14 of the Most Impressive Buildings in Birmingham, UK
Apart from the relatively new buildings in the city – like Grand Central, the Library, and Selfridges – Birmingham also boasts an array of wonderfully historic buildings. Here are 14 of the best, each one with its own story to tell.
Birmingham City Council House
This Grade II listed building is home to the local government and is one of the largest buildings in the city. In fact, it’s so large it even has its own postcode. The entrance facing Chamberlain Square houses the Museum & Art Gallery, with the Victoria Square side offering a balcony often used to celebrate local sporting triumphs to adoring crowds beneath.
Birmingham City Council, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 303 1111
2. Birmingham Moor Street Railway Station
Building
Moor Street is an early 1900s Grade II listed building – one of three operating train stations in the city centre. In the late 1980s the main station terminus was closed, with a new station being built next to it, but, following local rallying, the original building was restored in 2002 and re-opened in a 1930s style. The station now provides local services, as well as an important link between Birmingham and London.
Birmingham Moor Street Railway Station, Birmingham, UK, +44 845 748 4950
3. Methodist Central Hall
Building, Church
The Grade II listed Methodist Central Hall is one of the more striking buildings in Birmingham, thanks to its imposing tower of red terracotta brick. Located at the northern end of Corporation Street, the building’s main hall seats 2000 and its original street-level frontage is now occupied by shops. Most recently home of the Q Club, the hall occasionally hosts live music and DJs.
Methodist Central Hall, Carrs Lane Church Centre, Carrs Ln, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 616 1800
4. Blakesley Hall Museum
Museum
5. Aston Hall
Park
Just a stone’s throw away from Villa Park sits Aston Hall, an exquisite example of Jacobean architecture. Believed to have been built between 1618 and 1635, Aston Hall’s history and list of previous inhabitants is awe-inspiring. During peak periods, visitors can explore its authentic interior and stunning gardens seven days a week.
Aston Hall, Trinity Road, Aston, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 348 8100
6. St Philip’s Cathedral
Cathedral, Church
Originally built as a Parish church in 1715, St Philip’s became a cathedral in 1905, shortly after Birmingham was given city status in 1889. Though a small cathedral, St Philip’s has achieved Grade I status and proudly sits on Colmore Row in the city centre.
St Philip’s Cathedral, Colmore Row, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 262 1840
Victoria Law Courts
Another fine example of red terracotta brick, Birmingham’s Victoria Law Courts are a beauty to behold as far as stunning architecture goes. Now housing the city’s Magistrates Court, this Grade I listed building first opened in 1891 and is across the road from Birmingham Methodist Central Hall.
Victoria Law Courts, Corporation St, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 643 6300
7. The Grand Hotel
Building
A fine structure in the city since 1879, The Grand, or The Grand Hotel, is a French Renaissance-style delight. Sat dormant since 2002 due to crumbling stonework, the building is now being restored to a fully operational hotel once more. It’s fair to say that this is one of Birmingham’s most adored buildings.
The Grand Hotel, 58 Lower Essex St, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 622 6008
8. Perrott’s Folly
Park
The 96-foot (29-metre) Perrott’s Folly was built in 1758 and stands proud in Rotton Park, Edgbaston. Legend has it that this structure influenced tower references in J.R.R. Tolkien’s work.
9. Birmingham Town Hall
Memorial
One of the most prominent buildings in Birmingham, the Town Hall has been proudly standing at Victoria Square since 1834. Having undergone a period of restoration between 2002 and 2008, the temple-like Town Hall and its striking beams now regularly host a calendar of live events.
Birmingham Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 780 3333
10. Selly Manor
Museum
Selly Manor is one of the oldest buildings in Birmingham, dating back to the 14th century. With its demolition prevented by George Cadbury, the famous chocolatier had the house carefully dismantled and rebuilt close to the factory as part of his model village. The Tudor manor still stands in the same place today and serves as a popular visitor attraction.
Selly Manor, Maple Rd, Birmingham, UK, +44 844 686 1164
The Old Crown
Famously known as the oldest pub in Birmingham, The Old Crown dates as far back as 1368. Though the majority of the current building dates back to the 16th century – with its cottage-like feel, low ceilings and timber frame facade – today The Old Crown is still a popular inn on Digbeth High Street.
The Old Crown, 188 High St, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 248 1368
11. Birmingham Back to Backs
Museum
Now operated as a museum by the National Trust, the Birmingham Back to Backs are the last surviving back-to-back court houses in the city. Visitors can book a guided tour, which reveals original staircases, chimneys and courtyards from as far back as the mid-19th century.
Birmingham Back to Backs, 50-54 Inge St, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 666 7671
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