This stately plantation house is a great way to get a taste of real Southern heritage. Situated on six acres in the heart of Old Elyton, the house was built by Judge William S Mudd, one of the founders of Birmingham, in the 1840s. The house itself functions as a 19th-century decorative arts museum, with a collection of furniture, artwork, textiles and silver from the 19th century. The grounds are also beautiful, spread across six acres of leafy pasture.

Address: 331 Cotton Avenue

Telephone: (205) 780-5656

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-4pm; Sunday 1pm-4pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays.

Admission: $5 adults, $3 children