Birmingham, the second largest and one of the most bustling cities in the UK, is located in the West Midlands. It is home to many iconic buildings and top attractions, such as the Birmingham Hippodrome, the Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens, and the Legoland Discovery Centre.
One particularly enjoyable activity is taking canal boat tours. Birmingham’s canal network is a legacy of the Industrial Revolution and is now primarily used for leisure boating and guided tours. The West Midlands city boasts a canal system larger than Venice, and wandering around the preserved canals and historic structures of the iconic Gas Street Basin is one of the top free things to do.
When you’re out to visit Birmingham on a road trip, having issues with your vehicle is the last thing you want. But don’t worry! If you run into any trouble, you can easily get help from an auto locksmith in Birmingham who is quick and offers affordable pricing.
Without further ado, here are our top 9 places to visit in Birmingham, West Midlands, that are sure to maximise your time in this city.
Birmingham Interesting Places
Birmingham is home to many attractions like Victorian architecture, art galleries, cocktail bars, ornamental gardens, popular museums, hotels, and many green spaces within walking distance from wherever you are within the city.
While you are on your outdoor adventures, be sure to check out these 9 Birmingham places to visit:
Symphony Hall
Located in Centenary Square, this attraction stands as one of Birmingham’s largest concert venues, accommodating over 2,262 attendees. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, it has since become a prominent tourist attraction in the city for its auditory experience and stunning interior design.
The Birmingham Symphony Orchestra hosts approximately 300 events annually which means visitors can often catch a show if they plan accordingly. Due to the high demand, it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
Unlike other concert venues in Birmingham, Symphony Hall does not enforce a dress code. Performances typically last around two hours, requiring attendees to remain seated to enjoy the experience fully. The hall is designed in a shoebox shape, ensuring excellent acoustics from every seat.
National Sea Life Centre
The National Sea Life Centre is home to one of the UK’s unique 360-degree ocean tunnels. It offers an immersive experience with over 2,000 marine creatures, including penguins, jellyfish, and sea otters. It is a popular attraction for the whole family.
Guests can observe marine life that is rarely seen elsewhere in England. The mangrove swamp zone houses horseshoe crabs, a highlight not to be missed. Additionally, the centre houses many Archer fish and other fascinating creatures. The journey through the centre is one of discovery and wonder.
The National Sea Life Centre also emphasises conservation, with several in-house projects and a popular seahorse breeding program. Visitors can discover newly bred seahorses in the tanks. Other notable residents include Pacific Giant Octopuses, which are featured in many UK documentaries.
Birmingham City Centre
Birmingham City Centre is a bustling hub in the heart of the city, housing numerous restaurants and shops. This vibrant area is a top destination for shopping and dining.
Birmingham City Centre is unparalleled for those looking to indulge in culinary delights and a variety of shopping options. It is centred around Victoria Square, one of the city’s most famous spots, and offers countless activities to enjoy.
The area has over 200 shops, offering a wide range of dining options, including fine wines, Jamie’s Italian, Handmade Burger Co’s delicious hamburgers, and an assortment of desserts. Culture enthusiasts can explore the impressive Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the magnificent 18th-century church, St. Philip’s Cathedral.
Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery
Located in Chamberlain Square, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is among Birmingham’s most visited cultural attractions. It features an extensive collection of fine arts, metalwork, ceramics, and archaeological artefacts. Some exhibitions are free to enter, while others require an admission fee. Visitors can also enjoy pop-up events and purchase unique items from the gift shop.
The museum showcases exhibits and artefacts spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary periods, offering a fascinating glimpse into Birmingham’s history. It houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings from the 14th to the 21st century, including notable contemporary art from various global schools.
The Edwardian Tearooms within the museum provide a variety of food and beverages in a historically rich setting, perfect for meeting friends and family over tea or coffee.
Cadbury World
For all you sweet tooth enthusiasts out there, this one’s for you. Cadbury World is a big visitor attraction in the West Midlands of Birmingham. You can take the tour, where you will learn about the origins of cocoa, the process of manufacturing chocolate, and more. You can also taste the delicious chocolates made by Cadbury.
The 4D Chocolate Adventure Zone is one of the main places to visit. Apart from all the knowledge, you can also enjoy the Crunchie rollercoaster, fly on the Cadbury Crème Airship, and see the Aztec jungles, where there are trees, shrubs, and waterfalls.
