone awards. In the evening eden
becomes the place to be on the scene, with friendly staff, great music
and a great crowd. Two of the scene’s best loved DJ’s make for nights
to remember, with DJ Dan on Thursdays and Saturdays (voted Birmingham’s
best bar DJ at the Zone awards) and DJ Nikki on Fridays and
Sundays.eden also puts on a great range of live entertainment and
one-off nights so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’re
ideally situated at the bottom of Hurst Street and open till 4am so
eden is the perfect place to start, and finish, your night out! Whether
it’s your first time out on the scene or you’re an old hand, you’ll
always feel welcome at eden. . http://www.theedenbar.co.uk/
116 Sherlock Street, Birmingham, B10. Tel: 0121 622 1953
Elbow Room
The Elbow Room is a traditional nightclub in the Aston area of
Birmingham, England. It played a significant part in the formation of
the rock band, Traffic, in the late 1960s
146 High Street, Aston, Birmingham, B6. Tel: 0121 359 2400
Fifty Two
Degrees North
So named because the toilets get very hot during the summer, and it's
north of Borneo. Probably. Anyway, who cares? This is one of the
least–poncey poncey bars in town. It's a strange affair – the bar
stretches alongside a raised seating area that, somehow, puts one in
mind of being on a 1920s cruise liner. There seem to be curtains
everywhere, which could make Catholics feel uneasy. But you forget all
that when you discover there's no draught booze and you have to fork
out silly money for bottles. There are always the groovy sounds and
Absinthe to help you come to terms with it, though. http://www.fiftytwodegreesnorth.co.uk/
The Arcadian Centre, 70 Hurst Street, Birmingham, B3
Tel: 0121 622 5250
Gatecrashers
Gatecrasher is an international clubbing brand made famous by the
Gatecrasher (later Crasher) dance music events held at the Gatecrasher
One nightclub in Sheffield, England during the late 1990s and early
2000s. The event received awards such as "Club Of The Year" at the
Ericsson Muzik Magazine Dance Awards in 1998. The promoters were Simon
Raine, Simon Oates and until 2004 Scott Bond. As of 2011 there are
three permanent Gatecrasher venues located in the cities of Birmingham,
Watford and Nottingham. http://www.gatecrasher.com/
55 Station Street, Birmingham, B5 Tel: 0121 242 6607
Indi Bar
& Lounge
Whether you're dining or drinking Indi Bar has
everything you need.Enjoy one of our indulgent cocktails or a great
value pitcher to share with friends. Why not hire one of our stylish
booths or dance the night away to the very best DJ talent playing
uplifting funky house and soulful R&B. http://www.indibar.co.uk/
Arcadian Centre, Ladywell Walk, Birmingham, B5. Tel: 0121
622 4858
The Institute,
Digbeth in Birmingham
The Institute in Digbeth is a 2,000 capacity music venue in Digbeth,
Birmingham, which has been synonymous in the development of the British
rave music and drum and bass scene. A former church and theatre, the
venue is now called the Sanctuary and was the original home of
Godskitchen`s weekly club nights, It has 5 arenas all of which can host
different music styles. As well as Godskitchen, The Digbeth Institute /
Sanctuary has also played host to famous club nights such as Atomic
Jam, Uproar, Slinky, Sundissential, Athletico, Ramshackle and Panic.
Many artists and bands have performed at Digbeth Institute over the
years. http://venues.meanfiddler.com/hmv-institute/home
Island Bar
Island Bar opened its doors to the masses in September 2006.
Determined
not to be a typical cocktail bar, the team behind Island set it up on
DIY ethics determined to bring a lot of soul and no pretension to the
Birmingham nightlife scene, becoming a hub for music and drink lovers
alike. We’ve taken away all the stuffy nonsense of traditional cocktail
bars, removed the snobby dress codes and made the focus all about the
drinks. We’re proud of our range of drinks and the expertise of our
staff, we think you will be too. In 2009 we were voted one of the top
50 bars in the UK by the Independent on Sunday and have one of the West
Midlands’ largest collections of rum – over 50 at last count. http://www.bar-island.co.uk/
14-16 Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham B1 1LT Tel
: 0121 632 5296.
