The City of Birmingham has a rich industrial history from its time as a major manufacturing centre in the 18th century. It played an important part in the Industrial Revolution and the canals and many buildings remain from this period. Victoria Square (near New Street station) contains a statue of Queen Victoria.
New Street is the largest and most important of the three city centre stations with trains to many major destinations in England, Scotland and Wales. Grand Central Shopping Centre is directly above New Street station. Changing platforms at New Street is simplest if you use the bridge linking all platforms at the western end of the station (the B end of the platforms), otherwise you may find you need to exit through the ticket barriers and re-enter a different set of barriers.
Moor Street and Snow Hill stations are linked by trains running in a tunnel under the city centre. If you need to interchange with New Street station it will usually be best to walk to or from Moor Street station as they are only ½ mile apart, the step-free walk is highlighted on the map.
The West Midland Metro tram stop outside New Street station is called Grand Central, for Snow Hill station use Bull Street tram stop.
TI Library of Birmingham, tel. 0121 242 4242.
Birmingham Cathedral was consecrated as the parish church of St Philip's in 1715, becoming a
cathedral in 1905 when the Diocese of Birmingham was created. The building is a fine example of English Baroque architecture.
Admission free, donations welcome.
Open please see website for times of services.
www.birminghamcathedral.com
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery first opened in 1885 and the historic building houses a world-class
collection reflecting Birmingham's rich history. Highlights include the Staffordshire Hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold, an important
collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, artefacts from Ancient Egypt and a gallery covering the history of Birmingham.
Edwardian Tearooms. Events programme.
Admission free (except some exhibitions and events), donations welcome.
Open closed for refurbisment, expected to reopen April 2022.
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
The museum in the former coffin factory tells the story of Newman Brothers, Birmingham's last coffin-furniture factory
which closed in 1998. Admission is by hourly guided tours, booking advisable but not essential.
Open please see website.
www.coffinworks.org
The Museum's extensive collection covers transport, engineering, scientific and medical instruments,
computing, geology, botany and zoology. Highlights include the story of the Spitfire, steam engines and a Planetarium.
Many hands-on displays. Science Garden.
Open WThFSSu 1000-1700, last admission 1600.
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
Birmingham's last surviving court of 'back to backs' housing. See how people lived from the 1840s to the 1970s.
Admission by pre-booked guided tours only, see website.
Open see website for booking arrangements.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Located in a former pen factory, the museum tells the story of Birmingham's 19th century steel pen trade.
Open TWThFS 1100-1600, Sun 1200-1600.
www.penmuseum.org.uk
The Pen Museum is ½ mile from Jewellery Quarter station.
Established in 1881, JW Evans is one of the most complete surviving historic factories in Birmingham's
Jewellery Quarter. Admission is by pre-booked tours only, see website for details.
Open pre-booked tours only, see website.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
JW Evans Silver Factory is ½ mile from Jewellery Quarter station.
Penguins, seals, sharks, turtles, jellyfish, clown fish and many other sea creatures. Ocean tunnel.
Booking recommended on busy days.
Open Daily 1000-1700.
www.visitsealife.com
An indoor LEGO playground for families with children over 3 years old.
Open Daily, see website for times as these vary. Last admission 2 hours before closing.
www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/birmingham
The Roundhouse was built in 1874 as stables and stores for Birmingham Corporation.
The Roundhouse is a base from which to explore the city by foot, bike or boat. Visitor Centre. Exhibitions programme.
Open Mar-Nov, WThFSSu 0930-1630.
www.roundhousebirmingham.org.uk
