For Groups
To do justice to the Quarter, a visit for the day is recommended starting around 10.30am and finishing around 4.30pm. However, if you want to indulge in shopping avoid Sunday when most shops are closed and if you want to visit on Monday please note that some of the galleries and museums are shut.
Listed below are attractions with suggested timescales for visiting – all attractions are free.
Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
Birmingham’s oldest independent art gallery (allow at least 30 minutes)
St Pauls Gallery, Northwood Street
World’s largest selection of signed rock album prints (allow 20 minutes)
St Pauls Church; St Pauls Square
The Jewellers Church – an outstanding example of Georgian Architecture set in Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian Square, recently voted in the top 20 UK Urban Picnic Spaces by the Independent Newspaper (allow 20 minutes)
Warstone Lane and Key Hill Cemeteries
Listed by English Heritage, these historic cemeteries are where many influential people are buried ranging from the Chamberlain Family and Harry Gem (who invented Lawn Tennis) to Alfred Bird, inventor of eggless custard! (allow 1 hour)
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Step back in time into an old jewellers factory and learn about the history of Birmingham’s jewellery trade. Recently voted in the top 3 of European Free Attractions! (allow 1½ hours)
The Pen Room, Frederick Street
A museum that celebrates Birmingham’s place in the late 19th Century as the centre for the World pen trade – make your own pen nib, write with a quill and enjoy the fascinating displays (allow at least 45 minutes)
Walk the Pavement Trails (Newhall Hill, Frederick Street, Newhall Street)
Learn fascinating facts on the Quarter from pavement art markers (allow 30 minutes)
Historic Building Trails
Discover some of the area’s amazing and quirky architecture – just some examples from the 200 historic listed buildings (allow 1½ hours)
Shopping for Jewellery
Over 100 specialist retail outlets in the area which still makes around 40% of UK Jewellery (allow 2 hours browsing and buying time!)
Jewellery Quarter Information Centre
This is situated in Vyse Street by the Jewellery Quarter clock. It is generally open from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive (Telephone: 0121 604 7700). The Information Centre has a variety of leaflets about the Quarter and the Information Centre Manager is always happy to offer advice and guidance.
In some cases, with a large party it is worth phoning in advance particularly with the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, the Pen Room and the Galleries. Please note that there is a coach-parking bay in Branston Street around the corner from the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. Also, if a Blue Badge Guide is required you should negotiate directly with them (www.blue-badge-guides.com). There are over 30 restaurants and bars in the Quarter ranging from traditional pubs and cafes to top quality restaurants. For further information please click on the Eating Out section of this Website.
