Claire's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Beautiful English gardens with 10 minute walk. Exotic plants, trees and flowers , lawns, terraces, bandstand, high tea in the tea shop, ponds, peacocks, rose garden and views to die for in the heart of Edgbaston. Something to see all year round. Children love rolling down the sloping lawns, the peacocks, ponds and children’s play area equipment. They also enjoy the hothouses with tropical plants birds and giant fish pools and the Mediterranean greenhouses with citrus fruits. Entrance fee per website. In summer the band stand offers music and outdoor Shakespeare plays.
39 locals recommend
Botanical Gardens station
Beautiful English gardens with 10 minute walk. Exotic plants, trees and flowers , lawns, terraces, bandstand, high tea in the tea shop, ponds, peacocks, rose garden and views to die for in the heart of Edgbaston. Something to see all year round. Children love rolling down the sloping lawns, the peacocks, ponds and children’s play area equipment. They also enjoy the hothouses with tropical plants birds and giant fish pools and the Mediterranean greenhouses with citrus fruits. Entrance fee per website. In summer the band stand offers music and outdoor Shakespeare plays.
Daytime walks beside lake through trees with swans geese ducks and sailing boats. 10 minutes walk from Chad Road.
41 locals recommend
Edgbaston Reservoir
Daytime walks beside lake through trees with swans geese ducks and sailing boats. 10 minutes walk from Chad Road.
Within 5 minutes walk of the apartment is something for Tolkien fans. The original grade II listed buildings at the Edgbaston Waterworks are intricately designed and beautiful parts of the city’s skyline. Merely minutes away from the glass and steel towers of Brindley Place the waterworks are an incredible snapshot of late nineteenth century architecture.
Supposedly the chimney tower at the Waterworks was the inspiration for Tolkien’s Minas Morgul in the Two Towers, with the nearby Perrott’s Folly serving as Minas Tirith. However, like many facts relating to Tolkien and the West Midlands the truth is lost to time, however the romantic in us hopes it’s true.
Designed by John Henry Chamberlain and William Martin, construction was completed in 1870. The waterworks buildings were the key to unlocking the industrial strength that was growing within Birmingham at the turn of the century - when it gained its famous ‘workshop of the world’ title.
When the Waterworks started in operations it saw 16 million litres pour into the Birmingham, providing the city with water for personal and industrial use. In 1902 the Elan Valley Aqueduct opened, removing the need for Birmingham to rely on its boreholes, and capacity increased again.
Perrott's Folly
44 Waterworks RoadWithin 5 minutes walk of the apartment is something for Tolkien fans. The original grade II listed buildings at the Edgbaston Waterworks are intricately designed and beautiful parts of the city’s skyline. Merely minutes away from the glass and steel towers of Brindley Place the waterworks are an incredible snapshot of late nineteenth century architecture.
Supposedly the chimney tower at the Waterworks was the inspiration for Tolkien’s Minas Morgul in the Two Towers, with the nearby Perrott’s Folly serving as Minas Tirith. However, like many facts relating to Tolkien and the West Midlands the truth is lost to time, however the romantic in us hopes it’s true.
Designed by John Henry Chamberlain and William Martin, construction was completed in 1870. The waterworks buildings were the key to unlocking the industrial strength that was growing within Birmingham at the turn of the century - when it gained its famous ‘workshop of the world’ title.
When the Waterworks started in operations it saw 16 million litres pour into the Birmingham, providing the city with water for personal and industrial use. In 1902 the Elan Valley Aqueduct opened, removing the need for Birmingham to rely on its boreholes, and capacity increased again.
Walk through the historic jewellery quarter and see Birmingham crafts at their finest. From high fashion jewellery, diamonds and gold to antique jewellery, silverware and restoration workshops this quarter is fascinating. Now a trendy place to live with many chic apartments built in renovated red brick buildings. Good bars pubs and restaurants too in St Paul’s Square.
25 minutes walk from Chad road but suggest a cab as public transport not direct and some of the areas in between are not safe at night.
63 locals recommend
Jewellery Quarter
Walk through the historic jewellery quarter and see Birmingham crafts at their finest. From high fashion jewellery, diamonds and gold to antique jewellery, silverware and restoration workshops this quarter is fascinating. Now a trendy place to live with many chic apartments built in renovated red brick buildings. Good bars pubs and restaurants too in St Paul’s Square.
