Housing one of the world's finest collections of Pre-Raphaelite art, with works by Rossetti, Ford Madox Brown and Holman Hunt, Birmingham's principal museum and gallery is located in a stunning Victorian building. The museum displays works by British and European artists, along with collections of ceramics, sculpture, silver and stained glass. You can also find archaeological, ethnographic and local history exhibits, including Egyptian mummies.
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.
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.
Take to the water! For the energetic, Avon Boating offers a choice of self-powered vessels. Rowing boats, punts and Canadian canoes are all available for hire. Or, for those who prefer a more relaxed mode, why not step aboard an Edwardian passenger boat for a tranquil half-hour cruise on the Avon? Private charter and extended cruises, buffets, high teas, river picnics and corporate events can all be arranged through Avon Boating. Note that there is also an 1898 steam launch for hire! Check website for different packages available.
This landmark church is located in a picturesque setting on the edge of town, beside the river and approached through an avenue of lime trees. The burial site of famous playwright Shakespeare, Holy Trinity Church is considered to be one of the finest parish churches in the Midlands, and one of the most beautiful in England. A bust of Shakespeare on the north wall brings about and the much debated question: is it lifelike or not? Admission to the church is free, however they ask for a small donation.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust owns and operates the five Shakespeare Houses in and around Stratford. Three of these, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft and Nash's House & New Place, are in Stratford itself. The other two, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's House, are set in the outlying villages of Shottery and Wilmcote respectively. Each of these beautifully preserved Shakespeare Houses gives you the chance to fully imagine the world inhabited by the most famous playwright and poet in history.
St. Stephen's Church in Cannock was built in 1966 by a group of religious minded people. Over the years it has served the people of this beautiful town not only as a place worship, but also as a place to participate in social activities. Various events like crafts workshop, bible study lessons, children's nursery and folk dance club are held here. The church also has a Walking Group who go on long walks in the morning on every first Saturday of the month. Activities apart, the church also offers rooms on hire.Check website for further details.
St. Swithun's Church is an officially designated English heritage with a history that roughly dates back to the 12th Century and an unusual but marvelous Georgian architecture. This redundant church is now administered by the Churches Conservation Trust and is at times a venue for community events.
The Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum is a place that exhibits the rich history of the town's regiment in the time period between 1794 to 1954. The museum displays various weapons and a vast collection of different Yeomanry uniforms. An exhibit that stands out is a famous painting of the regiment by Lady Butler. Visit their website for more details.
Aston Reservoir, located adjacent to Gravelly Hill Interchange, was originally built as a drinking water reservoir that was intended to be extracted from the River Tame. It is called by many names like Salford Lake, Salford Park Pool or Salford Bridge Reservoir. The reservoir was an erstwhile boating lake and was utilized for speedboat racing. It is currently used by the surrounding wooded areas of Salford Park, making this a good place to spend a relaxing and refreshing day outdoors.
Church of St. Andrew in West Bromwich belongs to both the Church of England and the Methodist Church. Swan Village Methodist Church and St. Andrew's share the joint services of this church for many years and both services are held at the same time. This medium-sized church holds regular Sunday services, weddings and congregation ceremonies. Visit the website for more details.
Although the existing building of St. John's Church was constructed over a 12 year period ending in 1904, the structure has incorporated the tower and spire of the original 19th-century church which stood at the site. This lovely church is a testament to the architectural finesse of the architect J. A. Chatwin who was known to include not just the basic structure, but also carvings and fittings in his designs. Designated a Grade II listed building of English Heritage, the church remains active even today and continues to serve the community.