What’s it all about?
As its name suggests, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is all about shiny trinkets and expensive gems.
Situated in the city’s Hockley area, the Jewellery Quarter encompasses an area of 264 acres (approximately 1 square kilometer) and is home to a large number of independent jewellery businesses.
One of the most significant historic areas
Today, the Jewellery Quarter is a heritage site and one of Birmingham’s most significant historic areas. Featuring a large number of listed buildings and architectural highlights, the Jewellery Quarter is one of Birmingham’s top tourist destinations. Artisan workshops and independent jewellery businesses attract large numbers of visitors each year.
Over the years, the Jewellery Quarter has witnessed many a pioneering invention. The first referee and police whistles were produced here, as were the whistles used aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
Quick facts
– The Jewellery Quarter is home to around 6,000 residents.
– Approximately 700 jewellery businesses operate in the area. It is estimated that 40% of all jewellery produced in Britain is made in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
– The Jewellery Quarter is home to more than 200 listed buildings.
Things to see and do
While retaining its historic charm and original architecture, the Jewellery Quarter has undergone major changes over the past century. Today, the area features a thriving music and arts scene with a vast array of different bars, pubs and restaurants catering to every taste and budget.
The neighbourhood also offers several museums such as the Pen Museum and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.
Several walking routes and visitor trails provide unique insights into the Jewellery Quarter’s history and its recent development. The Charm Bracelet Trail starts at the bottom of Newhall Hill with a giant bronze padlock charm that lights up at night.
Warstone Lane Cemetery, the area’s historic burial ground, is steeped in myths and legends. The cemetery is currently in a state of disrepair while a campaign group is actively seeking funding for its renovation and upkeep. Nevertheless, Warstone Lane Cemetery is a popular tourist attraction and part of the ‘Gruesome Jewellery Quarter’ visitor trail.
The JQ festival takes place in summer and plays host to a wide variety of musicians and bands. Get a tasty bite to eat at one of the many food stalls offering delicious treats and join in the Vintage Bike Ride around the Jewellery Quarter.
St.Paul’s Square, the area’s main square, has been voted one of the UK’s best picnic spots.
With a variety of great restaurants, you will find yourself spoilt for choice when trying to find a place to dine. If you enjoy Indian cuisine, you’ll love Lasan in the Dakota Buildings on James Street. A recipient of the Gordon Ramsay ‘F’ Word award, Lasan offers excellent cuisine in lavish surroundings.
Going out
The Jewellery Quarter boasts a large number of bars and clubs. Benefiting from its proximity to the city’s major clubbing and arts hubs such as the Gay Village and Theatreland, the area regularly welcomes revellers from the nearby neighbourhoods in its many nightlife venues.
Head to Stirlings on Ludgate Hill for drinks before visiting The Jam House for some first-class jazz. Enjoy a glass of bubbly while dancing the night away to the latest mix of club classics.
For the rock and grunge fans among you, Tunnel Club on Livery Street hosts a rock night on every last Saturday of the month.
Local amenities
– There are over 30 different restaurants, bars and cafés in the area. Several grocery stores and smaller convenience shops allow you to buy food and head to St.Paul’s Square for your picnic.
– HSBC, Barclays and NatWest each operate a branch in the Jewellery Quarter.
– If you are looking for an engagement ring, look no further! With approximately 700 different jewellery shops, the area is the go-to address for all your jewellery needs.
– The area is served by a post office, the Hockley Health Centre, several hair salons and a dental practice.
Getting around
The Jewellery Quarter is best explored on foot and is ideally located within walking distance of Birmingham city centre.
The area is served by JEQ station on Vyse Street. Trains run every ten minutes and connect the area to several UK cities including London and Solihull. Midland Metro services also run from JEQ station.
Several bus routes run to the Jewellery Quarter. Bus stops are located on Great Hampton Street and Warstone Lane.
Birmingham’s canal network cuts through the Jewellery Quarter, providing picturesque canal paths for both pedestrians and cyclists.
While it can be tricky to find an on-street parking spot, multi-storey car parks are located on Vyse Street and Newhall Street.