St Michael's Church Open Day

Come and learn more about our church building.  Enjoy refreshments while you learn more about the history of this church.  Friday’s session is part of the regular Places of Welcome morning.

NOTE: This event will also take place on Saturday 12th September 2026

10:00 - 12:00 | St Michael’s Church, Church Rd, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield B73 5RX | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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New Hall Hotel and Grounds Tour by Marian Baxter

Join this popular and informative tour, led by local historian Marian Baxter, enabling stunning views of the beautiful grounds and of the exterior of the historic New Hall building.  Each tour limited to 12 people.  £4 per adult

Tours will take place at the following times:

• 11:00 - 12:30 

• 13:30 - 15:00

BUY TICKETS HERE

11:00 - 12:30 and 13:30 - 15:00 | New Hall Hotel and Spa, Walmley Rd, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield B76 1QX | BOOKING ESSENTIAL - £4.00

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"Peopling Sutton’s Past: Archaeology and everyday histories" A talk by Dr Mike Hodder

This talk will explain what archaeological remains dating from prehistoric times to more recent centuries tell us about life and work in different periods of Sutton’s past. It will describe how people made and used objects and how they constructed buildings and boundaries. 

14:00 - 15:30 | Holy Trinity Parish Church, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, B72 1TF | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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Bold Writers Showcase Evening

Come and enjoy a relaxing evening listening to local creative writers reading from their work, including pieces related to local history.  Bold Writers has been in existence for over 20 years and published several anthologies of members’ work, raising money for local causes at the same time.  Audience members can look forward to a wide-ranging selection of poetry and prose offering humour and poignant moments too.

19:45 - 21:00 | St Michael’s Church, Church Rd, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield B73 5RX | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

New Hall Water Mill Open Day

New Hall Mill located within the New Hall Valley Country Park is a Grade 2* listed building. It is owned by a Charity with the support of a volunteer Friends group. It is one of only 2 working watermills in Birmingham and an important example of local industrial heritage.

The present structure is 18th century incorporating older parts. The large overshot water wheel is turned by water from the Mill pond. Inside the Mill on 3 floors you can make your own way round where our friendly volunteers are available to tell you about the milling process and you can see the millstones turning. Flour is available for you to take home for a donation.

The old farm buildings have been converted to house a small shop, exhibition room ,tearoom and facilities. The tearoom serves cream teas, speciality coffees, tea and cakes. Auntie Wainwright’s sells a large variety of pre-loved items. The Miller’s Garden offers home grown produce and plants for sale.

The extensive grounds are open for exploration with a meadow, millpond and stream. There will be visiting exhibitors selling everything from fresh bread and hot baps to craft stalls for you to explore with musical entertainment provided by local groups. Children’s activities.

10:00 - 16:00 | New Hall Mill, Off Wylde Green Rd, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield B76 1QU | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

Sutton Park Archaeology Walk: A walk led by Dr Mike Hodder and Friends of Sutton Park Association

A 2.5 mile walk into the past with the Friends of Sutton Park Association, inside and outside Town Gate and including Meadow Platt and Wyndley Pool. We will see how the Park’s boundary has changed over time, pools and former pools, and the relationship of the medieval deer park to the manor house.

Walk includes rough grass and unsurfaced paths, and some uneven surfaces and gentle slopes. Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear essential. No shelter on route.

11:00 - 13:00 | Visitor Centre, Sutton Park, off Park Road, Sutton Coldfield B74 2YT | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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“The Suburbs of Sutton Coldfield” A talk by Tony Whitehead

Discover the fascinating history of Sutton Coldfield’s suburbs in this engaging talk by Tony Whitehead. Explore how these communities developed and learn about the daily lives of residents. We will also celebrate the influential personalities who shaped the area, leaving behind the rich Arts and Crafts legacy we enjoy today.

BUY TICKETS HERE

13:30 - 15:30 | The Royal Cinema, 27 Maney Cor, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield B72 1QL | BOOKING RECOMMENDED - £4.00

St James Church, Mere Green Open Session

Come and experience our church building.

10:00 - 15:00 | 63 Mere Green Rd, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, B75   | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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Scout Jamboree Reminiscences Walk led by Alan Smith

Led by Alan Smith, an organiser and attendee of the Jamboree, this walk, starting from Boldmere Gate, will take in areas of the Park associated with the World Scout Jamboree held there in 1957. Attendees will have the oppostunity to compare, with photogrpahs, views of then and now.

A photographic display will be available from 9:45 and after the walk which will last approx. 3 hours.

Booking is essential as places will be limited.  The event is free but donations to Scout funds will be welcomed at the end. 

BUY TICKETS HERE

10:00 - 13:00 | Sutton Park, Boldmere Gate, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, B73 6LJ  |  BOOKING ESSENTIAL - FREE

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Holy Cross and St Francis Church Open Session

Come and experience our church building.  Enjoy refreshments while you learn more about the history of this church including the stories behind its attractive fittings and its beautiful sculpture made of nails.

10:30 - 12:00 | 1 Signal Hayes Road, Sutton Coldfield, B76 2RS | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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The Old Smithy Open Session

By kind permission of the owner and proprietor of The Driffold Gallery, Mr David Gilbert, visitors will be able to view the exterior and interior of what is believed to be Sutton Coldfield's oldest extant building dating from c.1400. 

Inside you will find two floors connected by a wooden staircase which has been replaced many times over the centuries.  Old beams in plastered walls and ceilings and the massive c.1400 timber cruck frame can clearly be seen from the upper floor rear wall.  There are several 'hidden spaces' leading off the main areas with very old timber doors but because this is now a private residence, these little rooms are 'off limits' to the public; but they can be clearly spotted in the corners.  A volunteer will be on hand with information about the history.

