Historic places in Birmingham

Historic places in Birmingham

1. See

   Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

   Large museum with some local history, several temporary exhibitions and large permanent collection, including an extensive collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Home to part of the stunning Anglo-Saxon hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold metal work discovered just north of Birmingham in 2009. Includes the Gas Hall and Waterhall Gallery of Modern Art. As of August 2025, only some galleries are open, due to refurbishment.

   Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM·Free (donations welcome)

2. See

   Blakesley Hall

   One of the oldest buildings in Birmingham and a typical example of "black & white" Tudor architecture, constructed in 1590 by Richard Smalbroke as a timber-framed farmhouse. Many historic artefacts are on display in the museum, including authentic candlesticks and pewter goblets. The Gilbertstone, moved in local folklore by the Giant named Gilbert, is displayed in the grounds of the museum.

   Wed-Sun 11AM-4PM·Adults £8, students and elderly £6, children younger than 15 £5

3. See

   Cadbury World

   Huge chocolate factory south of the city centre. Tour includes the history of chocolate and the Cadbury company, plus a brief look at some of the factory floor. Some free chocolate, plus relatively cheap mis-shapes in the shop.

   Opening times vary enormously but tend to be daily 10AM-5PM in the spring, summer and autumn·Entry from £24 (online price; costs more in person)

4. See

   Jaguar Castle Bromwich Assembly

   The north of Birmingham hosts Jaguar's Castle Bromwich Assembly plant, which makes most Jaguar's models, and especially the high-end ones. Factory visits are available, and have to be pre-booked by contacting the Visitors Centre by phone or email.

5. Buy

   Picadilly Arcade

   A historic shopping arcade with painted plafonds and a potpourri of specialist premises right next to the New Street station.

6. See

   Red Palace

   A thin corner building in the red-brick-and-terracota style was devised to house industrial workshops, with incorporated machinery and infrastructure. The building, distinguished by its ornamental tower at the very corner, ended up housing consecutive ethnic restaurants, most recently Syrian.

7. See

   St Chad's Cathedral

   Catholic cathedral built in 1841 and designated a Minor Basilica in 1941. Contains the Shrine of St. Chad.

   Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM, Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 9AM-1PM

8. See

   St Martin in the Bull Ring

   St. Martin 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 1875, though inside you can see the 1325 effigy of the Lord of the Manor Sir William de Bermingham. The church is Grade II* listed.

   Daily 10AM-5PM

9. See

   St Philip's Cathedral

   Church of England cathedral, built between 1709 and 1715 and now the centre of the Diocese of Birmingham. Grade 1 listed building, designed as a parish church in the Baroque style by Thomas Archer. Contains four spectacular pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows by Burne Jones.

   Mon-Fri 7:30AM-6:30PM (5PM from late Jul to early Sep), Sat Sun 8:30AM-5PM

10. See

    The Coffin Works

    Newman Brothers Coffin Furniture Factory

    An industrial heritage museum in the Jewellery Quarter, dedicated to educating visitors about the social and industrial history and importance of the site which was in operation as a coffin furniture factory from 1894 to its closure in 1998. Ornaments made by the Newman Brothers decorated the coffins of Sir Winston Churchill, Joseph Chamberlain, and many others. Many of the historic rooms, among which the "stamp" room, can be viewed and visited. Guided tours are highly recommended and start at 1PM, 2PM and 3PM.

    Wed-Sun 10:45AM-3PM, last tour starts at 3PM·£6.60 for adults, £4.40 for children, free under age of 5

11. Drink Not mapped

    The Works

    Big 3 room club, with a variety of music. Great for kids. Over 23's will feel ancient in here.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Birmingham (CC BY-SA 4.0).