The Jam House
The Jam House is your one stop destination for food, drink, and live
music! Dusky purple lights cast romantic shadows on the walls of this
funky, jazz-centric venue. Guests dine on the balcony above the main
stage where soulful musicians entertain throughout the evening. This is
one venue where you can eat, drink and dance to your heart's content. http://www.thejamhouse.com/birmingham/
3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham, B31QU Tel: 0121 200
3030
Jongleurs [Birmingham] Eat, Drink, Laugh and Dance at the very
best comedy club in Birmingham. Located in super club 'Oceana',
Birmingham Jongleurs is a great place to celebrate any occasion from
birthdays to office parties, hen nights and stagdo’s Here at Jongleurs
we provide the rare opportunity for our guest to eat, drink, laugh and
dance under one roof. With shows running every Friday and Saturday
night, Jongleurs provides the best in live entertainment with some of
the top comedians in the country - but why let the night stop when the
comedians finish? Your ticket allows you to carry on partying late into
the night at the multi-award winning Oceana, with its five themed bars
and two nightclubs, you will have a night to remember! We are situated
at ‘1 – 5 Hurst Street’, 5 minutes walk from Birmingham New Street
train station http://www.jongleurs.com/
The Living Room
The Birmingham Living Room occupies the entire top floor of Regency
Wharf 2 and boasts some of the most spectacular views over the city’s
impressive skyline. The classy interior and impressive drinks
menu draws in a more professional and sophisticated crowd but still
manages to remain far from pretentious. Great music, friendly staff and
a good atmosphere sees people returning regularly to this top bar. www.thelivingroom.co.uk
The Living Room
Unit 4
Regency Wharf 2
Broad Street
Birmingham
B1 2JZ
Tel: 0870 442 2539
Mechu
The ground-floor bar and grill blends hip design with laid-back
informality with its exposed brickwork, flaming candles, deep purple
timber flooring and slouchy seating. Serving the best cocktails,
ice-cold beers, champagnes and wine by the glass, it is truly a place
to enjoy whatever your mood. A breakaway from rigidity is evident in
the grill menu that offers grazing plates, sharing dishes, salads,
steaks and ribs. By contrast, the upper level offers you Mechu
Club with Dom Perignon by Night status. Defiantly luxurious and
ultra-exclusive, the interior is a visual treat and gives a stylish nod
to the sixties. Think Mary Quant deluxe with a dash of Paco Rabanne.
Luxuriously private booths are available to hire allowing you to party
in style.... http://mechu.com/
Medusa Gentlemans
Club
Medusa Strip Club Birmingham is one of many lap dancing strip
clubs in Birmingham. Medusa Strip Club Birmingham is a popular
venue for Birmingham's locals, tourists, gentlemens parties and stag
dos. Review and read reviews of Medusa lap dancing clubs Birm http://www.medusaclub.com/
Miss Moneypenny's
Miss Moneypennys, The Worlds Most Glamorous Clubbing Brand has been
throwing parties and events throughout the world for over eighteen
years.It evolved as the weekly club event from the extravagant one off
‘Chuff Chuff’ parties, the longest running and most exclusive
hedonistic house music event in the UK. http://www.moneypennys.com/
Constitution Hill, Birmingham, B19. Tel: 0121 693 6960
The Moon Lounge Bar/Club
Playing the finest in Funky Bassline House And Speed Garage each and
every Friday/Saturday. Moon lounge is an intimate bar/club on two
levels in the trendy Chinese Quarter of Birmingham. The entrance is
upstairs and that’s where the main DJ and dance floor reside. There's
plenty of room to dance and a podium for any exhibitionists. Downstairs
there is a smaller bar and an altogether more relaxed atmosphere for
when you need to escape to have a rest, or a cuddle.
