You can explore hidden parts of the city this autumn as part of Birmingham Heritage Week.
Hundreds of Birmingham’s buildings and spaces, many of which are usually closed to the public, will be opening their doors in the annual festival.
Highlights include a chance to step inside breathtaking mansions and churches, swim in historic swimming pools and go on hard hat tours of gas works and catacombs.
Read more - 9 bargain attractions to visit within an hour’s drive from Birmingham
The event runs from September 9 to 19 September 2021 and will be packed with hidden stories and historical secrets.
You can hear all about the very best summer things to do on the Brummie Mummies podcast here
“Birmingham Heritage Week is a city-wide celebration of the stories, places and people from our city’s fascinating past," said Irene De Boo from Birmingham Heritage Week.
"It’s a chance to step back in time to explore the heritage on our doorstep. We have canal walks with music, street art running tours and hard hat visits of catacombs.
"We’re really excited to see such a wide range of events on offer - many of which are completely free to attend - and we look forward to welcoming everyone.”
Whilst most events are free, booking is required and people are asked not to attend if they have Covid symptoms.
7 things to look out for at Birmingham Heritage Week 2021
1. Visit the Dhamma Talaka Peace Pagoda
Did you know there's a golden peace pagoda in Ladywood?
The Dhamma Talaka Peace Pagoda was opened in 1998 and is the only such building in traditional Burmese (Myanmar) style in the Western hemisphere.
Monks live in the monastery (vihara) and practice Theravada Buddhism. There's a teaching hall in the grounds. You can visit for a free tour each afternoon from September 11 to 19. Find out more and book here
29/31 Osler Street, Ladywood, B16 9E
2. See the underground tanks of Birmingham's last remaining gasholders
You can see up close the last three remaining gasholders in Birmingham before they are dismantled.
Learn about the history of the Windsor Street Gas Works in Nechells as you get the chance to look down into the underground tanks, marvel at the engineering and gaze up at the gasholder frames, painted in the Aston Villa Football Club colours.
Hi vis jackets, hats and eye protection will be provided and guests are required to wear walking boots for this unique tour.
Taking place on Saturday September 11, there are six sessions available from 9am to 3pm and it's free. Find out more and book here
Windsor Street Gas Works Windsor Street, Nechells, B7 4DW
3. Take a dip in Birmingham's oldest swimming pool
You can enjoy a guided tour and even a swim at the oldest operational swimming pool in Birmingham (optional).
Woodcock Street Baths – now known as the Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre - were built in 1902 and are still enjoyed by the local community today.
The guided tour will show how Aston University, who took over this grade 2 listed building in 1980, have refurbished and redeveloped the building into a modern sports centre whilst retaining most of its original features.
Taking place on September 10, 11, 13, 17 and 19, places are free but must be booked in advance here
The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre, Woodcock Street, B7 4BN
FREE things to do around Birmingham
4. Explore Birmingham's 'Little Rome'
Did you know that Birmingham has its own 'Little Rome'?
One of Birmingham’s truly hidden architectural gems, the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri was built in 1903 in the Baroque style and contains fine examples of Italian mosaics and marble work.
The church is also the National Shrine of Birmingham’s Saint John Henry Newman. On this guided tour, you can see this shrine and the Shrine of Saint Philip and the altar containing the bones of the Martyr Saint Valentine.
Free tours are taking place on September 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 19, starting at the fountain in the cloister. Find out more and book here
The Oratory Church of St Philip Neri, 141 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, B16 8UE
5. Peek inside Birmingham's oldest catacombs
Do you dare to step inside Birmingham's oldest catacombs?
The unique architectural catacombs in Key Hill Cemetery are a fascinating place to explore in this special hard hat tour.
You can learn about how the catacombs were built, see the interior architecture and memorials, and get a chance to see inside some of the unused catacombs. No human remains or coffins will be visible.
Not only will you be provided with hard hats and hi vis vests, visitors will also be issued with LED lanterns because the lighting levels are so low inside the catacombs.
There are three tours on September 18, and it costs £3. Find out more and book here
Key Hill Cemetery, Key Hill, Jewellery Quarter, B18 5AH
6. Go on a Secret Birmingham Bike Ride
Follow in the footsteps of J.R.R.Tolkien, the author of ‘The Lord of the Rings' on this bike ride through parts of Brum you might never have seen before.
Explore South Birmingham’s only remaining Prefabs, visit the 18th century mill that inspired the writer’s epic novels and some of the beautiful green spaces and canals which feature in his work too on this specially-led bike ride from ecobirmingham.
The 14-mile trip takes place on September 14 and starts outside the University of Birmingham and finishes in Cannon Hill Park, using cycle paths and green spaces with just a few small roads to link up the route.
There's a chance for refreshments at Sarehole Mill and the mac. Find out more and book here
A38 Blue Cycle Route, Bournbrook Road junction outside of The University of Birmingham
Brummie Mummies
7. Climb up the Bullring Bell Ringing Chamber
You can climb up the spiral stone staircase into the bell ringing chamber of St Martin's church in the Bullring.
Here you can enjoy a demonstration of bell rings, learn about the history of the tradition and have a chance to participate with handbells.
Taking place on September 16, 17 and 18, this free tour involves 50 uneven steps so appropriate footwear needs to be worn. Find out more and book here
Entrance of Church St Martin in the Bull Ring, Edgbaston Street, B5 5BB
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