Rookery Cottages on Bournbrook Road in Worcestershire

Selly Manor Museum

Selly Manor Museum Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Birmingham Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Selly Manor Museum and Its Significance

Selly Manor Museum, situated in the heart of Bournville, Birmingham, is a beautifully preserved Tudor house and one of the city’s most important heritage attractions. It immerses visitors in the daily life of late medieval and Tudor England through its authentic timber-framed architecture, period furnishings, and educational programs. Originally constructed in 1476 and known as “Smythes Tenement,” Selly Manor was home to yeoman farmers, reflecting the social history of the region (Selly Manor Museum).

The manor was saved from demolition and relocated to Bournville in the early 20th century by George Cadbury, the philanthropist and chocolate manufacturer, as part of his vision to enrich his workers’ lives and the wider community (Wikipedia). Today, the museum, together with the 13th-century Minworth Greaves hall and the Laurence Cadbury Collection, offers a rare, tangible link to Birmingham’s layered past (Selly Manor Museum).

Selly Manor Museum is not only a destination for history enthusiasts, but also for families, educators, and anyone interested in exploring Birmingham’s cultural heritage. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, highlights, and nearby attractions, ensuring you get the most from your visit (Bournville Village Trust).

The Rookeries former site in Bournbrook Road Bournbrook Worcestershire Birmingham

Introduction
Historical Overview
Visiting Information
Key Features & Collections
Education & Community Engagement
Special Events & Seasonal Highlights
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Practical Visitor Tips
Conclusion
References

Historical Overview

Medieval Origins & Early History

Selly Manor’s first documented reference is from 1476, when it was known as “Smythes Tenement.” Located on land leased by yeoman farmers, the house typified prosperous rural dwellings of its day—not a grand manor, but a substantial home for the free tenants who formed the backbone of the region’s society. Over the centuries, it passed through families such as the Setterfords and witnessed a variety of uses, reflecting the evolving social fabric of Birmingham (Wikipedia; Selly Manor Museum; Atlas of Birmingham).

Rescue and Relocation

By the late 19th century, the building—then called “The Rookery”—had fallen into severe disrepair and was threatened with demolition. George Cadbury recognized its historic value, purchasing and relocating the manor to Bournville between 1909 and 1916, at considerable expense. The project, overseen by architect William Alexander Harvey, involved dismantling, cataloguing, and rebuilding the house to ensure historical accuracy (Wikipedia; Atlas of Birmingham).

Myths and Realities

Despite its name, Selly Manor was never the principal manor house of the area; the title was a misattribution that became entrenched over time (Selly Manor Museum). Colourful legends have claimed visits by royalty and famous figures, but these are now considered local folklore rather than historical fact.

Restoration and Museum Development

Since its opening as a museum in 1917, Selly Manor has continued to evolve. The 13th-century Minworth Greaves hall was relocated to the site in 1932, further enriching the visitor experience (Selly Manor Museum). Laurence Cadbury’s remarkable collection of period furniture and domestic objects, acquired from 1908 onwards, now fills the rooms, providing an authentic and immersive glimpse into life from the 16th to 19th centuries (Wikipedia).

Selly Manor was awarded Grade II listed status in 1952 and is now managed by the Bournville Village Trust, serving as both a heritage site and a vibrant community resource (Bournville Village Trust).

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and major public holidays
Note: Hours may vary for special events and during school holidays; always check the official website for updates.

Tickets & Booking

Adults: £6.00
Children (5–16): £3.00
Under 5s: Free
Seniors, Students, Disabled Visitors: £4.50
Family Ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children): £15.00
Bournville Village Trust residents: Free with proof of address (BVT source)

Tickets can be purchased on arrival or booked online, especially for special events and group visits.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: Ground floor of Selly Manor and all of Minworth Greaves are accessible. Upper floors accessed by stairs only.
Toilets: Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities available.
Sensory & Neurodiverse Support: Ear defenders, weighted lap pads, fidget toys, and quiet spaces available upon request.
Guide Dogs: Welcome throughout the museum and gardens.
Parking: Limited on-street parking nearby; public transport is recommended.

