"they don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" Chris is an outstanding guide. In depth knowledge of the history of coffin making and the environmental factors which changed funerals from the World Wars to then increasing cremations, and the introduction of plastics instead of brass fittings. His emphasis was to tell the stories of the people who worked there, and how he brought them to life was fantastic. He also was considerate of the two young children in the group and at the conclusion of the tour offered them sweets from the gift shop, which after they left I saw him pay out of his own pocket so the museum received all the money. There isn't much in way of many coffins at the museum, it's more focused on the brass fittings production and clothing involved in shrouds for the deceased bodies. Constructive criticism would be the showing of photos from the guides book was too quick when shown to the group to focus on the photo. Would highly recommend anyone to spend 90mins here with the tour itself lasting just over an hour. Really interesting to know the company Newman Brothers were involved for the funerals of Winston Churchill and the Monarchy.

My friend & I attended a package tour of the central Birmingham canals & streets. Followed by a cake & cuppa at the Coffin Works, then the guided tour of the museum. Ian the canal tour guide, was warm, welcoming and extremely knowledgeable about old Birmingham history. He sent us all back in time with his beautifully descriptive and interesting commentary of our surroundings. A total joy to listen to. He then passed us into the very capable hands of Cornelius at the Coffin Works. He took up the reins to give us demonstrations, allowed us to touch objects, encouraged to take lots of pictures. All the time explaining the working conditions, personal employee history and pointing out all the fabulous and interesting items surrounding us. I can't miss out the lovely ladies in the coffee shop, who brought around our various (and wide range of) drink choices and a piece of cake. Everyone working/volunteering there seemed very much like they love what they do and they made this a very special and wonderful afternoon for all of those that attended. I can't recommend it enough.

I wasn't sure what to make of a coffin works museum, but it was fantastic. The various workshops and locales were left as a living time capsule. Victorian-era machinery was still in use up to 1997 when production ceased, and the eventual creation of the museum was the former owner/manager Joyce's dying wish. The museum itself is well-outfitted, extremely authentic, and charming. However, I found the guides to be superlatively knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic – the best guides I've encountered at any museum or attraction in my life. After a very pleasant 90 minutes or so, it was time for delicious tea and buns in the cozy café, and a unique Coffin Works local ale from the shop. My deepest thanks to Joe, Sue, Pat, Cornelius, Claire — and other lovely people whose names I didn't manage to catch — for a lovely afternoon!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A curiously macabre museum that's more interesting than creepy. It's really interesting to learn about the production process, the materials used, and how even coffins were affected by changes in fashion. The Newman Brothers were established in 1882 by Alfred Newman and his brother Edwin, the factory ceased trading in 1998. Much like the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, the Coffin Works shows off the shelves, workbenches, and original working machinery of the Newman Brothers factory. The workbenches are full of original stock and tools the workers would have used, complete with coffin adornments and shrouds.

Me and my friend visited the museum on Saturday and had a wonderful time. We learned so much about their industry from a bunch of the loveliest people I have ever met who where just so happy to tell you stories and facts about the place, anything you wanted to know. I especially loved hearing stories about Joyce Green and have gone on to research more about her and the place since returning home. A lovely little discovery in the heart of Birmingham i promise you would not regret a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Wonderful find in the fringe of the Jewelry Quarter in Brimingham. Staffed by amazingly passionate volunteers I went in because I was intrigued by whole concept of Coffin Furniture and came out richer for the experience and learned a lot not only about the history of Newman Brothers but also the history of how they integrate into the rich tapestry of Birmingham's history in the Industrial revolution and its impact across the world. The cafe is well worth a visit too - great coffee
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Be warned that this is NOT a museum about coffins but rather it is a museum about the metal embellishments and finishes for coffins. The tour guide was very good at taking us back in time and she explained everything very well. It was very interesting and I would recommend it but I was disappointed that there wasn't more information about coffin making. Throughout the whole museum (including the entrance) you will only see two coffins (one converted to a money collecting box) but you truly only get to see one.

Visited here whilst in Birmingham for a concert, and thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating and unique slice of Birmingham's industrial history. Staff were extremely knowledgeable, and there was someone on hand in every part of the factory to chat to visitors and demonstrate the machinery. It was like stepping back in time to the 1960s! Special thanks to Suzie, who really brought the warehouse and office to life!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We had a most interesting tour of the coffin works today, although don't expect to see coffins. This was where the coffin furniture was made and we saw the stamping machines in action operated by the very experienced Cornelius. Our guide, Tim, was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the Newman Brothers work and there is so much of what they did still here for us to see. We would highly recommend this tour. Oh, and you might get to see the ghost although it didn't appear for us.

