Birmingham is a city in the West Midlands region of England, United Kingdom. It is the second-largest city in the UK, after London, with a population of over 1.1 million people in the city proper and 4.3 million in the wider metropolitan area.
Birmingham is a diverse and multicultural city, with people from all over the world living and working together. It is a major center for business, industry, culture, and education. The city is home to two universities, the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University, as well as a number of other colleges and further education institutions.
Birmingham is also a major sporting city, and is home to two professional football clubs, Birmingham City FC and Aston Villa FC. The city has also hosted a number of major sporting events, including the 1978 Commonwealth Games and the 1999 World Athletics Championships.
In recent years, Birmingham has undergone a major transformation. The city has seen significant investment in new infrastructure and development, including the Birmingham New Street Station redevelopment, the Bullring shopping center, and the Library of Birmingham.
10 Outstanding Places To Visit In Birmingham
1. Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery: The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BM&AG) is a museum and art gallery in Birmingham, England. It has a collection of international importance covering fine art, ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, natural history, archaeology, ethnography, local history and industrial history.
The museum was founded in 1885 and is housed in a Grade I listed building designed by Edward Bicknell and completed in 1893. The building is a mixture of architectural styles, including Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic.
The BM&AG’s collection includes over 800,000 objects, including paintings by Pre-Raphaelites such as Edward Burne-Jones and John Everett Millais, sculptures by Auguste Rodin and Jacob Epstein, and decorative arts from around the world. The museum also has a significant collection of natural history specimens, including a dinosaur skeleton and a collection of fossils.
The BM&AG is one of the most popular museums in the UK, attracting over 600,000 visitors each year. It is free to enter, but some major exhibitions in the Gas Hall incur an entrance fee.
The museum is currently closed for ongoing essential maintenance work, but is due to reopen in 2024. In the meantime, visitors can see some of the museum’s collection at the Waterhall and the Gas Hall, which have reopened for exhibitions throughout the year.
Timings: This place is temporarily closed. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is currently closed for essential infrastructure works. BMAG is planned to re-open to visitors in 2024 – the exact date is to be confirmed.
Address: Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3DH, United Kingdom
**Entry Fees: ** Free
**Famous For: ** Extensive collections of paintings ranging from the 14th to the 21st century.
2. National Sea Life Centre: The National Sea Life Centre is a chain of aquariums and marine life conservation centers located in various cities across the United Kingdom. These centers are owned and operated by Merlin Entertainments, a company that specializes in operating theme parks and attractions.
The National Sea Life Centre locations aim to educate visitors about marine life, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting the world’s oceans and aquatic ecosystems. They typically feature a variety of exhibits and tanks showcasing different marine species, including fish, sharks, turtles, jellyfish, seahorses, and more. Visitors can often see these creatures up close and learn about their habitats and behaviors.
Here are some of the things you can do at the aquarium:
- Walk through the 360° Ocean Tunnel and marvel at sharks, a giant turtle, rays, and hundreds of tropical fish swimming overhead and underneath you.
- Meet the UK’s First Sea Otters, Ozzy and Ola, as they settle into their Marine Mammal facility.
- Watch the cheeky antics of the Gentoo penguins as they dive beneath the freezing waters and play in their icy home.
You can also book VIP experiences, such as feeding sharks, giant green sea turtles, and penguins. Or, you can go behind the scenes in an after-hours private group experience.
Timings: Sunday to Friday (10am – 4pm), Saturday (9.30am – 6pm)
Address: The Water’s Edge, Eleven Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2HL, United Kingdom
**Entry Fees: **Starting from £19
**Famous For: **360-degree ocean tunnel
3. Cadbury World: Cadbury World is a visitor attraction located in Bournville, Birmingham, England. It was opened in 1990 and is one of the largest tourist attractions in the UK, welcoming over 600,000 visitors each year. The attraction gives guests the chance to step into the amazing world of Cadbury, with a self-guided tour that explores an assortment of chocolatey zones, showcasing the history, making and magic of Cadbury.
Visitors can learn about the history of Cadbury, from its humble beginnings in a small shop in Birmingham in 1824, to its global success today. They can also see how Cadbury chocolate is made, from the cocoa bean to the finished product.