25 minutes walk from Chad road but suggest a cab as public transport not direct and some of the areas in between are not safe at night.
Victoria Square is home to Birmingham Town Hall a masterpiece of Victorian architecture. If you get a chance take a look inside. The town square hosts many events from The Christmas Market, Art festivals to South American weekend. Just round the corner is the recital hall and the Museum and Art gallery worth a look for Egyptian artefacts, Art collection and lovely traditional cafe. Close by are some of the best restaurants and bars, Parnell’s, Gaucho, Fazenda, the Alchemist, Lasan, itihaas. The shopping trip starts here as you walk down New Street towards the Bull Ring and Grand Central
6 locals recommend
Victoria Square, Birmingham
Victoria Square is home to Birmingham Town Hall a masterpiece of Victorian architecture. If you get a chance take a look inside. The town square hosts many events from The Christmas Market, Art festivals to South American weekend. Just round the corner is the recital hall and the Museum and Art gallery worth a look for Egyptian artefacts, Art collection and lovely traditional cafe. Close by are some of the best restaurants and bars, Parnell’s, Gaucho, Fazenda, the Alchemist, Lasan, itihaas. The shopping trip starts here as you walk down New Street towards the Bull Ring and Grand Central
45 minutes and 30 miles from Chad a road is Stratford on Avon. See the historic birthplace of Shakespeare and Ann Hathaways’s cottage. Enjoy the lawns down to the river, rowing boats and swans. Lovely traditional pubs and gardens. Delightful streets to walk through, shop and browse for restaurants. See a performance of the Royal Shakespeare company at one of their three venues in Stratford. Eat in the rooftop restaurant over the royal Shakespeare theatre overlooking the river.
118 locals recommend
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Henley Street45 minutes and 30 miles from Chad a road is Stratford on Avon. See the historic birthplace of Shakespeare and Ann Hathaways’s cottage. Enjoy the lawns down to the river, rowing boats and swans. Lovely traditional pubs and gardens. Delightful streets to walk through, shop and browse for restaurants. See a performance of the Royal Shakespeare company at one of their three venues in Stratford. Eat in the rooftop restaurant over the royal Shakespeare theatre overlooking the river.
Centenary square hold the new Birmingham central library worth seeing for its beautiful metallic colours and intricate fretwork celebrating Birmingham’s traditions of craft and artistry.
94 locals recommend
Library of Birmingham
1 Broad StCentenary square hold the new Birmingham central library worth seeing for its beautiful metallic colours and intricate fretwork celebrating Birmingham’s traditions of craft and artistry.
15 minute drive from Chad Road is Aston Hall, a Grade I listed Jacobean house in Aston, Birmingham, England, designed by John Thorpe and built between 1618 and 1635. It is a leading example of the Jacobean prodigy house.
Architecture and coving worth seeing. Some say it’s haunted ...
13 locals recommend
Aston Hall
Trinity Road15 minute drive from Chad Road is Aston Hall, a Grade I listed Jacobean house in Aston, Birmingham, England, designed by John Thorpe and built between 1618 and 1635. It is a leading example of the Jacobean prodigy house.
Architecture and coving worth seeing. Some say it’s haunted ...
Cotswold quintessentially old British country cottages in creamy stone nestled in rolling hills. In the summer worth driving out for fruit picking, farmers markets, lunch at the Dormy House, Broadway 30 miles from Chad Road. Or dine by the river in Worcester at the Diglis or Browns.
181 locals recommend
Cotswolds
Cotswold quintessentially old British country cottages in creamy stone nestled in rolling hills. In the summer worth driving out for fruit picking, farmers markets, lunch at the Dormy House, Broadway 30 miles from Chad Road. Or dine by the river in Worcester at the Diglis or Browns.
Historic Cheltenham at 45 minutes drive away is worth a visit. Gorgeous streets of white buildings, pavement cafes and restaurants, the original spa waters and treatment centres. A few times a year Cheltenham is filled with visitors from around the globe attending the Gold Cup Racing
384 locals recommend
Cheltenham
Historic Cheltenham at 45 minutes drive away is worth a visit. Gorgeous streets of white buildings, pavement cafes and restaurants, the original spa waters and treatment centres. A few times a year Cheltenham is filled with visitors from around the globe attending the Gold Cup Racing
The Oratory a few hundred meters from Chad Road offers mass including an amazing sung Latin mass ( check their website). Behind the facade on Hagley Road is a pillared quad, the living quarters of the community and a church dedicated to Cardinal John Henry Newman. The interior style is lavishly decorated Baroque. Tolkien had strong links with the oratory also.