Nightingale Club
The Nightingale’s home for the last 14 years has been Kent Street. In
this time there have been numerous changes to the original layout of
1994.The main room on the ground floor has undergone three major
transformations, the last one being in the summer of 2007. The middle
floor and top floors have also undergone major changes and
refurbishments over the years. Kent Street as a venue moved the
Nightingale into the ‘superclub’ league, with a major focus on live
entertainment.By far the most commercial of the venues, the Nightingale
in Kent Street is now home to the Big Saturday Night Out, which, apart
from attracting sell-out attendances, also features the best live acts
available on the circuit today. The most recent refurbishment of the
ground floor upgraded the sound and lighting systems and put in place a
performance stage that has seen the likes of Sophie Ellis Bextor and
various X-Factor finalists strutting their stuff… http://www.nightingaleclub.co.uk
Essex House, Kent Street, Birmingham, B5.
Tel: 0121 622 1718
Oceana
Oceana is a multi-award winning nightclub in Birmingham providing
an amazing clubbing experience for a party and night out in Birmingham. http://www.oceanaclubs.com/birmingham/
Q Club [Birmingham]
Resurrected back in September 2007 after
being closed for 6 years, the Legendary Q Club is back hosting regular
events such as Cream and Atomic Jam! Set in the old methodist Central
Hall in Birmingham UK, this grade 2* listed building boasts 7 rooms
including an awe-inspiring main arena! http://www.qclub.co.uk
12 Corporation St, Birmingham,
Rocket Club
We are renowned for providing first class lap dancing to the discerning
business visitor. On any night we have up to 30 beautiful girls from
around the world, and the dancers that appear on stage are the very
best on offer from all over the U.K, Europe and the world. On arrival
in Birmingham you will be welcomed by our friendly staff into our
luxury lounge which is adjacent to the main lap dancing club room,
giving you time to relax before you move into the main club room where
the dancers are waiting to entertain you. For a more relaxing and
exclusive experience visit our VIP rooms away from the crowds.
Birmingham Lap Dancing And Strippers for Stag Weekends and Stag Nights.
http://www.therocketclub.com/
Sence Bar & Club
If you haven't decided where to go and you are looking for a great
venue then come and spend it with us. http://www.sencebirmingham.co.uk/
Snobs Nightclub
Birmingham's number one Student, Indie and Alternative Nightclub.
Playing the finest indie, rock, northern soul and 60's music.
http://www.snobsnightclub.co.uk/
Spearmint Rhino
Spearmint Rhino is a chain of strip clubs that operates venues
throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Central Europe,
Russia and Australia. The club opened in 1989 as a supplement to
the existing Peppermint Elephant Restaurant. This first Spearmint Rhino
was located in Upland, California http://www.spearmintrhino.com/hagleyroad.html
The Sports Café is the
ultimate venue for any type of competitive event. With 120 TV’s and
four super screens; you’re guaranteed to have the best view of anything
sport related. There are also two dancefloors, three bars and fantastic
food on offer to keep you entertained all night long. www.thesportscafe.net
The Sports Cafe 240 Broad Street Birmingham B1 2HG Tel: 0121
633 4000
Subway City
Subway City is a large Underground nightclub venue with a 1,000 people
capacity, It has 7 Rooms, 5 Bars, 3 Dancefloors and even its own
restaurant. One of Birminghams last true underground venues, hosting a
variety of regular events with Hard House, Trance, Electro, Tech-house,
Techno, Indie, Motown, Rock, Metal, Emo, Bassline and more! Subway is
Open Thursday 10pm-4am, Friday 10pm-4am, Saturday 10pm-9am &
Sundays on Bank Holidays. Regular DJs include: Andy Farley, Ian M, Lisa
Pin-Up, Paul Glazby, Paul Kershaw, Charlotte Birch, Smiler and Andre,
Ev Morton, Hinsley, Tom Short, Joe Hunt, Ste Savage, Da Funksters,
Funkalicious, Sarah G and many, many more http://www.subwaycityclub.co.uk/
27 Water Street, Birmingham, B3. Tel: 0121 233 0310
Tower Ballroom
Birmingham's Number One NightSpot - For Live Entertainment and
Music from Top DJ's. Also available for Hire for Weddings http://www.thetowerbirmingham.co.uk/
Works Nightclub
the works nightclub birmingham welcome to the works nightclub
three rooms of music featuring house garage rnb party and dance the
works daily entertainment guide whats on and coming events to the works
the works club news the works gallery see yourself in the works the
works music chart's works pub to club get coach info on how to get to
the works free tickets print free tickets for the works cop... http://www.theworksbirmingham.com/
Partly
because of its inland central location, Birmingham is a major transport
hub on the motorway, rail, and canal networks. The city is served by a
number of major motorways and probably the best known motorway junction
in the UK: Spaghetti Junction.
