Birmingham - Top Attractions

Attractions

Not sure what Birmingham has to offer? There’s a lot more than what you might think! Have a look at the following list to get a better idea of things to see that will help make your trip to Birmingham an unforgettable one.

Cadbury World

Visit Cadbury World and find out about one of Birmingham’s most progressive companies. Tours run about 2 hours and include a history of the company, a short carnival ride, and the ability to write your name is liquid chocolate. A great way to spend a day, and the free chocolate you get doesn’t hurt either!

The Bull Ring

The Bull Ring Shopping Centre is the crown jewel of Birmingham city centre’s regeneration project, which cost over 500 million pounds. The Bull Ring now has over 26 football pitches worth of shops, restaurants, and boutiques all in a condensed and pedestrian friendly area. It is the Bull Ring Shopping Centre that has helped make Birmingham one of the top shopping destinations in Europe.

Selfridges Food Hall

Enjoy the food hall located on the ground floor of the Selfridges store in the Bull Ring. This hall is consistently named in the top 25 of the world’s food markets. The beauty of the design and brightly colored displays make it worth a visit, even if you aren’t hungry!

Top Venues

Check out a show at one of Birmingham’s top notch venues. The NEC, NIA, ICC, Symphony Hall, Carling Academy, Hippodrome, The Rep and The Alexandria Theatre offer the best in music, dance, theatre, exhibitions, and sporting events. So check the local listings for your favourite act and enjoy the show!

Broad Street

The name Broad Street is synonymous with night life in Birmingham. Home to clubs, bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes, this street is the place to be in Birmingham. There is something for everyone’s taste on Broad Street so have fun, but keep in mind, smart attire is required for entry to most clubs (I.e. no trainers/a collared shirt required) and many clubs have queues and charge a fee to get in.

Brindley Place

Set on the canals, Brindley Place is a great place to go for a nice dinner and an enjoyable night out. Just off of Broad Street, Brindley Place has dozens of restaurants and bars, some of which overlook the canals and the city centre.

The Mailbox

Check out the Mailbox complex if you want to add some luxury to your life. Located on the canals as well, it contains 50 exclusive shops, 15 stylish restaurants, 5 salons and spas that cater to your every desire. The Mailbox is also home to the BBC Studios for the West Midlands.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is free to the public and renowned for its pre-Raphaelite collection. Other pieces of art work on display include fine art, ceramics, metal work pieces and art from ancient civilizations. It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

The Arcadian

The Arcadian is located in the China Town, Theatre District and Gay Quarter area of Birmingham. Arcadian is home to trendy bars, clubs, outdoor eateries, lots of Chinese and Indian restaurants, and a cinema. 

Star City

Star City is one of the largest cinema complexes in Europe with thirty movie screens. The complex also contains the largest casino in the UK, shops, restaurants, a bowling alley and laser tag.

Sea Life Museum

Sea Life Museum-Birmingham brings the sea to life with its million liter tank filled with sharks, turtles and other marine creatures. In addition there are also 60 displays of marine and freshwater animals for viewing.  A fun and informative way to spend an afternoon in the city centre.

Jewellery Quarter Museum

Are you a jewellery lover? If yes, then a visit to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and museum is just the thing for you. Based in a factory that dates back to 1899, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter tells the 200 year story of the jewellery trade in Birmingham, which gave rise to Birmingham being named “The Workshop of the World.” The Jewellery Quarter still houses 100 workshops which sell their wares, do repairs, and undertake custom jewellery orders.

Bull Ring Markets

The Bull Ring Markets are a terrific place to find a bargain. Altogether there are three markets: the outdoor fruit and veg market, the indoor rag market and the indoor meat and fish market. Composed of hundreds of stalls, take your pick of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, and items of all sorts from the rag market. The sellers at the stalls make this a truly English experience, and one not to miss.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens were first opened in 1832 for the purpose of encouraging the study of plants. The aim has now shifted to preserving plants threatened by extinction. Explore the idyllic 15 acre garden setting which includes 4 glasshouse environments, a cottage museum, rock garden, sculpture trail, waterfall and a café.

Millennium Point IMAX and Think Tank Museum

The Millennium Point IMAX theatre is a wonderful place to catch an IMAX movie. In addition to movies, the ultra modern Millennium Point also houses the Think Tank Science Museum, which is an interactive science museum. Though the intended age group of the museum is primarily for children, the content is still interesting for anyone young at heart. 

Football Matches

Birmingham is home to two premiership football teams: Aston Villa and Birmingham City. For an exciting afternoon, go and catch a match and see what English football is all about.  

Aston Villa Ground Tour

Are you a Villa Fan? Villa Park is one of the best football grounds in the Premiership and it offers tours daily for fans. This tour includes seeing the players’ lounge and dressing rooms, taking a run down the players’ tunnel, and taking a seat on the manager’s bench. Prices for tours are based on whether or not lunch is included. The lunch is at the Corner Flag Restaurant overlooking the pitch. This is an experience not to be missed, so book your tour today.