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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.
Birmingham
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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
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THE ANGLES HAVE LANDED
The Angles Have Landed
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.
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Big Brum
The History of Birmingham. 
Proud to be a brummieBirmingham'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 Ł1. 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.
Wessex County Map
Constituency Map

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.
 
Proper
                                      Brummie: A Dictionary of
                                      Birmingham Words and PhrasesFile:Victoria Square
                                      Panorama.JPG
Big
                                                      Brum
  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!
Contact Details
 Jeff Kent, Convener of the Acting Witan of Mercia, Cherry Tree House, 8 Nelson Crescent, Cotes Heath, via Stafford, ST21 6ST, Mercia. Tel. 01782 791673
email: witan@mail.com  Website : www.independentmercia.org   For general enquiries:  info@acting-witan-of-mercia.org

SOVEREIGN MERCIA
Campaigning for a sovereign Mercian state in the Midlands
 
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 INFORMATION
Birmingham CC
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Birmingham City Council
Council House
Victoria Square
Birmingham
B1 1BB

Telephone:0121 303 1111
Email:
Website: www.birmingham.gov.uk/
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.

 



www.birmingham.gov.uk/arms




THE BRUMMIE TRANSLATOR
TALK LIKE A BRUMMIE

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'.




http://www.athernet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/iBrummie-Screen-Shot.jpg

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.

Tourist Offices
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


Tourist Offices
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
Big Brum
Other Birmingham Information Websites
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 ...
Solihull Council
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
Birmingham Plus
details restaurants in and around the city. 
www.birminghamplus.com
BBC Birmingham Online
 is a great new site with local news, information and entertainment news. Without doubt its one to watch.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham
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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.

 
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 community station
fm89.1 (Aston, Birmingham)
 music, news and information for the asian community
am828 (Wolverhampton)
am1458 (Birmingham)
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BBC Asian Network is also broadcasting on the BBC National DAB multiplex
spkBeacon Radio
 top 40 chart music
fm97.2 (Wolverhampton)
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spkChill
 relaxing chillout music
available on local DAB digital radio, in the Birmingham and
Wolverhampton areas
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spkPunjabi Radio
 radio for the Punjabi community
available on local DAB digital radio, in the Wolverhampton,Telford and Shrewsbury areas
spkThe Bridge
 community station
fm102.5 (Stourbridge, West Midlands)
spk102.2 Capital FM
 top 40 chart music
fm102.2 (Birmingham)
also broadcasting on digital radio, in the West Midlands region
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This station was formerly known as Galaxy 102.2
spkGold
 oldies and classic hits
am1152 (Birmingham)
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 oldies and classic hits
am990 (Wolverhampton)
also available on local DAB digital radio, in the Wolverhampton,
Telford and Shrewsbury areas
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spkHeart 100.7
 See the regional listing for further information and links
spkHeat Radio
 music from the eighties to today; old skool tracks; celebrity news
available on local DAB digital radio, in the Birmingham area
listen livelisten live on our audio pages
spkKiss
 r&b, pop and contemporary dance
available on local DAB digital radio, in the Birmingham area
listen livelisten live on our audio pages
spkNew Style Radio
 radio station for the Afro-Caribbean community
am98.7 (Winson Green, Birmingham)
spkRaaj FM
 Punjabi community station
am91.3 (Sandwell, Birmingham)
spkSmooth Radio
 See the regional listing for further information and links
 spkRadio Sandwell
 community station
am106.9 (Sandwell, Birmingham)
spkSwitch Radio
 community station
fm107.5 (Castle Vale, Birmingham)
spkRadio XL
 programmes for the asian community
am1296 (Birmingham)
also available on local DAB digital radio, in the Birmingham are
spkUnity FM
 community station
fm93.5 (Small Heath, Birmingham)
 spkSunrise Radio
 music and news for the asian community
available on local DAB digital radio, in the Wolverhampton,
Telford and Shrewsbury and Birmingham areas
spkXfm
 new rock, alternative and indie
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Birmingham Tourist
 Information  Centre
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
Birmingham Central Library
Visitor Centre
 Birmingham Central Library,  Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3HQ
Telephone: +44 (0) 844 888 3883    Email: CentralLibraryTIC@birmingham.gov.uk
 

Birmingham Airport
Visitor Centre
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/
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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
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Tourist Information Centre
Merry Hill , Merry Hill Centre , Brierley Hill  West Midlands    Map
T: 01384 487 911  F: 01384 487 910
Bromsgrove
Tourist Information Centre
The Museum, 26 Birmingham Rd, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 0DD Tel: 01527 831809  Fax: 01527 577983
Dudley
Tourist Information Centre
Dudley , 39 Churchill Centre , Dudley  West Midlands
T: 01384 812 830  F: 01384 815 580
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Tourist Information Centre
 