The National Express Group headquarters are located in
Digbeth, in offices above the newly developed Birmingham Coach Station,
which forms the national hub of the company's coach network.
Birmingham Airport, located six miles east of the city
centre in the neighbouring borough of Solihull, is the sixth busiest by
passenger traffic in the United Kingdom, and the second busiest outside
the London area.] It is a major base for airlines
including Flybe, Ryanair, Bmibaby, Monarch Airlines and Thomson
Airways; and is connected by flag carrier airlines to major
international hubs including Dubai, New York-Newark, Frankfurt, Munich
Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam.
Local public transport is by bus,
local train and tram. Bus routes are mainly operated by National
Express West Midlands,
which accounts for over 80% of all bus journeys in Birmingham, however,
there are around 50 other, smaller registered bus companies The number 11 outer circle bus routes are the
longest urban bus routes in Europe, being 26 miles (42 km) longwith 272 bus
stops.
The city's main railway
station, Birmingham New Street, is the busiest in the United Kingdom
outside London, used by over 40.1 million people annually. Birmingham
Snow Hill station, another major railway station in the city centre, is
also the terminus for the Midland Metro which operates between the
station and Wolverhampton, also serving the nearby towns of Bilston,
Wednesbury and West Bromwich.
Another city centre station, Birmingham Moor Street (its terminal
platforms having been restored) became (5 September 2011) the city's
third main line station, with express trains to London Marylebone
(Chiltern Railways). There are plans to extend the Midland Metro route
further into Birmingham city centre. Birmingham has a
large rail-based park and ride network that feeds the city centre.
Birmingham is also notable
for its extensive canal system, and the city is often noted for having
more miles of canal than Venice. The canals fed the industry in the
city during the Industrial Revolution. Canalside regeneration schemes
such as Brindleyplace have turned the canals into tourist attractions.
Spaghetti
Junction
If non-Brummies are asked to
think of things that symbolise Birmingham, the betting is that they
will probably come up with one or more of the following three items:
the Bullring, the Rotunda and most likely of all … Spaghetti Junction.
Whilst millions of people come in and out of Birmingham every year as
tourists and visitors, many more people drive straight past it on their
journeys to other places. The reason that so many people drive so close
to Birmingham but don’t pay us a visit (140,000 vehicles pass through
Spaghetti Junction every day) is actually not because they don’t like
us (or at least we hope not), but because Birmingham is at the centre
of one of the country’s busiest road networks.
The official title of Spaghetti Junction is the Gravelly Hill
Interchange and it is also recorded as Junction 6 on the M6 motorway.
The interchange is where the M6 connects with various local roads,
including the A38M motorway (Aston Expressway) and the A38 (Lichfield
Road) as well as a number of other roads that lead to different areas
of Birmingham.
Fifteen years in the planning, design and construction, Spaghetti
Junction was completed in 1972. It was designed by the engineering
firm, Sir Owen Williams & Partners, who had been commissioned by
the Ministry of Transport in 1958 to investigate new routes which could
link up existing motorways. Nowadays Spaghetti Junction is the focal
point in a much wider motorway network with branches going off in all
directions. The circular ring of motorways around the perimeters of
Birmingham provide the following links to other motorways:
The M6 northbound heads towards Manchester and the north west with
links to the M5 south towards Bristol and South Wales and the M54 to
Telford in the direction of North Wales.
