Old Joe Joseph Chamberlain Clock Tower Birmingham
The world's tallest free-standing clock tower, a majestic icon of the University of Birmingham and a rumored inspiration for Tolkien.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Old Joe Joseph Chamberlain Clock Tower Birmingham
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The world's tallest free-standing clock tower, a majestic icon of the University of Birmingham and a rumored inspiration for Tolkien.
"A truly magnificent landmark, Old Joe dominates the Birmingham skyline and the beautiful university campus."
📸 Capture the Scale
Get creative with angles to showcase Old Joe's immense height against the sky.
🚶♂️ Campus Exploration
Take time to explore the wider University of Birmingham campus for different perspectives.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Joe's Grandeur
University of Birmingham Campus
The tallest free-standing clock tower in the world, a majestic landmark visible across Birmingham.
University of Birmingham Campus
Edgbaston Campus
Wander through the beautiful grounds surrounding Old Joe, a Grade II* listed architectural marvel.
Tolkien Inspiration
Near King Edward's School
Rumored inspiration for Tolkien's Orthanc tower, adding a touch of literary magic to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Admire from Afar: Access Limitations
Iconic Views & Campus Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Scale
Get creative with angles to showcase Old Joe's immense height against the sky.
🚶♂️ Campus Exploration
Take time to explore the wider University of Birmingham campus for different perspectives.
🚫 Avoid Walking Under
A local superstition warns against walking directly under the tower before graduating.
🕰️ Clock Face Intrigue
Notice the unique placement of the clock face, about three-quarters of the way up the tower.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Scale
Get creative with angles to showcase Old Joe's immense height against the sky.
🚶♂️ Campus Exploration
Take time to explore the wider University of Birmingham campus for different perspectives.
🚫 Avoid Walking Under
A local superstition warns against walking directly under the tower before graduating.
🕰️ Clock Face Intrigue
Notice the unique placement of the clock face, about three-quarters of the way up the tower.
❄️ Winter Wonder
Old Joe looks particularly magical dusted with snow.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old Joe as a magnificent and iconic landmark, appreciating its impressive height and its status as the world's tallest free-standing clock tower. The surrounding University of Birmingham campus is also frequently highlighted for its beauty and pleasant atmosphere. However, a common point of disappointment is the lack of public access to the tower's interior or viewing platform.
"Beautiful to walk around and set on a lovely campus.
Can only observe from outside no public visitation of the platform"
C M
"The tallest free standing clock tower in the world. Located at the Chancellors Court, University of Birmingham. It can be seen all over Birmingham. Official name is the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower. Joseph Chamberlain was the First Chancellor of the University from 1900 (when the University was established) to his death in 1914. It's currently not possible to go up the tower."
Elliott Brown
"The tallest freestanding clock tower in the world. Certainly has a wow factor in it's mahoosiveness. Even if it doesn't tell you the correct time. 😂
Part of the iconic landscape of Birmingham and can be seen from a good distance away.
Struck me as unusual for the clock face not to be at the top but three quarters of the way up.
Sadly, within is not open to the public. I bet it's internal workings are awesome to behold."
Jessica Sinclair
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Joe is located at the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston campus. You can reach it via public transport, with numerous bus routes serving the university. Driving is also an option, with parking available on campus, though it can be busy. +1
Yes, the University of Birmingham is well-served by public transport. Several bus routes stop directly at or near the campus, making it convenient to reach Old Joe.
Absolutely! Due to its impressive height, Old Joe is a prominent landmark and can be seen from many vantage points across Birmingham.
Many visitors find buses to be a convenient and cost-effective way to reach the university. Check local transport websites for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Old Joe is situated within the Chancellor's Court at the University of Birmingham, surrounded by other university buildings and green spaces.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to visit Old Joe. It is an outdoor landmark on the University of Birmingham campus, and you can admire it from the grounds.
Unfortunately, public visitation of the platform or interior of Old Joe is not currently possible. You can only observe it from the outside.
As Old Joe is an outdoor landmark on a university campus, it can be viewed at any time. However, the campus itself may have specific access hours for certain areas.
Generally, there is no admission fee to walk around the main public areas of the University of Birmingham campus.
The primary restriction is that you cannot go up the tower. Otherwise, you are free to admire it from the campus grounds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautiful University of Birmingham campus, take photos of Old Joe from various angles, and learn about its history and rumored literary connections.
Yes, Old Joe is a very popular subject for photography, especially during different seasons and times of day.
It's a local superstition at the University of Birmingham that you shouldn't walk directly under Old Joe before you graduate. +1
Many visitors find the campus beautiful and worth exploring, with its mix of architecture and green spaces. +1
Yes, the campus offers various viewpoints to appreciate the scale and beauty of Old Joe.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful light. Evenings when it's illuminated can also be stunning.
For daytime shots, a standard aperture like f/8 will ensure good depth of field. For low light, increase your ISO and use a tripod if possible.
Try different spots around Chancellor's Court and the surrounding green areas for varied perspectives.
Drone usage is typically restricted on university campuses. It's best to check the University of Birmingham's specific drone policy before flying.
Its immense height, distinctive clock face, and its prominent position on the campus make it a striking subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to spot it from different parts of the city on your way to the university. Once at the campus, let them explore the open green spaces around the tower and take fun photos trying to 'hold it up' or 'touch the top.' The rumored Tolkien connection might also spark their imagination, especially if they're fans of 'The Lord of the Rings.' 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture its full scale against the sky, or use a telephoto lens to focus on the details of the clock face and stonework. The surrounding university campus provides a beautiful backdrop, with opportunities for framing the tower within architectural elements or natural landscapes. 📚 Literary & History Buffs
The rumored inspiration for Tolkien's Orthanc tower adds a significant layer of interest, connecting the landmark to one of the most beloved fantasy series of all time. Consider researching the architectural style and the engineering feat of its construction to fully appreciate its significance. The university campus itself is rich in history, offering further exploration beyond the tower. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Old Joe
Its construction was a significant undertaking, reflecting the ambition and vision for the newly established university. The tower is named in honor of Joseph Chamberlain, the first Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, who was instrumental in fundraising and the design process. The tower's unique design, with its clock face positioned about three-quarters of the way up, has often sparked curiosity. While it doesn't house public access to its upper levels, its presence is felt across the city, serving as a constant reminder of the university's presence. The tower is also Grade II* listed, recognizing its architectural and historical importance.
Literary Connections and Local Lore
Tolkien attended King Edward's School, which is located across the road from the University of Birmingham, making it plausible that he would have been familiar with the imposing clock tower during his formative years. This connection adds a layer of enchantment for fans of fantasy literature, allowing them to imagine the tower as a real-world muse for Middle-earth. Beyond its literary links, Old Joe is also associated with a local superstition among University of Birmingham students. It is said that walking directly beneath the tower before graduation is a sign of bad luck.
Experiencing Old Joe Today
The university grounds themselves are beautiful, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture, as well as green spaces perfect for a leisurely stroll. Many visitors enjoy simply walking around the campus, taking in the views of Old Joe from different angles and appreciating its scale against the sky. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with creative shots of Old Joe, showcasing its beauty in various weather conditions and seasons.
From sun-drenched autumn days to snowy vistas, the tower proves to be a photogenic subject year-round. While the tower itself is inaccessible, its iconic status and the charm of the university campus make a visit to Old Joe a worthwhile experience for anyone exploring Birmingham. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit