One of the West Midlands' best-preserved ice houses, normally hidden from public view, will open its doors for free as part of Birmingham Heritage Week 2026. The Moseley Ice House, tucked within the private Moseley Park, will welcome visitors on Saturday, September 19, from 11am to 1pm, and Sunday, September 20, from 2pm to 5pm.
Historic Ice House and Park Access
Originally built for the wealthy owners of Moseley Hall, the ice house sits in Moseley Park—an 'oasis of calm' that is usually accessible only to keyholders. The park itself is hidden behind the shops in Moseley Village, making this a rare opportunity to explore its tranquil grounds.
The event, organised by The Moseley Society, also includes access to the nearby Moseley Hall Dovecote and Garden during the same hours. Visitors can wander around the pool, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and discover the diverse habitats throughout the park.
Rich History and Unique Features
A spokesman for Birmingham Heritage Week highlighted the site's significance: "A chance to see one of the best-preserved icehouses in the West Midlands, originally built for the benefit of the wealthy owners of Moseley Hall. Sited in Moseley Park, an oasis of calm usually only open to keyholders."
The ice house, dating from the 18th century, features a cavity wall and could have held up to 20 tonnes of ice. Visitors will learn how it was kept frozen year-round and used in the Hall kitchens for desserts and cooling wine.
"Saved from development in 1898 by some original Nimbys, it has ever since provided a green lung for the area," the spokesman added. "The C18th ice house is in excellent condition. Previously owned by the family of John Taylor of Bordesley, the large pool at Moseley Park was created to a design by Humphry Repton. The pool is shown in the 1792 Red Book produced for John Taylor II of Moseley Hall."
Additional Heritage Week Events
No booking is required for the ice house visit. Birmingham Heritage Week runs from Friday, September 11, to Sunday, September 20, and includes other free attractions, such as Selly Manor Museum in Bournville.
For those planning to visit, the park entrance is between Moseley Hive and Dixon's Estate Agents, opposite the Co-op, set back from Alcester Road. Moseley is served by bus routes 50, 35, 1, and 41, with the nearest station at Moseley Village.
This is a unique chance to step into a piece of Birmingham's history and enjoy a serene escape in the heart of the city.