The M6 southbound heads towards the M1 running up and down the centre
of England from London to Leeds with the M69 branching off the M6
towards Leicester.
The M42 southbound leads to both the London bound M40 and the Bristol
bound M5 south.
The M42 north east heads in the direction of Derby and Nottingham with
a link to the new M6 toll road that connects Coleshill in the south
with Cannock in the north.
Only London, Yorkshire and Lancashire have such extensive
motorway networks, but Birmingham is fundamental to the whole lot
because of it’s central position. When Spaghetti Junction was first
built at a cost of £10.8 million pounds (equivalent to
£86.2 million today) it was the largest motorway interchange in
Europe and the first free flowing, i.e. it did not rely on roundabouts
or traffic lights to control the flow of traffic through it.
However, in order to achieve this innovative free flow of traffic, the
challenge for the architects was to come up with a design whereby a
number of new and existing roads could cross one another whilst also
being linked to one another and all at one site. The location chosen
had previously been used for similar purposes when the Tame Valley
Canal Bypass was constructed there in 1844 to ease the strain on
Birmingham’s canal network.
Spaghetti Junction was officially opened on 24th May 1972 by Peter
Walker MP, the Secretary of State for the Environment. It was generally
welcomed by the country’s motorists as it ultimately linked every
corner of the UK through the developing motorway network and thus cut
down travelling time considerably. It’s critics called it ugly,
disjointed and horrible, especially those 160 householders whose
properties were demolished to make way for it. The Erdington Arms pub
was also a victim to the march of progress. Birmingham historian Vivian
Bird, writing in 1974, referred to Spaghetti Junction as an act of
‘plandalism’, calling it the Gravelly Hill earthquake and a wall that
imprisoned the people of Birmingham:
“Birmingham has been torn
asunder that traffic from everywhere else may thunder through the
suburbs. To Birmingham citizens this Gravelly Hill intersection has
been for long a barrier, surmountable only by those with the strongest
nerves or the weakest sensibilities, a labyrinth penetrable only by
drivers with the fortitude of Theseus”.
But, in common with the 1960s built Bull Ring shopping centre, our
precious Rotunda and more recently our beloved Iron Man at the top of
New Street, we Brummies are actually quite fond of our most famous
landmark, Spaghetti Junction. Claims that there is a seaside resort in
the middle of it may be exaggerations, urban myths or just plain old
bonkers, but planners beware, knock it down at your peril!
AIRPORTS
BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT
Since its first ever flight in May 1939, the Airport has grown from
strength to strength to become the Midlands gateway to the world and
position of regional pride. To handle the growing number of flights and
passengers, construction on a new Airport terminal on the other side of
the runway began in 1981 with a capacity for 3 million people. It
opened in 1984 by Her Majesty the Queen and handles record passenger
numbers during the first few years.On March 3rd 2000, Her Majesty, The
Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened a
£40 million terminal development, which provided a two-storey
arrivals concourse linking the two passenger terminals for the first
time, and a new pier with three glass-sided air bridges, 16 new
check-in desks, a new baggage reclaim hall with 6 carousels, 12 new
catering and retail outlets, and new Customs and Immigration halls. it
is the sixth busiest airport in the UK, carrying more than 9 million
passengers a year. More are predicted to come through the busy terminal
in future, with passenger numbers of 15 million predicted by 2013. It
is ideally located close to the M42 motorway making it easily
accessible for miles in every direction.
Birmingham
is brilliant for buses. We’ve a huge network linking everyone to
everything. Network
West Midlands has all the online timetables and fare information
you need with easy ticket buying and route planning.
