Blakesley Hall

Blakesley Hall in Birmingham is a timber-framed Tudor house in the Yardley district, now a museum run by Birmingham Museums Trust. It holds Grade II* status on the National Heritage List for England, a rating reserved for particularly important buildings, and counts among the oldest surviving structures in the city.

What is Blakesley Hall and who built it?

The house dates from around 1590 and was built for Richard Smalbroke, a member of a prominent Birmingham merchant family. Historic England's listing calls it a timber-framed farmhouse of the late sixteenth century that was enlarged over the following decades. The building later passed into civic hands and opened as a museum in 1935. It was damaged by bombing in 1941 and welcomed visitors again in 1957.

What will you see?

The architecture is the main draw. The upper floor juts out over the ground floor on large brackets, and the walls are covered in close-set timber studs, some laid in a herringbone pattern. In the sixteenth century this kind of display advertised the owner's wealth. The panels between the timbers are infilled with wattle and daub and painted white. The ground floor has tight vertical studding, and a gabled porch carries a Latin inscription. At the back, beside the chimney, a brick kitchen wing was added around 1650.

Inside, the rooms show how well-off households in the Midlands lived in the Tudor and Stuart periods. The museum also runs themed events and family activities. A historic barn stands nearby and is listed separately at Grade II. The garden is free to enter.

How do you get to Blakesley Hall?

The address is Blakesley Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8RN, a few miles from the city centre. The easiest options are a city bus or taxi from the centre, or a car with parking in the surrounding streets. Coordinates: 52.4727 N, 1.8101 W.

When should you visit, and what does it cost?

Birmingham Museums lists opening Wednesday to Friday, 11am to 4pm, with last entry to the house at 3pm. In summer 2026 trade press reported that weekend opening had been added, so check the current calendar before you set out. The museum recommends pre-booking, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Prices are on the official website.

Frequently asked questions

Is Blakesley Hall a private residence? No. It is a museum managed by Birmingham Museums Trust. The house requires a ticket, while the garden is free.

How old is the building? It dates from the late sixteenth century, usually given as about 1590. The brick kitchen block is later, from around 1650.

Do I need to book? Booking is not compulsory, but it guarantees entry and speeds it up on busier days. Tickets can also be bought on arrival if any remain.

How long should I allow? One to two hours is usually enough for the interiors and a walk around the garden.