Formerly an industrial powerhouse, Birmingham is hailed as the UK’s second city—but it certainly doesn’t sit in London’s shadow. Home to a vast canal network, myriad museums, sports grounds, outdoor trails, and culinary hotspots, there’s no shortage of things to do in Birmingham. Attractions such as Cadbury World, the National SEA LIFE® Centre, and the Bullring are among the city’s most popular, while Peaky Blinders-themed tours and after-dark adventures on Broad Street offer a fresh perspective of Birmingham’s best bits.
Birmingham’s 18th-century canals are most beautiful during the spring and summer months of April through September. This is when narrowboaters set sail and outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of the traffic-free towpaths to bike and hike around the city. If you’re visiting in fall, don’t miss the autumnal scenery around Winterbourne House and Garden, or Cannon Hill Park. Winter wanderers can warm up at the Frankfurt Christmas Market—the largest such market outside of the German-speaking world.
Like in any large British city, driving is best avoided in Birmingham—it’s home to the original Spaghetti Junction, after all. Luckily, Birmingham’s status as a major public transport hub ensures hassle-free journeys, with three major railway stations and a comprehensive bus network offering access to all corners of the city. Taxis are also an affordable option here, while out-of-town tours often include transfers from the city.
If you’re a fan of fantasy, don’t miss the Tolkien Trail—a family-friendly route around rural Birmingham that pays homage to the world-famous writer’s Birmingham-based childhood. The route covers some of J.R.R. Tolkien’s childhood haunts and sights that bear a resemblance to Middle-earth landmarks, including Sarehole Mill and the Chamberlain Tower. If food is more your thing, head to the Balti Triangle in Balsall Heath for an authentic taste of Birmingham’s very own curry recipe—the balti.
Attractions 7 | Tours 68 | Reviews 2 |
Yes, Birmingham UK is worth visiting. It’s home to Britain's most famous chocolate, Cadbury, making it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Plus, it’s steeped in a rich variety of history and culture—you’ll find everything from Victorian-era canals to international sports grounds such as Villa Park, plus museums, theaters, galleries, and restaurants.
...MoreBirmingham is famous for being the birthplace of Britain’s most famous chocolate, Cadbury, and the balti curry dish. It’s also famous for its music and arts scene—the heavy metal band Black Sabbath come from here—and for its industrial past. Plus, it’s the setting of the popular British TV show, Peaky Blinders.
...MoreOn your first day, tick off city-center landmarks such as the Bullring, the Jewellery Quarter, and Birmingham Library. Then, wander into Digbeth, the city’s creative quarter, home to independent restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs. On Sunday, take a day trip to either Cadbury World, the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, or Warwick Castle.
...MoreOn the whole, Birmingham is much cheaper than London, but it’s still a city with prices to match. Fortunately, a high student population means there are lots of second-hand stores, cheap cafes, and some free-to-enter attractions, such as the Ikon Gallery, Soho House, and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (reopening in 2024).
...MoreYes, Birmingham is very walkable. The city center is compact enough that strolling between the main sights is easy, so keep an eye out for walking tours. If you want to explore further afield, nothing is more than a train or bus ride away, so you won’t need to hire a car.
...MoreBirmingham’s top attractions include the Back to Backs, a row of 19th-century terraced houses that represent bygone Britain; the Birmingham canals; and Sarehole Mill. Other top attractions include Cadbury World, Villa Park, Edgbaston Stadium, and the Bullring. Family-friendly attractions include the National SEA LIFE® Centre, the Thinktank Science Museum, and the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre.
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