The Birmingham Oratory is an English Catholic religious community of the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, located in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham. The community was founded in 1849 by St. John Henry Newman, Cong.Orat., the first house of that congregation in England.
The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri
141 Hagley RdThe Oratory a few hundred meters from Chad Road offers mass including an amazing sung Latin mass ( check their website). Behind the facade on Hagley Road is a pillared quad, the living quarters of the community and a church dedicated to Cardinal John Henry Newman. The interior style is lavishly decorated Baroque. Tolkien had strong links with the oratory also.
The Birmingham Oratory is an English Catholic religious community of the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, located in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham. The community was founded in 1849 by St. John Henry Newman, Cong.Orat., the first house of that congregation in England.
Walk along the canal between the University of Birmingham train station and the Gas street basin. You would not believe you were in the heart of the city. Best and safest in daylight hours. Much of kids to see with birds wildlife flora and dogs being walked walkers cyclist and joggers canal boats. Wider parts near the university halls ideal for picnic.
13 locals recommend
Gas Street Basin
42A Gas StreetWalk along the canal between the University of Birmingham train station and the Gas street basin. You would not believe you were in the heart of the city. Best and safest in daylight hours. Much of kids to see with birds wildlife flora and dogs being walked walkers cyclist and joggers canal boats. Wider parts near the university halls ideal for picnic.
It's among Birmingham's most bohemian and coolest suburbs - and residents and visitors all know that Moseley is magic.
In recent years, it's been ranked above London's Muswell Hill, Mayfair and Blackheath.
Every summer Moseley holds international music festivals in the private park at the back of the high street.
Great restaurants pubs and unusual shops
25 locals recommend
Moseley
It's among Birmingham's most bohemian and coolest suburbs - and residents and visitors all know that Moseley is magic.
In recent years, it's been ranked above London's Muswell Hill, Mayfair and Blackheath.
Every summer Moseley holds international music festivals in the private park at the back of the high street.
Great restaurants pubs and unusual shops
Food scene
Good pub food, fire places, gardens, character and amazing historical building.
8 locals recommend
The Physician
Harborne RoadGood pub food, fire places, gardens, character and amazing historical building.
Great food drinks and local character in this Harborne pub. Lovely outdoor drinking and food area to the rear. Children permitted till early evening.
29 locals recommend
The Plough
21 High StGreat food drinks and local character in this Harborne pub. Lovely outdoor drinking and food area to the rear. Children permitted till early evening.
Brindle place is about 20 minutes walk from Chad Road, turning right down the Hagley Road towards the city centre. Brindley place is at the heart of the Birmingham canal system and now home to the Symphony hall, Centenary Square, the National Indoor Arena, the Repertory Theatre, the Sea Life Centre. Great places for lunch and the best restaurants including Piccolinos and Cielo. Take a leisurely cruise on a canal boat through Edgbaston and past Birmingham University. At night the many pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants along Broad Street steal the show.
23 locals recommend
Brindleyplace
Brunswick StreetBrindle place is about 20 minutes walk from Chad Road, turning right down the Hagley Road towards the city centre. Brindley place is at the heart of the Birmingham canal system and now home to the Symphony hall, Centenary Square, the National Indoor Arena, the Repertory Theatre, the Sea Life Centre. Great places for lunch and the best restaurants including Piccolinos and Cielo. Take a leisurely cruise on a canal boat through Edgbaston and past Birmingham University. At night the many pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants along Broad Street steal the show.
Authentic dry ( no alcohol permitted on premises) halal best Persian food in Birmingham. Modest family run surroundings. Favourite with Middle Eastern families. Good service warm welcome.
6 locals recommend
Shiraz Restaurant
167 Hagley RdAuthentic dry ( no alcohol permitted on premises) halal best Persian food in Birmingham. Modest family run surroundings. Favourite with Middle Eastern families. Good service warm welcome.
The White Swan
Harborne RoadGood food in very pleasant surroundings with great service.
Visit Harborne Highstreet for great range of shops bars restaurants post office banks hairdressers. Some interesting quirky boutiques cafes music bars. Parking behind the high street or walk 20 minutes. Monthly farmers market. Annual summer carnival the 2nd largest in UK.