Absolutely wonderful place to visit. It was really interesting and the tour was really fun. The guy who took us around, Billy, really knew his stuff and made it hugely enjoyable. I found it fascinating and would highly recommend people check it out! I did have to wait for the tour, but this was my fault as I didn't check when they ran, but it was fine as I just grabbed a cuppa at their lovely little cafe.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No

We were here for The Coffin Works guided tour and it was simply fab! Our tour guide was Vickie, and she did a fantastic job taking us through the story of The Newman Brothers and how their business of coffin furniture came to be. Definitely recommend a visit to this place if you're looking for interesting sights or museums in Birmingham. The tour lasted about 90 minutes and was a comfortable, relaxed pace.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Very interesting place to visit. Not macabre or scary as you would probably think. I didn't even know it existed. You enter the building and actually clock in, then when you leave you clock out. You get a great guided tour, and get to see each individual section of how the handles and plaques were made before the plastic ones became the usual. Very informative staff. Be aware, their are some very steep stairs to go up and down, although there is a lift if you require help.

Lovely small museum about the history of coffin furniture in Birmingham. It's incredible to think that it eventually closed it's doors in the mid/late 90s having been open around 100 years. A great way to spend and hour or so with staff and volunteers who are passionate about the project. It is funded by entrance fees, giftshop and a tea room. Well worth the effort if you ask me.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The absolute highlight of my trip to Birmingham!!! The staff were spectacular and so informative about the coffin making process and I am so glad i decided to come and see this!! I would highly recommend the coffin works to anyone visiting Birmingham, and make sure to do the guided tour for the full experience!! Thanks for a great experience and I couldn't have asked for a better excursion to go on for my birthday!!
Visited on
Weekday

We had a wonderful guided tour of the Newman Brother’s legacy from Billy. We were shown the intricacies of the Newman Company’s craftsmen and the hardship endured by workers who were paid by the piece. With the occasional pun and playful questionnaire, Billy kept the crowd entertained throughout the course of the tour. If you’re visiting Birmingham and want to experience its cultural history, this place should definitely be on your list!

We visited today with a large group of adults with learning disabilities. We had pre-booked our visit but paid on the day. Cornelias gave us a very informative guided tour. He was entertaining and happy to answer any questions as we went round. We were made to feel very welcome and would highly recommend it to other visitors. Loved our time there.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

I totally enjoyed it learning about this industry of Newman's brothers and bought their guide book. They sell the finishing for the coffin but it is Not a museum for coffin. Love that they were able to preserve all the machinery and some still working till this day. I didnt know much about this industry and it have widen my knowledge. It is quite a small place (with roughly 5-6 areas) hence wont take long to tour around.

What a little gem. Didn't know what to expect but from the moment we stepped inside, till the goodbyes at the door we were given top quality attention. From being asked to clock in, a demonstration of stamping and range of stories from the past, this was a fantastic trip through the history of the Newman Brothers. Highly recommended.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Amazing place with even more amazing tour guide. Everything was explained in an interesting and pleasant way. Additionally, you can feel here the true spirit of the old times. It is quite different from other museums, but for me it is a definite advantage. If you are in Birmingham, this place is a definite must!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I accidentally stumbled across this wonderful hidden gem whilst lost in Birmingham. Our guide was very knowledgeable, extremely friendly and very personable. The entire experience was fascinating and very well put together. Definitely one of the best and more unique experiences I have had in Birmingham.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

First visit lovely welcome was part of our tour we booked The Roundhouse was first then The Coffin Works after. Sarah was our guide very friendly and very knowledgeable we had a great time very interesting would recommend this tour excellent thank you.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Had read a lot about The Coffin Works but never visited - now wish I had gone years ago. A fascinating place - informative, well-run, with friendly volunteers/staff and lots to see for all ages. I visited with my two autistic sons and was pleased to see it was very autistic-friendly too, even on a normal Saturday. Definitely recommend!

Wow a proper step back in time. Visited here as part of the roundhouse tour. So interesting, learnt so much from our wonderful tour guide,she was so passionate and knowledgeable. Something a little different, would certainly recommend a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

A lovely trip down memory lane. Like the museum of the Jewelry Quarter left by the last owner with all the machinery and stock still in it. A lovely guided tour that gives a real flavour of how (awful, tough, hard and dangerous) working in this type of factory used to be. Definitely worth a visit, enjoy, Christiaan :-) :-)

We attended a wedding party here and it was really interesting. Pop up restaurant and bar. Plenty of tables and chairs on a cobbled street. Stamping shop able to press a celebratory coin. Wonderful helpful staff. Got tickets to have a guided tour on another day.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Every single staff member/ volunteer was so animated and passionate about the museum and even the industry. It was lovely to talk to people who share similar views on death and knowledge of the industry. The building also looked so beautiful on the sunny day.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Thanks to the Heritage week I joined a 30min tour at the Coffin Works. The staff was warm and welcoming. The tour guide took us through the history of the building and showed us machines. Great heritage of Birmingham although I am not sure I would recommend it to someone not into the topic/Birmingham history

Nice museum in Birmingham, we had a tour with Cornelius, he was very interesting and sharing great anecdotes. A good visit to have while in the city to discover more about the history of Birmingham. I would recommend for anyone willing to learn more about a business we don't hear much about. Fascinating !

