Proudly proclaiming the fact that it is "Europe's largest", the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm affords a peaceful retreat away from all things Shakespearean. Hundreds of butterflies can be viewed at close quarters, many of the species sporting spectacular colors. For those interested in less attractive, more frightening creatures, other insect displays are available, including stick insects, leaf-eating ants and the world's largest spider.
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.
Un jardin parfait pour toute la famille, avec une grande sélection d’aménités : des lacs, des courts de tennis, des serres et des réserves de nature. Il héberge aussi le Midland Arts Centre. Des pistes de vélos qui serpentent le jardin ont été récemment ajoutées. Le jardin accueille aussi des spectacles, concerts et l’évènement annuel « Fireworks Fantasia. » Entrée gratuite.
Situated across Church Hill Road, the St Alphege Parish Church is a historic church that dates back to the 12th Century. Over a period of time, it was refurbished several times; the bells and the church's shire were renovated too. It is a beautifully restored religious space and its ancient organ pipe organ, stained glass windows that belong to different time periods and the overall architecture is worth exploring. Apart from that, this church is home to community functions, choir concerts, youth groups, sermons, lectures and similar events.
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.
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.
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.
Glympton Park is a lavish deer park that includes the Glympton house, the village of Gympton, a parish Church of St. Mary, 21 stone cottages and a parkland. The estate is huge and covers an area of 810 hectares (2000 acres) and dates back to the 16th Century. The estate is currently owned by Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia, who later completely restored the house. Today, the structure stands in all its modern glory while still keeping its ancient charm.
The Birmingham Eco Park is a center for environmental education managed by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black County. It is also the site for the PAWS society (People and Services for Wildlife) which is the practical conservation facility of the Wildlife trust. The park offers a wide range of educational activities on environment and wildlife such as natural arts and crafts, animal spotting, pond dipping and sessions on how to grow trees and vegetables. It also has a number of interesting demonstration features on renewable energy such as wind turbines, solar panels and a water treatment plant. The variety of natural habitats located in the park make it a rich and diverse ground for woodlands, grasslands, orchards and wildflower meadows which are sure to delight any nature enthusiast. The park may not always be open to public, so it is advisable to check with the concerned authorities before visiting. Activities for large groups in training and education are charged and not free.