Travel to Birmingham

Travel to Birmingham

The second largest city in the UK and one of the most central, Birmingham has a long history and an abundance of tourist attractions. A great many of the attractions are perfect for families with children, while the pedestrianised streets are also good for strolling around.

Transportation to Birmingham

The Birmingham International Airport has flights from the UK, Europe, North America and other international locations. The city is about 15 minutes away by train from the airport and there are also buses and taxis available. There are three train stations in town and frequent connections by rail from London and the rest of Europe means thatthe city is easy to access.

What to see

The most notable of Birminghams post war renovation projects has been the re-opening of the Bull Ring. Named after Birminghams first market which thrived when the city was only a small hamlet in the Roman Empire; today the Bull Ring is one of the hottest placesin Europe for shopping.

Although its not nearly so old, St Chads Cathedral does have the distinction of being the first Roman Catholic cathedral built in England. The church choir performs regularly at mass and complements beautifully withthe architecture and carvings on display.

Just outside of the city is one of the countrys most popular taste sensations: Cadbury World; the first chocolate factory of the Cadbury brothers. Not only can you sample some of the goodies, but there is also a lot to learn in the factory museum and its exhibitions, many of which are hands-on and highly interactive.

Another great place for children to learn more about the world around them is the National Sea Life Centre. A walk through the centres glass tunnel is a great way to check out the many colourful species in residence including giant sea turtles, stingrays and sharks.

Daytrips

Blackpool and London are both popular day-trips from Birmingham. A less frequented day-trip is toWightwick Manor, a delightful example of English tradition, where you can enjoy a quiet cup of tea in the beautiful garden.

Activities and leisure

Birmingham is a city to be enjoyed at all hours. From clubs to casinos and concerts as well as lap dancing and live music; the city has a nightlife that is only getting wilder as time goes on. Football, cricket, golf and rugby are all popular in Birmingham and sporting events are frequent in the city, meaning you can easily catch a match.

Safety issues

Birmingham is a fairly safe place to visit althoughlate night street fights are commonplace, particularly among the club crowd on Friday nights. Aston, Lozells, Newtown and Sparkbrook are city suburbs which have a less favorable reputation. The most common areas for pickpockets are the bus and train stations.