Birmingham
Britain's second largest city, after London, is often thought of as a busy industrial center with little to offer visitors. Whilst it may be unable to match the charms of many of Britain's grander cities, there is a lot to see and it has a vibrant cultural centre, with an exceptional night life.
Born out of the Industrial Revolution, it rapidly expanded during the 19th century into one of the world's greatest industrial workshops. Thousands of trades flourished, especially in metalworking and Birmingham soon made everything from jewellery to pins, buttons and steam engines. Products stamped "Made in Birmingham" became known in nearly every country in the world.
The Council House and adjoining Museum and Art Gallery, located in the city centre, was built during the 19th century, in the Italian Renaissance style. Its clock tower, shown left, has affectionately been given the name 'Big Brum' by local residents - Birmingham's own answer to Big Ben.
In the centre of the city is the Bull Ring, a market that has been held since the 12th century. The current Indoor Market opened in October 2000, replacing the old Bull Ring Market Hall.
Birmingham has more miles of waterways than Venice. Its 18/19th century canal system was built to bring water transport into the heart of the city, which comprises several converging waterways; the Birmingham Canal, Worcester-Birmingham Canal, Birmingham-Fazeley Canal and the Grand Union that runs up from London to the Birmingham-Fazeley. These waterways have been carefully preserved to this day. At its peak, in the late 18th century, hundreds of canal boats a day passed through the city carrying cargo to various destinations in the Midlands and beyond. Narrow-boats and cabin cruisers can moor within the city centre. The most popular mooring being the Gas Street Basin, with its many waterside pubs and brightly painted narrow boats.
Boat trips on the canals run daily all year round from the Gas Street Basin and from Kingston Row. There are many canal-side walks to enjoy, such as Brindley Walk, Summer Row and Kingston Row. The picture on the left shows a view of the canal from Broad Street bridge, where it passes by the Birmingham Symphony Hall. The white facade of the National Indoor Arena can also be seen in the background.
Birmingham has 6,000 acres of open spaces, including 200 parks. The largest is at Cannon Hill along aside the River Lea, which includes a nature centre that covers 6.5 acres, in which plants and animals can be studied in their natural surroundings.
If you enjoy shopping there are many excellent shopping centres in the city, including Broad Street, Western Arcade, Pavillion, Pallasades and the newly refurbished Bullring shopping centre. However, if your looking for a special gift, then a visit to Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter is just the place.
St Philip's, in Colmore Row, is Birmingham's Anglican Cathedral. The Church was consecrated in 1715 and become a cathedral in 1905. The designer Thomas Archer spent many years in Rome and the Baroque style of the building reflects his Italian influence. However, the most famous church in the city is St Martin's in the Bull Ring, which dates from the 13th century.
The oldest building in the city centre (other than St Martin's) is the Old Crown House in High Street, Deritend. It is a half-timbered building of the late 14th century, which was originally a manor house. It is said that Queen Elizabeth I stayed there overnight in 1575.
Tourist Information Centre:
The Rotunda, 150 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4PA - Tel: 0844 8883883
Where to stay in Birmingham
Birmingham Hotels
For a good choice of hotels with discount prices, visit: Where to stay in Birmingham for more information.
Places to visit of interest in Birmingham
Central Museum and Art Gallery
Located in the city centre, next to the Council House. The museum's collection of gold and silver is a reminder that Birmingham has been a centre for trade in these precious metals for over 200 years. The gallery contains an impressive collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and works by Constable, Van Gogh, Botticelli and Gainsborough
Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham's sparkling Jewellery Quarter has over 100 specialist retailers offering a wide range of traditional, bespoke and contemporary jewellery. You can buy direct from the makers or even commission your own unique design. There are also several free jewellery museums and galleries to visit.
Botanical Gardens
Located in Edgbaston, to the west of the city centre. Its 15 acre grounds were laid out in 1831, containing collections of trees, shrubs, alpine plants and tropical glasshouses.
Ikon Gallery
A modernistic gallery featuring temporary exhibitions in a variety of media, including sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting and sculpture.
National Sea Life Centre
Located in Brindley place. Contains over 60 aquatic displays of flora and fauna from the Red Sea, the Pacific coast, the Caribbean and other exotic destinations. Includes over 1000 sea creatures, such as Hammerhead Sharks, Green Turtles, Seahorses, Sting Rays, Eels and Nemo fish, swimming in a realistic, simulated underwater setting.
Aston Hall
A Jacobean mansion house, built in 1635, which still retains its original grandeur. The house, located 2 miles north of the city centre, stands in extensive parkland. It contains a grand balustraded staircase, a magnificent panelled gallery and a kitchen decked out with period cookware.
Sarehole Mill
A fully restored l8th-century, Grade II listed, water-mill, located on the River Cole in the southern suburb of Hall Green. It was originally a corn grinding mill but was also used for blade grinding during the 19th century. J. R. R. Tolkien (author of Lord of the Rings) lived near the mill as a child, and it forms part of the Tolkien Trail, which follows the places that influenced his writing. The mill is open to the public from April to October throughout the year.
Blakesley Hall
Located in the eastern suburb of Yardley. A 16th century, half-timbered yeoman's house. The house is now a domestic museum, with many authentic period rooms containing original wall-paintings. The garden is set out with lawns, yew trees and fruit trees in a style common to the period.
Places to Visit Near Birmingham
Anne Hathaway's Cottage | Arbury Hall | Baddesley Clinton | Charlecote Park | Coventry Cathedral | Edgehill | Kenilworth Castle | Mary Arden's House | Packwood House | Ragley Hall | Royal Shakespeare Theatre | Rugby School | Stoneleigh Abbey | Warwick Castle
Other Towns and Villages in Warwickshire
Coventry, Birmingham, Nuneaton, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, Solihull, Warwick
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