Things To Do In Birmingham

Birmingham is a massive city - the second largest in the UK in fact – and is loaded with attractions. It has recently had a facelift and the city is looking brighter than ever, with many attractive areas for strolling and a tidy city centre where most of the streets have limited traffic access or are totally pedestrianised. Birmingham is also an historic city and you can see a glimpse of its past through the many brilliant museums, galleries, landmarks, monuments and churches. Birmingham also offers several quality child and family attractions and a number of parks and gardens providing quiet respite and unique vantage points of the city.

Cadbury World

Lying just to the south of the city centre in Bourneville, Cadbury World is an ancient chocolate factory and one of Birmingham’s very best attractions. The famed Cadbury brothers set up the factory in the late 19th century and their story is told through the many fine exhibitions, some of which are hands-on and great for the children. There is a 3D cinema here that explains the wrap & pack process along with a friendly robot. The nearby village of Bourneville was built by the Cadbury brothers at the same time as the factory and is a fine example of a garden suburb. Cadbury World is best visited outside the hours of 10:00 and 13:00 on weekdays in June and July, as a large number of schools visit during these times.

National Sea Life Centre

Another attraction for the whole family, the National Sea Life Centre in central Birmingham is a big hit with children and features a huge number of colourful creatures from the deep. There are many different types of fish here, as well as giant turtles, stingrays, crabs and not forgetting the resident sharks. Large tanks and a glass tunnel allow for unhindered viewing of the marine life. Feeding time is the highlight of any visit to the National Sea Life Centre, while a gift shop and café are also on-site.

Ikon Art Gallery

This contemporary art gallery in the centre of Birmingham is believed to be one of the best in Europe. It features an enormous hall where several year-round exhibitions and events are held displaying some of the world’s foremost works. Also onsite is a bookshop and a café area.

St Chad's Cathedral

This is a fairly recent addition to the Birmingham skyline with regard to the city’s age. St Chad's Cathedral was completed in 1841 and has the distinction of being the first Roman Catholic cathedral to be built in England. The cathedral is resplendent in its architecture and carvings, while the church choir is highly-regarded and can be seen at regular mass.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

These 200-year-old Botanical Gardens in the Edgbaston area of the city, near the University of Birmingham, are a big attraction. The gardens are immaculately manicured and landscaped and feature many large glasshouses with a plethora of tropical plants, cacti and rock gardens. Also onsite are a series of aviaries, lawns, a plant nursery,  gift shop and restaurant.

Drayton Manor Park and Zoo

Further afield is the Drayton Manor Park and Zoo, a seasonal attraction in the nearby Tamworth area with a collection of fun rides and other attractions. These include rollercoasters, water rides, a cable car, a zoo, a museum, cafés and gift shops.

Museums

Birmingham has several fascinating museums situated throughout the city centre. The Soho House Museum is an award winning facility that is set in a lovingly-restored 18th century house. Temporary and permanent exhibitions are featured in its opulent period rooms, complete with antique furniture and intricate silver artefacts. The Birmingham and Midland Museum of Transport (BaMMOT) is located just to the south of the city centre and is a fairly recent addition to the city, founded in the 1970s. The museum features a collection of historic and quirky vehicles, including fire engines, Midland Red vehicles, coaches, battery-powered vehicles, as well as displays of general transport memorabilia. These fine displays include old drawings, photographs, uniforms and even bus stops. Vintage-bus rides are also open to visitors. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is situated in the heart of central Birmingham and is filled with important, historical paintings; many by highly-regarded artists.