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Birmingham
Birmingham - Photo by Kelvin Yup

Uncover the Rich History and Vibrant Culture of Birmingham,

About Birmingham, United Kingdom

Birmingham, United Kingdom is a vibrant and bustling city with a rich history. From the iconic Bullring shopping center to the stunning Birmingham Cathedral, there's something for everyone in this diverse city. Don't miss the chance to explore local markets and indulge in some of the best cuisine in the UK.

If you're looking for a new travel destination, consider Birmingham, United Kingdom. This vibrant city boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and plenty of exciting things to see and do.

One of the top attractions in Birmingham is the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. This museum houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including works by famous artists like Monet and Picasso. Another must-see destination is the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which is home to a stunning collection of plants and flowers from around the world.

For those interested in history, a visit to the Birmingham Back to Backs is a must. These historic houses offer a glimpse into what life was like for the working-class families of Birmingham in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The National SEA LIFE Centre is also a great choice for families with children, offering an up-close look at a variety of sea creatures.

Birmingham is also renowned for its food scene. From traditional British pub fare to international cuisine, there's something for every taste here. The city is also home to a number of excellent craft breweries and distilleries, making it a great destination for beer and spirits enthusiasts.

When it comes to accommodations, Birmingham has plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, you're sure to find something that fits your needs and budget. The city is also well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to get around and explore all that it has to offer.

In summary, Birmingham is a fantastic travel destination that offers something for everyone. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and exciting attractions, it's definitely worth considering for your next vacation.

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Popular Stays in Birmingham, United Kingdom

