The West Midlands is a bustling metropolitan county centered on Birmingham, famed for its rich industrial past, cultural landmarks, extensive urban parks, and vibrant arts and shopping scenes.
10 Nov
A one-day conference exploring the Rossetti family, their creative relationships and wider Pre-Raphaelite circles through talks and discussion. The programme includes morning and afternoon talks, a Q&A, and time to explore the related exhibition.
20 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Wightwick Manor is decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas, with candlelit trees, greenery and decorations inspired by the Morris family and their contemporaries. Visitors can also look for knitted snowmen hidden around the rooms.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
An adult beginners' needle-felting workshop where participants learn basic techniques and make a pumpkin, with the option to add shading and a Jack o’ Lantern face.
Wightwick Manor is a Victorian era Arts and Crafts house near Wolverhampton, showcasing original William Morris designs and a significant Pre-Raphaelite art collection, set in 17 acres of gardens and woodland with an additional De Morgan Gallery in the adjoining Old Manor. It is owned by the National Trust and open to the public with a café and shops onsite.
24 Sep
An evening event called 'Poem in Your Pocket' in collaboration with The Hearth Centre for Healing Arts Festival, featuring a selection of poetry and prose readings to lift spirits. Attendees are invited to share their own poems and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Teas and coffees are included in the ticket price.
JW Evans Silver Factory in Birmingham is a preserved 19th-century historic silver factory showcasing original tools and equipment. The venue offers guided tours only on Fridays with advance booking. It features indoor exhibits and a permanent exhibition accessible by ramp, located in the Jewellery Quarter known for its jewellery and silver production. Parking is available on-road and nearby with charges, but the factory has limited wheelchair access.
25 Oct
Children can gather around a campfire for spooky stories, play ghoulish games and make Halloween-inspired crafts in the woodland at Moseley Old Hall.
24 Oct–8 Nov
A colourful installation by local artist Kanj Nicholas reimagines Diwali through design, combining Indian textiles, bold colours and traditional motifs inspired by Wightwick Manor. It draws on work produced through printing workshops with the local community.
Moseley Old Hall is a historic house and museum in Staffordshire, notable as a hiding place of Charles II during his escape in 1651. Visitors can explore the restored early 17th-century hall with period furniture and an enclosed 17th-century-style garden, all managed by the National Trust.
2–6 Sep, 9–13 Sep…
Meet Pepperpot the Mole is an outdoor sculpture event at Coventry Charterhouse featuring a 4-metre-high mole sculpture by Bruce Asbestos. Visitors can follow a family-friendly trail around the walled garden to discover Pepperpot's locations and learn about moles and the natural world at their own pace. The event is outdoors and suitable for families.
Coventry is a historic cathedral city in the West Midlands, England, known for its iconic Coventry Cathedral with both a war-ravaged old spire and a modern new building. The city features cultural attractions including the Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry Transport Museum, and numerous theatres. Visitors can enjoy parks, festivals, and rich heritage linked to industry and the arts. Coventry also offers diverse shopping and dining experiences, and is celebrated as the UK City of Culture 2021.
25 Nov, 9 Dec…
Harpist Ann Lombardi performs festive music in the Great Parlour, with performances at intervals during the day for visitors to listen to as part of their Manor visit.
20 Oct–16 Nov
A display of hand-knitted poppies in the Memorial Garden honours people connected with the Mander factory who died in the First and Second World Wars. Visitors can also attend short remembrance services beside the war memorials on 8 and 11 November.
11 Oct (this Sunday)
A hands-on fused-glass workshop led by artist Suzie Lavender, with morning and afternoon sessions focused on making festive decorations. Participants learn glass-fusing techniques and create pieces to be kiln-fired after the workshop.
24 Oct–1 Nov
A family Halloween event at Kenilworth Castle featuring interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot. Visitors are invited to dress up and take part in a daily fancy-dress competition.
Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire is a large medieval and Tudor castle ruin managed by English Heritage featuring historic architecture, extensive water defences, an Elizabethan garden reconstruction, and exhibitions. It is accessible to visitors with indoor and outdoor experiences and significant historical importance including the longest medieval siege.