Solihull , Central Library  Homer Road  Solihull West Midlands
T: 0121 704 6130 F: 0121 704 8224
E: ckelly@solihull.gov.uk
Walsall
Visitor Enquiries
Walsall Central Reference Library, Lichfield St, Walsall, WS1 1TR
Tel 01922 653110 Fax 01922 654013 Textphone 0845 1112910
Email reference@walsall.gov.uk
WALSALL CLICK 
Wolverhampton
Visitor Information Point
18 Queen Square, Wolverhampton West Midlands  WV1 1TQ
Phone: 01902 556110 or 556112 Fax: 01902 556111
E-mail: wolverhampton.tic@dial.pipex.com
Website: http://www.wolverhampton.tic.dial.pipex.com

If we have missed you please contact us  0845 868 2810 or contact us by writing
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Birmingham Attractions
PICTURE Address & Website
Tel/Fax
Alexandra Theatre
The Alexandra Theatre was built in 1901 by William Coutts at a cost of Ł10,000 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 Ł4,450. 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.
Alexandra Theatre in Nottingham Alexandra Theatre ,
Station Street,
BIRMINGHAM, B5 4D
ALEXANDRA THEATRE CLICK  
 Telephone Booking: 0844 871 3011
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.
Alpha Tower 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
http://www.myartifex.com/photos/1251633040_1250928100_work1_big.jpg  The Mitchell Centre
Weeford Road
Sutton Coldfield
B75 6NA
Email: sutton@artifex.co.uk
 
ARTIFEX CLICK
Tel: 0121 323 3776
Fax: 0121 323 2380
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.
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/birmmail/jul2009/8/4/image-1-for-aston-hall-s-12-5m-revamp-gallery-38331670.jpg Trinity Road, Aston,
Birmingham, B6 6JD

ASTON HALL CLICK
Tel: +44 (0)121 675 4722
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 (play /ˈćstən ˈvɪlə/; 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.
Villa Park Aston Villa - Villa Park
Trinity Road Birmingham. B6 6HE
 

ASTON VILLA CLICK

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Main Telephone No: 0121 327 2299
Main Fax No: 0121 322 2107
Ticket Office: 0800 612 0970
Ticket Office Fax: 0800 612 0977
Stadium Tours: 0800 612 0970
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.
Avoncroft Museum Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR
AVONCROFT CLICK
Tel: 01527 831363/831886
Birmingham City Football Club
Birmingham City Football Club (play /ˈbɜrmɪŋɡəm ˈsɪti/) 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.
St Andrews
                        Birmingham Birmingham City - St Andrew's Stadium
  St. Andrew's Stadium, St Andrew's Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B9 4NH
   Email: reception@bcfc.com
St Andrew's stadium was built in 1906 to replace the Muntz Street ground.
Fixtures List
BIRMINGHAM CITY CLICK

SEE OUR SOCCER SITE
Get A Birmingham Email Address 
Telephone : 0844 557 1875
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).
View into the courtyard of 1930s Birmingham
                        Back to Backs 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.
Baddesley Clinton Rising Lane,
Baddesley Clinton,
Warwickshire B93 0DQ
BADDERSLEY CLICK
Telephone: 01564 783294
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 Red Gallery The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TS
BARBER INSTITUTE CLICK
Telephone: +44 (0) 121 414 7333
Fax: + 44 (0) 121 414 3370
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.
Bantock
                        House Finchfield Road
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
WV3 9LQ
Email:
 bantockhouse@
wolverhampton.gov.uk
  BANTOCK HOUSE
CLICK

Telephone: 01902 552195
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.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/content/news/migrated-news/images/birmingham-central-library Chamberlain Square,
 Birmingham,   B3 3HQ
E-mail Birmingham Central Library  -  BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL LIBRARY CLICK

Phone: +44 (0)121 303 4511  -  Fax: +44 (0)121 303 4511
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.
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/birmmail/dec2011/6/3/birmingham-central-mosque-562527376.jpg 180 Belgrave Middleway,
Highgate,
Birmingham,
B12 0XS

 
BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL
 MOSQUE CLICK

Tel: 0121 440 5355
Fax: 0121 446 6140
Birmingham Central Synagogue
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.
alt  133 Pershore Road
Birmingham
B5 7PA
BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL
SYNAGOGUE CLICK
Tel :0121 440 4044
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.
Paradise Place,
Birmingham B3 3HG

E-mail Birmingham Conservatoire  -  BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE CLICK

Phone: +44 (0)121 331 5901  -  Fax: +44 (0)121 331 5906
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.
Ellis Street,
 Birmingham B1 1HL

BIRMINGHAM HEBREW
CONGREGATION CLICK
Tel: +44(0)121-643 0884
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.
Hurst Street,
Birmingham B5 4TB

E-mail Birmingham Hippodrome  -
 BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME CLICK

Phone: +44 (0)870 730 1234  -  Fax: +44 (0)870 730 5030
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.

