Lapworth Museum of Geology — Attraction in Birmingham

Not sure what the point of an 'open to the public' museum is when it's on restricted grounds. The parking around the museum, though ample was restricted for staff of the University only, even during non term time when there were hardly any students or staff to be seen. Visitors did park in these spaces around the museum though, some waited in their cars whilst their families visited, not a great feel. This wouldn't be such an issue if there was any public parking near by, spoiler alert, there isn't. They say the person you often meet at the reception is the face of the company, well the person we met at the reception looked non too happy to see us, I didn't feel discrimated though as he gave the same cold welcome to other families. He advised me I would get a ticket if I parked outside and gave me directions to a near by carpark, great I thought, except when I got to the specified location it was restricted parking for hospital staff only, I drove back and chanced it. The Alosaurus fossil at the front is clearly fake, but will impress lil kids and makes for good photos. All in all I wouldn't bother in the future, travel a little bit further to the museum's in Leicester, Manchester or Oxford if you want to see some dinosaur fossils without the stress, or make a real day out and get to the Natural History Museum in London,...

It is free.

This building has limited signs to find the entrance. You can go up to it not via a stepped route.

The entrance is marked with a big flag. Please note that there is no parking or limited. The museum itself is accessible using wheelchairs or taking children in a pram but getting there either if disabled or with young children in a pram is interesting. Get ready to find the long path.

Inside the museum has a range of displays also at a range of heights. They have clearly marked information. They also have clipboards and activities for children, suitable for 2-5.

They had two large dinosaur bone models and several skulls. As well as a wall of rocks and a good display on precious gemstones.

They have some seating as well, if you need a break whilst looking.

They have a few interactive displays.

They have a specially designed school room.

There is no museum cafe but a Starbucks and Costa in walking distance both have no parking.

I enjoyed it and think an age of ranges...

It is tucked away within the Aston Webb Building of the University of Birmingham campus, just a few minutes from University railway station. There are two ways to get in, either through the main Aston Webb Building where you have to go down a flight of stairs or from the outside far more accessible entrance all on the flat. Entry is free. The fossils, rocks and minerals are attractively displayed, explanations are easy to read and there is plenty of space between them. The exhibition is laid out over two floors and there is lift access between them. There are a few interactive exhibits, and a section aimed at younger visitors explaining the work of a geologist. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet on the lower floor with a bifold door, which is very difficult to close for those with dexterity issues. That said, the facility is clean, uncluttered and quite spacious.

It's a great way to spend a couple of hours learning about the...