Kenilworth is a historic market town in Warwickshire, England, known for its significant medieval castle ruins, heritage sites, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene, making it a notable destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
27 Sep
Join textile artist Lily Purslow at Wightwick Manor for a unique embroidery workshop based on the William Morris design, 'Dove and Rose'. The workshop provides expert tuition on decorative embroidery techniques, focusing on creativity and craftsmanship to create a heritage-inspired piece. It is suitable for confident beginners or those with some embroidery experience. The event includes admission to the site, refreshments, and all materials, and it runs from 10:30am to 3:30pm with a 1-hour break. The workshop takes place in a meeting room above the shop which is not wheelchair accessible. It is exclusive to Wightwick Manor and Gardens and suitable for adults only.
12 Nov
Rukhsana Sardar discusses her move from the fast-fashion industry to sustainable upcycling, sharing ideas for reusing and rethinking clothing and textiles. Attendees can ask questions and bring an upcycling project for advice.
Mailbox Birmingham is a mixed-use development in Birmingham city centre featuring luxury shopping, BBC studios with an accessible public area, restaurants by the canal, office spaces, hotels, and a cinema, offering a modern indoor urban experience.
16 Oct (next Friday)
A photography workshop at Wightwick Manor and Gardens for learners and intermediate photographers, with guidance and support to develop their photography skills. Participants should bring their own camera.
29 Nov–1 Dec
Participants make a Christmas wreath using seasonal foliage and natural decorations, with guidance on arranging and styling it. The workshop includes prosecco and a mince pie, and attendees take their wreath home.
Charterhouse in Coventry is a historic house with extensive gardens featuring accessible routes and interactive exhibits perfect for families. Visitors can enjoy a café, an adventure playground, and free parking when registered. The venue offers indoor and outdoor experiences including art, history, and outdoor play areas, with good accessibility for wheelchair users.
24 Oct
An adult beginners’ needle-felting workshop where participants learn basic techniques and make a felted bat, with the option to add a hanging string.
13 Nov
A festive wire-craft workshop where participants learn to shape wire and beads into mistletoe and holly decorations, stars or Christmas card embellishments. Materials, tea, coffee and mince pies are provided.
The Weaver's House is a restored 1540s historic weaver's cottage in Coventry showing how John Croke lived and worked, featuring a medieval garden, replica loom, and open days with live demonstrations and talks. Access is limited due to age of property; some wheelchair access available in garden and ground floor.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Glass artist Suzie Lavender leads a beginner-friendly fused-glass workshop at Wightwick Manor, with a morning taster session making two creations and an afternoon session to design a hanging glass garland. Participants’ work is kiln-fired after the workshop and can be collected later or posted.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Families can follow a Halloween-themed trail through Wightwick Manor’s gardens, solving autumnal puzzles and taking part in fun challenges. Trail sheets include a small prize.
30–31 Oct
Storyteller Peter Chand presents an evening of ghost stories from South Asia and beyond, exploring themes of light and dark. The performance takes place in the Great Parlour and includes jumps and lighting effects.
7–8 Nov
Families can celebrate Diwali at Moseley Old Hall by making a traditional diya lamp from air-dried clay. The activity takes place in the Cowshed.
19–20 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Wightwick Manor and Gardens is a free open weekend event on 19 and 20 September 2026, featuring a major exhibition exploring the Rossetti family's artistic and literary legacy alongside the history of the Mander family. Visitors can explore the Victorian manor, gardens, and participate in tours about the home's heritage and art collections.
26–30 Oct
Families can take part in a different Halloween-themed craft each day, making items such as a wool-wrapped broom, clay creatures, ghost decorations, a pumpkin sun catcher or a hand puppet.
9 Oct
Join a guided three-mile walk at Clent Hills through woodlands and hills, exploring the countryside’s nature, scenery and history.
Clent Hills offers a beautiful outdoor experience with extensive walking trails, panoramic views, and a family-run café. It is dog-friendly, wheelchair accessible via specific paths, and provides activities suitable for children, with a rich natural and historical environment.
17 Nov
Actor Jonathan Goodwin performs classic ghost stories by M.R. James inside Coventry Charterhouse, with the audience choosing a different selection of tales each night. The performance includes a wander through the historic building.
