Birmingham’s hidden gems are calling your name!
While it can be hard to find unique spots to visit in the Midlands, Birmingham has plenty of secret spots waiting to be discovered. Luckily for you, we’ve searched high and low for the coolest hidden gems in Birmingham – let’s jump in!
The Pen Museum, Jewellery Quarter
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The Pen Museum, located in the Jewellery Quarter of the Argent Centre is dedicated to the history of the pen. In the 1900s, Birmingham made almost 80% of the world’s pens, so they now own a large collection of all different types of pens. This is definitely one of Birmingham’s more quirky museums, with plenty of ink and nibs on display as well as documents detailing the history behind all of the exhibits. You can even take workshops to study calligraphy or letter illumination.
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Secret Garden, Birmingham Library
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Located on the roof of Birmingham’s main library is a hidden secret. If you take the lift to the seventh floor and walk along the corridor, you will find yourself in the secret rooftop garden! Rich with plants and shrubbery, this location is perfect for views of the city as well as somewhere to take in stunning nature. They sometimes host special events here, but it can also be used by the public for picnics or even if you just want to have a walk around. There are plenty of seats and greenery areas making it the perfect area to have your lunch.
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St Martin, The Bullring
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Located snugly in the Bull Ring shopping centre is the Victorian Gothic church, St Martin’s. The place of worship contains structures and monuments dating back to the Middle Ages, making for a very interesting place to learn about Birmingham’s city history. The church suffered from bombings during WW2, but one of the stunning stained glass windows depicting a nativity scene was taken down and preserved, so it stands within the church today as an exhibition!
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Birmingham’s Hidden Catacombs, Warstone Lane
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The Jewellery Quarter is also home to one of Birmingham’s most unusual cemeteries. Half of the cemetery down Warstone Lane is built as a double-tiered catacomb. At one period of time, the general public could enter the tunnels of this structure, but it has since been sealed. The nearby ground has begun sinking due to the nature of the quarried sands below, so has created a very interesting sight to see. You can learn more about the history of the catacombs on one of the local tours of the grounds.
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The Jam House
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To finish a day of busy sightseeing, why not relax in one of Birmingham’s best-kept secrets? If you are a music lover, then look no further as The Jam House is known for its live music and amazing menu. Sitting on St Paul’s Square in the Jewellery Quarter, the Georgian building plays host to lots of live music every night, ranging from Jazz, Rhythm, Gospel and Soul music, all happily accompanied by some good grub.
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