Birmingham Central Mosque is the holy hub of the Muslims living in Birmingham and the nearby areas. This is a city location for Muslim worship and other services.
University of Birmingham's botanic garden, Winterbourne Botanic Garden houses several lovely antiques as well as more than 6000 species of plants from different parts of the world. Some of the arresting antiques inside this botanical garden include an alpine garden, orchid house, Anthemis collection by NCPG, geographic beds, arid house and a Hazel tunnel. Other striking features comrpise of a low-lying rock garden, refurbished wooden pergola and a lean-to beautiful glasshouse which is one of the few structeres to have been erected on a slanting platform. In the year 2011, a pleached walk of lime trees was planted here to restore one which was also found in the orignial botanical garden.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens is the picturesque garden created by three generations of women gardener. It was started by Heather Muir in the 1920s, legacy was continued by Diany Binny from 1950 and now looked after by Anne Chambers and her husband. The garden is famed for its scented Kiftsgate rose and Rosa filipes, Britain's largest rose. Check the website for timings.
The Chapel, established by the Guild of the Holy Cross in the 13th Century and subsequently re-built in the 15th, looks more like a church than a chapel from the outside. This, together with The Guild Chapel's proximity to the town center, sometimes makes visitors think that they are approaching the Holy Trinity Church. The Guild Chapel, however, deserves a visit in its own right as it houses some stunning frescoes. The frescoes were painted over during the reformation in the 16th century but fortunately were revealed during restoration work some 300 years later. Of these, the fresco representing the day of judgment, above the chancel arch, is one of the largest of its type anywhere in the country. Services are held at The Guild Chapel every Wednesday morning and on the first Saturday of each month. There are no Sunday services. The Guild Chapel also serves as the school chapel to the adjacent King Edward VI Grammar School.
The Worcester Cathedral is located at the River Severn. The Anglican church was formed in 680 BCE and at the time was probably the first cathedral. Also known as The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin of Worcester, the church carries along with it centuries of legends, stories and worship. Only a part of the original cathedral remains and the current structure was built sometime in the 13th century. The cathedral also bears the tombs of King John and other notable personalities through the centuries. In the late 1800s, the cathedral was restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott and A. E Perkins. Both their tombs are also at the cathedral. After undergoing a number of structural changes, the cathedral today stands a wonderful community church with a large following. They have regular concerts and music sessions to keep the culture going. For more information, do check the website.
Worcester Porcelain Factory has had quite a history through the years. It’s a definite visit if you’re in the city so make sure it’s on your itinerary. The factory was set up in 1751 at the River Severn. In the many years to come, the factory passed many hands and finally now only runs for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The city being famous for porcelain, the factory is a precious example of a blend of traditional artwork with modern facilities. You can visit the factory to see how the process of making a piece of porcelain art goes about - the baking, painting of details and designs and more. The factory also allows children to experience the process by having them paint plates. They also have a gift shop so that you can take home a souvenir from the Queen’s own personal porcelain factory.