The jewelry industry developed in the city from the mid-19th Century. At its peak in the early part of the 20th Century, it employed nearly 20,000 workers. Today, the Jewellery Quarter is a bustling area that produces over a third of the UK's jewelry, and you can find tons of bargains in its many small shops. It's also home to the award-winning Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and some good restaurants.
Birmingham's main library was opened in 2013 and is one of the most recognizable and visited buildings in England's second city. The Birmingham's library is the largest public library in the UK and is as remarkable as looking on the inside as it is on the outside. As soon as you walk in you feel like you're in some sort of literary spaceship. And the collections are just as out of this world, including the Boulton and Watt Archives, the Parker collection of children's books and several notable photography collections and archives. In addition, the library houses the Shakespeare Memorial Room, designed in 1882 and moved from the old central library to this one.
This square has transformed over the past decade from a grassy slope where office workers would picnic on a summer's afternoon to a pedestrian-friendly European plaza accessible all year. Birmingham's Town Hall and Council House are located on the square, but graded steps replace the slope and there's now a large fountain containing a sculpture known fondly by locals as the Floozie in the Jacuzzi. Stone lamps and statues of sphinxes adorn the grounds, as does a statue of Queen Victoria. Victoria Square has now become a popular meeting point and a relaxing place for people to watch.
The National Sea Life Centre is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. One of the most thrilling things about this aquarium is its 360-degree transparent tunnel, which lets you stand in the middle of the ocean while sharks and other aquatic lives swim around you. There are 55 displays in total, including the "Kingdom of the Seahorse" and "Claws," featuring the giant Japanese spider crab. among other fearsome crustaceans.
These fine gardens, opened in 1832, were designed by John Claudius Loudon, a leading garden planner, and horticultural journalist. The gardens offer you the chance to see some of the most beautiful greenery in the world along with stunning glasshouses. Attractions besides plants include indoor aviaries, a restaurant with a fantastic view of the gardens, a children's adventure playground, a gift shop and plant center and a gallery displaying work by local artists.
Established in 1990, this premier attraction is steeped in Cadbury's legendary goodwill and time-honored offerings over the years, opening up an array of chocolate-themed possibilities that appeal to children and adults alike. One of Birmingham's most frequented attractions, Cadbury World encourages visitors to embark upon a journey of decadent discoveries, right from learning about the roots of the company's history, to its international adulation over the years. Fourteen zones stipple this labyrinthine chocolate-filled world, each zone offering a glimpse into the remarkable Cadbury universe. The Cadbury experience is brought to life through a medley of displays, exhibits, tours, engaging multimedia presentations and more. One of its most highly-rated attractions is the '4D Chocolate Adventure', a vivid rollercoaster ride that hurtles one through a world of chocolate.
St Cyprian's Church, Hay Mills is a splendid example of Gothic Revival style architecture. The origins of the church can be traced back to 1860 when James Horsfall, a famed wire manufacturer, builtt a school room for the use of his employee's children. This came to be used as a chapel and was finally incorporated in to the current church building 1873. Adorned with a number of rich architectural details, what the church is best known for is its stunning collection of stained glass windows by Hardman & Co. While some depict biblical scenes, other bear images of saints. Whatever the theme, each and every one of the windows are characterized by intricate details and a vivid use of colour. Also of interest is the church's beautifully carved pulpit and the font which serves the dual purpose of being a memorial to Horsfall's daughter. The church continues on as an active parish church even today with a devoted and enthusiastic congregation.
Constructed in 1880, All Saints Church, Wilden, has strong ties with the Baldwin family. The owner of the ironworks at Wilden, Alfred Baldwin, commissioned the construction of the church to meet the religious needs of his own and his employees' families. This quaint Victorian church is home to an impressive collection of 14 pre-Raphaelite, stained-glass window memorials, dedicated largely to members of the Baldwin, MacDonald and Burne-Jones families. Set within a splendid churchyard with opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, All Saints' is still home to a loving congregation who gather within the church's historic walls to worship and pray.
The origins of All Saints Church, Allesley, can be traced back to the 13th Century, however it is believed that a church has existed at the site since Norman times. Although the church has undergone a number of changes over the years, it has been designated a Grade I listed building and is deemed to be of immense historic and architectural importance. As you explore the church you will come across a number of monuments and memorials, taking you on a journey through the history of the church's congregation. Active even today, the church continues to serve the community and has embraced a blend of different styles of worship.
The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart and St Catherine of Alexandria, located in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire is a wonderful place of worship beautified by the remarkable mosaic interiors. The simple yet elegant brown brickwork exterior does little justice to the elaborate and intricate mosaic work adorning the interiors. The mosaic work was begun in 1921 and it took a humongous 12 year period to finish the same. Almost eight and a half tons of Venice imported glass fragments have been used to produce the ornate mosaic work in the equally treasured church.
The Singers hill Synagogue also known as the Birmingham also known as the Birmingham Hebrew Congregation is the largest and oldest Victorian synagogue in the country, dating back to the mid nineteenth century. It is a Grade II listed heritage building featuring Neo-classical, Romanesque and Italian architecture with a Norman wheel window in the front brick facade which also makes it a popular tourist attraction in the area. It has a large and diverse congregation of Jews from the area who use the synagogue as community and social center as well as a place of worship. A wide variety of service and clubs fro all age groups are available for members. Every year, the synagogue opens its doors for a Heritage Open Day where the public can tour the building with an information guide and also see a Jewish concert by the Kol Kinor choir. Apart from open days, it welcomes schools, colleges and other educational and social organisations to tour its premises provided that advance booking is done. Through these programs, the congregation wishes to give the public an insight into Jewish culture and build strong relations with other religious communities to strive towards a tolerant and friendly society.
A memorial dedicated to the Polish men, military and civilians, in the second world war when the Nazi Germany took over allied forces. It is located within the National Memorial Arboretum. The poles were the fourth largest allied army fighting the Nazi's and the memorial is to commemorate their effort and honor their contribution. The Polish Forces War Memorial statue is an 18 diameter structure that acts as a tribute to the fallen. There are four surrounding plaques that inform the visitor's about the history and the purpose of the statue. The statue shows four soldiers standing back to back. The statue is deigned by the renowned Polish sculpture, Robert Sobociński in bronze and was shipped to Britain.