Location: Birmingham
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The 7 Best History Museums in Birmingham, England
The geographical heart of England, Birmingham started life as a sixth- century Anglo-Saxon village. Today, much of this city of over a million dates back to post-WWII redevelopment in the 1950s and 60s. Cutting edge museums and galleries, innovative theaters and excellent shopping have contributed to Birmingham's appeal as a weekend break destination. Don't miss the hopping bars and cafes of Gas Street Basin or the fascinating creatures at the National Sea Life Centre.
Restaurants in Birmingham
1. New Hall Water Mill
2. The Hive Heritage & Craft
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Based within the New Standard Works, a grade II listed building in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter; the Hive Heritage Hub displays exhibitions on historic and contemporary trade, alongside the social history of the quarter. The Hive Heritage Hub is the newest edition to the New Standard Works building, home to Argent College for young people with learning disabilities and complex needs. We are proud to offer an inclusive and friendly environment to all our visitors. Everyone is welcome to enjoy our beautiful industrial building and discover the stories of its past. As well as being open Monday to Friday, we also open for the Saturday Sessions every second Saturday of the month - a long day of themed activity, experiences, fine food and sociable times. Every month we have a different theme and we have designed the day around it; the creative activities for families, the craft workshops and experiences, the evening entertainment and, of course, the delicious food!
Reviewed By brianmT9870HH - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Formerly the Standard Works this building had been empty for many years but now is a home to a College for People who need some support. Part includes and excellent cafe whilst another is dedicated to the old Jewellery Quarter trades. Well worth a visit and support.
3. Aston Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 634 reviews
Aston Hall is a magnificent seventeenth century red-brick mansion situated in a picturesque public park on the north side of Birmingham. It also boasts the title of being the first historic building to be opened as a public museum in 1858 by Queen Victoria. Built between 1618 and 1635 for Sir Thomas Holte and home to James Watt Junior from 1817-1848, Aston Hall is steeped in history. The last conventional Jacobean house erected in England, which today features fine 17th-century architectural detail including plasterwork, woodwork and chimneypieces. Now a grade I listed building, the hall is restored to its former Jacobean splendor and is hugely popular with visitors of all ages. Walk through the stunning interiors and see the home that received royalty, was besieged during the English Civil War and inspired an author. Enjoy peaceful, picturesque grounds and cakes, snacks, and hot drinks available in the dog friendly cafe.
Reviewed By katyh872 - Hopwas, United Kingdom
Our delightful host and guide, Ed, bought this fabulous house to life with his enchanting yet credible tales. This treasure sits in stark contrast to the deprivation that exists within yards of its gates; it is unique in its proximity to vast tracts of inner city terraced housing, factories, major arterial roads, main line rail services and a premier league football club. Yet it retains a humility and honesty in now acting as a showcase for the treasures of the Jacobean, Georgian and Victorian, all of which shaped the worthy contribution of Birmingham to society, religion and science As my grandparents lived almost next door I was familiar with the house and grounds but it had taken many many years for me to know the neighbours!! Highly recommended for the many visitors we will welcome to the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
4. Selly Manor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Selly Manor is a beautiful Tudor manor in the heart of historic Bournville. Alongside the medieval hall of Minworth Greaves, together these are two of Birmingham's oldest buildings and are surrounded by a lovely cottage garden. The museum is home to the Laurence Cadbury Collection of period furniture and domestic objects which bring these timber-framed buildings to life. The museum offers a range of exhibitions, talks and tours, special events, children's activities and is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies. Please check our website for our current opening hours as these change throughout the year.
Reviewed By Harbroe - Seaford, United Kingdom
When you buy your entry tickets in a mediaeval hall house with a massive 17th C table at one end, you know the main building is going to be special. It's quite small - the main building - and of a similar age. But the furniture and presentation are imaginative. Best of all, it has a very attractive "feel" to it. the gardens are tiny but atractive, even in atumn. Staff are informative, friendly and helpful. Highly recommended when you're in Bourneville, visiting the Cadbury's World and maybe going on the short town trail.
5. Blakesley Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Grade II* Tudor house built c.1590. Wonderful gardens, shop, Herb Garden Cafe and family friendly events. Part of Birmingham Museums Trust. Site currently closed to the public due to COVID-19.
Reviewed By veldac2013 - Bloxwich, United Kingdom
Excellent tour of the house - today’s theme and talk was about ‘Women in Tudor Times’ as it is International Women’s Day this month. Friendly and incredibly knowledgeable volunteers and staff. House is run by the council but they have teamed up with the National Trust enabling half price entry - well worth £7 for two adults. Had the cream tea in the Herb Cafe. Very well presented with really friendly staff. Would thoroughly recommend. A hidden little gem of a property.
6. Winterbourne House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,078 reviews
The Garden, tea room and shop are open daily 10.30pm to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). The House remains closed until further notice. Restored to its Edwardian Arts and Craft splendour, Winterbourne House is a unique heritage attraction – set within seven acres of beautiful botanic gardens. Only minutes from Birmingham city centre, Winterbourne is a hidden gem – home to beautiful antiques and over 6,000 plant species from around the world. Wander along the woodland walk, stroll through the hazelnut tunnel, cross the 1930’s Japanese Bridge or simply soak up the tranquillity of this perfectly English Edwardian home.
Reviewed By hayla-lales - England, United Kingdom
Went here around four months ago with my friends. It's so beautiful and peaceful here. No noise from the city, it's in an almost countryfied area. Really lustrous, colourful gardens, with various little areas that are a little bit different and unique to each other. They have an orchard, a gorgeous Japanese bridge over a small pond, glass houses full of succulents and cacti, some really exquisite sites there, and all in its just a relaxing, pleasent walk through that you can take your time strolling around in, for as long as you want. House we couldn't see, but had some afternoon tea there and sat outside, good prices for tea and cake, really delicious as well. Not sure if the cakes are made there or bought in, or if they have the same cakes through the year or change the options around, but they have a good selection to pick from. Definitely will try and go back there when they're able to open the house to the public.
7. Coffin Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 880 reviews
A Victorian Coffin Fittings factory, restored by Birmingham Conservation Trust and opened as a museum in October 2014. The shelves and workbenches at Newman Brothers are full of original stock and tools of the trade. With the original machinery working again, you can truly experience how this old Jewellery Quarter firm once operated on a day-to-day basis, producing some of the world's finest coffin furniture, including the fittings for the funerals of Joseph Chamberlain, Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother.
Reviewed By neilb43431 - Birmingham, United Kingdom
The tour at the old Newman Brothers' factory brings to life little stories about the way of life of workers in Birmingham over a period of time. It just so happens these workers made coffins look good. Seeing the stamp room and understanding about processes, conditions and lifestyle through knowledgeable guides' (Leigh, in our case) stories and excellent demonstrations really bring the period to life. Case studies of workers and managers of the factory from the 1880s right through to its final owner and closure in 1997, you really to understand the importance of their work , their lives and their contribution. Thank you, Leigh, for an insightful and engaging tour. (Not one phone rang during the writing of this review - ha).
