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:
9. Packwood House, Solihull
This is a timber-framed Tudor manor house in Packwood on the Solihull border near Lapworth, Warwickshire. It was a modest timber-framed farmhouse constructed for John Fetherston between 1556 and 1560. In 1904 the house was purchased by Birmingham industrialist Alfred Ash. It was restored at the beginning of the 20th century by Graham Baron Ash, son of Alfred Ash. Owned by the National Trust since 1941, the house is a Grade I listed building. It has around 150 acres of parkland, wildflower meadows with 5 different types of native orchids, ancient woodland with bluebells, oak and hornbeam to explore. It is open to the public. The house, gardens and grounds at Packwood are open every day of the week. Currently the Entrance Hall, Dining Room, Drawing Room and Study are closed for conservation work. House opening is subject to volunteer availability. (Photo - Wikimedia Commons/Tony Hisgett) | Wikimedia Commons/Tony Hisgett
10. Baddesley Clinton House, Solihull
This is a moated manor house with late medieval, Tudor and 20th-century histories. It was the home to the Ferrers family for 500 years. It is now owned by National Trust and is open to the public. There are gardens, parkland, and eating options to explore here.The house, gardens and grounds at Baddesley are open every day of the week. House opening is subject to volunteer availability. (Photo - Wikimedia Commons/DeFacto) | Wikimedia Commons/DeFacto
11. West Bromwich Manor House, Sandwell
Built by Richard de Marnham in the 1270s, Bromwich Hall is probably one of the most important surviving medieval timber framed buildings in the Midlands. It has been a home to many notable people including the Solicitor General to Charles I. It is part of Sandwell Museum Service and open to the public. It is a heritage visitor attraction and used for a variety of community projects and activities. From 18th April - 24 October, it is open on Tuesdays 11am-3pm (last admission is 2:30pm ) during weekdays. The next opening is on May 13 from 11am- 3pm. Entry is free and you can see costumed characters in the great hall and demonstrations of textile working and weaving techniques to make braids. (Photo - Wikimedia Commons/Tony Hisgett) | (Photo - Wikimedia Commons/Tony Hisgett)
12. The Oak House Museum, West Bromwich, Sandwell
This is a half-timbered yeoman farmer’s house built about 1620 with brick additions at the rear built in the 1650s as the Turton family wealth and status grew and they became lower gentry. The Oak House Museum has some fine panelling and is furnished with 17th century furniture. The house is set in its own grounds with a children’s playground on site which is available to visitors during the opening hours of the museum. It is free to visit the Oak House in West Bromwich. It is open from April until the end of September - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11-3pm (Grounds open until 4pm) and every Sunday 11-2pm. (Photo - Brianboru100/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported) | Brianboru100/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported