Perrott'S Folly

Perrott’s Folly Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Birmingham Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Perrott’s Folly, located in the leafy Edgbaston district of Birmingham, is one of the city’s most distinctive historical landmarks. This 18th-century tower blends architectural grandeur, rich local history, and international cultural significance—most notably due to its influence on J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary works. This comprehensive guide covers Perrott’s Folly’s origins, architecture, historical uses, Tolkien connection, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, conservation status, and travel tips, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this iconic site.

Introduction
History and Construction
Architecture and Features
Historical Uses and Transformations
The Tolkien Connection
Visiting Perrott’s Folly: Hours and Tickets
Accessibility and Travel Information
Nearby Attractions and the Tolkien Trail
Conservation and Community
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Further Exploration
Conclusion
Sources and Further Reading

History and Construction

Perrott’s Folly was built in 1758 by John Perrott, a wealthy landowner, and stands 29 metres (96 feet) tall (BBC Birmingham). The reason for its construction remains shrouded in mystery: some sources describe it as an extravagant hunting lodge, an observatory, or a vantage point to survey Perrott’s estate. Other, more romantic legends suggest it was built for Perrott’s daughter or to watch over his wife’s grave (Birmingham Mail).

The tower was intended as an ornamental folly—a structure built primarily for decoration, embodying the Georgian era’s taste for grandeur and eccentricity. Its Grade II* listing underscores its rarity and importance within British architectural heritage (Historic England).

Architecture and Features

Perrott’s Folly is notable for its six-storey design, with a square base transitioning into a hexagonal or octagonal tower (Tolkien Library). The red-brick exterior is weathered but largely original, displaying Georgian elegance and Gothic flourishes such as pointed arched windows and decorative plasterwork on the uppermost floor.

Inside, a spiral staircase of 139 stone steps leads to seven single rooms, each with unique window designs offering panoramic views of Edgbaston and the Birmingham skyline (Business Live). The top floor’s ornate plaster ceiling, depicting hunting and farming scenes, is a rare surviving feature from the 18th century.

Over time, the tower’s function changed; it served as a weather observatory from 1884 to 1979 under Abraham Follet Osler and later the University of Birmingham (Birmingham Conservation Trust). Remnants of meteorological instruments are still visible inside the tower.

Historical Uses and Transformations

Perrott’s Folly has adapted to many roles across its long history:

18th century: Built as a folly—possibly for hunting or as a lookout.
19th-20th centuries: Used as a weather observatory and later by the University of Birmingham’s Geography Department.
World War II: Served as a civil defense signal tower.
Recent decades: Managed by Trident Housing Association (2005–2017) and, since 2017, by Re.Future Collective, which promotes public engagement and art installations (Re.Future Collective).

Despite periods of neglect, local charities and heritage groups have preserved the tower’s core architectural features through restoration projects (Birmingham Conservation Trust).

The Tolkien Connection

Perrott’s Folly’s greatest claim to fame may be its association with J.R.R. Tolkien, who lived nearby as a child (Depth of Mind). Alongside the neighboring Edgbaston Waterworks Tower, it is widely believed to have inspired the “Two Towers” of The Lord of the Rings (Tolkien Society; Birmingham City Council). While Tolkien never explicitly confirmed this, the towers’ haunting silhouettes and proximity to his childhood home make the connection compelling.

Perrott’s Folly is now a central stop on Birmingham’s Tolkien Trail, attracting fans from across the world (Lost in Landmarks). The tower’s literary legacy is celebrated through local tours, exhibitions, and educational activities.

Visiting Perrott’s Folly: Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:
Perrott’s Folly is not open year-round. Interior access is typically available during special events, heritage open days, or by guided tour—usually between April and October, with opening hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Perrott’s Folly official website). Check the Re.Future Collective website or official event pages for current schedules.

Tickets:
Entry is often free for heritage open days, though donations are encouraged to support conservation. Some special events or guided tours may require advance booking or a modest entry fee (Evendo).

Guided Tours:
Volunteer-led tours offer insights into the tower’s architecture, history, and Tolkien connections. These tours are highly recommended and, when available, allow visitors to climb to the upper floors for panoramic views.

Accessibility and Travel Information

Address: 44 Waterworks Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9AL (Depth of Mind)

By Public Transport:

Bus: Several bus routes connect Edgbaston to Birmingham city centre.
Train: Five Ways station is a 15-minute walk from the tower.

Parking:
Limited street parking is available on Waterworks Road and nearby streets. Check for restrictions before your visit.

Accessibility:
Due to the narrow spiral staircase and absence of lifts, the tower interior is not accessible to visitors with mobility impairments. The surrounding grounds are generally accessible and offer excellent views and photo opportunities.

Nearby Attractions and the Tolkien Trail

Perrott’s Folly is part of Birmingham’s Tolkien Trail, which also includes:

Edgbaston Waterworks Tower: Another candidate for Tolkien’s “Two Towers” inspiration.
Sarehole Mill: Associated with the Shire’s mill in Tolkien’s legendarium.
Moseley Bog: The likely inspiration for the Old Forest in The Lord of the Rings.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens: A short walk from the folly, ideal for combining with your visit (Trek Zone).

These sites provide a unique opportunity to explore the landscapes that shaped Tolkien’s imagination.

Conservation and Community

Perrott’s Folly has faced significant structural challenges, including decay and water ingress. Emergency repairs in 2005 stabilized the building, supported by English Heritage and Birmingham City Council. The tower remains on Historic England’s “At Risk” register, but ongoing efforts by Re.Future Collective and local charities aim to secure its future (Historic England).

Art exhibitions, educational events, and heritage open days foster community engagement and raise awareness about the importance of preserving Birmingham’s architectural treasures (Birmingham Conservation Trust).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Perrott’s Folly’s visiting hours?
A: The tower is not open regularly; interior access is limited to special events or heritage open days. Always check the Re.Future Collective website or Perrott’s Folly official website for current opening times.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Usually free for open days, with donations encouraged. Some events may require advance tickets.

Q: Can I climb the tower?
A: Yes, when open, visitors can ascend the 139 steps to enjoy panoramic city views.

Q: Is Perrott’s Folly accessible for wheelchairs?
A: The interior is not accessible due to the staircase; the grounds are generally accessible.

Q: What other sites can I visit nearby?
A: Edgbaston Waterworks Tower, Sarehole Mill, Moseley Bog, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and more along the Tolkien Trail.

Visuals and Further Exploration

Photography: The tower’s dramatic silhouette, especially at sunrise or sunset, is a favorite for photographers.
Virtual Tours: Some local heritage websites offer virtual tours and photo galleries.
Maps and Directions: Use online mapping tools to plan your visit and connect with other local attractions.

Conclusion

Perrott’s Folly is more than a historical curiosity—it is a living monument to Birmingham’s past, an enduring symbol of imagination, and a beacon for heritage enthusiasts and Tolkien fans alike. Plan your visit by checking current opening hours and ticketing information, join a guided tour if possible, and explore the surrounding Tolkien Trail for a truly immersive experience.

Support the tower’s preservation through donations or community events, and stay informed by following Re.Future Collective and local heritage platforms. For an enriched visit, download the Audiala app for audio guides and updates on Birmingham’s historic sites.