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Birmingham, United Kingdom

The 4-star Novotel Coventry M6 J3 hotel is conveniently located just ten minutes from the city centre, with easy access to the city's major road networks. Guests visiting to watch the football or see a concert will benefit from the Ricoh Arena's close proximity, while Coventry Airport and railway station are both within driving distance. The hotel features modern rooms with en-suite facilities.
Boasting a prime location in Birmingham city centre, this establishment offers the ideal point from which to explore some of the most important tourist attractions in the area, including Birmingham Canal Network, LG Arena, and the popular Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Fashion lovers can visit Birmingham Bullring Shopping Centre to find today's hottest trends, while Dudley Zoo and Castle is just a 14-minute drive and is perfect to spend a day with the whole family. With en-suite facilities, all the accommodation options are bright and have been decorated in soothing tones to create to a relaxing atmosphere in which to completely unwind. Those most demanding guests may prefer the Superior King rooms featuring a choice of modern conveniences to satisfy every unique need. Guests will find a range of dining and banqueting facilities including a Brasserie restaurant and corporate travellers can take advantage of the fully-equipped function rooms.
This hotel is situated at the heart of Birmingham. The hotel is located just a short distance away from an abundance of shopping opportunities, entertainment venues and dining options. Links to the public transport network are available nearby, offering ease of access to other areas of the city. The hotel welcomes guests with warm hospitality and charm. The guest rooms are tastefully designed, exuding refined elegance and classical beauty. The rooms are well equipped with modern amenities for added comfort and convenience. Guests are invited to enjoy wonderful dining in the restaurant, where delectable culinary delights are just waiting to be savoured.
Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC hotel is two miles from Birmingham Airport (BHX). We are moments from the M42 motorway and close to the M6 therefore we are a perfect location for events at the Resort World, the NEC and the Vox Conference Centre. Get a great night’s sleep in a modern bedroom with free Wi-Fi across the hotel. Our spacious bedrooms feature air conditioning and a Smart TV, blackout shades and a choice of pillows to help you sleep. We have a range of double, twin, family, executive and accessible rooms. Enjoy a space to relax, dine and drink at your own leisure in our stylish Open Lobby. Whether you are staying for breakfast, lunch, or dinner you can get a tasty meal or snack from our Starbucks Café. Our talented team of chefs who work diligently to create a locally sourced, delicious, varied menu to suit all tastes. Shopaholics can take advantage of Solihull Town Centre which is local to the hotel. If all that shopping wasn’t enough, why not sweat it out in our Fitness Centre? Or unwind in the onsite leisure center including a jacuzzi, steam room and swimming pool. Our Conference Center features 14 versatile meeting rooms with natural daylight through floor-to ceiling windows. We have a variety of sizes available to meet your needs; flexible breakout spaces are available offering coffee machines and communal workspace.
As the closest hotel to the arrival and departure terminals, the 4-star Novotel Birmingham Airport hotel blends style with convenience. Just a minute's walk from the airport, the hotel is the perfect choice for your family or business trip. The airy sound-proofed rooms provide enough space to stretch out and relax, while the 24-hour bar is perfect for a pre-flight snack or well-deserved drink. Exclusive to our guests: discounted NCP parking tickets £12 for 24 hours in NCP : CP 1,2&3 all next to the hotel.
A delightful country house hotel set in parkland yet within easy reach of Birmingham, the NEC, the motorway network and attractions such as Drayton Manor Park and Cadbury World. Ideal for business or pleasure, the Birmingham North Moor Hall Hotel, BW Premier Collection offers 83 comfortable and well equipped ensuite bedrooms, including four posters, a choice of two restaurants, seven conference rooms and extensive leisure facilities including an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, aerobics room and spa with three treatment rooms. There's ample free parking and conference and banqueting for up to 250. To complete the picture, our team of friendly and professional staff is always on hand to offer our unique brand of traditional personal service. Enjoy your stay. Main restaurant The Oak Room is closed on Sunday and Bank Holidays. Dinner rates include a 3-course Carvery instead.
Stylish hotel and restaurant in central Birmingham, steps from Grand Central train station and the ICC Crowne Plaza® Birmingham City Centre hotel boasts a prime location in central Birmingham, just five minutes’ walk from Grand central train station and the International Conference Centre (ICC). The hotel is a 10 minute train journey from Birmingham Airport (BHX) and 45 minutes by car from East Midlands Airport (EMA). Business guests appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, as well as the handy business centre. Planning a meeting or wedding? Our dedicated conference floor has 11 naturally lit meeting rooms for up to 300 delegates. Our Crowne Plaza Meetings Director will assist with any catering packages and audio visual requests – and after work, you can relax over cocktails in the sleek b1 Bar. Visiting Birmingham with your family? The city's art museums, shops and cultural venues, including the Birmingham Hippodrome, are on the hotel's doorstep. You can stroll to the upscale Mailbox shopping centre, IKON gallery and National Sea Life Centre. Children up to the age of 12 eat free from our Kids menu. Enjoy sophisticated cuisine and city views at b1 Restaurant, with its seasonal à la carte menu and daily specials. Our well-equipped Fitness Centre helps you keep up with your exercise routine.
Hiltons Commitment to You During COVID-19 ” Weve updated our reservation and cancellation policies, extended Hilton Honors Points and status and may be requiring face coverings, temperature checks, health declarations and use of mobile contact tracing at our hotels around the world. Please visit our dedicated COVID-19 page for the latest and before traveling.With a prime location on the NEC complex, Hilton Birmingham Metropole is a 5-minute walk from Resorts World Arena and entertainment complex and the new Bear Grylls Adventure. Our hotel team aim to create truly unique experiences for every guest, every time. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, there's something to suit all needs, from comfortable rooms and suites to our LivingWell Health Club and multiple dining venues.

