The Rest House: Bournville Carillon Visitor Centre

This is such a beautiful building and it really does remind me that Bournville is a Quaker village. It is beautifully placed on Bournville Green, which makes is look tranquil and very peaceful. Inside they have lots of history information about Bournville as a Quaker village and also lots of information about Cadbury’s World, which I suppose is expected as it is such a short distance away. They also sell a few gifts and souvenirs inside, which is good for tourists and those who have not been to Bournville before. Even if you do not go into the centre, it is a lovely place to just go and sit near and relax and take in the loveliness of the green and the surroundings as Bournville is such a lovely part of Birmingham.

The rest house is a beautiful small building in the centre of the Bournville Village Green. It provides tourist information and allegedly sells gifts. I say allegedly because despite living in Bournville for many years I think I only saw the place open once… I am not sure what magic phrase was spoken to make it open but I never saw it happen again! However, its a nice spot to sit and relax on the benches surrounding it so even if it is closed (and there’s a high chance of that) you won’t have had a wasted journey. Unless you really wanted to buy one of those elusive gifts that they sell.

The Rest House can be found in the heart of Bournville Village Green. Whenever I go past the visitor centre, it’s usually looked/​been closed. Only on a couple of occasions have I managed to get inside, so I’m not entirely sure when this monument’s opening times are!
Once you do finally get into the grand piece of architecture, you are met by displays on every wall, which provide information about the Cadbury family (and the history of the Quakers). It’s truly interested knowledge that’s definitely worth a read!
The building is as beautiful inside as it is out, with information carved into the walls, such as ‘John Junior Cadbury 1906 – 2006′ (I still can’t believe he lived to be a hundred!)
As well as the historical elements to this visitor centre, the shop also sells gifts such as jewellery, pens, wooden carved mushrooms and wooden carved owls. There’s also a lot of replicated equipment from the Quaker period, such as old knifes and tea strainers.
The Rest House is a great place to get a quick insight into Cadbury’s, or to buy a present for someone. It is definitely a place I recommend visiting.