The Coffin Works: Birmingham’s Historic Coffin Furniture Factory
Step back in time at Birmingham’s Coffin Works, a unique museum preserving the last coffin furniture factory with original machinery and rich history.
The Coffin Works is a unique heritage museum located in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, housed in the former Newman Brothers factory. This Grade II* listed building preserves the original machinery and tools used to craft coffin fittings for over a century, including those for Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. Open Wednesday to Sunday, visitors can explore guided tours or self-guided visits to experience a rare industrial time capsule.
A brief summary to The Coffin Works
- 13-15 Fleet St, Birmingham, B3 1JP, GB
- +441212334790
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 11 am-1:15 pm
- Thursday 11 am-2:15 pm
- Friday 11 am-3:15 pm
- Saturday 11 am-3:15 pm
- Sunday 11 am-3:15 pm
Local tips
- Book guided tours in advance to secure your preferred time slot, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Consider the self-guided option for a more flexible visit, with booklets and mobile tours available.
- Check accessibility details ahead of your visit as the lift is currently out of service.
- Explore special events like candlelit tours or seasonal fundraisers for a unique experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Walk
From Birmingham New Street Station, take a 15-minute walk through the Jewellery Quarter to reach the Coffin Works. The route is mostly flat and accessible, passing historic streets with shops and cafes.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the Jewellery Quarter area, including numbers 74 and 75. The journey from central Birmingham takes about 20-30 minutes. Buses stop within a short walk of Fleet Street. Check local timetables for frequency and ticket prices.
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Car
Driving to the Coffin Works is possible with nearby paid parking options in the Jewellery Quarter. Parking can be limited during peak times. Allow 10-20 minutes for parking and walking to the site.
The Coffin Works location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Coffin Works
A Living Time Capsule of Industrial Craftsmanship
The Coffin Works is housed in the former Newman Brothers factory on Fleet Street, Birmingham, a Grade II* listed building that operated as the city’s last coffin furniture manufacturer for over 100 years. When the factory closed in 1998, workers left behind their tools, machinery, and stock, creating a rare snapshot of Victorian and 20th-century industrial life. Today, the museum preserves this legacy with original equipment and working Victorian machinery, offering visitors a tangible connection to Birmingham’s industrial heritage.The Art and History of Coffin Furniture
Newman Brothers specialized in producing high-quality coffin fittings, including handles, nameplates, and ornamental fixtures. Their work was renowned nationwide, with fittings used in the funerals of notable figures such as Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, and the Queen Mother. The museum showcases the craftsmanship involved, from metalworking to finishing, highlighting the intricate details that made each piece unique. This focus on a niche but culturally significant industry reveals much about changing funeral customs and industrial practices.Experiencing the Museum: Tours and Atmosphere
Visitors enter the Coffin Works primarily through guided tours that run from Wednesday to Sunday, lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. These tours include live demonstrations of the original machinery in action, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the factory’s history to life. For those preferring a more flexible visit, self-guided entry is available with booklets, mobile tours, and volunteers stationed throughout to assist and demonstrate. The atmosphere is evocative and immersive, with the preserved factory floor, workbenches, and original stock creating an authentic industrial environment.A Venue for Community and Culture
Beyond its role as a museum, the Coffin Works serves as a vibrant cultural venue. It hosts a variety of events, including arts and crafts fairs, community days, and special seasonal activities like candlelit tours and Christmas fundraisers. The building’s unique historic character and enclosed courtyard make it an appealing setting for workshops, concerts, and private functions, blending heritage with contemporary community use.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
The Coffin Works is committed to accessibility, welcoming visitors with disabilities and providing self-guided options suitable for families and those with additional needs. While the lift is currently out of service, volunteers and staff ensure a comfortable experience. Amenities include a café offering refreshments during events, seating areas, and information boards. The museum is located near Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, a lively area known for its historic charm and artisanal shops.Preserving Birmingham’s Industrial Legacy
The Coffin Works stands as a testament to Birmingham’s industrial past and the craftsmanship that defined it. By preserving the Newman Brothers factory and its contents, the museum offers a rare glimpse into a specialized trade that played a significant role in British cultural history. It invites visitors to reflect on industrial heritage, social history, and the evolution of manufacturing through an intimate, well-preserved setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
