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.
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.
A little way out from the city center but easy to get to, the Barber Institute is adjacent to the University of Birmingham. This is one of the world's finest small art galleries with an outstanding collection of old and modern paintings, drawings and sculpture. This gallery is not normally as busy as some larger galleries, so your tour will be un-crowded and pleasant. Artists' works include Bellini, Canaletto, Monet, Renoir, Rossetti and Van Gogh. The Institute is also a regular venue for concerts, lectures and other events.
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.
If you are footsore and weary from shopping or sightseeing, why not see Stratford-upon-Avon from a different perspective? Hop aboard one of the modern passenger boats operated by Bancroft Cruisers from the wharf at the Stratford Moat House and take a 35 minute sightseeing cruise down river. Note that there are spaces on the larger boats for up to three wheelchairs. Bancroft Cruisers are also available for charter bookings, complete with on board bar facilities.
If you are footsore and weary from shopping or sightseeing, why not see Stratford-upon-Avon from a different perspective? Hop aboard one of the modern passenger boats operated by Bancroft Cruisers from the wharf at the Stratford Moat House and take a 35 minute sightseeing cruise down river. Note that there are spaces on the larger boats for up to three wheelchairs. Bancroft Cruisers are also available for charter bookings, complete with on board bar facilities.
The Attic Theatre, located just above the Lazy Cow Pub, is the top fringe theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The theater is now home to the Tread the Boards Theatre Company, but the site was home to Stratford's very first theater in the 15th Century, and some original pieces of the theater still remain. For entertaining theater in an intimate and fun setting, check out a show at the Attic Theatre.
This picturesque garden seems to be right out of a painting, with lush flower plants, shrubs, a royal castle backdrop, ruins of a medieval stone bridge and a serene river flowing alongside, the Mill Garden is Warwick's Pride. It is privately owned and maintained by the family of Julia Measures whose father previously took care of the garden since 1938. The bridge near the garden used to be important as it carried all the traffic from the town to across the River Avon. At present it is in complete ruins but at times is home to swans who nest there. The garden is open to public for a certain part of the year and admission is acquired with a small fee.
Formerly known as Birmigham General Cemetery, Key hill Cemetery is a redundant Nonconformist cemetery that became operational in the 19th Century. In Birmingham, Key Hill Cemetery is the oldest burial ground which is not found inside a churchyard. Several memorials and fittings found inside Key Hill Cemetery are noted for their artistic and architectural value. Railings as well as the entry gates are marked as Grade II listed structures. Key Hill Cemetery is also marked by Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest as Grade II listed. Inside Key Hill Cemetery, you can find 46 Commonwealth service war burials, solemnized by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Inventor of eggless custard, Alfred Bird is buried at Key Hill Cemetery.