New Synagogue  Roseland Way,
Bishopgate Street,
Birmingham, B15 1HD
BIRMINGHAM PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE CLICK
Tel: +44(0)121 446 5273/643 5640
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.
Centenary Square,
Broad Street,
 Birmingham B1 2EP

BIRMINGHAM REP CLICK
Phone: +44 (0)121 236 4455
Birmingham Wheel
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.
http://photos.igougo.com/images/p399198-Dudley-The_Black_Country_Museum.jpg 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.
Blakesley Hall Blakesley Road, Yardley,
Birmingham, B25 8RN

Website:
BLAKESLEY
HALL CLICK

Tel: +44 (0)121 464 2193
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.
http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/davidmartyn/davidmartyn0801/davidmartyn080100637/2420024-birmingham-botanical-gardens-midlands-england-uk.jpg Westbourne Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
  B15 3TR
BOTANICAL GARDENS CLICK
Tel : 0121-454-1860
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.
Brindley Place by night Brindleyplace
Estate Management Office
2 Brunswick Street
Brindleyplace
Birmingham B1 2JF

BRINDLEY PLACE CLICK

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.
Broadfield House Glass Museum Broadfield House Glass Museum, Compton Drive, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 9NS
BROADFIELD HOUSE
 MUSEUM CLICK
Tel: 01384 812745
Bull Ring
In September 2003, the Bullring Shopping Centre reopened its doors after a Ł500 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.
The Bull Ring Birmingham,
  B5 4BU
E-mail Bullring Shopping Centre  - 
BULLRING SHOPPING CENTRE CLICK

Phone: +44 (0)121 632 1500
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.
Cadbury World

Linden Rd
Bournville
Birmingham B30 2LU
CADBURY WORLD CLICK
Tel: 0844 880 7667
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'
Cannon Hill Tea Room 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.

CANNON HILL PARK CLICK

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.
52-54 Dale End,
Birmingham B4 7LS
E-mail Carling Academy Birmingham  - 
Carling Academy Birmingham Web site

Phone: +44 (0)121 262 3000  -  Fax: +44 (0)121 236 2241
Castle Bromwich Hall & Gardens

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.

CASTLE BROMWICH
HALL & GARDENS CLICK

Tel & Fax 0121 749 4100

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.
Symphony Hall

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

Clent Hills CLENT HILLS CLICK
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.
1 Throckmorton Estates
Coughton Court
Alcester
Warwickshire B49 5JA

COUGHTON COURT CLICK
Visitor information: +44 (0)1789 762435
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.
Coventry Cathedral - St Michael's
Coventry Cathedral
1 Hill Top
Coventry
CV1 5AB
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL CLICK
 
 
Tel: +44 (0)24 7652 1200

Fax: +44 (0)24 7652 1220
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 Ł63,805. 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.

Council House
                        Birmingham Victoria Square,
Birmingham B1 1BB
Council House Web site
Phone: +44 (0)121 303 9944

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


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Curzon_Street_Station_-Birmingham-UK.jpg/320px-Curzon_Street_Station_-Birmingham-UK.jpg

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.

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/11/4/1288869829259/The-Custard-Factory-Birmi-006.jpg
Gibb Street
Birmingham
B9 4AA
CUSTARD FACTORY CLICK
Tel:
0121 224 7777
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.

http://lotus-architects.com/arty-tecture/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Dhamma-Talaka-Peace-Pagoda-Image-1.jpg Buddhist Vihara
Osler Street
Ladywood
Birmingham
B16 9EU

DHAMMA TALAKA PAGODA CLICK
Tel: 0121 454 6591
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.

Heritage: Digbeth Tuck Trail
Heritage: Digbeth Slice of Life Trail


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.
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter  75-79 Vyse Street, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6HA
Website:
MUSEUM OF
JEWELLERY CLICK

Tel: +44 (0)121 554 3598
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.
Kids City Dentist
Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG
MILLENIUM CENTRE CLICK
Tel : 0121 202 2222
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.

2 The Broadway
 Dudley   DY1 4QB
DUDLEY ZOO CLICK


 
Tel: 0844 474 2272  Fax: 01384 456 048
Dormston Mill Theater
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                        errors. 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.
View of the Reservoir 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.
Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton 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
Gun Barrel Proof House,
Banbury Street
Birmingham
B5 5RH
GUN BARREL PROOF HOUSE CLICK
Tel. 0121 643 3860, Fax 0121 643 7872
Hagley Hall
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 Hall 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 Ł60,000, 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.
 Hall of Memory
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 m˛) 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.

