Digbeth, a vibrant district located in the heart of Birmingham, is a hub of creativity, history, and family-friendly fun. While it’s known for its industrial roots and emerging arts scene, there’s so much more to this eclectic neighbourhood than meets the eye. Whether you’re a local or visiting with your kids, there are plenty of fascinating things about Digbeth that are sure to spark excitement and curiosity. Here are five Digbeth facts that will leave your children saying “wow!” — with one of them being an outlandishly fun crazy golf experience.
1. Crazy Golf in an Abandoned Warehouse
Let’s start with one of the coolest things you can do with your kids in Digbeth — playing crazy golf in a creatively transformed warehouse. Ghetto Golf, located on Fazeley Street, takes crazy golf to a whole new level. Set in a former industrial space, the venue is filled with quirky artwork, neon lights, and graffiti-covered walls. Imagine playing golf inside an old bus, or putting through a street art gallery! Each hole offers a new, unexpected theme that makes this place truly unique.
Not only is Ghetto Golf a visual treat, but it’s also a super fun way to spend a few hours with the family. It’s not your ordinary mini-golf experience, and the whole vibe makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a wild, artistic playground. Your kids will be amazed by the creativity and excitement of this one-of-a-kind course. Plus, the environment showcases the cool, urban aesthetic that Digbeth is known for, combining play with art in a way that’s bound to captivate.
2. The Birthplace of Typhoo Tea
Ever wondered where your cup of tea comes from? Well, next time your kids sip their morning brew, you can tell them this fun fact: Typhoo Tea was born right in the heart of Digbeth! In 1903, Birmingham grocer John Sumner launched the tea brand that would go on to become a household name across the UK and beyond.
The original Typhoo factory was based in Digbeth, producing thousands of tea bags daily. While the factory no longer stands, the legacy of Typhoo Tea lives on in British culture. If your kids love history or enjoy a good cup of tea themselves, they’ll be fascinated to learn that one of the country’s favourite tea brands originated right in this corner of Birmingham. Digbeth’s industrial past is full of stories like these, and Typhoo is just one of the famous brands that started here.
3. The Custard Factory: A Creative Playground
The name “Custard Factory” might sound like a Willy Wonka-style wonderland to kids, and in a way, it is! The Custard Factory is a former factory turned creative and digital business hub, located in the heart of Digbeth. It was once the home of Bird’s Custard, a beloved British brand, and today it has transformed into a thriving centre for independent businesses, artists, and designers.
Walking through the Custard Factory is like entering a different world, with colourful murals, sculptures, and quirky shops lining the streets. It’s a great spot to explore with kids, as there’s always something visually interesting to discover. From street art to unique shops selling vintage toys and clothing, the Custard Factory is a place where creativity runs wild. Your little ones will love the atmosphere, and who knows, it might even inspire their own artistic ambitions.
4. A Famous Movie Filming Location
What’s more exciting for kids than knowing they’re standing where famous movie scenes were filmed? Digbeth has served as a backdrop for several blockbuster films and TV shows, turning its gritty, urban streets into the perfect cinematic set. One of the most notable productions filmed here is the award-winning series Peaky Blinders, which captures Birmingham’s post-WWI industrial atmosphere.
Peaky Blinders, which follows the story of the Shelby family and their notorious gang, filmed several key scenes in Digbeth, particularly around the area’s iconic railway arches and canals. When you walk through these parts of Digbeth with your kids, they might just feel like they’ve stepped into a movie set! It’s a fun and engaging way to get them interested in both history and film while exploring the real-life settings behind some of their favourite shows.
Beyond Peaky Blinders, Digbeth has also been the filming location for films like Ready Player One, directed by Steven Spielberg. The futuristic, industrial look of the area was perfect for the film’s dystopian vision. So, whether your kids are into crime dramas or sci-fi adventures, Digbeth’s film credentials are sure to impress.
5. Home to Birmingham’s Oldest Pub
Who doesn’t love a good pub with a story? While your kids might not be interested in grabbing a pint, they’ll still find it cool that Digbeth is home to The Old Crown, Birmingham’s oldest pub. Dating back to 1368, this historic building has stood the test of time, surviving wars, industrial revolutions, and modern developments.
The Old Crown’s timber-framed structure looks like something out of a medieval fairytale, making it a fascinating place to visit with kids. Its age alone makes it special, but it’s also played host to many historical figures over the years, including Queen Elizabeth I. Standing in front of The Old Crown, you can almost feel the history seeping through its walls. It’s a living relic that showcases Digbeth’s deep roots in Birmingham’s history. For kids, it’s a fun chance to imagine life in the 14th century and picture what Birmingham looked like hundreds of years ago.
Digbeth is full of surprises, blending the old with the new, and offering a host of activities and historical facts that will surely capture your children’s imaginations. From the creative craziness of Ghetto Golf to the history of Typhoo Tea, the Custard Factory’s artistic energy, famous movie locations, and Birmingham’s oldest pub, there’s something here for everyone. So, next time you’re looking for an exciting day out in Birmingham, head to Digbeth and wow your kids with these fascinating and fun facts!
