The Coffin Works Birmingham
A preserved Victorian factory showcasing the intricate craft of coffin furniture making, offering a unique glimpse into industrial heritage and funera...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
The Coffin Works Birmingham
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A preserved Victorian factory showcasing the intricate craft of coffin furniture making, offering a unique glimpse into industrial heritage and funeral customs.
"An amazing place to visit, incredibly knowledgeable staff and a well-preserved factory."
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth history & stories. Essential for understanding the manufacturing process.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring a historic factory floor, so comfortable footwear is a must for navigating the space.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Original Factory Floor
Main factory area
Step back in time on the preserved factory floor, complete with original machinery and tools. Witness the Victorian craftsmanship firsthand.
Coffin Furniture Displays
Various display cases
Marvel at the intricate handles, plates, and fittings that adorned Victorian coffins. Each piece tells a story of mourning and craftsmanship.
The Stamp Room
Stamp room
See the powerful machinery used to stamp and cut out coffin ornaments. A true testament to industrial heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Macabre (Respectfully)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth history & stories. Essential for understanding the manufacturing process.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring a historic factory floor, so comfortable footwear is a must for navigating the space.
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate details of the coffin furniture and machinery are fascinating. Bring your camera!
❓ Ask the Volunteers
The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Don't hesitate to ask questions!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth history & stories. Essential for understanding the manufacturing process.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring a historic factory floor, so comfortable footwear is a must for navigating the space.
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate details of the coffin furniture and machinery are fascinating. Bring your camera!
❓ Ask the Volunteers
The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Don't hesitate to ask questions!
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
There's a cafe on-site for a break. Perfect for refueling after a fascinating tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Coffin Works for its unique historical preservation and the passion of its volunteers. While the subject matter might seem macabre, the focus on manufacturing and craftsmanship makes it surprisingly engaging for all ages. Some wish for more time to absorb details after tours. +1
"An amazing place to visit. Be sure to check it out. The Coffin Museum staff are very professional and friendly. After a while, I felt like I'd known these people for a long time. We also recommend it for the incredible knowledge. We were with children, and they had fun too, especially my little historian."
Paulina Tomas
"It may seem strange and macabre to go to this but it isn't at all. It's more about the manufacturing process and the machines used. The volunteers are all really helpful and informative. I thought I would be in and out in 15 minutes but they made it so interesting I was there for a hour. It is a well preserved factory showing the history of one of the great manufscturing companies that used to be in Birmingham."
Hersha C
"A good insight into the past and working life, presented through stories and anecdotes. Because of the guide's Birmingham accent, we didn't catch everything (we are German)."
Yllen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Coffin Works is located in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter. You can reach it by public transport; buses frequently serve the area. If driving, be aware that parking in the Jewellery Quarter can be challenging, so consider using nearby car parks.
Yes, The Coffin Works is well-served by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop near the Jewellery Quarter, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Parking in the Jewellery Quarter can be limited. Several pay-and-display car parks are available nearby, but it's advisable to check their availability and pricing in advance.
Absolutely! The Coffin Works is a unique attraction that makes for an excellent day trip from London, offering a distinct historical perspective.
Birmingham is easily accessible by train from major UK cities, including London. Once in Birmingham city centre, you can take a short bus ride or taxi to the Jewellery Quarter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book tickets for The Coffin Works in advance, especially for guided tours, as they are very popular and can sell out.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and tour schedules.
Ticket prices vary depending on whether you opt for a self-guided visit or a guided tour. Check the official website for current pricing details.
Information on concessions for students, seniors, or children is usually available on the official website. It's worth checking for any discounts.
While guided tours are highly recommended for the full experience, there might be options for self-guided visits depending on the day and availability. Always check the website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way to experience The Coffin Works is by taking a guided tour. The knowledgeable guides bring the history to life with stories and demonstrations.
Yes, children can find The Coffin Works fascinating, especially those with an interest in history. The manufacturing process and machinery can be very engaging for younger visitors.
Yes, there are often demonstrations of the original machinery, allowing visitors to see how coffin furniture was made.
The Coffin Works has a reputation for being haunted, with some visitors and staff reporting paranormal experiences. It's a popular spot for ghost investigations.
You'll gain insights into Victorian industrial heritage, the craft of coffin furniture making, and the social history surrounding death and funerals in the 19th century.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Coffin Works has a cafe on-site where you can purchase refreshments and snacks.
While there's a cafe, it's generally best to check their policy on bringing outside food. Picnics might be permitted in designated areas if available.
The Jewellery Quarter surrounding The Coffin Works offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants catering to different tastes and budgets.
The cafe typically offers light refreshments, snacks, and beverages. Specific menu details are best confirmed directly with the venue.
Yes, the Jewellery Quarter has many dining options. You can easily plan a lunch break before or after your visit to The Coffin Works.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography or filming.
The original machinery, the detailed coffin furniture, and the preserved factory setting offer excellent photographic opportunities.
You can usually take photos during the tour, but be mindful of your guide and other visitors. Some areas might have specific photography rules.
Drone photography is almost certainly not permitted within the museum premises due to safety and preservation concerns.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial due to the historic nature of the building. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for capturing the machinery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the demonstrations of machinery and the intricate details of the coffin furniture. It's a unique way to teach children about Victorian industrial heritage and the craftsmanship of the past, moving beyond just the 'coffin' aspect to the manufacturing marvel.
🖤 Goth & Dark Tourism Enthusiasts
+1Explore the Victorian 'cult of death' through the lens of industrial heritage. The site's authentic atmosphere and detailed displays of coffin furniture provide a unique perspective on historical mourning rituals.
🏛️ Industrial History Buffs
Discover the legacy of Newman Brothers and their contribution to the coffin furniture industry. The site offers a tangible connection to the industrial revolution and the skilled labor of the era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Newman Brothers Story
Visitors can learn about the lives of the craftsmen who worked there, the intricate processes involved in metalwork, and the social context of funerals during the Victorian period. The site is a testament to Birmingham's rich manufacturing past and its contribution to the global funeral industry.
This preservation effort ensures that the legacy of Newman Brothers and the skills of its workers are remembered. The site offers a rare glimpse into a specific, often overlooked, aspect of Victorian life and industry.
Victorian Funeral Customs & Coffin Furniture
The furniture produced by Newman Brothers included everything from ornate handles and decorative plates (often inscribed with 'RIP') to linings and other embellishments. These items were not just functional but also symbolic, designed to honor the departed and provide a sense of finality and respect. The museum showcases the variety and craftsmanship of these pieces, highlighting the importance placed on funeral aesthetics during the era.
+1Understanding the context of Victorian funerals helps appreciate the significance of the work done at The Coffin Works. It reveals how a seemingly macabre subject was deeply intertwined with social customs, craftsmanship, and personal expression.
The Paranormal Reputation
+1Reports often include sightings of apparitions, unexplained noises, and feelings of being watched. The historical nature of the site, combined with its association with death and mourning, fuels these paranormal claims. Ghost hunting events are occasionally held here, attracting those interested in the supernatural.
Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the tales of the paranormal add an intriguing layer to the visit, making The Coffin Works a destination for those seeking both historical insight and a touch of the eerie.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit