Coffin Works at Dusk: After-Hours Tour

This guided after-hours tour offers exclusive access to one of Birmingham’s most unusual museums. Step inside a hidden piece of Birmingham’s industrial past and experience the Coffin Works as day fades into dusk.

This experience is part of City Uncovered: Birmingham, taking place from 18th-31st May – a limited-time series of unique, under-the-radar experiences designed to help you see the city differently.

What to expect:

You’ll arrive at the Coffin Works as the evening light begins to settle, with time to enjoy a complimentary drink in the courtyard before your tour begins. As the doors close to the public, you’ll step inside this preserved Victorian factory for a rare after-hours experience.

Led by an expert guide, you’ll explore the former Newman Brothers manufactory—opened in 1894 and operating for over a century—where coffin furniture was crafted for some of the most notable funerals in modern history.

As you move through the atmospheric workspaces, you’ll see original tools, workbenches, and intricate coffin fittings, all brought to life by stories of the people who worked here and the lives they touched. From connections to Winston Churchill, the Queen Mother, and Princess Diana, to the everyday realities of factory life, the tour reveals a fascinating and often overlooked part of Birmingham’s heritage.

With the fading light casting shadows across the factory floor, expect a unique, reflective atmosphere that offers a completely different perspective on this remarkable site.

This experience is perfect for:

• History lovers interested in Birmingham’s industrial past

• Curious locals wanting to explore hidden spaces

• Visitors looking for a unique evening experience

• Anyone drawn to unusual and atmospheric stories

What’s included:

• Guided after-hours tour of the Coffin Works

• Access to original factory spaces, tools, and artefacts

• Stories of notable historical connections

• Complimentary hot or cold drink before the tour

Good to know:

• Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes (tour starts at 6:30pm)

• Arrival: Doors open at 6:00pm for drinks in the courtyard

• What to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing