Birmingham stopover guide

Birmingham is Britain’s second biggest city and lies in the heart of England where several national motorways meet. The city itself has an interesting history connected to the industrial revolution and in recent years has been remodelled into a hip centre. Outside of the urban area there are also several worthwhile attractions to visit.

Attractions:

The Town Hall (c. 1830s) is a wonderful example of Victorian architecture found in the centre of the city.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is famous for its permanent collection of pre-Raphaelite art and it considered to be one of the finest art museums outside London. The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham has been full of jeweller’s workshops since the 16th century and is truly fascinating. For some jewellery shopping, don’t miss the Craft & Antiques Sunday Market, which takes place here once a month.
The neo-classical 18th century St. Philip's Cathedral has a magnificent Baroque tower, and stunning stained glass windows.
St. Martin's church is Birmingham's oldest church, dating from the 13th century and is also known for its stained glass windows.
St. Chad's Cathedral was the first Roman Catholic church to be built in Britain after the Reformation, displaying 14th century Gothic style.

Eating and Shopping: for some excellent dining and atmosphere, Brindleyplace at The Water's Edge, is not to be missed. The entire canal area here has been restored and redeveloped and is now a jewel in Birmingham’s crown, offering a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. Authentic Kashmir food, stroll down the ‘Balti Mile’, where there are over 40 Kashmiri restaurants serving a variety for food.

Nightlife in Birmingham is vibrant and diverse, with something for everyone. Theatre, plays, concerts, opera and ballet can all be enjoyed at various venues in the city. Live music is performed in many of the pubs and there are over 20 night clubs to choose from – the most famous are Ronnie Scott’s for jazz and Branstons or Bobby Browns for dancing.

Day trips & tours: for chocaholics, Cadbury World is a must visit! Here you can learn about the history of chocolate and how it’s made, as well as taste samples. The National Sea Life Centre, Britain’s first and largest inland sea life centre. To get an insight into Birmingham’s industrial past, The Black Country Museum in Dudley illustrates the history of the industry by recreating a mining village. There are also amazing limestone caverns nearby that can be accessed by a boat ride down the Dudley Canal Tunnel.

Cannon Hill Park provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and is known as Birmingham’s ‘greenest space’. Meanwhile, a must visit for any JRR Tolkein fan is the Sarehole Mill, 4 miles southeast of the city centre, said to be the inspiration for Hobbiton in The Hobbit, as well as the mill in The Lord of the Rings.

Birmingham Tourist Information Centres

Convention & Visitor Bureau
2 City Arcade
B2 4TX
Tel:+44 (0)121 643 2514
Fax:+44 (0)121 616 1038
Email: ticketshop@bmp.org.uk

Visitor Information Centre
130 Colmore Row
B3 3AP
Tel:+44 (0)121 693 6300
Fax:+44 (0)121 693 9600