One of the highlights of Cadbury World is the 4D Chocolate Adventure ride, which takes visitors on a journey through the world of Cadbury chocolate. Visitors can also meet their favorite Cadbury characters, such as Freddo, Caramel Bunny and the Cadbury Dairy Milk Cow.
Cadbury World is a great day out for all ages, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a chocolate lover, a history buff or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Cadbury World is the place for you.
Timings: Daily, Check in the website
Address: 69 Linden Rd, Birmingham B30 1JR, United Kingdom
**Entry Fees: **Starting from £18.95
Famous For: The tour tells the history of chocolate, and of the Cadbury business.
4. Birmingham Cathedral: Birmingham Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Philip, Is the Church of England cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. It is located in Colmore Row in central Birmingham, England. The cathedral is the oldest building in the city center still used for its original purpose.
The cathedral was built as a parish church in the Baroque style by Thomas Archer and was consecrated in 1715. It became the cathedral of the newly shaped Diocese of Birmingham in 1905.
Birmingham Cathedral is a Grade I listed building and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in England. The cathedral is known for its impressive tower, its spacious interior, and its beautiful stained-glass windows.
One of the most notable features of Birmingham Cathedral is its four stained-glass windows designed by the Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones. The windows were installed in the 1880s and depict scenes from the life of Christ.
Birmingham Cathedral is a popular tourist destination and is also used for a variety of events, including concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. The cathedral is also a place of worship for the Anglican community in Birmingham.
Here are some additional facts about Birmingham Cathedral:
- The cathedral tower is 196 feet tall and is the tallest building in the city centre.
- The cathedral organ is one of the largest in England and has over 6,000 pipes.
- The cathedral has a crypt which contains the remains of many notable people, including the architect Thomas Archer.
- The cathedral is home to several other works of art, including a painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman Hunt.
Timings: Monday to Thursday (7.20 am – 6.30 pm), Friday ( 7.20-8.30 am, 4-6.30 pm), Saturday and Sunday (8.20 am-5 pm)
Address: Cathedral Square, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QB, United Kingdom
**Entry Fees: ** Free
Famous For: Home to some remarkable treasures and the largest green space in central Birmingham.
5. Think-tank, Birmingham Science Museum: Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum is an award-winning science museum for fun-packed family days out. It’s located within the Millennium Point complex on Curzon Street, Digbeth, just minutes from Birmingham City Centre and The Bullring.
With over 200 hands-on displays on science and technology, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Thinktank. Some of the maximum famous and well-known include:
- MiniBrum: A child-sized mini city where kids can role-play different jobs and learn about how a city works.
- 4K Planetarium: Journey to the stars in Thinktank’s 4K Planetarium, the UK’s first purpose-built digital planetarium.
- Science Garden: An interactive outdoor space with over 30 exhibits, including a water play area, a climbing frame, and a giant sundial.
- Gallery of Flight: Learn about the history of aviation and see a variety of aircraft, including a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet.
- Gallery of Life: Discover the wonders of the natural world, from dinosaurs to the human body.
In addition to its permanent exhibitions, Thinktank also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year. For example, in 2023, Thinktank is hosting a special exhibition on the James Webb Space Telescope.
Thinktank is a great place to learn about science and technology in a fun and interactive way. It’s a perfect day out for all ages, and it’s sure to inspire a love of science in everyone who visits.
Timings: Daily, 10 am-5 pm
Address: Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham B4 7XG, United Kingdom
**Entry Fees: **Starting from $17.05
Famous For: The museum has a huge range of artefacts and exhibits related to vehicles, aviation, locomotives, trams and cars.
6. Birmingham Botanical Gardens: Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a historic and bio-diverse natural environment in the heart of Birmingham, which has remained intact since 1829.
The Gardens have a wide range of attractions to suit all tastes. You
can wander amongst over 7000 plants in our 4 Victorian Glasshouses, or explore the outdoor Gardens which include two Alpine Gardens, a Japanese Garden displaying the National Bonsai Collection, a Pinetum, an Adventure Playground, and a rolling lawn that overlooks our authentic bandstand and Aviaries.
Make a day of it, with our traditional tearoom, playground area, seasonal garden walks and a variety of fun events throughout the year.