Things to do in Birmingham, United Kingdom

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Birmingham, United Kingdom

Do you want to find something fun to do in Birmingham? How about a Private Kayak Tour for just you and those you invite? Read on for more information about this incredible way to visit Birmingham. See Birmingham’s canals as they were intended with a kayak tour through the heart of the city. This private Kayak Tour takes you into the heart of Britain’s canal system, starting along the route of James Brindley’s first canal into Birmingham that resulted in the industrial revolution booming! You’ll discover Birmingham’s hidden heritage and have plenty of opportunities to see its landmarks from a different angle. Birmingham certainly has more canals than Venice, but ours are quieter! Even though we’ll be heading towards the International Convention Centre, The Cube, The Mailbox and the heart of Britain’s canal system, Gas Street Basin, we’ll still be able find quieter areas along our blue highway.
Get your bearings and discover Birmingham through a ‘Brummie’s’ eyes, with a local, expert guide. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the city as you travel back through the centuries to discover how our city exploded from a small market town, to the second largest city in the UK. On this 1.5 hour tour, you'll not only see and learn about our history, but you’ll also gain an authentic insight into modern life in the city today and explore some hidden gems along the way! From Birmingham’s boom during the industrial revolution, to our iconic canals, and of course, the home of Cadbury chocolate! There’s something for everyone on this unique experience.
12 years ago , Airport Pickups London was founded with the goal of providing safe, reliable, and affordable journeys for its guests. Airport Pickups London remains firmly committed to this goal and will do everything within its power to make this happen. Airport Pickups London is the leading provider of Heathrow Airport transfers and shuttle services. Our standards of reliability and comfort are second to none. What’s more, we pride ourselves on offering the very best service and value for money. The vast majority of our cars are new and prestige models. Your comfort and safety are paramount to us. We want you to start or end your holiday or business trip on a high – that means top-notch cars are used for all our Heathrow chauffeur service. Our drivers are fully licensed, highly experienced, polite, and courteous at all times. They know exactly where they are going and you can be certain your London airport pickup or drop-off is in capable hands.
Go on a quest around Birmingham by solving clues that will help you save the captive souls of the workers who died building the city, all on your smartphone. Unlock new stories as you discover on your own the Cathedral of St. Paul, the Town Hall, the Hall of Memory, Birmingham City Center, and more. + Discover the most haunted streets, villas, and squares in the city + Find out the horror stories of the people who used to live there + Solve clues on your phone while you visit haunted Birmingham + Try a new type of experience: a mix between a self-guided tour, an outdoor escape game, and a treasure hunt where you solve clues on your phone Each clue will lead you from one place to another, giving you exact directions, so you won’t need a map, a GPS, or a guide. When you solve it and guess the answer, the secret story of that place is unlocked. Along the way, you’ll find horror stories that will give you the chills. Dare you go on this tour?
This tour zig-zags through the city centre away from the cathedrals, and takes participants on a walk through a city which has kept making history by inventing the future. It’s a history that fits together like a jigsaw, come and explore it with us. Highlights include: The industrial booms which saw Coventry as the centre of weaving, watch making, bikes and cars. The most complete part of the City Wall, and learn where the Civil War really started. The Royal Palace in the city centre where the King and Queen stayed when Coventry was the capital of England. The story of the inventors who brought us the bicycle and the jet engine. Different theories as to where the phrase “Sent to Coventry” came from. Explanations and information about of dozens of artworks around the city centre. Details of the rich cultural history of Coventry. Stories of the Phoenix City, the 'City of Tomorrow', risen from the ashes of the Blitz.
Highlights include: The legend of Godiva, her historical significance and why there may have been an agenda to whitewash her from history. The loss of St Marys Cathedral in the dissolution of the Monasteries and how that changed Coventry forever. Moonlight Sonata, the Blitz of the 14th of November 1940 and what authorities really knew before the attack. The crucial part that Coventry was meant to play in the Gunpowder Plot. The legacies of international peace and reconciliation which followed the destruction and rebuilding of St Michaels Cathedrals. Six different theories as to where the name ‘Coventry’ came from. Why Coventry has actually been a city forever, since “Time Immemorial”. The short-lived history of Coventry Castle. The story of the two time capsules of Coventry; St Marys Guildhall and Drapers Hall.
On our food tour, our own gangster, Edward Shelby, will show you Birmingham's diverse culture and ethnic cuisines and the impact immigration has had on the city. Hear about real life gang members, Billy Kimber and Alfie Solomon and how gangs differed from their portrayal in popular culture. You will explore how tensions have led to conflict and gang culture over the last 150 years as well as the positive impact of immigration on the City. In addition, discover Birmingham's links to the tea trade and how the Windrush generation helped rebuild Birmingham after the war. How did a Birmingham man's belief that a happy wife makes for a happy life lead to a culinary delight millions of Britons enjoy every week? Find out on this slogging gang-themed tour which is also an excellent opportunity to try a taste of Birmingham and get a feel for the city as a whole. A three-course lunch is included in our price.
A fun and different way to see Birmingham! Solve satisfying clues and follow beautiful maps sent to your phones. Spot things other people take for granted! You’ll learn interesting facts and stories. Everything is outdoors and you can do social distancing.

