BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK

Running for ten days (September 11 to 20), Birmingham Heritage Week is — by no measure we understand — a week in length. But we'll forgive the haphazard moniker in view of the 200+ cultural spots that will open for all the culturally culturedness one city can possibly offer all thanks to support from Birmingham Museums Trust, the National Trust, the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Municipal Charity.

Our pick of those experiences, below, forms this week's cherry on top of your Birmingham sundae and, if you love uncovering Brum's hidden history, for the love of God set a reminder for 10am this Saturday (August 15) when tickets, most of which are free, go live. These events sell out lickety-split, so treat it like Glastonbury, just with more Victorian tunnels.

Mailbox Tunnel Tour
Gain rare access to the hidden mail subways and tunnels that once transported post beneath the city.

This fascinating behind-the-scenes tour explores the underground routes linking New Street with the former sorting offices on Pinfold Street and the Mailbox. You'll even walk the full length of the long-disused Mailbox tunnel. PPE is provided – just wear sturdy shoes and bring a camera. 

Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Birmingham Heritage Week also opens the doors to one of the city's most beautiful and lesser-known places of worship: the punchily entitled Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of Theotokos & St Andrews, on Summer Hill Terrace.

Originally built in 1873 as a Catholic Apostolic church and designed by celebrated Birmingham architect J.A. Chatwin, the striking Gothic Revival building has served the city's Greek Orthodox community since 1958. Visitors will have the chance to admire its soaring brick arches, intricate interior and rich history while learning about the cathedral's role as both a place of worship and a centre for Greek culture in Brum. 

Aston Fire Station Museum
Step inside one of Birmingham's lesser-known heritage gems with a rare tour of the Aston Fire Station Museum.

Housed inside the city's Grade II-listed 1923 fire station – the oldest serving station in the West Midlands – the museum is packed with historic fire engines, vintage equipment, uniforms and fascinating memorabilia charting a century of firefighting.

Even better, every tour is led by retired firefighters, whose first-hand stories bring the collection vividly to life.

Quaker Meeting House
Explore this peaceful Arts and Crafts gem at the heart of Bournville. Built in 1905 and closely linked to the Cadbury family's Quaker values, the Grade II listed building has long served as both a place of worship and a community hub.

Visitors can discover its elegant architecture, tranquil gardens and fascinating history, while learning how Quaker beliefs helped shape Bournville into one of Britain's most influential model villages.

Quaker Meeting House
Explore this peaceful Arts and Crafts gem at the heart of Bournville. Built in 1905 and closely linked to the Cadbury family's Quaker values, the Grade II listed building has long served as both a place of worship and a community hub.

Visitors can discover its elegant architecture, tranquil gardens and fascinating history, while learning how Quaker beliefs helped shape Bournville into one of Britain's most influential model villages.

Theatre Tours
Go behind the curtain and discover the stories hidden beyond the stage with exclusive backstage tours of three of Birmingham's best-loved theatres: The Rep, The Old Rep and the Crescent Theatre.

The standout might just be The Old Rep on Station Street, the UK's first purpose-built repertory theatre, which opened in 1913 thanks to theatre pioneer Sir Barry Jackson.

It's where acting legends including Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft, Derek Jacobi and Michael Gambon all trod the boards early in their careers. Explore backstage areas rarely seen by the public and uncover more than a century of theatrical history inside this beautiful Grade II-listed landmark that survived a Nazi bomb. 

Tyseley Locomotive Works
Visitors for this gem will get rare access to Tyseley Locomotive Works, home of Vintage Trains and one of Britain's most important working railway depots.

Normally closed to the public, the site offers a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration and maintenance of magnificent steam and diesel locomotives. Visitors can explore the engineering workshops, get up close to historic engines and discover the stories behind the volunteers keeping Britain's railway heritage alive. 

Yardley Conservation Area
Get yourself shown around one of the city's oldest and most historic neighbourhoods. This guided walk explores the medieval heart of Yardley, taking in centuries-old timber-framed buildings, the ancient parish church of St Edburgha, the historic churchyard and remnants of the old village that pre-date Birmingham's expansion.

Along the way, you'll uncover stories of rural life, local characters and how this once-separate village became part of the modern city.

Tickets go live this Saturday (August 15) at 10am here