At the Chocolate Making Zone, you can get your free chocolates and you can add marshmallows and fudge as well. Many children celebrate their birthdays at Cadbury World, where they can meet characters like Bertie Bassett, Caramel Bunny, and Mr. Cadbury’s Parrot.
Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham is a premier destination for jewellery shopping, hosting around 700 jewellers. In addition to the numerous jewellery stores, the area is filled with a variety of restaurants, pubs, and cafes, making it a top tourist attraction in Birmingham.
Visitors can buy, sell, or repair jewellery with skilled craftsmen capable of creating both vintage and contemporary pieces. Bargaining is common, and you can find great deals at Biddle and Webb auctions, one of the UK’s most renowned auction houses.
In addition to the shops, the area features several art galleries and museums, such as the Pen Museum and the Coffin Works. If you’re travelling by train, you can stop at Jewellery Quarter Station on Vyse Street.
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
Also known as the Birmingham Nature Centre, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is renowned for its animal exhibits and active conservation and breeding programs. Established on the former Pebble Mill site on May 1st, 1964, the park has become a popular destination for families in Birmingham.
The park is highly regarded for its scientific breeding programs and conservation efforts, in particular the red panda breeding program that started with several male pandas and a female named Ming Ming. These animals have since been relocated as part of the program.
Visitors can discover a wide array of animals, including wild animals, exotic birds, reptiles, and various insects. The park offers a valuable educational experience for children, teaching them about the conservation of wild and endangered species. Additionally, the park has a cafe and a drinks counter for refreshments, and kids can enjoy ice creams available on-site.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens And Glasshouses
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses offer something for everyone. The site boasts some of the UK’s most impressive glasshouses, each featuring distinct microclimates, such as Japanese Gardens, Arid Gardens, and Tropical Forests.
These gardens also house a remarkable Bonsai collection, making them a must-visit for bonsai enthusiasts. Among the noble exhibits is the nearly 250-year-old Omiya tree.
The glasshouses cultivate various crops like rice, cocoa, sugar, and cane, as well as ornamental and aquatic plants like Magnolias and Prunus. The subtropical glasshouse has orchids, ferns, and carnivorous plants, with the Venus Flytrap being particularly famous. There is an Alpine glasshouse and a butterfly house as well.
Additionally, the gardens are home to the exotic Himalayan Cedar, known for its medicinal properties. Bird fans can enjoy the aviary, which houses birds such as monals and turacos.
Cannon Hill Park
Cannon Hill Park is an 80-acre park in Birmingham, with an additional 120 acres of woodlands. It is home to the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Centre and Mac Theatre. Miss Louisa Ryland donated Cannon Hill Park to Birmingham to serve as a recreational space for the community. Designed by Mr. T. J. Gibson, the park opened to the public in 1873.
Today, it is one of the city’s most popular parks. Visitors can discover a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, or just simply walking along its paths to take in the gorgeous scenery, making it an ideal spot for family and friends. Children can have fun with attractions like the swan pedal boats.
The park contains several historical monuments and figures, including the Boer War memorial, scout memorial, Elan Valley Reservoirs, glacial erratic boulders, and the Golden Lion Inn.
FAQs
What Is Birmingham Famous For?
Birmingham is famous for great scientists and inventors Matthew Boulton, James Watt, and William Murdoch who made it the first manufacturing town in the world.
How Many Museums Are There In Birmingham?
Birmingham has nine museum sites, including the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the Black Country Living Museum, the Pen Museum, among others.
What Are Some Other Attractions I Can Visit In Birmingham?
Tourists can visit the infamous Gas Street basin, the Black Country Living Museum, the Winterbourne House and Garden, the Custard Factory, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, and Opheem, which is the first Indian Restaurant outside of London to be awarded a Michelin star.
Is Birmingham A Walkable City?
Yes. Although there are some inclines between main streets, Birmingham is a relatively flat city, making walking much easier compared to other busy cities in England.
Wrapping Up
Birmingham is a wonderful city that’s bursting with life and activity. From malls and restaurants to historical sites and gardens, the twinkling lights of this city have it all. There is something for everyone in Birmingham, making it a city that’s enjoyable for all age groups.
Happy travels!