Summer is a great time to head out and explore the many attractions and go on picnics in a park. There are several places in Birmingham and nearby towns and villages that offer a location where both can be done on a day out.
Several of the incredible historic homes in Birmingham have a large garden or parkland or both attached to them and they’re happy to welcome the public.
If you are a history buff, a visit to these homes, many of which are also museums, would tell you about what life in the West Midlands used to be like in the times gone by.
And, if you want to visit just to have a great day out in the sun, these places will also give you access to the manicured lawns and gardens, and the parklands to explore nature.
Many of these homes also host activities to keep the little ones engaged - making these sites perfect for a day out with children in and around your home city.
If you have been looking for places to head out to with your family and friends on a short notice - these historic houses are a great place to start.
So, here are 14 historic homes to visit on a day out in and near Birmingham:
1. Aston Hall, Aston, Birmingham
Aston Hall is a Grade I listed Jacobean house in Aston, Birmingham, England, designed by John Thorpe and built between 1618 and 1635. It is packed with architectural gems and historical treasures, including the breath-taking Long Gallery and the great oak staircase, which still shows the battle scars of the English Civil War. It is a musuem open to the public. Aston Hall is open Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm, with exceptions. (Photo - senicer - stock.adobe.com) | senicer - stock.adobe.com
2. Soho House, Soho, Birmingham
This is the elegant home of industrial pioneer Matthew Boulton, who lived in Soho House from 1766 to 1809. Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) is one of the most important historic figures associated with the city of Birmingham. The house has been transformed into a museum and will be open to the public, when it reopens. Due to a problem with drainage in the cellar and basement areas of Soho House, the building will not reopen as planned on Thursday, June 1. The visitor centre, including the Vanley Burke photography exhibition, and the grounds, are unaffected and will be open as planned. (Photo - Wehwalt/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported) | Wehwalt/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
3. Winterbourne House, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Located in Edgbaston, this is an Edwardian historic house and garden was built in 1903 for John Nettlefold, a pioneer of early housing reform in Birmingham. John and his wife Margaret were from prestigious local families who had made their living in industry. Choosing their house to be designed in the Arts and Crafts style reflected their modern outlook. It is open to the public and there’s a lot to attend and explore there. It is open seven days a week. From November to February, it’s open 10.30am to 4pm and from March to October, it’s open 10.30am to 5pm. (Photo - Phil Champion / Winterbourne House / CC BY-SA 2.0) | Phil Champion / Winterbourne House / CC BY-SA 2.0
4. Selly Manor Museum, Bournville, Birmingham
Selly Manor Museum is a timber-framed building in Bournville, that was moved to its current site in 1916 by chocolate manufacturer and philanthropist George Cadbury. It is a museum and open to the public. It hosts tours and and exhibitions during the year. It is open from Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 5pm (all year) and Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm (June - August). (Photo - JPI) | JPI