The Best Travel Guide to Birmingham

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Birmingham

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Birmingham

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The guide was updated: 2019-10-09

Birmingham, the second largest city in Britain, served as inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien to write the celebrated work of fantasy fiction "The Lord of the Rings". The city is renowned for its dining scene that will satisfy the most demanding palates and, thanks to the many attractions, tourists are sure to keep busy. With world-class shopping centres all fashionistas will leave the city with a smile, and when the night falls there is an exciting nightlife to discover.

Facts

Population:	1.3 million (2019)
Currency:	British Pounds, £1 = 100 pence
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	999
Newspapers:	Birmingham Post- www.birminghampost.co.uk Birmingham Mail - www.birminghammail.co.uk
Opening hours:	Many of the larger shopping malls are open Monday - Saturday from 9 or 10am and closes at 8 or 9pm. Sundays and other public holidays the usual hours are between 11am to 5pm.

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Section in Birmingham

With world-class galleries, inspiring museums, beautiful gardens and outstanding heritage attractions you will find yourself busy and if chocolate is your thing then you have for sure come to the right city because it is here you will find the famouse tourist attraction Cadbury World. Birmingham offers something for every taste and every age. All you need to do is to start exploring the city and get inspired.

Jewellery Quarter

Jewellery Quarter

Dating back over 250 years, Jewellery Quarter is a conservation area with over 200 listed buildings and today one of Birmingham´s most vibrant locations with an amazing community spirit. This is also the home for more than 500 jewellery businesses, the beating heart of England's jewellery industry, making it a great place to buy some gifts and souvenirs. When here, you should also visit the award-winning museum on Vyse Street, called Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.

Birmingham Town Hall

Birmingham Town Hall

Designed by Joseph Hansom and inaugurated in 1832, Birmingham Town Hall is a Grade I listed concert hall located in Victoria Square. Today, it is a cultural hub together with its sister venue Symphony Hall, where to enjoy a diverse programme with classical concerts, jazz, dance, comedy rock, pop, folk and more. If you want to learn more about Birmingham’s most iconic historic building, then take the Town Hall tour and get an insight over the backstage areas.

Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo

Located one hour drive from Birmingham, Twycross Zoo is renowned as a specialist primate zoo where to discover a wide variety of monkeys and apes. But they have more than moneys, with more than 160 species and around 900 animals like leopards, meerkats, elephants, giraffes, birds, reptiles and many more you will for sure have a lot to explore.

St. Martin’s

St. Martin’s

Originally dating from 13th century, the contrast with the futuristic facade of the Bullring shopping centre is extreme, but this does not diminish the value of the church, either visually, historically, or as a meeting place. A peaceful retreat with beautiful interior in the middle of a shopping area.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Housed in a Grade II listed building, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) is a vibrant museum in the heart of the city that offers over 40 galleries which are displaying world-class collection of art both from local and international artist. There are over 800,000 objects, everything from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art, including applied art such as ceramics, jewellery, silver, textiles, woodwork and more. And with lots of interactive displays, you will keep yourself busy here.

The National Sea Life

The National Sea Life

Explore the amazing sea life and learn more about the animal life, about turtles, sharks, clown fish, octopus and jellyfish to name a few. This is a great family attraction with plenty of activities for the children. Do not miss the walkthrough underwater tunnel where you get a closer look of these amazing animals.

Cadbury World

Cadbury World

One of Birmingham's largest tourist attractions with over 500,000 visitors each year, this amazing sight is definitely a must if you love chocolate since it allows you to discover the renowned Cadbury chocolate. With fourteen amazing zones to explore, there is plenty to see and do for the whole family and at the same time, you will learn how this lovely confectionery is made. A great experience that should not be missed.

Thinktank Science Museum

Thinktank Science Museum

At this museum, you can discover the world of science, investigate the past and take a peek into the future of technology. In these ten themed galleries, spread across over four floors with inspiring and interactive fun, you will definitely find yourself busy. There are more than 200 hands-on exhibits but make sure not to miss the state-of-the-art Planetarium and the outdoor Science Garden.

National Motorcycle Museum

National Motorcycle Museum

Opened its doors in 1984, The National Motorcycle Museum is known as the largest British motorcycle museum in the world. On display is a large amount of motorcycles, some 1000 plus machines, from vintage to new. Book a guided tour to get a more lively experience and when the hunger kicks in, there is an on-site restaurant on the first floor.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Take a stroll around these beautiful gardens and admire the stunning flowers and plants. As you walk through the garden you will encounter some wild life, there are birds and butterflies everywhere. There is also a Tea Room where you can sip a cup of coffee or tea and for the little once, there is a playground.

Winterbourne House and Garden

Winterbourne House and Garden

Only minutes from the city centre, you will find this unique Edwardian House and Botanic Garden with over 6000 different plant species from around the world. The rooms are filled with antiques and Edwardian era soft furnishings and as you walk around the house, you will get to learn the families that lived here. A perfect English heritage where you can soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era.

City Canal Tour

City Canal Tour

There is nothing quite so relaxing as a trip by canal boat and with City Canal Tour you will get the chance to discover the city from a different angle. Away2Canal is one of the companies providing canal tours and with them, you can choose to take either one hour trip or the short half-hour city centre cruise. The one-hour trip will take passengers through the Gas Street Basin and along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.

Gas Street Basin

Gas Street Basin

In the heart of Birmingham city centre you will find Gas Street Basin, a canal network that once was a thriving port but today an area that boats, bars, cafés and restaurants. Take a lovely stroll along the canal side and experience an area where old meets modern living. And as the name reveal, this was the first street in Birmingham to have gas lighting.

Villa Park Stadium

Villa Park Stadium

Home to Aston Villa Football Club since 1897 and with a seating capacity of 42,682, Villa Park Stadium is one of the oldest and most well-known venues in world football. Hosted an array of prestige events like World Cup and European Championship matches. To get to know more about its history and tradition take a stadium tour or just simply visit during an exciting game.

Spa

Spa

When on holiday, it is not only about running around to discover all the exciting sights but also about relaxation and there is nothing quite so soothing then to go to a spa. Santai Spa is a luxury spa equipped with a salt cave, outdoor hot tub, pool, sauna and of course offers calming treatments like facials, massages and manicures. Located at Resorts World, a multi-entertainment complex with shopping, cinema, casino and dining so if you have time on your side, it is definitely worth a visit.

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