Alternatively call 0871 200 22 33 for timetable information (Calls from
landlines cast 10p per minute) or visit Centro’s many information
points. More and more local buses have facilities such as low floors
for easy access for wheelchair users and push chairs. Birmingham buses
cannot be hailed to be stopped; passengers wishing to board or leave a
bus, should do so at an official bus stop. Please remember that you
need to give the exact fare to the driver as you board.
Almost
1 million people a day use the bus in the West Midlands - making it by
far the most popular form of public transport.Network West Midlands
aims to make using the bus as easy as possible for both new and
existing travellers. If you cannot find the information you require on
this site you may need to go to one of our Bus Operators web sites.
Bus
Timetable
Every bus service in
the West Midlands
Maps
Download our bus, rail
and Metro guides,
where to board your bus guide and link to our NEW Interactive Travel
Maps.
Weekly
Bus Service Changes
Guides to show weekly route changes,
and changes to services due to roadworks and other problems
Midland
Metro is the light rail system for the West Midlands which
currently operates between Birmingham and Wolverhampton via key
locations including West Bromwich, Bilston and Wednesbury.Midland Metro
operates 7 days a week with a turn up and go 8 minute
frequency during the day and 15 minute frequency during the evenings
and Sundays. Metro is the most reliable way to travel in the
West Midlands - with over 96,000 people using the service in a typical
week. 23 stops serve the route end to end, four of which have
secure park and ride facilities available. If you want to see our
exciting plans for future expansion of the Metro system then please
visit www.centro.org.uk/metro/futureroutes.aspx
If you cannot find the information you require on this site you may
need to visit www.travelmetro.co.uk
The Metro timetable has a 6-8 minute frequency Monday - Saturday
daytimes and also features an earlier start where the first tram leaves
Birmingham and from Wolverhampton at 5.15am Monday to Saturday (with
trams starting from Wednesbury Parkway departing even earlier) -
perfect for early birds! Additionally, for night
owls, the last through tram on a Saturday night from Birmingham and
from Wolverhampton depart at midnight (there are also later trams from
both Birmingham and Wolverhampton which run as far as Wednesbury
Parkway only) .
TRAINS
Birmingham International Station
Birmingham International railway station is
located in the borough of Solihull, just east of the city of Birmingham
. The station is on the Rugby-Birmingham-Stafford Line 14 km
(8½ miles) east of Birmingham New Street and serves both
Birmingham International Airport and the National Exhibition Centre.
The railway station lies next to the M42 motorway. The 'International'
in its name refers to the airport, not to an international railway
service. The station opened on 26 January 1976 and has regular
train services to many parts of the country. Operating Companies are:
Moor Street Station
Birmingham Moor Street railway
station is situated in Birmingham city
centre, and has been extensively rebuilt and refurbished. Moor
Street was built by the Great Western Railway to relieve traffic on its
two-track tunnel under central Birmingham to Birmingham
Snow Hill. It was a terminus for trains from Leamington Spa, and in particular those via
Stratford-upon-Avon (then a main line). It was opened
with temporary
buildings in July
1909, and permanent buildings were completed in 1914. The station and
goods yard were on Moor Street, on the western side of the entrance to
Snow Hill tunnel, but the through tracks to Snow Hill were not provided
with platforms. Sunday trains at Moor Street began for
the first
time when Snow Hill
was reopened in the mid-1980s. Before then, Sunday trains ran through
the tunnel to Snow Hill station instead (pre 1967/8). With the Snow
Hill tunnel closure in 1968, these trains were diverted into New Street.
The incomplete viaduct visible from Moor
Street
turning towards Birmingham Curzon Street
is the original intended route of the line. A product of inter-company
rivalry, the viaduct was never used, and the GWR was forced to build
the route through to Snow Hill in the 1850s.
Queensway
Birmingham
B4 7UL
Birmingham
Moor Street train station is located in the centre of
Birmingham City, just 5 minutes walk from Birmingham New Street
station. Conveniently positioned next door to the Bull Ring shopping
centre and new, faster Mainline trains get you to London in just 90
minutes.
