A Thousand Journeys to Highbury Celebrates 150 Years of Travel

Visitors are being invited to make their own journey to one Highbury Hall when Chamberlain Highbury Trust hosts A Thousand Journeys to Highbury on Sunday 20 September 2026.

The free, family-friendly event, running from 11am to 6pm, will celebrate the many different ways that people, objects, ideas, and even plants have travelled to Highbury over the past 150 years.

Those attending are encouraged to make their journey to Highbury Hall by public transport, walking, cycling, or using mobility aids. For those looking for a particularly memorable way to arrive, horse-drawn carriage rides from King’s Heath Railway Station to Highbury Hall through Highbury Park will take place during the morning. The carriage rides will offer a unique opportunity to experience the scenic landscape of Highbury Park and grounds while travelling to the event.

Once at Highbury Hall, visitors will be able to explore the house and grounds and discover a fascinating programme inspired by the theme of journeys and movement. Highlights will include historic bicycles and estate equipment, a model railway display from the Bournville Model Railway Club, stories from the Chamberlain family, guided walks, family activities, and opportunities to meet organisations promoting active travel.

There will also be live music from Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, as part of its Cycle the Score bicycle-powered concert tour.

The event reflects Highbury’s own long history of journeys and connections, while encouraging visitors to think about how people have travelled to and from the Hall, and how the movement of people, objects and ideas has helped shape Birmingham and the wider world.

Lucy Bailey-Wright, Activity Planner at Chamberlain Highbury Trust, said: “Highbury has always been a place connected to people, ideas and journeys. A Thousand Journeys to Highbury gives us a wonderful opportunity to bring that history to life in a way that is enjoyable for families, heritage enthusiasts and anyone who simply wants to discover more about this remarkable place.

“The horse-drawn carriage rides will make the journey itself part of the experience, taking visitors through Highbury Park before they arrive at the Hall. Alongside the historic displays, music, walks and family activities, we hope the day will encourage people to see Highbury and its landscape in a completely new way.”

Admission to the main event and Hall tours is free, carriage rides cost £12 per person and require separate booking. Visitors can choose from available carriage departure times when booking. Entry to A Thousand Journeys to Highbury must also be booked separately. Places are limited so advance booking is recommended. For further details and booking information visit the Highbury Hall and Park website: https://highburyhallandpark.co.uk/whats-on/a-thousand-journeys-to-highbury/

The event is being organised by Chamberlain Highbury Trust as part of Heritage Open Days and Birmingham Heritage Week, and is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.