The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham is one of the most vibrant, historic, and creative districts in the city. Known for its incredible history of craftsmanship and trade, it’s a place where the past meets the present in fascinating ways. Whether you’re taking a family trip to this bustling area or looking to explore it for the first time, there are plenty of hidden gems that will amaze your children and make them say “wow!”
From fun-filled crazy golf to fascinating stories of gold and gems, here are five Jewellery Quarter facts that are guaranteed to surprise and excite your kids.
1. Crazy Golf at the ‘60s Inspired Golf Fang
One of the most fun and unexpected activities in the Jewellery Quarter is the quirky, street-art themed crazy golf experience at Golf Fang. Located in a transformed industrial building, Golf Fang combines artistic design with a retro ‘60s vibe, creating an environment that’s as visually stimulating as it is fun.
Each hole is uniquely themed, with colourful graffiti, neon lights, and wacky obstacles like giant donuts, oversized animals, and even cars scattered throughout the course. It’s a family-friendly venue where your kids can unleash their competitive side while being mesmerised by the vibrant visuals. Golf Fang offers a wild mix of art and sport, bringing crazy golf to life in a way that’s unlike anywhere else.
So, whether your kids are new to mini-golf or seasoned pros, they’ll be captivated by this cool, creative version of the game. It’s the perfect activity to kick-start a day of exploration in the Jewellery Quarter and will leave them talking about their favourite holes long after they’ve finished.
2. Home to More Than 40% of the UK’s Jewellery Production
Your kids might be wowed to learn that the Jewellery Quarter produces over 40% of the UK’s jewellery. This small district in Birmingham is a powerhouse in jewellery craftsmanship, with more than 700 jewellers and independent makers calling it home. As you stroll through its streets, your children will be fascinated to know that the rings, necklaces, and shiny things they see in the windows might one day be sold in shops all across the UK — or even the world!
Encourage them to peek into the workshop windows, where they can sometimes catch a glimpse of jewellers at work, melting gold, setting gemstones, or engraving intricate designs. Many of the jewellers here continue to use traditional methods, making it a great way to introduce children to the idea of craftsmanship, artistry, and the skill behind creating beautiful objects.
Visiting the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, which preserves an old jewellery workshop almost exactly as it was left when the workers downed tools decades ago, will bring this history to life. The guided tour lets kids step into the shoes of jewellery makers from another era, learning how rings, watches, and lockets were made by hand.
3. The World’s Largest Collection of Historic Pens
Pens might not sound like the most exciting thing in the world — but when you tell your kids they’re standing near the site of the world’s largest collection of historic pens, their imaginations will start to race! The Pen Museum, located in the Jewellery Quarter, celebrates Birmingham’s surprising role as the world leader in pen-making during the 19th century. At one point, 75% of the world’s pens were made in Birmingham, and many of those came straight out of the Jewellery Quarter.
Inside the museum, your kids can try their hand at using old-fashioned dip pens and inkwells, learning how writing used to be done before ballpoints and computers took over. It’s an interactive experience, where they can feel like time travellers, stepping into the shoes of schoolchildren or professional scribes from centuries past.
The museum also offers a range of fun workshops and activities, from calligraphy to pen-making demonstrations. It’s a great way to bring history to life while teaching children about the power of words and the tools we use to write them.
4. The Iconic Chamberlain Clock: A Time-Travel Landmark
The Chamberlain Clock is a distinctive landmark in the Jewellery Quarter that kids will love. Built in 1903 to honour Joseph Chamberlain, one of Birmingham’s most famous politicians, the clock stands proudly at the junction of Vyse Street and Frederick Street.
But here’s a fact that will make your kids go “wow” — this isn’t just any old clock! It has witnessed over a century of change in the Jewellery Quarter, from horse-drawn carriages and gas lamps to the bustling, modern area it is today. While it might seem like an ordinary timepiece at first glance, imagine all the stories it could tell if it could talk.
Challenge your kids to imagine what the Jewellery Quarter looked like when the clock was first built. You can even turn it into a mini history lesson, asking them what kind of jobs people would have had back in the early 20th century or how people kept time before smartphones. It’s a simple but effective way to spark their curiosity about the past.
5. The Oldest Building in the Jewellery Quarter
Another fact that will wow your kids is that the Jewellery Quarter is home to one of Birmingham’s oldest surviving houses. Located at 17-19 Newhall Street, this Grade II listed building dates back to 1682, making it over 300 years old! Known as the “Old House,” it stands in stark contrast to the modern shops and buildings that surround it.
Encourage your kids to imagine what life would have been like when the house was first built. There would have been no cars, no electricity, and no modern conveniences like mobile phones or the internet! Instead, horse-drawn carts would have clattered down the streets, and the people living in this house would have heated it with open fires.
It’s an opportunity to take them on a time-travel adventure, imagining what Harborne and Birmingham would have been like centuries ago. The contrast between the old house and the rest of the Jewellery Quarter’s contemporary buildings makes it even more impressive.
The Jewellery Quarter is a place where history, creativity, and fun come together, making it a perfect spot for a family day out. From playing crazy golf in a psychedelic course at Golf Fang, to exploring the world of jewellery-making, historic pens, and iconic landmarks, this district has plenty of hidden gems that are sure to make your kids say “wow!”
Whether you’re local or just visiting, the Jewellery Quarter offers endless opportunities for learning, creativity, and adventure. So next time you’re planning a day of exploration, head to the Jewellery Quarter and discover all the fascinating facts that await you and your little ones!