Phone:
08456 005 165
Fax: 01926 729 914
New Street Station
Birmingham New Street is the main railway station serving Birmingham,
England, located in the city centre. It is an important hub for the
British railway system, being served by a number of important
long-distance and cross-country lines, including the Birmingham loop of
the West Coast Main Line, the Cross Country Route, and the Birmingham
to Peterborough Line. It is also a major hub for local and suburban
services in the West Midlands, including those on the Cross City Line
between Lichfield and Redditch. New Street is the busiest railway
station in the United Kingdom outside London and sixth-busiest station
in the UK for interchange purposes. According to Network Rail,
which manages the station, over 40.1 million people use it annually,
87% of whom are passengers. With almost 4 million passengers changing
trains at the station annually, it is also by far the busiest rail hub
outside London .The original New Street station was built in the
Victorian era. This was demolished and replaced by the current station
in the 1960s. An enclosed station, with buildings over most of its
span, New Street is not popular with its users, with a customer
satisfaction rate of only 52% - the joint lowest of any Network Rail
major station. A £550m redevelopment scheme named Gateway Plus
was awarded full funding by the British government in February 2008,
and new designs were unveiled in September 2008. Work started on the
redevelopment a year later.
Snow Hill Station
Birmingham Snow Hill is a railway station and tram stop in the centre
of Birmingham , on the site of an earlier, much larger station built by
the former Great Western Railway (GWR). It is the second most important
railway station in the city, after Birmingham New Street station. It is
also the terminus of the Midland Metro light rail line from
Wolverhampton (via Wednesbury and West Bromwich), pending the line's
extension. The present Snow Hill station has three platforms for
National Rail trains. When it was originally reopened in 1987 it had
four, but one was later converted for use by Midland Metro trams. The
planned extension of the Midland Metro through Birmingham city centre
includes a dedicated embankment for trams alongside the station, and
this will allow the fourth platform to be returned to main-line use.
Liberty Cars
180 Dudley Road, Birmingham. B18. Tel: 0121 454 1193
Also on 0121 454 9200
Local Cars
528 Stratford Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham. B11. Tel: 0121 772 7374
Also on 0121 772 8081
M & M Cars
5 Castle Close, Solihull, West Midlands. B92. Tel: 0121 242 1222
Also on 0121 242 2333
Manor Cars
Unit 1a, Leviss Industrial Estate, Station Road, Stechford, Birmingham.
B33 9AE. Tel: 0121 783 1000
Also on 0121 784 1000. 24 hour service and 7 seaters available.
Marston Green Cars
Export House, 31a Station Road, Marston Green, Birmingham. B37. Tel:
0121 770 2222
Also on 0121 770 3333
Midland Radio Cars
Unit 1, Westwood Business Park, Dulverton Road, Birmingham. B6. Tel:
0121 327 2000
Also on 0121 327 7171
Prince Cars
316 Bearwood Road, Smethwick, Birmingham. B66. Tel: 0121429 5000
Also on 0121 427 7222. This company offer special rates for OAP's and
Students.
Quinborne Cars
876 - 880 Bristol Road South, Northfield. B31. Tel: 0121 608 5000.
Also on 0121 680 5000.
Executive
Boxer
Adderley St.
Digbeth, Birmingham B9 4ED
info@executiveboxer.com
Executive Boxer are the pioneers of white collar boxing
in the Midlands, we offer one to one training at our "real"
boxing gym close to Birmingham city centre. For the more
adventurous why not enter one of our Vegas style fight nights?
Fighting
Fit City Gym
31 Lionel Street
Birmingham B3 1AP
0121 212 9461
Birminghams premiere White Collar Boxing Gym. Located
under the BT tower in the heart of Birminghams city center.
The gym features 20 punch bags, a full free weights area,
complimentary conditioning equipment and over 20 classes
per week.
Small Heath
ABC
50 Adderley Street
Unit 2
Digbeth B9 4ED
Birmingham, UK
07805592938
info@smallheathboxingclub.co.uk
One of Britain's best establsihed and successful gyms;
we have top class facilities and you can come along to
learn to compete or take advantage of personal 1-2-1 training
sessions with fully qualified personal trainers offering reasonable
rates. Contact Paddy Benson on 07805592938
Tamworth Boxing Academy
Unit 39, Sandy Way, Amington Industrial Estate, Tamworth, Staffordshire
B77 4DS Ph: 01827 314111 Mob: 07973 766 467 Email : alan@tamworthboxing.com
1 of
not many Gym's in staffordshire to have professional career boxers like
Don Broadhurst who is currently holding a title. this gym also has an
excellent atmosphere an also you can gain an education through this
tamworth boxing academy which is part of the Tamworth an lichfield
college circuit
Warwick
Racing ABC (the Famous Turpins Gym), Hampton Road, Warwick,
Warwickshire, UK, Ph: 07932 745275
FISHING
If you
are looking for a bit of
Free
Fishing
in the UK Click on Picture to left
GOLF
CLUBS
IN BIRMINGHAM & WARWICKSHIRE
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North
Worcestershire Equestrian Centre inc. Silvretta Haflingers
Address: Shangri La, Woodfield Lane, Romsley, B62 0LR More Information - Click This Link
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.
also
available on local DAB digital radio, in the Birmingham area
Wolverhampton,
Telford and Shrewsbury areas
BBC Asian Network is also
broadcasting on the 
Foley:
The
Spy who saved 10,000 Jews
Birmingham City Council didn’t fine or even license
promoters back in the day either, meaning that nights like Gods Kitchen
regularly saw a crowd of 2000 + with just as many queing outside being
turned away.
Sadly though in 2007, a rival promoter tipped off the
authorities that
the quirky Rainbow Courtyard didn’t tick all the health and safety red
tape and in fact lacked an adequate fire exit. Sadly, The Courtyard was
condemned and BELOW had to go on the road finding alternate,
non-commercial spaces across Birmingham using drained pools, strip
clubs, restaurants, parks, beer gardens, 60s retro clubs, car parks and
even roof tops in their quest to party. 
In 2010 FACE was created - a weekly underground house night.
Lee was
finding it difficult to acquire quality promoters with an interest in
filling the Rainbow so he decided to put a team together and approached
Scott Rourke and Elliot Croft. The event was weekly and brought in the
consistency that was so badly needed.
CELLAR DOOR - UNDERGROUND,
OVER CLAIMED, The Rainbow validates this
status by digging deep & excavating an innovative & intimate
new space - below the surface. Kitted out with a Funktion One System
and low ceiling it became a no frills rave pit.
Lee McDonald was later
approached by Rue Jay a successful promoter in
the midlands to put on a new weekly after party and Rocknrolla was born
pulling in a solid 500+ crowd on a weekly basis with the highlight
being sunrise from the gardens terrace. It’s popularity grew and they
booked some leading names in the more commercial side of dance,
Funkagenda, Audio Bullies, Judge Jules, D Ramirez, Jamie George,
Example and many more.
If non-Brummies are asked to
think of things that symbolise Birmingham, the betting is that they
will probably come up with one or more of the following three items:
the Bullring, the Rotunda and most likely of all … Spaghetti Junction.
Whilst millions of people come in and out of Birmingham every year as
tourists and visitors, many more people drive straight past it on their
journeys to other places. The reason that so many people drive so close
to Birmingham but don’t pay us a visit (140,000 vehicles pass through
Spaghetti Junction every day) is actually not because they don’t like
us (or at least we hope not), but because Birmingham is at the centre
of one of the country’s busiest road networks.
“Birmingham has been torn
asunder that traffic from everywhere else may thunder through the
suburbs. To Birmingham citizens this Gravelly Hill intersection has
been for long a barrier, surmountable only by those with the strongest
nerves or the weakest sensibilities, a labyrinth penetrable only by
drivers with the fortitude of Theseus”.
