Fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings can delve a little deeper into the life of the author, JRR Tolkien by following the Tolkien Trail in Birmingham. While the author may have been born in South Africa in 1892, he had an affinity with the city of Birmingham since moving there at four years old and, as such, literary fans will love to explore the sights that have been linked to the writer’s Midland adventures.
The Tolkien Trail in Birmingham
It’s often believed that Middle Earth was based on the Midlands, so it’s only natural to want to see where Tolkien gained his inspiration. If you’re after a weekend break in the city so that you can see more, book with Travelodge and you won’t have to worry about spending more than your budget can allow on accommodation. The Tolkien Trail is the perfect way of exploring parts of Tolkien’s childhood, with highlights including:
Sarehole Mill on the Tolkien Trail
Sarehole Mill, situated in the village of Sarehole (which is often considered to be the inspiration for Hobbiton and The Shire), is a fantastic museum that pays homage to Tolkien. It’s believed that he, and his brother, used to play for hours near the mill. It’s only open for part of the year though, so make sure you check that it’s open before you visit to avoid disappointment.
Mosley Bog on the Tolkien Trail
Moseley Bog was once a mill pool and was the site of many an adventure for Tolkien when he was a lad. Nowadays, it’s a Local Nature Reserve and a perfect addition to your Tolkien itinerary if you’re a lover of the great outdoors. You can access it via Yardley Wood Road or the Wake Green Playing Fields.
Other highlights on the Tolkien Trail
St Anne’s Church on Alcester Street is where Tolkien and his family used to worship. Pop by during service hours and you can enjoy the interior beauty as well as the outside.
Perrott’s Folly stands near to the Edgbaston Waterworks, alongside a Victorian tower that, together, are believed to be the inspiration behind the Two Towers of Gondor – which, as any Tolkien fan will know, is the name of the second book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Tolkien Tours
Whether you wish to head off on your own adventure, discovering these places and more, or you prefer to embark upon a Middle Earth tour with the help of a tour guide, the Tolkien trail is a must for any fan of this fantasy writer. These tours operate at various times during the year, so keep an eye on the Midlands Discovery Tours site if you fancy being part of the next one – you can sign up to receive email notification of when tickets for the next tour go on sale, and it’s recommended you do so, because they sell fast!
If you can’t wait for the next tour, there’s no reason why you can’t venture out on your own to see where the inspiration for Tolkien’s amazing literary works evolved. Incorporate it into your visit to Birmingham and learn more about Tolkien’s roots in The Midlands.
This article was brought to you in partnership with Travelodge.
Photo Credits: Sarehole Mill by Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Moseley Bog by Peter Lewis, Perrott’s Folly by Tony Hisgett, Tolkien Trilogy from TheHobbit.com
Andy
Saturday 19th of April 2014
Very interesting Heather. I too am a huge Tolkien fan. I had no idea about his connection to Birmingham though. I've lived a bit in the south of England. Time to pay a visit to the north! (I'm not a snob, I promise).
Heather Cowper
Saturday 19th of April 2014
@Andy it's a lot closer to get to Birmingham than New Zealand - worth checking out if you're a fan
Renuka
Wednesday 16th of April 2014
What a fascinating weekend! I didn't know this side of Birmingham.
Heather Cowper
Thursday 17th of April 2014
@Renuka Sometimes the places we visit can have the most unexpected connections!
Hamish Healys
Monday 14th of April 2014
It sounds and looks very interesting … the Tolkien Trail in Birmingham. It sort of gives me a look-see into the kind of inspiration that worked for the man.
Heather Cowper
Tuesday 15th of April 2014
@Hamish - yes, fascinating to see where people get their inspiration all around us
Heather
Saturday 12th of April 2014
The mind can take the simplest inspiration and turn it into something wonderful ... I'll keep this in mind when I end up in England!
Heather
Saturday 12th of April 2014
The mind can take the simplest inspiration and turn it into something grand ... I'll keep this in mind when I end up in England!