Find work by a Pre-Raphaelite painter, listen to choir music and appreciate centuries-old Baroque architecture at the Birmingham Cathedral. English architect Thomas Archer built the cathedral between 1709 and 1715. It served as St. Philip’s community church for almost 200 years before becoming Birmingham Cathedral in 1905.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the cathedral’s stained-glass windows. English artist Edward Burne-Jones designed three windows on the building’s eastern side. He was a significant member of the late Pre-Raphaelite movement. Another Burne-Jones window on the western side dates to 1897 and commemorates a well-known bishop. The windows portray the Ascension, the Nativity, Crucifixion and Last Judgement.

Look for a series of monuments in the cathedral’s courtyard. Among these is an obelisk honouring English soldier Frederick Gustavus Barnaby. He once flew solo across the English Channel in a hot-air balloon. There is also a statue by London-born sculptor Thomas Stirling Lee, and a memorial to the Birmingham pub bombings of 1974.

Come to the cathedral during one of its many events. Listen to choir concerts or join in on one of the Come and Sing nights. Check the official Birmingham Cathedral website for times and prices. Free biblical talks take place every Tuesday. The cathedral and grounds also host performances during the city’s jazz festival. Find a schedule on the Live Brum event listings website, plus details about exhibitions and art markets.

Birmingham Cathedral sits in the heart of the city centre, close to major city attractions. Victoria Square and the Bullring Shopping Centre are both less than a 10-minute walk away. The closest train stations are New Street and Snow Hill. There is user-pay car parking at Snow Hill station. Public buses stop on nearby Colmore Row.

The cathedral is open every day of the year. Visit the cathedral’s official website for information about Sunday services and gift shop hours.