15 Nov
A guided meditation and gentle journaling session with The Soul Collective, offering attendees time to pause, reflect and reconnect.
16 Oct (next Friday)
Participants can learn fused-glass techniques with artist Suzie Lavender in a morning session making festive decorations, an afternoon session designing a platter or curved piece, or both. The finished work is kiln-fired after the workshops and can be collected later or posted.
25 Nov
Participants create nature-inspired artwork using pre-prepared pressed flowers in a workshop led by Justine from The Lilac Tree. No prior experience is needed, and materials are provided.
30 Nov
A fused-glass workshop led by artist Suzie Lavender, with morning and afternoon sessions to create snowmen, snowflakes and festive decorations. Participants’ work will be kiln-fired after the workshop.
29–31 Oct, 5–7 Nov
Participants can drop in to make a traditional Diya lamp from air-dried clay as part of a Diwali celebration with the local community.
Birmingham Back to Backs is a historic court of 19th-century back-to-back houses in Birmingham, preserved and restored as a museum showcasing working-class industrial town housing with guided tours across different eras.
28–29 Nov, 4–7 Dec…
Explore Christmas traditions at Moseley Old Hall across the 17th century, the 1940s and the 1980s, with period decorations and stories about the families who lived there. Visitors can wander at their own pace or join an informal house tour when volunteers are available.
8–13 Oct, 15–20 Oct…
Families with children aged 7–12 can use the Stranger Folk app to follow a folklore-themed adventure at Moseley Old Hall, completing magical tasks and solving a riddle together. The adventure can be played in around 20 minutes or spread throughout the day.
15 Oct, 12 Nov
A guided wellbeing walk led by the Charterhouse Head Gardener through Charterhouse Heritage Park and its gardens, focusing on the area’s nature, beauty and distinctiveness.
31 Aug
A playful summer event at Coventry Charterhouse offers families summer holiday activities including badminton and outdoor games in the walled garden, discovering a large Pepperpot Mole sculpture, a family trail through the grounds, nature craft workshops, indoor crafts for children, playground and open green spaces. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife spotting, learn history of the Charterhouse, and relax with food and drinks from the café.
5–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Follow a self-led family trail through the winter gardens to discover the histories behind Christmas decorations and traditions, with puzzles and activities along the way.
26–27 Sep
Living History Weekend with the Sealed Knot at Moseley Old Hall: The King's Escape is a two-day historical reenactment event on 26 and 27 September 2026. It features musket and pike drills, living history displays, interactive activities for children, and storytelling about King Charles II's escape after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The event brings to life 17th-century life and historical moments through immersive demonstrations across the site, suitable for families and history enthusiasts.
1 Nov
NeuNoir presents an intimate reading of Algernon Blackwood’s supernatural tale *The Listener*, about a lodger whose cheap London rooms become increasingly unsettling. The story is read by Richard Usher.
The Roundhouse in Birmingham is a rare Victorian industrial heritage site featuring a crescent-shaped former depot and stables, now hosting tours including kayaking, cycling, and walking on the adjacent canal, along with business enterprise spaces.
22 Nov
Join in preparing and stirring Moseley Old Hall’s Christmas pudding as part of a recreation of Stir Up Sunday. The event also includes short talks and demonstrations.
24–25 Oct, 28–31 Oct
A family half-term event at Coventry Charterhouse featuring a pumpkin trail, seasonal crafts and Halloween activities, plus dog agility and a best-dressed dog competition in the walled garden.
11 Sep
A fused glass workshop led by Wolverhampton glass artist Suzie Lavender at Moseley Old Hall. Attendees can join morning and/or afternoon sessions to create festive glass mobiles and glass gift creations. The workshop is suitable for beginners and includes materials, safety equipment, tools, and refreshments. The event includes kiln firing of creations followed by collection or postage later.
25 Oct
A guided Halloween walk at Clent Hills, where volunteer guides share spooky tales and legends of the area while leading a three-mile route with seasonal surprises.