Why People Love Birmingham, United Kingdom

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Birmingham, United Kingdom

J
joannal824
5
May 2023
Great kayaking tour and good local history. The staff were great and really helpful. Lily was lovely! Thanks a lot
G
Gallorg
5
Jun 2023
This was such a fun thing to do. I went with my 12 year old son and another group of friends with teenage kids and it was a great activity for all of us. I was a bit worried as I’m not very experienced at kayaking but the guides were so helpful and I had no problems getting to grips with it in on...
LB
Lisa B
5
Jun 2023
Nigel and Lilly were excellent hosts. Nigel was informative and interesting and as a Brummie I felt I got to see the city from a different perspective. I was with a lovely bunch sharing the experience on the water. They handled wobbles (literally) with ease and Lilly was patient and caring for th...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Birmingham

What are the top tourist attractions in Birmingham?

Birmingham is home to many amazing attractions, including the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the Cadbury World chocolate factory, and the National Sea Life Centre. The city also has many beautiful parks, such as Cannon Hill Park and Sutton Park, that are perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.

What are some unique activities to do in Birmingham?

For a unique experience, visit the Custard Factory, which is home to many independent shops, galleries, and cafes. You can also explore the city's street art scene by taking a self-guided walking tour. For a fun night out, head to the Glee Club, a comedy club that features both up-and-coming and established comedians.

What is the best area to stay in Birmingham?

The city center is a great place to stay, as it is close to many attractions and has many great restaurants and bars. The Jewellery Quarter is also a good option, as it has a unique atmosphere and is home to many boutique hotels and independent shops.

What is the best time of year to visit Birmingham?

The best time to visit Birmingham is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and many outdoor events and festivals take place. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, consider visiting in the spring or fall.

Is Birmingham a family-friendly destination?

Yes, Birmingham is a great destination for families. There are many attractions that are fun and educational for children, such as the Thinktank Science Museum and the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park. There are also many parks and outdoor spaces that are perfect for family picnics and activities.

What is the best way to get around Birmingham?

Birmingham has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. The city also has many bike rental companies, such as Brompton Bike Hire and West Midlands Cycle Hire, that allow you to explore the city on two wheels. If you prefer to drive, there are many car rental companies in the city as well.

What are some free things to do in Birmingham?

There are many free things to do in Birmingham, such as visiting the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, exploring the city's many parks, and admiring the street art in the Digbeth area. You can also take a self-guided walking tour of the city's historic landmarks and architecture.

What is the food scene like in Birmingham?

Birmingham has a diverse and exciting food scene, with many restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world. Some of the city's must-try dishes include the Balti curry, a spicy and fragrant curry that is a Birmingham specialty, and the Full English Breakfast, a hearty breakfast dish that is popular throughout the UK.

Is Birmingham a safe city for tourists?

Overall, Birmingham is a safe city for tourists. However, as with any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your valuables in a secure place.

What are some day trips from Birmingham?

There are many great day trips that you can take from Birmingham, such as visiting the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You can also explore the beautiful Cotswolds region, which is known for its charming villages and rolling hills. Warwick Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the UK, is also a popular day trip destination.