Country Seat. -
                        geograph.org.uk - 177284.jpg 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.
hatton_country_world_logo.jpg Dark Lane, Hatton,
Warwick,
 Warwickshire CV35 8XA
HATTON COUNTRY WORLD CLICK
Tel : 0192684 3411
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.

Ikon Gallery Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square,
 Brindleyplace,
Birmingham b1 2hs
 email. art@ikon-gallery.co.uk /
website
 IKON GALLERY CLICK
 Ikon Gallery is a registered charity no. 528892
tel. +44 (0) 121 248 0708 / fax. +44 (0) 121 248 0709
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 ICC building
Broad Street,
Birmingham,
 B1 2EA


THE ICC CLICK
Tel : 0121 644 5025
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.
The Iron Bridge Tourist Offices
The Wharfage, Ironbridge Telford, TF8 7AW
Tel: 01952 432166  Fax: 01952 432204
E-mail: tic@ironbridge.org.uk

Adjacent to A4169, Ironbridge, Shropshire TF8 7JU
Tel: 01952 432166  Fax: 01952 432204
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.
Museum of The Gorge 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.
Jerome.K.Jerome Birthplace Lichfield Street
Walsall
WS1 1TR
Sat - 12noon-2pm
Email: www.walsall.gov.uk/museums
01922 653116
01922 632824
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.
Jewellery Quarter
                        Station JEWELLERY QUARTER CLICK

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.
54-57 Albion Street
Birmingham B1 3EA
JW EVANS CLICK
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.
http://www.birminghamuk.com/BrumFoto/kingsheath/park2.jpg 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
E-mail Lapworth Museum of Geology  -  Lapworth Museum of Geology Web site

Phone: +44 (0)121 414 4173  -  Fax: +44 (0)121 414 4942
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 Leather Museum
Littleton Street West
Walsall
WS2 8EQ

LEATHER MUSEUM CLICK
Telephone 01922 721153
Fax 01922 725827
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 Ł2,500 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.
61 Wharfside Street
The Mailbox
Birmingham B1 1XL

MAILBOX CLICK
Tel: 0121 632 1000
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 Moseley Old Hall Lane,
Fordhouses,
Wolverhampton,
 Staffordshire WV10 7HY

MOSELEY OLD HALL CLICK
Telephone: 01902 782808
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.
http://www.widecow.com/images/places/1482.jpg Chamberlain Square,
Birmingham,   B3 3DH

Birmingham Museum & Gallery CLICK
Phone: +44 (0)121 303 2834
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.
 Museum Collections Centre 25 Dollman Street, Birmingham B7 4RQ
MUSEUMS COLLECTION CENTRE CLICK
Tel: +44 (0)121 303 0190
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 Exhibition Centre,
Birmingham   B40 1NT

NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE CLICK
Phone: 0121 780 4141
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.
The NIA, King Edwards Road,
Birmingham B1 2AA

NATIONAL INDOOR ARENA CLICK
Tel : 0121 780 4141
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.
Coventry Road,
Bickenhill,
Solihull,  B92 0EJ

E-mail The National Motorcycle Museum  - 
NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE
MUSEUM CLICK

Phone: +44 (0)1675443311
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.
National Sea Life
                        Centre The Waters Edge,
Brindleyplace,
 Birmingham, B1 2HL
We are located in the corner of Brindleyplace, Birmingham on the Waters Edge.

NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE CLICK
0121 643 6777
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
Round blue plaque on
                        a brick wall. It says "BIRMINGHAM CIVIC
                        SOCIETY", "NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN
                        M.P.", "LIVED NEAR HERE
                        1911–1940", "PRIME MINISTER
                        1937–1940". 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.
Off Wylde Green Road  
 Birmingham B76 1QU 

NEW MILL CLICK  

Tel:
0121 526 3131
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,

NUMBERNINE GALLERY CLICK
(0)121 643 9099 or fax: +44(0)121 643 9199
Oak House, West Bromwich
16th century timber framed yeoman farmer's house surrounded by pleasant grounds, housing Tudor and Jacobean furniture.
Oak
                          House Museum Oak House Museum
Oak Road
West Bromwich  B70 8HJ
Email: oakhouse@sandwell.gov.uk
OAK HOUSE CLICK
0121 553 0759
0121 525 5167
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.
http://c1038.r38.cf3.rackcdn.com/group1/building7706/media/03sgqw7.jpg 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.
Packwood House Packwood Lane,
Lapworth,
Warwickshire
B94 6AT

PACKWOOD HOUSE CLICK
Telephone: 01564 782024
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

PEN ROOM MUSEUM CLICK
Tel: 0121 236 9834
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
Perrott's Folly 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.
Ragley Hall
Alcester
Warwickshire
B49 5NJ

RAGLEY HALL CLICK

Hall Office 01789 762 090
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.
http://www.dudley.gov.uk/EasysiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=6838&type=full&servicetype=Inline Wordsley, High Street, Stourbridge DY8 4AZ
RED HOUSE CONE MUSEUM CLICK
01384 812750
Ruskin Glass Centre
Glassmaking has taken place in Stourbridge for over 400 years. Glass and Crystal is still made here today. Following a Ł1.4m 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

RUSKIN GLASS CENTRE CLICK
tel: 01384 399 419

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.

 http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2973020683_a504d73d77.jpg 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 PAUL'S CLICK
Tel) 0121 236 7858 (Fax) 0121 233 0332
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.
     