Hagley Hall is a restored eighteenth-century Palladian mansion set in picturesque parkland featuring notable follies. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the house, explore the extensive grounds, and use onsite facilities such as a cafe, shop, and free parking. It represents a significant heritage site combining architectural and landscape excellence.
5–6 Dec
Children can hear Father Christmas share seasonal stories, meet him for photographs and receive a traditional present. The event runs in timed sessions on weekends in December.
Stoneleigh Abbey is a magnificent Grade 1 listed stately home in Warwickshire, built on the remains of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, featuring guided tours of the house and extensive grounds designed by Humphry Repton. Facilities include a cafe, shop, and wheelchair accessibility with free parking.
12–13 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Moseley Old Hall is a free event on 12 and 13 September 2026 where visitors can explore the 17th-century farmhouse, learn about King Charles II's dramatic escape, meet the Lace Guild with lacemaking demonstrations, and engage in traditional crafts related to wool. The event includes knowledgeable guides and costumed interpreters, children's craft activities, and access to the grounds and tea room.
22 Sep
Don't Go into the Cellar presents 'Wilde about Oscar', an original one-man stage play performed by award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin. The show takes place in the Great Parlour at Wightwick Manor and Gardens and revolves around stories related to Oscar Wilde. The event requires booking and tickets cost £20 each. It runs indoors with a start time of 7:30pm on 22 September 2026.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
An actor performs a one-person stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic horror novel Frankenstein, portraying Victor Frankenstein and other characters in the Great Parlour.
18 Oct, 24 Oct
Participants will be guided through making a folded book vase and paper flowers, then enjoy a cream tea. All materials are provided, and no previous experience is needed.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
An exhibition at Wightwick Manor explores the artistic and literary legacy of the Rossetti family and their circle, featuring new acquisitions, rediscovered drawings and rarely seen works. It examines the family’s relationships, upbringing and creative work.
12 Sep
Birmingham Heritage Week - Open Day offers free entry to Birmingham Back to Backs to explore historic houses and a courtyard, with volunteers sharing the history and an exhibition by Birmingham City University students showcasing local culture. Booking is recommended. The event is suitable for children and includes indoor and outdoor activities.
21 Yateley Road is a Grade I listed Arts & Crafts house in Edgbaston, Birmingham, offering guided tours of the house and gardens. Visitors can explore the well-preserved interiors reflecting the original 1899 design and enjoy light refreshments during the 2.5-hour tours.
5–6 Dec
Visitors can explore Kenilworth Castle and take part in seasonal festive activities. A separate ticket is available to meet Father Christmas.
14–15 Nov
A three-hour Christmas wreath-making class led by a Wightwick Manor gardener. Participants use foraged evergreens, dried flowers, spices and fruit to make a natural wreath to take home.
26 Sep
A special interest lecture titled ‘No Friend Like a Sister’ exploring the friendships, family ties, and networks that supported Pre-Raphaelite women, presented by Professor Serena Trowbridge. The event is a talk held in the Meeting Room above the Old Manor Shop at Wightwick Manor and Gardens, discussing the connections and support systems of women in the Pre-Raphaelite movement.
4 Dec
A Victorian theatre performance in which actor Alfred St John Merrimoon tells unsettling seasonal stories of winter ghosts and Christmas horrors.
28 Oct
Join or watch a shadow puppet parade around the grounds of Coventry Charterhouse. Visitors can bring puppets made at the shadow puppet workshops or attend as spectators.
29 Nov
Participants can learn fused glass-making techniques with artist Suzie Lavender and create festive glass decorations or glass gifts in a beginner-friendly workshop. The work is kiln-fired after the session and can be collected later or posted.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
Stories That Made Us is an exhibition featuring new work by artists Hardish Virk and Shaniece Martin, inspired by Coventry Charterhouse and its surrounding communities. Personal reflections and immersive installations explore identity, memory and belonging.
21–22 Nov
A seasonal craft fair at Coventry Charterhouse featuring local makers and artists selling handcrafted gifts, including jewellery, glasswork, festive home décor and original artwork.
7 Nov
Kenilworth Round Table’s annual charity fireworks event at Kenilworth Castle features a mini display followed by a main fireworks display, with food and drink stalls also available.