Birmingham and the West Midlands

Dudley Zoo and Castle

2 The Broadway, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4QB
Tel: 01384 215313    Fax: 01384 456048
E-mail: admin@dudleyzoo.org
Web: www.dudleyzoo.org.uk

With breathtaking views over the Black Country, the Zoo was built within the grounds of Dudley Castle, which dates back to Norman times, in approximately 1071. Over the years, Dudley Castle became a Renaissance palace, and a Royalist stronghold during the Civil War, until it was devastated by a three day fire in 1750.

Lunt Roman Fort

Coventry Road, Baginton, Coventry, West Midlands
Tel: 024 7683 2565    Fax: 024 7683 2410
E-mail: luntromanfort@coventry.gov.uk
Web: www.theherbert.org

Lunt Roman Fort was established in AD60 and is located in Baginton, near Coventry. Major discoveries between 1960 and 1973 lead to people re-constructing the defences and internal buildings. Visitors can enter the fort by the new and improved east gateway which is now built entirely from timber. An interesting feature of the fort is its unique circular construction which was named gyrus, and was used as a training ring for the cavalry. The outlines of other buildings can also be seen, including the principia, or headquarters, and  six barrack blocks. Facilities include Free parking, Picnic area, Restaurants, Wheelchair access and a Gift shop.

Weoley Castle

Somerford Road, Weoley Castle, Selly Oak, Birmingham, West Midlands, B29 5LX
Tel: 0121 256 5600
E-mail: richard@weoleycastle.org.uk
Web: www.weoleycastle.org.uk

Weoley Castle is a former 13th century fortified manor house, founded by William Fitz Ansculf. In 1264, Roger de Somery was granted licence to encase the platform with a curtain wall. The platform now supports the foundations of a 14th century chapel and a 15th century hall, contained within are domestic and lodging ranges. Its curtain wall is flanked by five small towers, with the gatehouse on the bank of the ditch.

[back to top]
 

Coventry Cathedral

Coventry Cathedral and Diocesan Offices, 1 Hill Top, Coventry, CV1 5AB
Tel: 024 7652 1200    Fax: 024 7652 1220
E-mail: information@coventrycathedral.org.uk
Web: www.coventrycathedral.org.uk

The ruins of the old Cathedral, with the charred cross and Reconciliation Statue, are adjacent to the New Cathedral designed by Basil Spence. Open to visitors all year round 9.00am - 5.00pm (services permitting). Entrance is free but a voluntary minimum donation of £3.00 is appreciated.

The Cathedral Church of St. Philip

Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QB
Tel: 0121 262 1840    Fax: 0
E-mail: enquiries@birminghamcathedral.com
Web: www.birminghamcathedral.com

Dating back to 1715, The Cathedral Church of St. Philip is a magnificent example of English Baroque architecture.  The internationally-famous Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows were designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones. The 18th century Schwarbrick organ, was rebuilt in 1993 by Nicholson's, who have cared for the organ for a 100 years.

[back to top]
 

Aston Hall

Trinity Road, Aston, B6 6JD
Tel: 0121 327 0062
E-mail: bmag.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk
Web: www.birmingham.gov.uk

A Jacobean style mansion, built between 1618 and 1635 for Sir Thomas Holte.

Baddesley Clinton

Rising Lane, Baddesley Clinton Village, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0DQ
Tel: 01564 783294    Fax: 01564 782706
E-mail: baddesleyclinton@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Medieval moated manor house that has changed little since the death in 1633 of Henry Ferrers 'the Antiquary', who began the tradition at Baddesley of armorial glass. In the 1590s it was a refuge for persecuted clerics whose 'priest's holes' still survive. The garden includes ponds, a walled garden, lakeside walk and nature trail.

Bantock House and Park

Finchfield Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 9LQ
Tel: 01902 552195
E-mail: bantockhouse@dial.pipex.com
Web: www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk

Explore the home, located within a  43 acre park, of the Bantock family and uncover the secrets of Wolverhampton’s history.

Birmingham Back to Backs

50-54 Inge Street / 55-60 Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TE
Tel: 0121 753 7757 (Infoline)
E-mail: backtobacks@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Now fully restored, this is Birmingham's last surviving court of back-to-back housing. Here you can move through four different periods, from 1840 to 1977, with interiors evincing the varied lives of the inhabitants.

Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens Trust

Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 9BT
Tel: 0121 749 4100    Fax: 0
E-mail: admin@cbhgt.org.uk
Web: www.cbhgt.org.uk

A restored 10 acre Walled English Baroque Garden, circa 1680 - 1740 containing over 600 plants from the period.

Himley Hall & Park

Himley Park, Dudley, DY3 4AF
Tel: 01384 817817    Fax: 01384 817818
Web: www.dudley.gov.uk

A Palladian mansion, built after the demolition of a medieval manor house, with 180 acre grounds designed by Capability Brown.

Moseley Old Hall

Moseley Old Hall Lane, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, WV10 7HY
Tel: 01902 782808
E-mail: moseleyoldhall@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Best-known for its links with Charles 11, this richly panelled Elizabethan home contains secret hiding places used by fleeing Catholic priests. One such hideaway saved the King from Cromwell's troops after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Beyond is a formal knot garden, arbour and nut walk.

Packwood House

Lapworth, Solihull, B94 6AT
Tel: 01564 783294    Fax: 01564 782706
E-mail: packwood@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Originally Tudor, Packwood was restored by the Ash family over many years between the two world wars. Known for it's topiary garden it also has superb herbaceous borders, a collection of yew trees and fine 16th-century textiles and furniture. Charles II reputedly rested here after the defeat of his armies at Worcester in 1651.

Wightwick Manor

Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton, WV6 8EE
Tel: 01902 761400    Fax: 01902 764663
E-mail: wightwickmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Furnished during the heyday of the Arts and Crafts movement, this Victorian manor house boasts many original William Morris wallpapers and fabrics, Pre-Raphaelite paintings, Kempe glass and de Morgan ware. The garden also reflects the period.