As the only surviving example of the once prevalent Back to Backs of Birmingham, these historic buildings are a rare treasure. During the 19th Century, a number of buildings were built back to back around a common courtyard to meet the demands of the rapidly growing population of the city as a result of industrialization. These houses were inhabited by the working class who managed to survive in these cramped quarters. Each of the four Back to Backs around the courtyard has been restored and refurnished as a representation of four different time periods, giving visitors an extremely rare opportunity to take a peek into the lives of the ordinary working men and women of the 1840s, 1870s, 1930s and 1970s. Only a few slots are available each day and prior reservations are a must if you wish to visit these homes.
Built between 1618 and 1635 by Sir Thomas Holte, this fine Jacobean mansion is one of Birmingham's crown jewels. The house was used to harbor King Charles I for a short time during the Civil War, and the Great Stairs still bear scars left behind by cannon fire. Although changes were made to the Hall during the 17th and 18th Centuries, it remains largely Jacobean in style. Today, Aston Hall serves as an educational working museum and it has its own schools' liaison team. Over 20 rooms have been opened to the public, and it also hosts magical candle-lit guided tours every December. Managed by the Birmingham Museums Trust, Aston Hall shelters decadent rooms ornamented with splendid furniture, textiles and metalwork. It is also embellished with a spectacular elongated gallery. Skirted by a verdant, rolling park, this gargantuan, red-brick mansion is a magnificent remnant of the 17th-century regality.
Located on the campus of University of Birmingham, the Winterbourne House is a gorgeous heritage building that is sure to delight you. Surrounded by seven acres of the Winterbourne Botanical Garden, this idyllic house is a 20th century suburban-villa, designed in the Edwardian style. You can walk through the large airy corridors, see the extensive collection of antiques, participate in the interactive exhibitions to learn more about the house and its occupants or go through the mementos, possessions and photographs of the family who inhabited the house and discover how people lived about a 100 years ago.
Sarehole Mill is a restored Victorian-style working mill originally built in 1765. Situated on the bank of the River Cole, it features a Victorian engine house and bakehouse and gives an insight into rural life of the period. Sarehole Mill was the inspiration for the village and mill in The Hobbit, since JRR Tolkien used to live in the area and spent much of his childhood by the mill. The mill is open all year round and is a popular destination for school trips.
Kenilworth's most historic sight, the ruins of this unmistakable castle can be seen standing amid a field of verdure, adjacent to the iconic Leicester's Gatehouse. Sculpted from new red sandstone, its distinct military design sets it apart from its equally-exalted peers. One of the most impressive exemplars of a medieval semi-royal fortress, the castle's steep bailey walls, lavish inner court, and other preserved features stand as remarkable remnants of history and heritage. The castle has seen its fair share of battles over the centuries, with the Great Siege of 1266 being its most defining event, immortalizing it as a cornerstone of 13th-century British heritage.
Warwick es conocido como el castillo medieval más importante de Inglaterra. Se encuentra a 30 minutos en coche de Birmingham, y consta de más de 1000 años de historia inglesa. Aquí hay murallas, torres, e aun una cámara de prisión y tortura: todo absolutamente auténtico y en excelentes condiciones. Las exhibiciones incluyen una de armamento medieval y una de obras de cera de alrededor de 1898. Los terrenos, entre ellos los jardines Peacock y Rose, son especialmente populares. Aquí se realizan numerosos eventos por año, como por ejemplo el festival Medieval, Flight of the Eagle y Meet the Castle Craftsmen. Los horarios y precios de las entradas varían, por lo que se recomienda visitar el sitio web para más detalles. Llamar al +44 871 265 2000 para más información.