12 locals recommend
Harborne
Visit Harborne Highstreet for great range of shops bars restaurants post office banks hairdressers. Some interesting quirky boutiques cafes music bars. Parking behind the high street or walk 20 minutes. Monthly farmers market. Annual summer carnival the 2nd largest in UK.
The coolest part of Birmingham offering alternative and interesting nightlife. Custard factory, the Digbeth Dining Club, The Institute and many more. Something for everyone.
According to pivotal, cutting-edge research, Digbeth is a party destination partial to a four day weekend. Mostly housed in the vintage warehouses of Birmingham's quirky and creative district, these Birmingham clubs promote some of the biggest and more raucous weekend parties that Brum has ever seen. From daytime raves to evening DJ residencies and guests, this area is certainly a clubbing hubbub. So get glammed up and get ready to dance the night away in the best clubs in Digbeth.
26 locals recommend
Custard Factory
Gibb StreetThe coolest part of Birmingham offering alternative and interesting nightlife. Custard factory, the Digbeth Dining Club, The Institute and many more. Something for everyone.
According to pivotal, cutting-edge research, Digbeth is a party destination partial to a four day weekend. Mostly housed in the vintage warehouses of Birmingham's quirky and creative district, these Birmingham clubs promote some of the biggest and more raucous weekend parties that Brum has ever seen. From daytime raves to evening DJ residencies and guests, this area is certainly a clubbing hubbub. So get glammed up and get ready to dance the night away in the best clubs in Digbeth.
The Arcadian, iconic home of nonchalant glamour, delicious flavours and endless fun. We’re the city centre’s original social hotspot and its most cherished. Our array of atmospheric bars and dynamic restaurants nestle harmoniously to create a vibe utterly unique to this special place.
Created to show the people of Birmingham a very good time, the epic tales of nights spent here have long been woven into the tapestry of this great city. Our unique architecture houses a social, sun drenched central piazza surrounded by a wide selection of restaurants, some of the best bars the city has to offer, top comedians, shops, beauty treatments and more.
13 locals recommend
The Arcadian
70 Hurst StThe Arcadian, iconic home of nonchalant glamour, delicious flavours and endless fun. We’re the city centre’s original social hotspot and its most cherished. Our array of atmospheric bars and dynamic restaurants nestle harmoniously to create a vibe utterly unique to this special place.
Created to show the people of Birmingham a very good time, the epic tales of nights spent here have long been woven into the tapestry of this great city. Our unique architecture houses a social, sun drenched central piazza surrounded by a wide selection of restaurants, some of the best bars the city has to offer, top comedians, shops, beauty treatments and more.
Shopping
Modern luxurious setting on the canals. Best brands for shopping and boutique restaurants incl Harvey Nichols, Malmaison, Boss, Castle Fine Arts. Best views of Birmingham from the top floor of The Cube building at the Marco Pierre White bar and restaurant
78 locals recommend
Mailbox Birmingham
Royal Mail StreetModern luxurious setting on the canals. Best brands for shopping and boutique restaurants incl Harvey Nichols, Malmaison, Boss, Castle Fine Arts. Best views of Birmingham from the top floor of The Cube building at the Marco Pierre White bar and restaurant
One of the largest shopping centres in Europe. From selfridges curvy and mirrored built store to Sports Direct.
95 locals recommend
Bullring Shopping Centre Bullring
One of the largest shopping centres in Europe. From selfridges curvy and mirrored built store to Sports Direct.
Great upmarket brands in an modernist building full of light. A huge food court set along the gallery above the train gates. Links to the BullRing shopping centre.
65 locals recommend
Grand Central station
Great upmarket brands in an modernist building full of light. A huge food court set along the gallery above the train gates. Links to the BullRing shopping centre.
Family favourites
Mecca for chocolate lovers everywhere! Cadbury world allows you to taste freshly made still warm chocolate, listen the story of how chocolate is made and takeaway a bag of the stuff. Perfect with kids
Cadbury World
69 Linden RdSport
Edgbaston Cricket Ground, also known as the County Ground or Edgbaston Stadium, is a cricket ground in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham, England. It is home to Warwickshire County Cricket Club, and is also used for Test matches, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals. Edgbaston has also hosted the T20 domestic finals day more than any other cricket ground. ground is a beautiful modernist temple to cricket with all you need inside to enjoy the day
Edgbaston Cricket Ground
Edgbaston RoadAston Villa
Best football team in the world