Timings: Daily, 10 am-5 pm
Address: Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR, United Kingdom
**Entry Fees: **Starting from £8.25
Famous For: Its range of glasshouses and gardens, which display a wide variety of plants and birds.
7. Barber Institute Of Fine Arts: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is an art gallery and concert hall in Birmingham, England. It is situated on the campus of the University of Birmingham.
The institute is home to a collection of European art from the 13th to the 20th centuries, including works by Botticelli, Bellini, Veronese, Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin, Claude, Gainsborough, Turner, Ingres, Manet, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Magritte.
The Barber Institute is also known for its concert hall, which has been praised for its acoustics. The hall hosts a regular program of concerts, including classical, jazz, and world music.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (10 am – 5 pm), Monday Off
Address: University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TS, United Kingdom
**Entry Fees: ** Free
Famous For: An outstanding art collection
8. Black Country Living Museum: The Black Country Living Museum is a museum showcasing rebuilt historic buildings in an open-air setting. It can be found in Dudley, West Midlands, England, at the heart of the Black Country, approximately 10 miles west of Birmingham. The museum encompasses 10.5 hectares (26 acres) of land that was once used for the industry but has since been partly Reclaimed from a former railway items yard, disused lime.
The museum, which became open to the public in 1978, has grown to include more than 50 shops, houses, and industrial buildings from various metropolitan boroughs such as Dudley, and Sandwell, This collection, collectively known as the Black Country, is situated in a specially built village. Many of the buildings were relocated from their original sites to create a base where demonstrators could depict life across 300 years of history, with a particular focus on 1850–1950. The museum is continually expanding, with additional buildings and exhibits being added over time.
Timings: Daily, 10 am-5 pm
Address: Discovery Wy, Dudley DY1 4AL, United Kingdom
**Entry Fees: **Starting from £11.45
Famous For:
9. Jewellery Quarter: The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, UK is a world-renowned centre for the jewellery trade. It is home to over 1,000 businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, and designers. The quarter is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and the Birmingham Assay Office.
The Jewellery Quarter has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It was originally known as the Jewellers’ Quarter and was home to several small workshops where jewellers made and sold their wares. In the 19th century, the quarter began to grow rapidly, and by the early 20th century, it was one of the largest centres for jewellery production in the world.
Today, the Jewelry Quarter is still a thriving centre for the jewellery trade. It is home to a wide range of businesses, from small family-owned workshops to large multinational corporations. The quarter is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy browsing the many jewellery shops, galleries, and museums.
Timings: Monday to Saturday (9 am- 5 pm)
Address: Vyse St, Jewellery Quarter, Hockley Birmingham, England
**Entry Fees: ** Nil
Famous For: Home to some of the most highly-skilled jewellery makers and goldsmiths around.
10. Victoria Square And Birmingham City Centre: Victoria Square is a pedestrianised public square in Birmingham, England. It is home to both the Town Hall and the Council House and is directly adjacent to Chamberlain Square. It is known as in honour of Queen Victoria.
Birmingham City Centre is a significant enterprise district of Birmingham, England. There are various significant shopping centres, office structures, and cultural highlights located in this area.
Victoria Square is often considered to be the centre of Birmingham and is the point from where local road sign distances are measured. Philip’s Cathedral is on Colmore Row and is on the main pedestrian route between the Bull Ring and Brindleyplace areas. Three major roads, Colmore Row, New Street and Paradise Street, and others meet there.
Victoria Square is a well-known spot for both tourists and locals. It hosts a variety of events including concerts, festivals, and protests, and is also a popular meeting place.
Timings: Vary throughout the year
Address: Birmingham, England,
**Entry Fees: **Starting from £8
Famous For:
Here are some other interesting facts about Birmingham City:
- Birmingham City’s nickname is “The Blues”.
- Birmingham City’s home kit is blue and white stripes.
- Birmingham City’s away kit is often yellow and black.
- Birmingham City’s supporters’ songbook is one of the most extensive in English football.
- Birmingham City has several famous fans, including Ozzy Osbourne and Lenny Henry.
Birmingham City is a club with a rich history and a bright future. The club is passionate about its fans, its community, and its football.
