I have lived in Birmingham my entire life; hence, it is simply home to me. Nonetheless, when friends and family are scheduled to visit, most anticipate being guided to see everything Birmingham offers. This prompted me to consider what attractions the UK’s second-largest city provides for its visitors.
Here is my perspective on the most commendable activities in Birmingham and its vicinity that exclude conventional tourist attractions.
For the Culture: Museums & Galleries
Museums and History
Birmingham boasts several museums and galleries for cultural enthusiasts. Walk to Chamberlain Square, past the Town Hall and Council House buildings, and you’ll find the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The museum, which is free to enter, contains an extensive art collection, an Ancient Egypt collection, displays of local history, various exhibitions, and a natural history collection.
Nearby, just off Broad Street, is the Ikon Gallery. The gallery, which is free to enter, contains two levels of modern art and is worth the visit if you’re in and around Chamberlain Square.
Science lovers needn’t look any further than the Thinktank, a Science Museum in Birmingham’s Millennium Point. The museum has interactive displays on Science, Industry, and Natural History that will engage children for hours.
History buffs, I got you! See the National Trust’s Back to Backs to explore Birmingham’s history. The final remaining back-to-back residences from the 19th century have been renovated and are available for tours by appointment.
Don’t Miss: Cadbury’s World
Birmingham is renowned for manufacturing the UK’s most beloved chocolate, Cadbury, and a visit to the city is incomplete without exploring Bournville Village, the site of the original Cadbury Chocolate Factory.
Cadbury World has interactive displays detailing the factory’s history, providing insight into the facility where chocolate continues to be manufactured. Moreover, and most importantly: You receive an abundance of complimentary chocolate to sample along the journey.
On the Town: Nightlife & Entertainment in Brum
Broad Street is the premier destination for an exuberant night out in Birmingham, including an array of bars and clubs frequented by inebriated students. For a more tranquil experience or a few drinks before visiting the clubs, consider the canalside bars in Brindley Place or the favoured after-work establishments near the Mailbox.
Game until your heart’s content: Broadway Casino
Suppose you’re familiar with and excited by an extensive list of top online casinos. Why not turn that enthusiasm into a similar, more immersive experience at one of Birmingham’s top brick-and-mortar casinos?
Infusing a touch of global elegance into Broad Street, Broadway Casino offers an array of roulette tables and poker rooms to indulge in your preferred games. After a game or two, visit their Manhattan Bar, where the establishment reflects the city’s elegance, with opulent leather sofas and renowned personalities depicted on the walls.
My Favourite Bar in Birmingham: NQ64
This distinctive gaming and cocktail bar within the Custard Factory features an extensive selection of classic consoles, complemented by an array of eclectic drinks, artisan brews and nostalgic food.
NQ64, situated in The Custard Factory, fulfils its stated purpose precisely. Inspired by classic Nintendo, this unconventional pub is not a typical drinking establishment. Envision industrial spaces accented with vibrant shades like purple, neon, and pink.
Select your beverage from various themed drinks and artisanal brews before engaging in arcade games ranging from PlayStation to Mega Drive. Regarding the titles themselves?
Disclaimer: No kids allowed!
Green Space: Beautiful Parks in Birmingham
Although not located in the city core, Cannon Hill Park merits the little journey to the suburb of Edgbaston. The location features expansive grassy areas suitable for picnics or sports, wooded paths for exploration, aesthetically pleasing gardens adorned with flowers, a sizable boating lake available for pedal boat rentals, an amusement park with rides for children, a land train for transportation, an adventure golf course and two well-equipped playgrounds, allowing for a full day of activities. The park houses the Midlands’ Art Centre, which features diverse exhibitions, galleries, intimate theatrical performances, and a cinema that predominantly screens cult classics and independent films.
Adjacent to the park is the Birmingham Conservation Park, often referred to as the ‘Nature Centre,’ where, for a nominal charge, visitors may observe a diverse array of animals, reptiles, and avian species, including monkeys and red pandas.
The Shires
Birmingham was the residence of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and one may explore much of the region that inspired the landscapes depicted in his works. Visit Moseley Bog and the adjacent Sarehole Mill, now incorporated within the rebranded Shires Country Park, where you can obtain a brochure outlining the locations that inspired him and traverse the ‘Tolkien Trail’!
Architecture At Its Finest: Brum Buildings
The Cube
If you appreciate intriguing architecture, Birmingham has much to offer. Like the renowned Selfridges edifice and the Bullring’s Rotunda, you may also find The Cube rather intriguing. Named for its dice-like form, it houses several stores, restaurants, flats, and a hotel. While you’re there, dine and drink at Marco Pierre White’s Skyline Steakhouse while enjoying panoramic city views.
Birmingham Library
A library may not seem like the most thrilling destination when visiting a new city. Still, this relatively recent establishment in Birmingham’s city centre is situated within an architecturally intriguing modern structure. The ostentatious boat-like design has polarised residents but is undeniably attention-grabbing. In addition to thousands of volumes, there is a café and two rooftop gardens with excellent city views.
Shopping in Birmingham
If shopping is your passion, then Birmingham is the destination for you! The primary shopping complex, Bullring, houses one of the city’s most iconic structures, Selfridges, along with three levels of retail outlets and dining establishments.
Observe ‘Bully’, the Bullring Bull sculpture situated outside the centre, and, in stark contrast to the contemporary mall, St Nicholas’ Church, which remains in the square below.
Adjacent to the church, Birmingham Markets offers a diverse selection of fresh vegetables, home goods, and apparel at competitive pricing.
Adjacent to the Bullring retail complex is High Street, which has the world’s largest Primark store for the bargain hunters. This behemoth of a store features five levels of clothes, a beauty salon, and three cafés, including the acclaimed Disney cafe.
High-end shopping in Brum
Upon arriving in the city by train, you will likely find yourself in New Street Station, which houses the new Grand Central shopping mall. The centre primarily has a more diverse array of retailers than Bullring and a substantial John Lewis establishment. Additionally, there is a food court, including several dining alternatives.
For more upscale preferences, proceed to the Mailbox, a little stroll from New Street Station. Here, designer boutiques such as Armani and Castle Fine Art are located. The Mailbox is also the location of the Birmingham BBC Studios.
Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter
Located just beyond the city centre, this region is replete with jewellery manufacturers, contributing significantly to the UK’s jewellery production alongside independent jewellery boutiques. The area has been revitalised recently and is now a sought-after destination. In addition to several jewellery shops, a museum offers insights into the history of the Jewellery Quarter, factory tours, and an increasing array of pubs, restaurants, and cafés. The region is accessible by train, tram, or a stroll along the canal from the city centre.