Facilities & Family Features

Gift Shop: Books, local crafts, and souvenirs.
Pushchair Access: Gardens and ground floor accessible.
Photography: Permitted for personal use (non-flash); commercial use by arrangement.

Guided Tours & Events

Guided tours are offered regularly, providing expert insights into the history, architecture, and collections. Self-guided resources and interpretation panels are available throughout. The museum also hosts a packed calendar of events:

Heritage Open Days & Birmingham Heritage Week
Historical Re-enactments with groups such as the Regal Roses (birminghamheritageweek.co.uk)
Family Workshops & Craft Sessions during school holidays
Ghost Hunts in partnership with Haunted Heritage (Haunted Heritage)

A full events calendar is available on the museum’s website.

Key Features & Collections

Selly Manor

A striking Tudor timber-framed house, Selly Manor boasts original architectural details, including exposed beams, wattle and daub walls, and steeply pitched roofs. Visitors can explore the parlour, kitchen, dining hall, and upstairs chambers, including a garret with a rare Priest Hole (whichmuseum.com; Selly Manor Museum).

Minworth Greaves

This 13th-century cruck-framed hall offers a window into medieval architecture, with its open hall and massive timber supports providing contrast to the Tudor style of Selly Manor.

Laurence Cadbury Collection

The museum’s collection includes:

Oak Furniture: Dating from the 16th to 19th centuries
Domestic Objects: Kitchenware, pottery, textiles, and household tools
Religious & Social Artefacts: Including a Priest Hole and replica Tudor costumes

The Tudor Garden

The gardens feature box parterres, herbaceous borders, espaliered fruit trees (plum, damson, fig, medlar), culinary and medicinal herb beds, wildflowers, woodland plants, and a reconstructed Tudor privy (ngs.org.uk). The garden is fully accessible and dogs are welcome on leads (sellymanormuseum.org.uk).

Education & Community Engagement

Selly Manor Museum is a popular destination for school groups, offering curriculum-linked workshops on Tudor life, the Great Fire of London, and Bournville’s history. The museum is committed to accessibility, providing Deaf awareness-trained staff, British Sign Language support, and resources for neurodiverse visitors.

Special Events & Seasonal Highlights

Museum of Us Project: Invites visitors to share personal stories and objects
Seasonal Celebrations: Women’s History Month, National Garden Scheme open days, and themed family events
Hands-On Activities: Tudor costume dress-up, interactive trails, and traditional games

Nearby Attractions

Cadbury World: Chocolate-themed visitor attraction
Bournville Village Green: Local shops and independent cafés
Bournville Rest House: Edwardian building on the village green
Birmingham Botanical Gardens: Short drive away

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Selly Manor’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Adults £6.00, children (5–16) £3.00, concessions £4.50, under 5s free, family ticket £15.00.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: The ground floor and gardens are accessible; upper floors are not.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, check the website for schedules.

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Dogs are welcome in the gardens on leads; assistance dogs are permitted throughout.

Q: Is there parking?
A: Limited on-street parking; public transport is recommended.

Practical Visitor Tips

Plan Ahead: Check events and book tickets online for busy periods.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for gardens and outdoor events.
Food & Drink: No café on site; several options nearby.
Souvenirs: Gift shop on site.
Photography: Encouraged for personal use.

Conclusion

Selly Manor Museum stands as a testament to Birmingham’s medieval and Tudor heritage. With its authentic architecture, immersive collections, educational programs, and beautiful gardens, it offers a rewarding experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re delving into local history, exploring with family, or enjoying special events, Selly Manor is a must-visit Birmingham historical site. Plan your visit, check current hours and ticket options, and explore nearby attractions for a full day of discovery.