Birmingham is one of the largest and highly populated cities located in the west midlands of England. The metropolitan city has a rich cultural heritage. The city is famous for its artworks, theatres, literature, media, music, galleries, cinema, etc. This city is one of the biggest attractions in England for tourists.
The lovely city is ready to welcome you with its vibrant beauty. Several museums, parks, cathedrals, gardens, art galleries, restaurants, eclectic nightlife, and rich culture will greet you. Birmingham is a colorful city with much to offer everyone, making it a perfect holiday destination.
Friends, if you are on your holiday trip to Birmingham city, go through this list of some of the ‘Best Places to Visit in Birmingham’ and have a capsulated tour guide curated just for you!
1. Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is one of the largest museums and is famous for its unique collection and artworks. It is one of Birmingham’s best places to visit.
1.1. Location
Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, England, B3 3DH
1.2. What’s Special
The Birmingham Museum displays a vast world-class collection of paintings, sculptures, artworks, and archaeology of ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, along with modern-day science and technology. You will find more than 40 galleries displaying around 27000 paintings.
The museum hosts a wide range of shows. Don’t miss the regular annual events, family events, exhibitions, and festivals they organized to enjoy the maximum.
2. National Sea Life Centre
The National Sea Life Centre is one of the most famous tourist attractions one could look for. This fantastic and fascinating underwater world has many attractions for you and your family if you love aquatic life.
The staff is also very helpful. They will guide you through a lot about marine life. A wheelchair facility is also available here.
2.1. Location
The Water’s Edge, Eleven Brindley Place, Birmingham, England, B1 2HL
2.2. What’s Special
The center displays more than 60 exhibits and more than 2000 animals of marine life and freshwater animals. There is a massive million-water ocean tank with animals like blacktip reef sharks, green sea turtles, tropical reef fish, and many more.
You can learn about the different breeding programs at the center and exciting facts about sea life. Have a fantastic time at the National Sea Life Centre, especially with your children. The location is a little pricey, but it is worth seeing.
3. Black Country Living Museum
Black Country Living Museum is another site worth your visit. It is an open-air museum of rebuilt historical buildings spread over a vast area.
The Black Country Living Museum has played a vital role in the nation’s Industrial history by preserving the country’s industrial heritage and landscapes.
3.1. Location
Tipton Road, Dudley, England, DY1 4SQ
3.2. What’s Special
They have over 80,000 items in their collection, from sad irons to nails. It includes historic buildings, sunbeam vehicles, and Newcomen engines. You can explore the museum’s reconstructed houses, shops, and industrial areas.
You can explore the museum’s reconstructed houses, shops, and industrial areas. The museum also offers several educational packages related to various subjects of today’s significance.
You will learn more about the UK during the Industrial Revolution and European history. Become a part of their guided visit and experience the inquiry learning that will help you explore more about the past of the Black Country.
Tip: Well, Booking in advance would be better for you to avoid any inconvenience.
4. Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, a small zoo, is next on our list of places to visit in Birmingham.
4.1. Location
Pershore Road, Birmingham, England, B5 7RL
4.2. What’s Special
The park has a unique collection of animals from all over the world. There are red pandas, lemurs, reptiles, meerkats, otters, birds, wallabies, and many more animals to please your sight.
The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park provides basic amenities like parking, accessible toilets, and a baby changing facility, and it is wheelchair friendly, too. There is a restaurant on-site where you can get snacks or food.
You can take your children there; it’s a great place.
5. Cadbury World
Are you fond of chocolates? Cadbury World is the perfect place in Birmingham for you to visit. It is an ultimate holiday destination loved by everyone, from kids to adults. If you are a person who loves knowing new things, visit the Cadbury world to learn more about Cadbury’s business history and its stories.
5.1. Location
Linden Road, Birmingham, England, B3o 1
5.2. What’s Special
Join the self-guided tour of Cadbury World and explore the sweet and tasty history of chocolates. They also exhibit their skills in making handmade items, which is a delight for candy lovers.
