Birmingham

A huge, sprawling Midlands city, you might not realise that Birmingham is such a lively cultural hotspot. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the vibrant arts scene in the city. The wonderful Birmingham Royal Ballet (formerly Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet) is justly renowned, and the unbelievable number of music festivals, from heavy metal to folk to jazz, blues and classical offer something for everyone! The city has a young population, so the club scene is very much alive and well with loads of bars, nightspots, and music pubs to check out.

If you're a shopper, then you're halfway to heaven. Malls, markets, traditional shops and the 250 year old Jewellery Quarter are a mecca of material goods, so save those pennies for a big blowout! For an award-winning piece of architecture too, visit the Bullring Shopping Centre and grab a photo opportunity beside the enormous bronze bull sculpture.

Birmingham is actually a great city for family holidays with fun attractions like Thinktank with its marvellous planetarium. This is an interactive science museum which will educate the little ones and occupy them at the same time. National Sea Life Centre is an awe-inspiring underwater voyage with a huge variety of marine creatures. Of course, Cadbury World is a brilliant experience as the history of chocolate is unfurled and the aroma of all that melting, rich, chocolatey goodness fills the air.

Not too far from Birmingham, the theme park Drayton Manor and famous Alton Towers Resort provide the perfect adrenalin rush. All daredevils are welcome to experience the biggest thrills imaginable. Birmingham can also be used as a platform to visit Shakespeare's country, as Stratford-upon-Avon is only a short hop away.

Birmingham is a really fun, modern and vibrant city, alive both day and night. A city break here would never be boring! There are more attractions and distractions than you would ever imagine, so it is up to you to discover more.

Holidays in Birmingham

Outstanding shopping & activities

Gas Street Basin: The heart of the canal network is great for a stroll or a stop at one of the many modern bars and chic restaurants in the area. What once used to be a highly productive port is now a place where industrial heritage meets modern living.

Great Western Arcade: The Victorian styled Great Western Arcade houses high-street brands as well as independent boutiques. Explore the shops or grab a delicious treat at the Chouchoute Chocolaterie. Birmingham is all about chocolate!

Jewellery Quarter: In this district, you’ll find the largest concentration of jewellery businesses in Europe. The world’s largest Assay Office is also conveniently situated here. Take a tour of the Museum, and learn all about how jewellery has been made over the past 200 years.

Grand Prix Karting: Ready? Set. Go! The Grand Prix Karting venue is great fun for people of all ages. Put on your helmet and show off your racing skills. The Birmingham Wheels Karting Centre is among the best outdoor tracks for go karting in the UK.

Stunning architecture & public spaces

Aston Hall: Aston Hall is one of the most beautiful estates around Birmingham. Built in a Jacobean architectural style, it features a beautiful façade and a stunning interior design, as seen in the display rooms. The symmetrical gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Botanical Gardens: There’s nothing like a picnic in a beautiful park on a city break. In Birmingham, you can enjoy gardens full of flowers, four glasshouses, large green spaces and tropical plants from around the world. The Botanical Gardens also feature regular concerts in the summertime.

Birmingham Symphony Hall: From internationally renowned orchestras to rock concerts, comedy shows and jazz musicians, there’s bound to be something for everyone on this famous stage. Outstanding acoustics and gorgeous architecture make the Birmingham Symphony Hall one of England’s finest.

Birmingham's unique museums

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: This museum features over 40 different galleries dedicated to European and worldwide art & culture. Discover the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found and authentic artefacts from ancient Egypt. Have a refreshment at the beautiful Edwardian Tearoom before you continue exploring the world’s largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art.

National Motorcycle Museum: With around 1000 motorcycles on display, this museum is a must-see. The oldest motorcycle dates back to 1898, and all have been restored to the manufacturer’s original specifications!

Cadbury World: Your adventure into Cadbury chocolate world includes a 4D cinema experience, as well making your trying your hand as a chocolatier. Finish off with picking up some tasty treats from the world’s biggest Cadbury shop.