Birmingham Guide

Creator of Cadbury’s chocolate and home to over 8000 acres of parks, Birmingham is an exciting city that welcomes visitors with warm Brummie charm. Thanks to a series of invigorating facelifts, the UK’s second city now buzzes with canal-side nightlife and Selfridges shopping.

There’s plenty to feast your eyes on in Birmingham, from chocolate-making at Cadbury World to pre-Raphaelite artwork in the neo-classical Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Thrill-seekers can wander among sharks at the award-winning National Sea Life Centre or try a 3D IMAX film at Millennium Point.

The modern Bullring shopping centre, with its futuristic design and metallic-fronted Selfridges, houses all the high-street favourites. For exclusive designers, go to nearby Mailbox or track down original accessories in the Georgian Jewellery Quarter. Rummage for a quirky bargain at The Custard Factory’s independent shops and weekend flea market.

Escape urban life at the wooded Sutton Park and be active on Cannon Hill Park’s tennis courts and rowing boats. The elegant Botanical Gardens, popular for summer weddings, stretches for 15 acres and includes steamy 19th century glasshouses with exotic plants.

Birmingham boasts its own Royal Ballet Company and symphony orchestra which perform at the city’s Hippodrome and grand Symphony Hall respectively. For serious drama, the Birmingham Rep is the place to go - check out its studio, The Door, for emerging writing talent.

Head to the Balti Triangle, where more than 50 restaurants dish up curry, a Brummie favourite. Brindleyplace is the place to find stylish daytime cafés and smart canal-side brassieres. For fresh local produce, the twice-monthly Birmingham Farmer’s Market sells chutney, honey, cheese and even Ostrich meat.

See the sights while cruising Birmingham’s extensive waterways - the city boasts more canals than Venice! Narrow boat rides depart from Sherborne Wharf and Gas Street Basin all year round.