SOHO HOUSE MUSEUM

Soho Avenue, Handsworth, Birmingham B18 5LB. Tel: 0121 554 9122. Fax: 0121 554 5929. Website

The former home of industrialist and entrepreneur Matthew Boulton, Soho House has been restored, with period room settings (including some of Boulton's own furniture), and displays on his factory and his family. Visitor Centre with permanent exhibition on the Lunar Society, and temporary exhibition gallery. Garden.

• Opening hours:
  • Easter to end of October
    • Tues to Sun 11.30am - 4.00pm
• Admission: Free
• Facilities:
  • Shop
  • Self-service cafe (tea, coffee, soft drinks, cakes, biscuits
  • Toilets
  • Education room (seats approx. 50) available for visiting groups and also for private hire.
• Disabled visitors:
  • Disabled access.
  • Wheelchair lifts.
  • Disabled toilet.
• Services:
  • Introductory talks by arrangement (additional charge).
  • Education programme (contact Hazel Cartledge).
  • Children's activities.
  • Corporate events.
  • Private hire.
• How to get there:
  • Bus: nos. 74, 78, 79 from city centre (Bull Street), alight at Villa Road and walk back a few yards to Soho Avenue.
  • Metro: Benson Road
  • Car/Coach Soho Avenue is off the A41 Birmingham-West Bromwich road, approx. 2 miles from Birmingham city centre.
• Parking:
  • Cars: parking for approx. 25 cars on site.
  • Coaches: set down only.
• Average length of visit:
  • Allow 1-2 hours at least.
  • Large parties are divided into groups of about 15 people and admitted at intervals to avoid overcrowding.
  • Plenty to see in Visitor Centre/garden while waiting.

Other heritage attractions nearby:

• Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
• St Paul's Church
• R.B.S.A. Gallery
• St. Chad's Cathedral
• Handsworth Old Town Hall