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Welcome to Birmingham, a bustling city in the heart of the West Midlands, known for its vibrant culture, diverse communities, and its rich industrial heritage. From iconic landmarks like Cadbury World and the National Sea Life Centre, to some of its more hidden gems like Edgbaston Village and Brindley Place, Birmingham has so many attractions to see and explore – that’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 15 places that you should visit while you’re in Birmingham.
For the food & local culture:
- Edgbaston Village and Artisan markets
If you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll while immersing yourself in the local culture, Edgbaston Village is the place to be. Here you’ll get to experience a vibrant mix of independent shops, boutiques, and cafés, as well as being able to browse through the Artisan Markets, with each having its own unique charm. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or looking to explore a variety of cuisines, Edgbaston Village is the perfect place to get a taste of Birmingham’s culture and community.
- Brindley Place
Nestled along the picturesque Birmingham Canal, Brindley Place is a vibrant waterfront destination offering a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. From its coffee shops and bars to its galleries showcasing local craftsmanship, Brindley Place has something for everyone. Whether you’re after a romantic dinner overlooking the water or a calming stroll along the canal-side, we recommend adding Brindley Place to your list of places to visit!
For a memorable experience:
- Cadbury World
If you like the idea of learning about the history and production of Cadbury’s chocolate, Cadbury World is the place to visit. Here you’ll be able to explore interactive exhibits, shop for souvenirs, and indulge in some of the sweet treats that the Cadbury Café has to offer. You’ll also be able to create your own customized chocolaty treat to take home, leaving you with a delicious snack to enjoy when you get home (or on the way home if you’re anything like us)!
- Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
For a more relaxed day filled with science, discovery and exploration, Thinktank Science Museum will have you covered. As soon as you enter the museum, you’ll be met by hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and intriguing demonstrations. You’ll learn about everything from outer space to the human body in the most captivating way possible. So, if you’re looking for an exciting balance of entertainment and education, this is the place to visit!
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
If you’re looking to take a journey through centuries of art, culture, and history, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is where you need to be! Being home to many well-known collections and exhibitions, the museum and gallery features everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces – including work by famous artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet. You’ll also see odes to Birmingham’s industrial past, so whether you’re an art enthusiast, into history, or simply looking to enjoy a fun day out, you’ll definitely have a memorable experience at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
- National SEA LIFE Centre
To experience what can only be described as an aquatic wonderland, you must visit Birmingham’s National SEA LIFE Centre. Located right in the heart of Birmingham, the centre offers a captivating journey through a range of different marine habitats, from coral reefs to icy Antarctic waters. You’ll also get to see a variety of aquatic creatures up close, thanks to the National SEA LIFE Centre being home to the UK’s only 360° ocean tunnel. Through the 360° tunnel, as well as through interactive displays and exciting exhibits, you will learn so much about marine life during your visit.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
For a day filled with excitement, adventure, and lots of nostalgia, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is the place to go! Located in the centre of Birmingham’s entertainment district, the centre offers a fun day out for all ages. Whether you want to explore their themed play zones, build and race your own LEGO creations, meet your favourite LEGO characters, or admire the impressive LEGO sculptures, the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre will definitely leave you with some unforgettable memories.
For an unforgettable performance:
- Birmingham Hippodrome
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in some live entertainment, Birmingham Hippodrome is the place to visit. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic theatre has been entertaining people for over a century. With diverse performances ranging from musicals and ballet to opera and dance, the theatre’s world-class productions make for a truly incredible day out!
- Utilita Arena Birmingham
If you want to immerse yourself in a thrilling performance, the Utilita Arena is where you’ll find it. Hosting large-scale productions, sporting events and performances from world-renowned artists, the Utilita Arena is the place to visit for an unforgettable experience. With its impressive lineup of events and its world-class facilities, the Utilita Arena offers an unforgettable experience.
For an outdoor experience:
- Botanical gardens
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and surround yourself in nature, you should definitely pay a visit to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Spread across 15 Acres, these historical gardens offer a lovely and peaceful retreat. Having lush greenery, colourful blooms, and exotic plant collections from around the world, there is truly so much to see and explore at the Botanical Gardens.
- Edgbaston Reservoir
For a chance to connect with nature (which you can also bring your pets along to), Edgbaston Reservoir is the place to be! The reservoir is surrounded by lush woodlands and rolling hills, making it the perfect place to enjoy a scenic walk or cycle; and as you go around the waterside to relax and soak up the ambiance, you might even see spots of wildlife like swans and ducks.
- Edgbaston Golf Club
With Edgbaston being one of Birmingham’s most premium golfing destinations, the leafy woodland backdrop and rolling fairways make a wonderful setting for a round of Golf. After a round of golf, you can relax and unwind in the club’s elegant clubhouse, where you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of delicious dining options and a stunning view of the course.
- Roundhouse Kayaking
For a thrilling adventure on the water, you should visit roundhouse Kayaking. Located along Birmingham’s scenic canals, Roundhouse offers an exciting range of paddling experiences. You’ll get to explore the city from a unique perspective as you paddle past its historic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and picturesque waterfronts. You’ll also have access to expert guides, top-of-the-line equipment, and stunning waterways, which all make for an unforgettable kayaking experience.
Honourable mentions:
- Bullring shopping centre & grand central
If you’re passing time between activities or looking to enjoy a day of shopping, visiting the Bullring Shopping Centre & Grand Central should be on your to-do list! Being located right in the heart of Birmingham City Centre and offering a vast array of stores, boutiques, and designer brands, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the city’s most popular retail destinations. You can shop for high-street fashion, luxury labels, electronics, homeware and more, and when you’re done you can sit down to enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants or dining options.
- Canal boat tours / walking tours
If you’re aiming to see more of Birmingham’s sights in a shorter amount of time, hiring a canal boat or taking a walking tour could be a great option. During a canal tour, you’ll be able to sit back and relax while you receive live commentary on the 250-year-old history of the Birmingham Canal Network. Or you can opt for a walking tour, where you’ll have a tour guide to show you around the main sights of Birmingham while you learn about their history and take photos of the attractions.
- Explore Hairpin House and our resident offers
- Explore Sherborne Place and our resident offers