Are you looking to take in some culture and history? Would you like to take a city break somewhere that has more than a beach, bars and clubs? If so, then Birmingham is an ideal destination. Not only does this city in the UK have a vibrant nightlife, but it has a rich history that is waiting to be explored by travellers.
Birmingham’s story stretches over 1400 years, from its humble beginnings as a small 7th century settlement to the bustling British city it has now become. Birmingham has definitely come along way as it is now the second most populous city in Britain, with over one million residents.
Anyone vacationing in Birmingham will be treated to variety of historic attractions to choose from. With such a long history, it comes as no surprise that there are a wide range of places where you can experience Birmingham’s past.
Things to See and Do in Birmingham, UK
If you say the word “Birmingham” to people who have some knowledge of the UK, the first words that will come to mind will not be “holidays” or “tourism”, but rather “industry” or “factories”. However, this view of Birmingham as the industrial heartland in the UK is wide of the mark.
Birmingham today has moved on from its industrial past, and is now a vibrant, modern city that has many attractions for the visitor to see.
Some of these are listed below:
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
First opened in 1885, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is home to an exceptional collection of art, social history, archaeology and ethnography. Situated in a Grade II listed building in the city centre, this museum contains over 40 galleries so be sure to allow plenty of time to take in all that it has to offer. The museum is well known for its Pre-Raphaelite paintings and also contains a substantial collection of artefacts from over seven centuries of European and world history, including the Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. If you are looking for some history that is a little more local to Birmingham, then a new gallery opened in late 2012, ‘Birmingham: its people, its history’. Here you will find many items from Birmingham’s past, giving you a greater insight into this city’s history.
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham has a thriving commercial jewellery quarter which is affectionately known as ‘Birmingham’s Gem’. It has been described as having ‘particular combination of structures associated with jewellery and metalworking which does not seem to exist anywhere else in the world’ by English Heritage, making this part of Birmingham a must see. Whilst visiting this area, you should take a trip to the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. This was actually a working jewellery workshop that was only closed in the 1980’s. After the building’s retirement from the manufacture of jewellery, it was turned into a museum showcasing Birmingham’s rich jewellery and metalworking heritage.
The University
The University of Birmingham is one of the leading examples of Victorian “Red Brick” University architecture. Along with civic Universities established at the same time (Manchester, Sheffield), Birmingham has a grand clock tower (known as old Joe), a grand great hall, and an impressive library building all in the same area. Its buildings are worth checking out in an afternoon. Get to the University by train – the line South West out of Birmingham leaves New Street station and stops at the University.
The Balti in Birmingham
You cannot come to Birmingham without sampling the local cuisine. The Balti (a curry dish) was introduced into the city by Kashmiri immigrants in the 1960’s, and has been the city’s dish of choice ever since. Go for the full Balti restaurant experience, and have onion bhajji’s, and naan bread with the main Balti dish. Most of the Balti restaurant’s in Birmingham are in the South of the city, between the Sparkbrook, Balsall Heath and Mosely areas; this area is known as “The Balti Triangle.”
Shopping – with the famous “Bullring” area having been developed in the early noughties, Birmingham is now known as one of Europe’s shopping Mecca’s. The Bullring has over 160 shops and restaurants for you to choose from, including department stores Selfridges and Debenhams. Restaurant options include Pizza Express, Brown’s and Ben and Jerry’s.
Nightlife
Night owls and party goers are well served by Birmingham’s night life scene. The main areas to hang out of an evening are Broad Street, the Arcadian, Brindley Place and The Mailbox. Broad Street and the Arcadian are a little more “old skool” night spots, whereas Brindley Place and The Mailbox are a bit more upmarket; they attract a slightly more older crowd. Take your pick! Birmingham has more students than any city in the UK except London, so is served well for clubs, bars and pubs.
Comedy and Theatre
Try the two main comedy clubs in Brum – the Glee Club (the Arcadian) and Jonguleurs if its a laugh you’re after. Or, for something more serious, try one of the many theatres in the city.
Where to Stay?
Many of Birmingham’s historic attractions are situated in the centre of the city with excellent transport links, making the city centre an ideal location. Accorhotels have a number of hotels in Birmingham, offering brilliant facilities that are suitable for a range of budgets.
If you are looking for a city with British culture and history, then Birmingham is an excellent choice. Go and discover Birmingham today.