Birmingham, the second biggest city in the UK by population, is a city bursting with culture. Birmingham is an incredibly diverse city with something to offer everyone, from great food to great architecture; with so much to offer, it can be hard to know exactly what to do and what see if you are there for just a weekend. Here we have put together a mini guide for a weekend trip to Birmingham to help you navigate this incredible city.
Canal Boat Trip
Considering Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice, a great way to see the city in a short space of time is via canal boat trip. A canal tour will take you through the city’s industrial history as well as much of the city’s new developments. There are also options for a Sunday lunch cruise as well as the chance to hire a boat for a private event.
The UK’s Oldest Working Cinema
The Electric, which first opened in 1909, is the oldest working cinema in the UK. The building has been restored, using photographs from when it first opened, to its Art Deco origins – all funded by a local entrepreneur.
Cadbury World
If you are fan of everything chocolate-related then Cadbury World is the place you need to see. The visitor attraction, now one of Birmingham’s most popular, is run by the Cadbury company itself and has been open since 1990. A tour of the Cadbury site is not a tour of the chocolate factory, but instead a tour through the history of chocolate itself; you can also learn about the origins of the Cadbury company which is the second largest confectionery manufacturers in the world.
The Bullring
The Bullring is one of the busiest shopping centres in the United Kingdom and has been a large part of Birmingham’s story since the Middle Ages. The shopping centre boasts 140 different shops and is home to one of only four Selfridges department stores.
Relaxation in Birmingham
If you are looking for a relaxing weekend away in Birmingham, there is plenty of things you can do to help you chill out. Lickey Hills Country Park is only ten minutes south west of Birmingham and spans over 524 acres of land, including an 18-hole golf course; the park makes for a great place to go for a peaceful walk or relaxing picnic over lunch. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a great place for a peaceful day out with exhibitions covering everything from fine art, local history, jewellery to archaeology. Birmingham also has lots of amazing spas and resorts to help you relax; why not try a massage or facial to help fully unwind for the weekend?
Go for a Curry
Birmingham, thanks to its large South Asian community, is now famous for the many great curries on offer – it is even where the Balti curry is said to have originated. If you are looking for a fine dining experience when going for a curry, Pushkar is a great choice; here you can choose from many amazing cocktails as well as from many curry choices – some more out of the ordinary than others. If you are looking for a great Balti then Al Frash is definitely worth trying – this restaurant has been named by the New York Times as one of the best restaurants in the Midlands.
Make the Most of Your Time
In the last few decades a cultural revolution has taken place in Birmingham, making it a popular tourist destination in the UK; with so much on offer, it is always best to plan your weekend in the city in advance to make sure you get the most out of it.