Spent a wonderful afternoon at the coffin works. Who knew it could be so interesting. It was made more enjoyable by our guide Billy who made the tour interesting with added humour. Highly recommend a lovely afternoon out
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Coincidentally came here on a typical rainy Birmingham day. Fabulous history, interesting and out if the ordinary.... not morbid at all, the social fabric and social history of the blue collar workers who worked here provided a totally captivating story.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

What an interesting tour, it was so informative and Mark our guide had so many stories to tell. If you want a museum with a difference then go here, it has original metal stamping works. Great day out for all ages.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Excellent! Chris was a wonderful guide, the museum was really interesting, and when he found it that it was the other lady in our group and my birthday, he even rustled up some cake! Highly recommend the museum. We feel like we've learned so much about an important part of Birmingham'a history

If you love getting to know history this is a great place to visit. You will be shown the importance of this job and how it became so famous. You will be amazed by the facts they share with you. I certainly was...
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This was an excellent and authentic museum made the best because everything in there was as it was when the shop closed and further represents bham industrial history and working conditions of the 19th century.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Good informative tour. The first part of the tour when you stand in the courtyard could of been cut down as it went on abit long. Good for kids who can stand and listen but defiantly not kids under 8
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Had an absolutely lovely time. Our tour guide, Billy, had endless joy and humor to share with visitors, and the factory itself is so very interesting. I could not recommend this place more.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

A fascinating museum run by a great friendly team who made the experience worth it. There's a lot of local history preserved here, which I really appreciated. You can't spell funeral without fun!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We always love to do something different when we visit places and this was right up our street. Heather, our tour guide was informative and engaging. Her knowledge of the place was astounding. So much went in to that final dressing up. Nice coffee shop to warm up and a gift shop.

Great experience, Owen was the best guide. Very passionate about it, great stories about the factory and the people working there and always a joke on his lips. Definitely recommend going!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

It was a good experience overall. Volunteers were very helpful. It is worth to visit; although, it is not really old. The original business (cuffin production) has started in 1895 only.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

To day's visit to The Coffin Works was amazing, Cornelius our tour guide was knowledgeable with a brilliant sense of humour. The factory is well preserved with it's own unique atmosphere...... This was my birthday gift from my lovely friend and I loved it Thank you

Acquired taste! But Its not as sinister as it sounds. It's an excellently preserved coffin furniture factory left exactly as it was when it closed which gives you a real sense of the history of the company. Lovely knowledgeable staff and has a little shop on site.

Too few real local history maintained in Birmingham, but this place is special. Friendly staff and interesting stories. Make sure to book the tour! My only criticism is that its surrounded and dwarfed by many ugly skyscrapers.
Reservation recommended
Yes

Fantastic place for a visit, would highly recommend the guided tour We were led by the fantastic Billy who answered all our questions and more. Would visit again
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

What a marvellous place, which perfectly captures exactly what a museum should be - welcoming, educational, and truly engrossing. It was amazing to see the workshops and offices so beautifully preserved, like real time capsules. All of the

They didn't make coffins here, but they made shiny handles and RIP plaques etc to go on them. . Also fascinating silk shrouds. Lift to both floors, really well-informed staff. Some machines still working. Fun small shop. Tours available.

Excellent museum, I’d highly recommend that you book a tour, the tour guide was so knowledgeable. The tour takes about an hour and provides a bit more flavour than just doing the museum. This is also the only coffin museum in the world!

Really interesting museum with a lot of old features including a huge manually-operated metal press. Great place to learn about history, culture and industry. The tour also features a demonstration of how small coffin decorations were

An excellent museum, made even better by Cornelius' wonderful guided tour. A real gem. I would recommend visiting to anyone who's in Birmingham.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Very much enjoyed the walking tour of Coffin Works and would recommend this as a must see in Birmingham for any history enthusiast.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Such an interesting place to visit. The volunteers are so passionate and welcoming and lots of interaction available. An unusual museum but well worth a visit.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Very interesting. Only thing I’ll say is I’m young and Irish and the guide kept saying as you’ll remember/know. Keep in mind everyone doesn’t know the history of Britain as this made the tour hard to follow sometimes.