Birmingham Cathedral, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QB
Email us enquiries@
birminghamcathedral.com

ST.PHILLIP'S CLICK
Tel: 0121 262 1840 Fax: 0121 262 1860
Sandwell Valley Country Park
2000 acres of lakes, woodland and farms with hidden pools, wildlife refuges and the remains of an old Benedictine monastery.
Walsall Arboretum Salters Lane
West Bromwich
B71 4BG
 
Email: enquiries@sandwellvalley.com
SANDWELL COUNTRY PARK CLICK
tel : 0121 553 0220
0121 525 9435
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.
Sandwell Park Farm, Salters Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4BG.
SANDWELL PARK FARM CLICK
Telephone 0121 553 0220.
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.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/abolition/images/building_britain_08.jpg
Cole Bank Road,
Hall Green
 Birmingham, B13 0BD

SAREHOLE MILL CLICK
Tel: +44 (0)121 777 6612
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,
Selfridges & Co
The Bullring
Upper Mall East Birmingham
B5 4BP


SELFRIDGES CLICK
Tel: 0800 123 400
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.
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/images/2008/07/30/selly_manor_320_470x320.jpg 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.
Severn Valley Railway The Railway Station
Bewdley
Worcestershire
DY12 1BG
SEVERN VALLEY
RAILWAY CLICK
Tel:  01299 403 816
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.
4965 Rood Ashton at the head of the
                        Shakespeare Express ready for its return to
                        Birmingham     *  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.
 Soho House Soho Avenue (off Soho Road) Handsworth Birmingham B18 5LB
SOHO HOUSE CLICK
Tel: +44 (0)121 554 9122
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
A small community synagogue in Solihull ,
                        UK stock photo 3 Monastery Drive,
Solihull,
  B91 1DW

SOLIHULL & DISTRICT HEBREW CONGREGATION
Tel: +44(0)121 603 5170
StarCity Logo
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.
Click here
                        to Login to My StarCity 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 Plaque Foley BookFoley: The Spy who saved 10,000 Jews
by Michael Smith

Published by Hodder & Stoughton General

Sutton Arts Theatre

Sutton Arts Theatre
, South Parade,
Sutton Coldfield
, B72 1QU
http://www.suttonartstheatre.co.uk/

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.
The image
                        “http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/images/2006/01/24/g_470x353.jpg”



                        cannot be displayed, because it contains
                        errors. Sutton Coldfield
The main entrance is Town Gate in Tudor Hill. The postcode for satnav users is B73 6BU.

SUTTON PARK CLICK

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 Ł30 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 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 Ł35m renovation, funded by Birmingham City Council (Ł18.3m), Heritage Lottery Fund (Ł13.7m) and European Regional Development Fund (Ł3m).
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.
Town Hall interior credit Mike Gutteridge
Town Hall
Victoria Square
Birmingham
B3 3DQ
TOWN HALL CLICK
Box Office and information: 0121 780 3333
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 Ł8.50 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.  
http://img.dooyoo.co.uk/GB_EN/orig/0/7/1/4/4/714495.jpg
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.
Vintage Trains Vintage Trains
 670 Warwick Road
 Tyseley
 Birmingham
 B11 2HL
VINTAGE TRAINS CLICK
 0121 708 4960
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.
Walsall Ary Gallery 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 ART GALLERY CLICK
Phone:  01922 654 400
Fax:    01922 654 401
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.
Walsall Arboetum 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 Stadium Banks's Stadium, Bescot Crescent, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 4SA
 

Main Club Email - info@walsallfc.co.uk

SADDLERS CLICK

SEE OUR SOCCER SITE
Ticket Office: 0871-663 0111 or 0871-663 0222
Ticket Office Fax: 0871-423 1966
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.

