Birmingham is the UK’s second city. Although not a traditional tourist destination, with more canals than Venice, a vast shopping centre and a very vibrant, diverse population, it’s well worth putting on your travel schedule. Birmingham is much smaller than London, but is a constantly developing, modern and busy city at the very heart of the country.
As one of the largest cities in the UK, Birmingham is known as a particularly commercial location. The city began to grow during the Industrial Revolution and it still reflects this history, but also has a reputation for culture. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is full of interesting exhibits and the Symphony Hall, or The Birmingham Hippodrome are just a couple of the many theatres and music venues in the city, offering a wealth of choice for evening entertainment. The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter is the fascinating home of the jewellery trade in the Midlands and just a short train ride away from the central shopping area.
Birmingham has some of the best nightlife in the region, which proves to be an exciting way to experience a new city, especially for young people. Broad Street is the popular hub of bars, clubs and restaurants in the city, but nightlife locations are scattered all around the city centre. Hotels on Broad Street are ideal for anyone visiting Birmingham, providing easy access to the centre. A Travel Lodge is the best inexpensive choice if you are only in Birmingham for a night or two, but there are hotels to suit every budget.
For families there are plenty of things to do in Birmingham and many ways to keep the kids entertained. There are several cinemas around the city centre, and a bowling and crazy golf complex located at Star City in Five Ways. A day with the kids in Birmingham can easily be spent at The National Sea Life Centre, which boasts an underwater tunnel, a 4D cinema and aquariums full of a wide variety of sea creatures, from turtles to otters. Another local attraction is the famous Cadbury World chocolate factory, which is located just outside the city centre and offers an insight into making some of the UK’s most recognisable brands, with plenty of samples on offer.
The Bullring shopping centre is known for the eye-catching architecture of the Selfridges building and includes a huge number of shops and restaurants. However, to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, a walk beside the water at the Canal Street Basin is very peaceful, especially in the evening. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, The Birmingham Nature Centre and Canon Hill Park are other nearby places for enjoying summer weather in the city. Despite its urban centre, there are plenty of green spaces in the area.
Birmingham’s central location and excellent transport links make it a great base for visiting other local sites, towns and cities across the region.
Article from http://placestogointhewestmidlands.wordpress.com/ – find famous West Midland attractions include Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon, Coventry Cathedral and the castles at Warwick and Kenilworth.
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