If you want to experience what the UK has to offer but don’t want to venture into London, perhaps Birmingham would be more to your liking. Expanding greatly during the industrial revolution, the region upon which the modern city now rests has a long and storied history that stretches back to 1166 AD, when Lord Peter de Bermingham established the area’s first true market town. For several hundred years, the Birmingham family continued to lord over the land until they were usurped by John Dudley, who guided King Edward VI’s rise to the throne.
Modern Birmingham is a bustling metropolis that hosts no less than six well-established universities, a symphony orchestra, and all manner of local and international businesses. If you’re considering making your way to Birmingham in the near future, here are some of the more noteworthy things to do while you’re there.
The Fine Arts
Any time you visit a particularly large or striking city, one of the most immediate things to do is soak up what their fine arts community has to offer. In this sense, Birmingham is truly a gem, as it plays host to some excellent classical concerts, ballets, and theatre productions.
Be sure to check out what’s playing at Symphony Hall on Broad Street. This acoustically perfected venue features not only classical groups but also rock, pop, jazz, and world selections.
At the same time, Birmingham has some quality museums and art galleries to delight those with a penchant for the visual arts.
The Barber Institute, located at the University of Birmingham, contains classic works by celebrated artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Manet.
The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) offers its own unique delights.
Delta Force Paintball
If you’re in the mood for something entirely different and maybe even a little bit fun, then Delta Force Paintball is more your speed. Located on Cut Throat Lane, this exciting attraction features no less than nine separate zones, each with its own theme and landmarks.
Get spooked in the haunted graveyard.
Experience the suspense of Pablo Escobar's airstrip.
Get lost in the adventurous allure of the tomb raider zone.
This isn’t just some random forested attraction; it’s a full-on experience with true-to-life props like tanks, planes, and pyramids.
Shop at the Bullring
If you're a big fan of shopping, you'll be spoiled for choice with the variety of shops at the Bullring. This huge shopping centre is home to 160 stores and is easy to spot with its unique and futuristic structure.
Don’t forget to snap a picture with the iconic bull statue located outside the shopping centre.
You’ll also find many top restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat, including Ben and Jerry's, Café Rouge, Druckers, Pizza Express, and Nando's.
Interesting Anomalies & Diversions
Educational and intriguing, the Pen Museum is a monument to one of Birmingham’s oldest businesses—the steel pen trade.
Once upon a time, Birmingham was intimately associated with writing utensils, with at least 100 different companies shipping pens worldwide during the 1900s.
Those interested can sign up for a calligraphy course on any given Saturday.
For chocolate lovers looking for something unique, there’s Cadbury World.
The self-guided tour takes you on a journey through the history of the legendary Cadbury chocolate company, known for those delicious little eggs everyone loves at Easter.
Enjoy animatronics, interactive displays, cinema presentations, and various activities along the way.
Tour The Canals
You might be shocked to learn that Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice.
Take to the canals with a variety of tours for sightseeing and more.
Expect to see a mix of modern developments alongside historically restored industrial buildings.
National SEA LIFE Centre
Birmingham boasts one of the more impressive aquariums in the UK, featuring a one-million-litre ocean tank that houses large marine creatures such as sharks and giant sea turtles.
Inside, there are no less than 60 individual displays showcasing a wide breadth of marine life.
Don’t miss the "Sensorama 4-D Cinema," which offers a quality 3D experience with additional sensory effects like smells and wind.
Warwick Castle (Near Birmingham)
The awe-inspiring Warwick Castle is located within close proximity in Warwickshire.
This ancient manor has served as a stronghold and country estate and now belongs to the Tussauds Group.
Its striking visual appeal and amazing architecture date back to as early as 1068, and the castle has been a tourism site since the late 1700s.
The view from the Mill Garden is simply divine and will transport you to another time.
Visit the New Library
If you're a fan of books, this should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Even if you aren't big on books, you'll still find plenty to do at the new Library, currently the largest public library in Europe.
Its distinctive appearance is sure to spark opinions; you’ll probably either love it or hate it.
Inside, there’s a large terrace area near the top where you can enjoy views while sipping coffee from the library café.
The library is packed full of technology, including the BFI Mediatheque, where you can find rare films and TV programmes.
Various tours are available, including the Library of Cultures Exhibition.
See What's on at the Barclaycard Arena
Originally named The NIA (The National Indoor Arena), this venue has become one of the most visited large-scale indoor sporting and entertainment venues in Europe.
The NIA building was transformed into the modern spectacle now known as the Barclaycard Arena.
While the venue hosts a variety of events, it has even accommodated an indoor rowing sporting event.
Expect to find popular concerts, exhibitions, comedy entertainment, and more.
Tour the BBC Studios (at “The Mailbox” Building)
Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love the BBC? If you’re in Birmingham and want to take a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in a TV/news studio, now’s your chance.
Each tour in the Mailbox building is unique, and you might get to participate in interactive exploits or even view a taping of your favorite show.
Visit the Star City Entertainment Complex
If you're after entertainment, Star City is probably where you'll want to visit, just 10 minutes away from central Birmingham.
Attractions include a 22-lane Megabowl bowling alley, a goals soccer center, and an indoor 36-hole adventure mini-golf course.
If you enjoy online bingo or casino games, you’ll be pleased to know that Star City has a fantastic casino.
The real attraction is the 25-screen cinema, which was the largest cinema in Europe when originally built.
The complex also includes 12 restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Japanese, American, and Italian.
Other activities include wall climbing, swimming, gym, and family fun.
The German Frankfurt Christmas Market
This attraction is only for those visiting Birmingham around the Christmas period.
The huge outdoor market has run for 12 years due to its popularity, typically opening in the second week of November and finishing on December 22nd.
According to the Birmingham Mail, it’s the world’s fastest-growing Christmas and New Year destination.
You’ll find unique gifts, German beers, drinks, and food—though don’t expect bargains, as it can be quite expensive!
If you want to get into the festive spirit, this is the place to go, especially if you’re lucky enough to experience it when it’s snowing.
Birmingham – Back to Backs
For many Birmingham visitors, a trip to the “back to basics” site is a must.
This guided tour of a restored 19th-century housing section immerses you in the essence of life in Birmingham from the 1840s to the mid-20th century.
Every aspect—from sights to sounds and smells—has been faithfully recreated for you.
Are you thinking about visiting Birmingham? Want to know about the best and most luxurious hotels that Birmingham has to offer? If so, why not read up on the best hotels to stay at with our article 'The Top 3 Luxury Hotels To Stay At When Visiting Birmingham'? If you would like to get a discount that will make your stay in Birmingham cheaper, then you should visit this website.
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About the Author
Jay Allsopp
Hi there! My name is James and I am the creator of ClickTravelTips. Launched in 2012, ClickTravelTips was designed to provide travel tips, editorials and guides. Since, the website has continued to grow, providing interesting travel content from individuals who consider travel to be one of their passions. In my spare-time I enjoy to travel and blog about it, especially in Wales.
