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:
13. Haden Hill House, Cradley Heath, Sandwell
George Alfred Haden Haden Best inherited the estate in 1878 and work began on his new house soon after as he did not want to live in the Old Hall next door where he grew up with his sisters, aunt and uncle. He built a modern house on the site of an old farmhouse behind the Old Hall. Haden Hill House is furnished in period style and boasts some fantastic original features. There is also plenty to entertain younger visitors too and the museum has a lively programme of events and activities for all ages as well as a popular selection of activities for schools. Haden Old Hall is almost semi-detached to the Victorian house. It is often known as the ‘Tudor Hall’ but it is neither Tudor or a Hall. It is open from April -September - Thursdays & Fridays 10am-5pm & Saturdays & Sundays 2pm-6pm.(Photo -Gordon Griffiths / Front of Haden Hill House / CC BY-SA 2.0) | Gordon Griffiths / Front of Haden Hill House / CC BY-SA 2.0
14. Bishop Asbury Cottage, Newton Road, Great Barr
A grade II listed museum, Bishop Asbury Cottage was the childhood home of Francis Asbury - first Bishop of the American Methodist Church. The cottage is likely from the mid 17th century. It was built as a simple artisan’s dwelling consisting of brick, tile and timber. It was retained after other cottages were demolished during the widening of Newton Road. It is now a musuem and is furnished in period style, and has memorabilia and information relating to Asbury’s life in West Bromwich, America and in the cottage itself. This cottage is open by appointment only for group visits (this attracts a charge and includes an introductory talk). The cottage is also open on special open days usually in May and September for free. (Photo - Jaggery/ CC BY-SA 2.0) | Jaggery/ CC BY-SA 2.0