11:00 - 14:00 | Driffold Gallery, Birmingham Road, Maney, Sutton Coldfield,B72 1QR  | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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"Sweet Heritage": a talk by Emma Barran-Scott about the history of sweet-making in the West Midlands

Do you ever think back to your childhood and wonder what happened to your favourite sweets? Sadly, many sweet shops no longer exist.  This is your chance to hear about the history of sweet-making in the West Midlands with special reference to the Four Oaks area of Sutton Coldfield where the talk will take place.  Local historian Emma Barran-Scott will bring samples to enjoy, both to excite your taste buds and stir up memories of the sweets of old!

BUY TICKETS HERE

19:30 - 21:00 | Four Oaks Baptist Church, Grange Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B75 5JX  |  BOOKING RECOMMENDED - £4.00

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Open Day

The Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall is opening its doors this Heritage Day to you, we welcome you with arms wide open as we show you a rare glimpse of behind the scenes backstage and even on the roof tops offering you a wonderful view of Sutton Coldfield itself and the infamous clock tower. We’ll be running tours, providing theatre entertainment, and much more.

The Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall is a locally listed building situated in Upper Clifton Road and is a place of inimitable character and regal charm. Over the course of its existence and near constant evolution, the Town Hall has at one time or other functioned either solely or simultaneously as; a hotel, a hospital, a theatre, a meeting place for councillors and even, for a time, a fire station.

It is free to attend Heritage Day, and if you would like to book a place on one of the series of tours taking place throughout the day, please see the link to the Town Hall's website below.

Heritage Day at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Please note: the tours will include going up various sets of stairs, so unfortunately are not accessible to those with restricted mobility.

Local amateur dramatic groups including Sutton Coldfield Youth Musical Theatre, CLOC and more will be performing throughout the day. 

Entertainment Times:

1. 10:45 - 11:15

2. 11:45 - 12:15

3. 13:00 - 13:30

4. 14:15 - 14:45

5. 15:30 - 16:00

10:00 - 16:00 | Upper Clifton Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 6DA | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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Bishop Vesey Grammar School Open Afternoon

Join us as we celebrate 500 years of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) and discover the remarkable history of one of England’s oldest schools.  Tour and refreshments available.

Visitors will begin their journey in the Headteacher’s House, which has been the home of the school since 1729, before moving into Old Big School.  Here, you can view the school’s First World War Memorial, exhibits dedicated to former pupils and Victoria Cross recipients Gus Bonner and Alan Jerrard, and a copy of the school’s original 1527 Foundation Deed.

Guided by our student leaders, visitors will then enjoy a tour of the school site, including the former boarding accommodation, reflecting a proud boarding tradition that continued until 1969.  The tour also includes the historic School Hall, which houses an extensive display charting the school’s rich heritage and development over five centuries.

The visit concludes with an opportunity to explore some of BVGS’s modern facilities, including the Richards-Randon STEM Block, opened in 2016, and the recently completed Robert P. Lowndes Learning Resource Centre, which opened in 2025. 

13:00 - 15:00 | Bishop Vesey Grammar School, Lichfield Rd, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield B74 2NH | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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Masonic Hall Open Day

Ever wondered about the very visible and imposing building you pass as you walk or drive up Mill Street (or sit in traffic!)  Come and see inside the present Masonic Hall, formerly the Town Hall before it was purchased by the Freemasons in 1903.  The interior is now designed for the use of a number of local Masonic Lodges, but there is a wealth of history to uncover about the building in former times too.

11:00 - 15:00 | Masonic Hall, Mill Street, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1TJ | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church Open Day

An opportunity to visit the church and hall, whose buildings were originally the Town School of Sutton Coldfield.  Learn about the history of this place and its re-use as a modern church building and hall serving the community.

11:00 - 15:00 | Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church, Trinity Hill, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B72 1TA | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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Holy Trinity Parish Church (CofE) Open Day

A chance to view this stunning Grade-I listed parish church and its partner building the Trinity Centre, to climb the church tower and to undertake activities associated with the church and Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.

Holy Trinity Parish Church will be celebrating the national Heritage Open Day theme of Everyday Stories through historical links of people in the church and town. BHW. Our day will be officially opened by local dignitaries.  There will be fun activities for all ages including dressing up and photo opportunities.  

There will be stalls from local societies, and refreshments to keep you going.  Live music in a range of styles.  You will be able to explore our 700-year-old Grade 1 listed church building (where Bishop Vesey is buried) and our modern Trinity Centre.  Weather and height restrictions permitting, you can climb the church tower and see unrivalled views over the town and region.  You can also see our ancient sundial and the gravestone of Mary Ashford in the grounds of our conservation site which includes the colourful Vesey Gardens. Free guided church tours including the churchyard will be on offer.

Our theme will enable us to continue to gather stories if individuals and families who who currently live, study or work in our Town, as we approach the 500th anniversaries of Royal charters in 2027-8. 

11:00 - 15:00 | Holy Trinity Parish Church, Church Hill, Mill St, B72 1TF | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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Railway History in Sutton Coldfield Exhibition

An exhibition celebrating the histories and current support of Chester Road, Wylde Green and Sutton Coldfield railway stations.

Come along and discover the history of local stations on the Spaghetti Line.  Drop in to our fascinating exhibition in Sutton Coldfield station foyer to learn about the everyday histories of station masters of the Victorian and Edwardian era.  Talk to volunteers who work with the Friends groups of each station to improve bio-diversity and habitats for local wildlife as well as improving the look of each station and commissioning artwork to enhance the surroundings for travellers.

11:00 - 15:00 | Sutton Coldfield Railway Station, Railway Rd, Sutton Coldfield, B73 6AY | NO BOOKING REQUIRED