The 4D theatre is the best part of this place and is loved by all. You can visit with your children too, as rides for kids are also available.
The Cadbury shop is the world’s biggest, and the best chocolates are sold at retail prices. You can get your favorite chocolates here if you haven’t found them in your nearby markets.
Booking tickets in advance is strongly advised because only a limited number of people are permitted inside at any time.
You will also get two free bars before you begin your tour.
After completing your tour, you can go to some restaurants to refresh, enjoy, and relax after a whole day trip. Some of the eateries are,
- Bournville Bread Breakfast
- Kraft Foods
- Hannah’s Cakes For All Occasions
- King Norton Ex-servicemen Club
6. Jewellery Quarter
If you are a shopping freak visiting Birmingham, you can’t miss the most prominent and vibrant area here – We are talking about Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
6.1. Location
3 Lionel St. Birmingham, B3 1AG
6.2. What’s Special
Visit Jewellery Quarter’s museum and explore the history of their jewelry on a lively guided tour. You can participate in the live demonstrations at the jewelers’ bench and get an insight into their working life.
On top of that, you can learn various jewelry-making techniques in the Adult Jewelry Workshop and create your silver spinning ring.
Only ten people are allowed in one workshop at a time, so booking your place in advance is better to avoid inconvenience.
7. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
One of the gorgeous places to visit here is the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, spread over 15 hectares. There are numerous plant species in the area.
7.1. Location
Westbourne Road, Birmingham, England, B15 3TR
7.2. What’s Special
Birmingham Botanical Gardens organizes different events from time to time. Storytime at the Gardens and Symmetry in Nature are some events in the line. You can also become a member of the organization to stay updated about all upcoming events.
There is a beautiful collection of bonsai trees and tropical birds. It covers a wide range of more than 7000 plants from all over the world.
You can explore the large variety of plants there and learn more about edible medicinal plants.
There, you can see some of the garden’s oldest trees, such as the Himalayan Cedar and Omiya tree.
Several educational visits, including nursery, primary, and outdoor visits, are also held.
8. Birmingham Royal Ballet
Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the UK’s five most prominent ballet companies organizing mind-blowing and jaw-dropping shows.
8.1. Location
7 Thorp St. Birmingham B5 4AU
8.2. What’s Special
If you want to learn how to dance ballet, they have ballet training programs in Birmingham and tours throughout the year.
Several workshops are organized to introduce dance in a more accessible and fun way. They also train young dancers in dance track programs. Not only do they work with young people, but they also work with community groups that include people of all ages.
You would love to watch their dance shows. The music, sets, and dancers are excellent and give you a mesmerizing and memorable performance.
9. Birmingham Science Museum
The award-winning Birmingham Science Museum is among Birmingham’s most interesting places to visit.
9.1. Location
Millennium Point Curzon Street, Birmingham, England B4 7XJ
9.2. What’s Special
Enter the planetarium, explore deep into space, travel in the night sky, and get close to the constellations and solar system. Don’t forget to visit the science garden and spot the human-sized hamster wheel there.
Around 20 interactive galleries of four distinct areas focus on interesting displays of manufacturing nuts and bolts, gadgets, treasures, tins, and things.
Other galleries include The Spitfire Gallery, The Marine World Gallery, The Smethwick Engine, and Our Changing Planet.
They have several cafes and shops for your comfort. The outlets sell food and drinks, burgers and much more for refreshment. Also, a gift shop that sells gifts and similar items is present in this museum.
10. Cannon Hill Park
Another attractive place in Birmingham is the beautifully structured Cannon Hill Park. It is an ideal park for visiting with your family and friends.
The city’s most well-known park spans a sizeable area of about 250 acres. It also comprises a conservation area and woodland plantation.
10.1. Location
Russell Road, Birmingham. England. B13 8RD
10.2. What’s Special
The most popular park in the city is spread over a wide area of about 250 acres. It also comprises a conservation area and woodland plantation.
Cannon Hill Park is also a small zoo with various animals. You can witness the European Lynx, tamarins, lemurs, meerkats, antelope, wallabies, and red pandas. Animal research and breeding programs are also carried out here.
The park provides various recreational and fun activities such as boating, fishing, bowls, tennis, and other leisure activities. There is a children’s play area and a lot of space to picnic.
The park serves as a venue for significant events, including the Foodies Festival, In The Night Garden Life, and other sporting and regular events. Become a part of their guided tours and learn more about nature and wildlife.
11. Ikon Gallery
The Ikon Gallery is a contemporary art museum that attracts art lovers from all around the world. It is an award-winning art gallery that displays the work of leading artists.
11.1. Location
1 Oozells Square, Birmingham, England B1 2HS
11.2. What’s Special
Visit the exhibitions organized at the gallery. The artworks there are accompanied by various media, including sound, film, photography, sculpture, and installation. The best part is that there is no entry fee.
It’s the only specialized shop in Birmingham where you can find a wide range of books, crafts, and artworks of various famous artists. So, do not forget to give it a try.
Love arts and culture? Join the workshops, seminars, live events, activity programs, and other public and youth programs to learn more about it.
12. Victoria Square
Victoria Square is one of the city’s major attractions. You can easily explore it on the Birmingham City Centre path.
12.1. Location
50 Pinfold St. City Centre, Birmingham, B2 4AY
12.2. What’s Special
The square is considered the center of Birmingham. The entire area is pedestrianized. You have no trouble going for a stroll. Also, there is a statue of Queen Victoria that catches your attention.
If you’re looking for nearby attractions, the famous Town Hall is on the west, the Council House is on the north, Colmore Row is on the east, and Victoria Square House is on the south. So, you must add this one among Birmingham’s best places.
13. Philip’s Cathedral
Philip’s Cathedral is one of the oldest places in Birmingham, and it is a fine example of English Baroque architecture. The Philip’s Cathedral is a famous church in England and also the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham.
13.1. Location
Colmore Row, Birmingham, England, B3 2QB
13.2. What’s Special
The beautifully designed windows and stained glasses attract visitors and worshippers. This artistic treasure showcases the work of pre-Raphelite arts.
The prayers are organized with soothing music, which creates a divine and peaceful atmosphere. You will undoubtedly love the atmosphere there.
You will find some great shopping options near the cathedral. They include a high-end departmental store on the one hand and some pubs and bars on the other. It is also among the unique tourist attractions in Birmingham.
14. Council House, Birmingham
The Renaissance Style Council House in Birmingham resembles the Venetian palace and is the city’s local government seat. It is also among the unique tourist attractions in Birmingham.
14.1. Location
Victoria Square, West Midlands, B1 1BB
14.2. What’s Special
Several memorials are kept in the council house. Some are displayed publicly, while most are only shown upon public request.
The grand look of the house has been pictured in various films. Films like American Assassin, Dancing on the Edge, Hustle, and Trainer feature Birmingham City Council’s diverse locations.
15. Barber Institute
Barber Institute of Fine Arts, built and opened by Queen Mary, comes next on the list. It includes a famous concert hall and an art gallery.
15.1. Location
University Of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TS
15.2. What’s Special
You will find the finest collection of paintings, drawings, coins, sculptures, and decorative arts.
The institute offers many programs. You can join various learning programs designed by the Barber Institute, like family learning, barber schools, online talks, barber homes, or barber health.
They don’t have a cafe or eating arrangements inside the museum. So you will have to make your own food arrangements or go to the nearby restaurants. Some of the restaurants are-
- Subway
- Costa coffee
- Sundarban
- Canvas House
- Luciano’s Pizza
Wrapping Up
This is what visiting Birmingham is all about a rich cultural heritage and a rich industrial history, as well as vibrant arts, music, cuisine, and much more. Enjoy your trip and make the most of your time in Birmingham.
Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
