Birmingham and West Midlands

Explore places which have shaped the way we live, work and play in and around Birmingham and the West Midlands.

0

Looking over the hedges and sun dial on the thimbles lawn at Wightwick, the Manor can be seen in the spring sun at the top of the South Terrace in the distance.

Place

Wightwick Manor and Gardens

Paint, Politics and Pre-Raphaelite Artists

Two people sitting on a bench on top of a hill looking a far-reaching views

Place

Clent Hills

A stunning countryside haven in the heart of the busy Midlands

The red bricked hall sites in the main frame of the image, with green grass on the ground and a bright blue sky. There are holly trees to the right and left of the front door.

Place

Moseley Old Hall

An atmospheric Elizabethan farmhouse that saved a King

Photo shows terraced frontages on a corner in the middle of busy Birmingham.

Place

Birmingham Back to Backs

Experience 200 years of working people's lives in the heart of Birmingham.

A view of The Roundhouse from across the canal, with two canal boats visible in the foreground and the curved wall of The Roundhouse visible beyond

Place

Roundhouse

Through a partnership between the National Trust and Canal & River Trust, the Roundhouse in Birmingham has been revived as a hub for city tours.

A book display showing some of the used and new books on sale

Article

Second-hand bookshop at the Birmingham Back to Backs

Buy new and used books at Court 15, the second-hand bookshop at Birmingham Back to Backs. Donate your pre-loved books.

A person holding a reusable cup filled with coffe

Article

Eating and shopping at Wightwick

Discover the historic buildings at Wightwick and grab a bite to eat in the tea-room or stop by the shop or second-hand bookshop for the perfect souvenir of your visit.

Visitor carrying a tray of coffee and cake in the cafe at Llanerchaeron, Wales

Article

Eating and shopping at Moseley Old Hall

The tea-room is open for takeaways and outdoor seating, serving a range of hot and cold food and drinks. Hot food is served from 12 noon until 3pm. Stop by the second-hand bookshop to pick up your next read.

A view looking from the bottom of the paddock up towards Wightwick Manor in the distance. In the foreground are leaves which have changed colour with the season and are brown, orange and yellow.

Article

The garden at Wightwick

The garden at Wightwick is the perfect place for a walk after enjoying the delights of the house. Designed by Thomas Mawson, today it has something to see no matter what the season.

View over the Knot Garden to the south front at Moseley Old Hall, Staffordshire.

Article

Explore the garden at Moseley Old Hall

Explore Moseley’s walled gardens to discover 17th-century plants, a heritage orchard and intricate knot garden. Climb the tree hide and build a den in the King’s Walk Woods beyond.

Foxgloves at Clent Hills, Worcestershire

Activity

Clent Hills

Enjoy the great outdoors on the Clent Hills with miles of bridleway to explore. Find out about the best routes and keeping yourself safe while out walking and cycling on the Hills.

Young volunteers and guests, Birmingham Back to Backs, summer 2016. On a fascinating guided tour, visitors step back in time at Birmingham's last surviving court of back to backs; houses built literally back-to-back around a communal courtyard.

Events in Birmingham & West Midlands

Join in a host of seasonal adventures and events for all ages at places near you. Find out what's on and what’s coming soon.

Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham, still open for swimming

Article

Securing a future for Moseley Road Baths

Learn how the National Trust’s Innovation and Partnership Team (IPT) joined a coalition to save Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham, a unique Edwardian swimming venue that faced closure

The front of the Blossom Branch in Balsall Heath

Article

Bringing more blossom to Balsall Heath, Birmingham

The Blossom Branch in Birmingham is a space for local families and community groups in Balsall Heath to come together to learn about blossom and nature.

From intriguing museums to stately homes, there are several places in Birmingham that offer a special welcome to our members. You could be entitled to up to 50% off your entry price when you show your National Trust membership card.

A selection of upside-down U shaped presses line an old wooden bench along a window sill. Beyond the windows are red-bricked buildings and inside the room with the presses are lots of small boxes and wooden Victorian looking items or equipment.

The Pen Museum

A unique museum in the heart of Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter, you can immerse yourself in the world of a 19th-century pen-making workshop and see and hear of the harsh conditions of the mainly female workforce. Employed for their dexterity most of the women and girls making pen nibs, and ironically likely to be illiterate themselves. There are many creative displays of vintage pens, on loan from Birmingham's collections. Demonstrations and opportunities and 'have a go' activities for all the family, with quill and steel pens, typewriters, and dressing up area for younger members of the family, photo opportunities, and social media sharing. Discount: 20 % discount on Adult and Concession admission tickets. Proof of Membership required at front desk, offer not available online.

A decorative, red bricked building with a peaked roof and white window frames is glimpsed between autumnal apple trees, in the low autumn sunlight which makes everything glow.

Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens

Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens and Parkland is a 40acre green space on the edge of the city. A unique survival of early 18th century formal gardens with walks, heritage orchards, seasonal bedding, ponds and a maze. The Parkland is a Local Nature Reserve. Courtyard Café and shop free to access. Family friendly and dogs on short leads welcome. Free activities and bookable events all year round. Discount: 2-4-1 entry (not including special event days, for which visitors can buy supplementary tickets)

Blakesley Hall

Blakesley Hall, a timber-framed Tudor masterpiece constructed in 1590, stands proudly as one of Birmingham's oldest and most exemplary architectural treasures. Today, the hall serves as a museum, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its historic splendour. Situated in the charming suburb of Yardley, the hall's picturesque gardens create an oasis of tranquillity tucked away where you’d least expect! Discount: 50% off entry.

The Coffin Works

Explore how this Jewellery Quarter factory, owned by the Newman Brothers, produced high-quality coffin furniture for over 100 years, including the fittings for Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. From coffin handles to shrouds and more, the museum’s workshops are full of original stock, tools and working machinery, enabling visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian factory life. Guided tour and self-guided entry available. Discount: 50% off self-guided entry (not including guided tours).

Sarehole Mill

Sarehole Mill, built in 1768, is a functioning watermill and one of only two in Birmingham. Nestled in the picturesque suburb of Moseley, it offers a scenic spot for walks and picnics, attracting both locals and tourists. Renowned for its connection to J.R.R. Tolkien, who drew inspiration from the mill for his Middle-earth stories, Sarehole Mill welcomes visitors with a range of engaging tours and activities. Discount: 50% off entry.

Aston Hall

Aston Hall, a beautiful Jacobean mansion built in 1618, is a remarkable landmark in Birmingham. As a public museum, it welcomes visitors to explore its impressive rooms and lush grounds, including Lady Holte’s Garden. Boasting a fascinating history including a Civil War siege, and said to be one of Britain’s most haunted buildings, Aston Hall provides guests with a chance to learn about Birmingham's history and enjoy some of the city's best gardens in a truly memorable environment. Don’t miss it’s iconic Long Gallery. Discount: 50% off entry.

Visitors listening to the tour guide on the closed communal courtyard at Birmingham Back to Backs, West Midlands

Article

Supporter groups in Birmingham and the West Midlands

Join your local supporter group in Birmingham and the West Midlands for visits, holidays and fundraising events supporting the Trust.

The farmhouse seen over the Knot Garden at Moseley Old Hall, Staffordshire

Article

Volunteering at Moseley Old Hall

Without our volunteers we wouldn’t be able to care for Moseley Old Hall – discover how you could play your part in helping to preserve this historic Elizabethan farmhouse.

A volunteer talks to visitors at Wightwick Manor, West Midlands

Article

Volunteering at Wightwick Manor

Find out more about volunteering at Wightwick Manor and how you can join the team that has been making Wightwick tick for over 60 years.

Article

Sustainable travel in Birmingham & West Midlands

There are a number of sustainable options for travelling to and from the places in our care in Birmingham and West Midlands, whether you’re looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot. Here’s a little more information that can help you plan your visit.

See all events

Event

Apple Harvest Celebrations

Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Find us in the orchard to discover our heritage apple varieties, buy some apples, try some samples, play some games and learn how we grow twelve different apple varieties on one tree!

Event

Fused Glass Workshop with Suzie Lavender - Equinox Lanterns and Seasonal Bunting Workshop

Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Throughout the day Wolverhampton glass artist Suzie from Suzie Lavender Contemporary Glass will be teaching two sessions of fused glass making techniques. These workshops are suitable for beginners or as a refresher course.

Event

The Back to Backs by Candlelight

Birmingham Back to Backs, Birmingham, West Midlands

Enjoy a tour of the Birmingham Back to Backs in the atmospheric glow of candlelight.

Event

Curator Talk: William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones - Brothers in Art

Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Join Helen, our Senior Collections and House Manager, for a captivating talk on the enduring friendship and artistic collaboration between William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones, followed by a walking tour of their artwork in the Manor.

Event

Make more of your Photography Workshop at Wightwick Manor and Gardens with Lindsey Bucknor OBE

Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Join us in the wonderful surroundings here at Wightwick to build on what you already know and see what you can do with your photography.

Event

Fused Glass Workshop with Suzie Lavender - Fused glass Jewellery techniques and Festive Decorations

Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Throughout the day Wolverhampton glass artist Suzie from Suzie Lavender Contemporary Glass will be teaching two sessions of fused glass making techniques. These workshops are suitable for beginners or as a refresher course.

Event

Adult Beginners Needle Felting Workshop - Bats

Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

This is a workshop aimed at adult beginners or first time felters with tutor Natalie Harris(Brooks). Natalie is a fine artist using needle felting and the creator of Roly Poly Ponies.

Event

Racism, Representation and Books with Blacklore

Birmingham Back to Backs, Birmingham, West Midlands

We welcome Lyza who created Blacklore as a safe and fun space to engage with BIPOC+ and Queer literature, aiming to create a booming book community in Birmingham.

Explore an area nearby

A group of four women along a path, in the background, down a hill is a reservoir

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

Plan a visit