Hockley - the home of Birmingham's jewellery trade
Hockley, a central district of Birmingham, is the principal area of Birmingham's long-standing Jewellery Quarter. To this day, the Jewellery Quarter boasts the largest concentration of businesses involved in the jewellery trade in Europe, and much of the historic architecture and independent artisan workshops have kept well over the years. It's home to city landmarks such as the Birmingham Mint and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.
Central Birmingham - where it's all going on
The historic squares of Birmingham's city centre are the perfect place to find a range of excellent shops and restaurants, brilliant street entertainment, and beautiful architecture. New Street is home to many high street favourites, including The Body Shop, Primark, Jack Wills and Watches of Switzerland, as well as the Piccadilly and Burlington Arcades. This huge and varied shopping avenue leads right up to the steps of the Council House building, which dominates the historic and beautiful Victoria Square.
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is the best place to learn about the fascinating history of Hockley, and the industry that put it on the map. Run by the Birmingham Museums Trust, the museum is based in the building of an old factory, where the family business Smith and Pepper made gold jewellery for more than 80 years. Much of the museum is a time capsule to the heyday of the factory, with tools, benches and other apparatus left exactly as they were.
Travelodge Birmingham Central Newhall Street Hotel is just outside the Jewellery Quarter, and Travelodge Birmingham Central Moor Street Hotel is a 10-minute drive away.