What Edgbaston House is
The name Edgbaston House is associated with a historic Quaker meeting house, boutique accommodation and an event space, as well as a former office tower site in Birmingham’s Edgbaston district.
The Friends Meeting House at 17 Frederick Road was built in 1893 as a permanent home for Birmingham’s Quaker community. Edgbaston House is also described as boutique accommodation with event and meeting spaces. The hotel address given is 16 Highfield Road.
The district is home to Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Winterbourne House, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and other historical, cultural and sporting sites. For current updates and bookings, consult the Friends Meeting House, Edgbaston House official site and Visit Birmingham.
History
The Friends Meeting House was designed by Victorian architect William Henman. Its Victorian classical architecture includes elegant brickwork, timber sash windows and stone details. The building stands among landscaped gardens and mature trees in the Edgbaston Conservation Area, known for its architectural variety and green spaces.
The site reflects more than 350 years of Quaker activity in Birmingham, with roots dating to 1659. The meeting house replaced earlier venues and represented the Quaker community’s move to Edgbaston as the city suburbanised. The Cadbury and Sturge families, known for their philanthropic work, are closely linked to the site. Features include original Scots pine benches and a garden pond.
A separate Edgbaston House office tower at Duchess Place was built in the mid-20th century and was once a feature of Birmingham’s business landscape. It was demolished in 2018. The site is now part of New Garden Square, a mixed-use redevelopment with offices, retail, dining and public spaces, reflecting the district’s ongoing transformation (Edgbaston.com).
For more on Birmingham’s heritage, see Birmingham Museums Trust and Visit Birmingham.
What to see and do
Edgbaston Cricket Ground hosts international and domestic fixtures, tours and community sports matches at Edgbaston Community Sports Ground. Its 2025 major matches include the England vs. India Men’s Test Match (2–6 July), Women’s IT20 (12 July) and Vitality Blast Finals Day (13 September) (Edgbaston Events, Official Cricket Hospitality, Edgbaston Tickets).
Other activities and attractions in the district include the monthly Edgbaston Village Artisan Market, outdoor music events and business networking. Cultural attractions include Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Winterbourne House and the Lapworth Museum of Geology (Birmingham World, All Events in Birmingham).
Practical visiting information
Visiting hours, tickets and tours
The Friends Meeting House is open on Sundays from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM for Quaker worship. Other access is by appointment. General admission is free of charge. Guided tours are available by request, particularly during heritage open days; contact the venue in advance to arrange. Check the Friends Meeting House for updates.
Edgbaston House is also described as typically open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Tuesday–Sunday, and closed Mondays. Hours may vary for events, so confirm via Edgbaston House. It is primarily a hotel and restaurant, with occasional public events and tours. Tickets are not required for accommodation or dining; special events and tours may require advance booking. Another listing says tickets can be purchased online or at the venue, with group, tour and event pricing varying.
Location, access and transport
The Friends Meeting House address is 17 Frederick Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1JB. The Edgbaston House hotel address is 16 Highfield Road, Birmingham, B15 3DU (Edgbaston House Official Site).
- Train Five Ways station is variously listed as a 10-minute walk, a 15-minute walk, under 1.5 km away or approximately 0.7 miles away. Birmingham New Street is readily accessible (Audiala, StuRents).
- Tram Edgbaston Village Metro stop connects directly to the city centre.
- Bus Frequent services serve the area, including routes along Harborne Road, Highfield Road and Calthorpe Road, and links along Hagley and Harborne Roads (Historic Houses, Visit Birmingham).
- Car The hotel listing describes free, secure guest parking and says it is outside the Clean Air Zone (Edgbaston House). On-street and lot parking are also available. Pre-book parking for events, especially at Edgbaston Stadium (Edgbaston Tickets), or use parkthecarhere.com.
- Walking and cycling Wide pavements, cycle routes, secure bike storage, canal routes and pedestrian-friendly streets are mentioned (Bill Dargue Gazetteer).
The Friends Meeting House has step-free access and accessible facilities; contact the house about specific needs. The hotel features step-free access, lifts and accessible rooms (Edgbaston House).
Accommodation and facilities
Accommodation options in Edgbaston include:
- Edgbaston Park Hotel Birmingham Modern amenities on Edgbaston Park Road.
- Best Western Plough and Harrow Hotel Historic ambiance just outside the city centre.
- Apollo Hotel Convenient for city access.
- The High Field Town House Boutique guesthouse with gardens and free WiFi.
- Peter Scott House Suited to event and university visitors.
More options are listed at Booking.com and Bed and Breakfasts.
Edgbaston’s proximity to major universities means there are studios, shared apartments and short-term student lets, many with communal lounges, WiFi and parking (StuRents). Self-catering apartments and houses, including Avril Serviced Apartment and Flat 6 Phoenix Court, are available via Rent By Owner.
Listed hotel and event facilities include WiFi, parking, accessible rooms, meeting spaces and on-site or partner restaurants. Edgbaston House’s on-site amenities also include parking, with advance booking for event days via parkthecarhere.com.
Dining options include Simpsons (Michelin-starred), Chapter, Baloci, The Highfield, Boston Tea Party and The High Field. Chapter and partner restaurants including Baloci and The High Field are listed as offering guest discounts. Edgbaston Village has Michelin-starred and casual dining options. Shopping includes Neptune, OKA, BoConcept and Lux Gallery.
Edgbaston House is described as partnering with local businesses, universities and sustainability projects (Visit Birmingham). Edgbaston Stadium has promoted a “Go Green Game” (Edgbaston.com).
Tips
- Book accommodation and events early (Edgbaston Premium Experiences).
- Check accessibility needs in advance.
- Use public transport for convenience and sustainability.
- Confirm WiFi and parking with your accommodation.
- Explore local offers and events.
- For Edgbaston Stadium, premium packages include the Seat Unique Terrace, VIP food and drink, family stands and accessible seating (Edgbaston Premium Experiences, Cricket Stadium UK).
Nearby places
Nearby attractions include:
- Edgbaston Cricket Ground International sporting events and tours (Birmingham Journal).
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens 15 acres of themed gardens (Nomadvisor).
- Winterbourne House & Garden Edwardian villa and gardens (Winterbourne House).
- Edgbaston Reservoir Free access for walking and watersports.
- Edgbaston Village Artisan Market Monthly crafts and food market (Audiala).
- The Barber Institute of Fine Arts Artworks by Monet, Van Gogh and Turner (Nomadvisor).
- MAC and Cannon Hill Park Theatre, workshops and green space (Town & Village Guide).
- Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Birmingham’s jewellery heritage (Nomadvisor).
- Other nearby attractions include Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, Bullring Shopping Centre and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Approximate distances and suggested transport modes:
| Attraction | Distance (approx.) | Mode of transport |
|---|---|---|
| Edgbaston Cricket Ground | 0.8 miles | Walk/Taxi |
| Birmingham Botanical Gardens | 0.5 miles | Walk |
| Winterbourne House & Garden | 1.2 miles | Walk/Taxi |
| Edgbaston Reservoir | 1.5 miles | Walk/Taxi |
| Five Ways Train Station | 0.7 miles | Walk |
| Birmingham City Centre | 1 mile | Tram/Taxi/Bus |
| Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) | 1.5 miles | Taxi/Bus |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Edgbaston House’s visiting hours?
The Friends Meeting House is open Sundays 10:30 AM–12:00 PM and by appointment. The boutique hotel’s hours vary, so check Edgbaston House directly. A general listing gives hours of 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Tuesday–Sunday, closed Mondays.
Is there an entry fee?
General admission to the Friends Meeting House is free; fees may apply for special events or tours.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. They are available by appointment or during special events; contact the property for details.
Is the area accessible?
Both the Friends Meeting House and Edgbaston House hotel offer accessible facilities.
What are the best nearby attractions?
Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Winterbourne House, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, MAC and artisan markets.
Where can I book tickets for major events?
Visit Edgbaston Tickets.