Local history centre 2007 Walsall Local History Centre
Essex Street
Walsall
WS2 7AS
LOCAL HISTORY CENTRE CLICK
Telephone 01922 721305
Fax  01922 634954
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 Museum Walsall Museum
Lichfield Street
Walsall
WS1 1TR
WALSALL MUSEUM CLICK
Telephone 01922 653116
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.
Walsall Wharf Narrowboat Wharf Narrowboat, c/o Sport & Leisure Development Services
Library Building, Walsall Street
Willenhall
WV13 2EX
 
Email: sportdev@walsall.gov.uk
Website: http://www.walsall.gov.uk
Tel:01922 605500
01922 605752
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.
Edgbaston - view of
                        new stand from the north.jpg The County Ground
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B5 7QU

WARWICKSHIRE CCC CLICK
0844 635 1902
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.
Edgbaston - view of
                        new stand from the north.jpg County Ground, Edgbaston,
Birmingham,   B5 7QU
E-mail Cricket Club Museum  - 
Cricket Club Museum Web site

Phone: +44 (0)121 446 4422  -  Mobile: +44 (0)121 446 4544
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.
Weoley Castle
Alwold Road Weoley Castle Birmingham B29
WEOLEY CASTLE CLICK
Tel: +44 (0)121 464 2193
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.'
The
                        Hawthorns The Hawthorns, West Bromwich,
West Midlands B71 4LF

EMAIL: enquiries@wbafc.co.uk

BAGGIES CLICK

SEE OUR SOCCER SITE
Tel: 0871 271 11
West Midlands Safari Park
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 Midlands Safari Park 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 Park 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.

email: enquiries@weston-park.com

WESTON PARK CLICK
Tel: 01952 852100
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. An attractive 7-hectare (17-acre) garden reflects the style and character of the house.


Wightwick
                        Manor Wightwick Bank
Wolverhampton
WV6 8EE
 Email:
wightwickmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk
  WIGHTWICK MANOR CLICK 
Tel: 01902 761400
01902 764663

Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton

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.
Wolverhampton Art Gallery Lichfield Street
Wolverhampton West Midlands  WV1 1DU
 Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Email: info@wolverhamptonart.org.uk

 WOLVERHAMPTON ART
GALLERY CLICK 
Tel: 01902 552055

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Grade II Listed Victorian theatre presenting No 1 touring productions of musicals, drama, dance, opera, family shows, concerts and pantomime.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Lichfield Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 1DE
 
Email: marketing@grandtheatre.co.uk
 GRAND THEATRE CLICK
tel: 01902 429212
01902 573302
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 Races

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.

WOLVERHAMPTON RACETRACK CLICK
Tel : 0870 220 0140
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.

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
Molineux Molineux Stadium
Waterloo Road
Wolverhampton
WV1 4QR

General email: info@wolves.co.uk
WOLVES CLICK

SEE OUR SOCCER SITE
Main phone:
0871 880 8442
Main fax:
01902 687006 Ticketline:
 0871 880 8433
Ticket Office fax: 01902 687003
Big Brum
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 Ł500 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.
The Bull Ring Birmingham,
  B5 4BU
E-mail Bullring Shopping Centre  - 
BULLRING SHOPPING CENTRE CLICK
Phone: +44 (0)121 632 1500
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
http://www.birminghamuk.com/BrumFoto/attractions/cityplaza.JPG 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.
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/11/4/1288869829259/The-Custard-Factory-Birmi-006.jpg Gibb Street
Birmingham
B9 4AA
CUSTARD FACTORY CLICK
Tel:
0121 224 7777

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.

http://www.completelyretail.co.uk/media/scheme/2102/CR_RW_2102_The_Fort_Shopping_Park_Birmingham_picture_13_p6_529x400.jpg
20 Fort Parkway,
Birmingham
B24 9FP

FORT SHOPPING
PARK CLICK
Tel :0121 386 4442
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.

Colmore Row, Birmingham, B2 5HU
GREAT WESTERN ARCADE CLICK
Tel: 0121 236 5417
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 61 Wharfside Street
The Mailbox
Birmingham B1 1XL

MAILBOX CLICK
Tel: 0121 632 1000
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.
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                        errors.

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.


MARTINEAU PLACE CLICK

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.
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                        cannot be displayed, because it contains
                        errors. 68a East Mews
Birmingham
B2 4XJ
PALLISADES CLICK
Tel: 0121 633 3070
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.
http://www.birminghamuk.com/BrumFoto/shopping/pavillions.jpg 38 High Street
Birmingham
B4 7SL
PAVILIONS CLICK
t. +440121 631 4121
f. +440121 643 3433
Touchwood
Opened in 2001 and costing Ł110 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
                        Solihull Park.jpg

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

o the M6, M5 and M40 motorways.
TOUCHWOOD CLICK

 

Tel :0121 713 3775 o

Big Brum

THE GARDENS OF BIRMINGHAM & SURROUNDING AREA

Garden
Picture
Address and Website
Tel/Fax

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.
Arley Arboretum by Flash of Light©

Arley Arboretum
Arley Estate Office
Arley,
Bewdley,
Worcestershire DY12 1XG
 

ARLEY ARBORETUM CLICK

Tel (+44) 01299 861368
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.
Baddesley Clinton Rising Lane,
Baddesley Clinton,
Warwickshire B93 0DQ
BADDERSLEY CLICK
Telephone: 01564 783294
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.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens - The Loudon
                        Terrace Westbourne Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
  B15 3TR
BOTANICAL GARDENS CLICK
Tel : 0121-454-1860
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.
Bodenham Arboretum Lake by John
                        Wooldridge© Bodenham Arboretum & Earth Centre
Wolverley, Kidderminster,
Worcestershire
 DY11 5SY.
BODENHAM ARBRETUM CLICK


 
Telephone: 01562 852444
Burford House & Garden Centre
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.
Burford House 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'
Cannon Hill Tea Room 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.

CANNON HILL PARK CLICK

Castle Bromwich Hall & Gardens
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 Gardens Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens Trust
Chester Road, Castle Bromwich,
Birmingham, B36 9BT.

CASTLE BROMWICH HALL & GARDENS CLICK
Tel & Fax 0121 749 4100
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.
1 Throckmorton Estates
Coughton Court
Alcester
Warwickshire B49 5JA

COUGHTON COURT CLICK
Visitor information: +44 (0)1789 762435
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
Croome Park, Worcestershire 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 by Martin Wells 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.
Eastgrove Cottage Garden, Worcestershire 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 Park Wikicommons 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.
Hanbury Hall Garden, Worcestershire 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 m˛) 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.
Country Seat. - geograph.org.uk -
                        177284.jpg 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 Ł1.3m was awarded in 1997 for restoration of the estate.
The Leasowes davidcsmith 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).
http://www.britainexpress.com/images/attractions/editor/Little-Malvern-Court-bp-s.jpg 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.
Packwood House Packwood Lane,
Lapworth,
Warwickshire
B94 6AT

PACKWOOD HOUSE CLICK
Telephone: 01564 782024
Picton Gardens
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.
The Picton Garden Old Court Nurseries
COLWALL,
Malvern,
WORCESTERSHIRE
WR13 6QE

PICTON GARDENS CLICK
 Tel 01684 540416
Ryton Organic Gardens 
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.
Ryton Organic Gardens Ryton Organic Gardens
Wolston Lane, Coventry.

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.
Ragley Hall
Alcester
Warwickshire
B49 5NJ

RAGLEY HALL CLICK
Hall Office 01789 762 090
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.
Snowshill Lavender, Worcestershire Hill Barn Farm,
Snowshill,
Broadway,
Worcestershire,  ,
WR12 7JY

SNOWSHILL LAVENDER CLICK

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 by Paul Leitch 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 Gardens, Worcestershire 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 House Cottage Gardens 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.
The image
                        “http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/images/2006/01/24/g_470x353.jpg”



                        cannot be displayed, because it contains
                        errors. Sutton Coldfield
The main entrance is Town Gate in Tudor Hill. The postcode for satnav users is B73 6BU.

SUTTON PARK CLICK

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.
Wagon House Gardens Brickhouse Lane,
 Stoke Prior,
Bromsgrove,
 Worcestershire,  
B60 4LY

WAGON HOUSE
GARDENS CLICK

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.
Walsall Arboetum 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

Cranesbill Nursery Garden, Worcestershire 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).
http://www.information-britain.co.uk/showpic.php?placeid=16247&width=250 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, Ľm, 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 at Great 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.
 


Wightwick Manor by James Darwin© Wightwick Bank
Wolverhampton
WV6 8EE
 Email:
wightwickmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk
  WIGHTWICK MANOR CLICK 
Tel: 01902 761400
01902 764663
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.

Winterbournse House and Garden Winterbourne House & Garden
University of Birmingham, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Witley Court & The Jerwood Foundation
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.
Witley Court Garden, Worcestershire Worcester Road,
 Great Witley,
Worcester,
 WR6 6JT
Witley Court garden is 10 miles north west of Worcester, off the A443.
WITLEY COURT CLICK
Tel: 01299 896636
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Farmers Market Upper New Street 5 September 2012 5 September 2012
Big Brum Antiques Forum Bull Ring Rag Market and Open Markets 12 September 2012 12 September 2012
Farmers Market Upper New Street 19 September 2012 19 September 2012
Farmers Market Upper New Street 3 October 2012 3 October 2012
Big Brum Antiques Forum Bull Ring Rag Market and Open Markets 17 October 2012 17 October 2012
Farmers Market Upper New Street 17 October 2012 17 October 2012
Farmers Market Upper New Street 7 November 2012 7 November 2012
Big Brum Antiques Forum Bull Ring Rag Market and Open Markets 21 November 2012 21 November 2012
Farmers Market Upper New Street 21 November 2012 21 November 2012
Farmers Market Upper New Street 5 December 2012 5 December 2012
Farmers Market Upper New Street 19 December 2012 19 December 2012
Big Brum
Sporting Spirits
EATERIES IN BIRMINGHAM
MERCIA TOURIST BOARD BIRMINGHAM GRUB
Les Chefs



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.


 From The Birmingham Restaurant Directory   
English Restaurants in Birmingham (25) Indian Restaurants in Birmingham (12) Gastro Restaurants in Birmingham (9) Gastro Card Member Restaurants (11)
Romantic Restaurants in Birmingham (14) International Restaurants in Birmingham (8) Fine Dining Restaurants in Birmingham (4) Vegetarian Restaurants in Birmingham (1)
Thai Restaurants in Birmingham (2) Italian Restaurants in Birmingham (9) Gastro Pubs in Birmingham (11) Chinese Restaurants in Birmingham (3)
Pizza and Pasta Restaurants in Birmingham (3) French Restaurants in Birmingham (2) Nepalese Restaurants in Birmingham (1) Michelin Restaurants in Birmingham (1)
Steakhouse Restaurants in Birmingham (1) Japanese Restaurants in Birmingham (1) Restaurants in Solihull (6)
From Birmingham Plus

Birmingham Plus - Birmingham Restaurants
                          Guide
African (2)
American (15)
Arabian (1)
Australian (1)
Balti (14)
Barbecue (1) Caribbean (4)
Chinese (30) 
English (58)
Fast Food (1) French (35)
Fusion (3)
Gastro Pub (1)
Greek (5)
Indian (98)
International (148)
Irish (1) Italian (44) Japanese (12)
Latin American (5)
Malaysian (3) Mediterranean (5) Mod. British (53) Moroccan (1)
Nepalese (2) Pan-Asian (8)
Persian (2) Pizza (21)
Polish (2) Portuguese (4)
Pub/Bar (158)  Seafood (4)
Spanish (6) Steak House (21)
Tea/Coffee (7)
Thai (19)
Trad. Cafes (4)
Vegetarian (1) Vietnamese (1)
From Restaurant Guide.Com   258 Restaurants in Birmingham
From View Birmingham Co Restaurant Guide
From Via Michelin Birmingham Restaurant Guide
Big Brum
50 HOTELS IN BIRMINGHAM
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The Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre,
                        Birmingham, United Kingdom
The Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre ****
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, Birmingham,
                        United Kingdom
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, Birmingham,
                        United Kingdom
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, Solihull, United Kingdom
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.
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,
                        United Kingdom
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, Birmingham, United
                        Kingdom
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
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/00/1c/49/fc/view-from-hotel.jpg Hyatt Regency Birmingham ****
2 Bridge Street, Birmingham, B1 2JZ    Tel: +44 121 643 1234    Fax: +44 121 616 2323  Email: birmingham.regency@hyatt.com Maps & 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
http://www1.hilton.com/ts/en_US/hotels/content/BHXMETW/media/images/BHXMETW_Hilton_Birmingham_Metropole_home_left.jpg
Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel ****
National Exhibition Centre Birmingham (UK) B40 1PP,  Telephone: 0121 780 4242 Maps
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
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                        cannot be displayed, because it contains
                        errors. 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

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                        errors. 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 located
                        on Smallbrook Queensway
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

View Image Gallery 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, Birmingham 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
Malmaison Birmingham - Hotel Exterior 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
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                        cannot be displayed, because it contains
                        errors. 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 Birmingham City Centre Hotel
                        in West Midlands, Birmingham Hotel 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 Ł10.00 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 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 in
                        West Midlands, Birmingham Hotel 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 in West Midlands, Birmingham Hotel 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 in
                        West Midlands, Birmingham International Airport
                        Hotel 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
Park Inn by Radisson Birmingham West Hotel
                        in West Midlands, Birmingham Hotel 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 NecAirport Hotel in
                        West Midlands, Birmingham Hotel 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 in West
                        Midlands, Birmingham Hotel 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.
The Birmingham Hotel Budget Hotel in West
                        Midlands, Birmingham Hotel 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.
http://aff.bstatic.com/images/hotel/org/202/2025516.jpg 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
Overview image 1 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 Holiday Inn Express Birmingham  Oldbury M5, Jct 2  ,
Birchley Park Oldbury,BirminghamB69 2BD Tel: +44 (0) 121 511 0000 Fax: +44 (0) 121 511 0051
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
http://www.weddingreview.co.uk/uploads/images/venues/processed/2010-07-24-1707-newhallhotelspa.jpg 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
Breath taking Entrance
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
http://static.laterooms.com/hotelphotos/laterooms/91621/gallery/plough-and-harrow-hotel-birmingham_030320091555470763.jpg 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
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