Excellent tour with Russell who was very informative. Highly recommend a visit, ensure you book your tour dont just turn up or you may have to wait. Well done to all the volunteers who help with this wonderful museum

Very interesting museum about a coffin factory from the 1800s. It was surprising how everything inside the factory was found intact in 1998. The volunteers on the day were very knowledgeable and passionate about the

Thought this was a really interesting place to visit, staffed by informative volunteers and a lovely piece of local history.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Went on an after hour ghost hunt. It was amazing. But the place itself is certainly worth a look. Interesting.....
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

A real step back in time! The volunteers have a wealth of knowledge/ information so make sure you chat with them
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

It was used primarily as a work meeting venue, for around 15 people - it was perfect for our distributed team to get together and have a meet up. Interesting venue, very comfortable with good facilities.

Interesting insight to the manufacturer of coffin furniture, great friendly staff and a good price to boot.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Didn't know there goes so much detailing about making coffins, very well preserved ancient methods of making coffins.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This was a fantastic place to visit.There were volunteers in each room very friendly and knowledgeable .
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This was very disappointing as nothing about the manufacture of coffins. It's all about coffin furniture.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Possibley the most curious and interesting museum of the year. Lovely staff, do the guided tour it's fab
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Nothing exciting or eerie. Just some history of an old company that makes handles and deco for coffins.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great tour of a factory that felt frozen in time. Lots of history, and very lovely guides. Do a visit!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great little Museum. Needs to be advertised more, very interesting. Owen was a fab guide too
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Excellent hidden gem. Volunteers very passionate about their work. Soooo interesting.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Amazing. Staff has a lot of knowledge they know everything. Language is easy to read. Lot of personal histories. Amazing 10/10
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

One of the best small museums I have visited. A fascinating insight into the workings of a small business which existed in the back streets of so many towns. Not at all spooky.

Small museum, based in the factory. Knowledgeable staff... but a lack of coffins!! Turns out they make the "furniture" like handles and shrouds rather than the actual coffin!!

Absolutely amazing place, guide was so passionate about everything well worth visiting
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Very good guide. He knew ja remembered things perfectly well. Exotic place To visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great place to visit, try and join the guided tour if possible. Fascinating history, demonstrations and workshops to see. Nice café for drinks and snacks afterwards.

Amazing museum full of history. The staff and volunteers are the friendliest you'll ever meet. They also support local artists and crafts people in their gift shop.

Great tour. The guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Would have liked to have seen more actual finished products and maybe some video. All in all, recommended

So happy to find this time capsule. Definitely something for those who enjoy oddities and tours of a curious nature. The staff were so pleasant and knowledgeable.

Such an important part of Birmingham's history, amazingly preserved. A special thanks to all the staff and their generosity with their knowledge and experience.

Lovely staff willing to answer any questions, loved the history of the place, had a great time. Would recommend to anyone wanting to go somewhere a bit quirky

Very educational, and a surprise of what they used to do!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Interesting and unique museum highlighting the industrial diversity of Birmingham’s trades.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Brilliant museum with passionate volunteers who have a great knowledge about the museum. Fully recommend a visit.
Wait time
No wait

Fascinating place, beautifully preserved. Russel was a great tour guide - very engaging, knowledgeable and full of interesting stories

Very interesting insight in the people history of Birmingham. Chris was a fantastic tour guide. Allow an hour and a half for a visit

Brilliant one hour tour that gives a look into both the history of the company and some of it's employees through the years!

Great visit, we really enjoyed the tour and demonstrations of the machines. Really engaging staff. Highly recommended. More

This museum was brought alive by a fantastic volunteer named David who was informative and funny. A little gem of a museum.

Brilliant tour by lady who doesn't usually do tours. You see so much and learn a great deal. Very very good museum

Did not think i would like it. I was wrong!! Very good tour interesting guides .well informed. Worth a visit. More

Great unusual museum!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Fascinating piece of social history, expertly delivered by our guide. Definitely worth a visit!

Lovely place of the past of Birmingham, highly recommended, staff are superb too!! Many thanks

Staff where lovely and the museum was interesting!! Would definitely recommend a look around!!

Great place full of interesting facts and history the staff were amazing well worth a visit

Amazing experience creating my own jewellery. Would definitely recommend it to friends.

Very interesting social history, enjoyed it a lot.
Visited on
Weekday…
More

What a fab gem of a place. Well worth the visit and Leigh was a great guide.

Lovely little museum. Spent around 2 hours here on a tour. Lovely staff!

Really interesting tour, takes an hour overall. Had a lot of fun!

Well worth the visit. The enthusiasm of the guides was great

Chris our guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable