Birmingham is often overlooked due to the popularity of England’s Capital “London”, but there are a wealth of spectacular places to visit in Birmingham.
Birmingham is the second largest city in England and the country’s main industrial hub. The British city is globally renowned for its rich lifestyle, culture, dining scenes, and more.
The city is also home to many historical heritages, shopping centers, lovely neighborhoods, and natural wonders. Also, the city is quite popular for canal tours, in fact, it has more canals than Venice.
Read along to know more about the top things to do and places to visit in Birmingham before a trip.
10 Most Popular Places To Visit In Birmingham
1. Black County Living Museum
The Black County neighborhood is situated in West Midland’s Dudley town. The neighborhood spans up to the area of 26 acres and offers insight into Britain’s history of mining.
Visitors can explore a number of reconstructed buildings including houses, shops, and some industrial centers that help learn more about the country’s revolutionary period.
Black County is also a popular shooting site where various movies and TV series were shot. It was featured as the major street in the award-winning Netflix series “Peaky Blinders”.
While exploring the beautiful neighborhood, consider taking a canal boat tour, listed among the top things to do in Birmingham.
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2. Winterbourne Garden
Winterbourne Garden is a 20th-century garden established in 1903. It is situated at the University of Birmingham and it is accessible to the public.
There are more than 6000 plant species in this garden alongside a Maples Day nursery and exhibition room.
The garden’s architecture is highly inspired by the arts and crafts movement and is also listed in the Royal Horticultural Society and the Historic Houses Association.
Multiple workshops are hosted in Winterbourne that primarily focus on promoting public gardening. Apart from this, many musical concerts and theatrical performances are organized at the Winterbourne campus.
Refreshment facilities are also available at the terrace tea room which offers spectacular panoramic views.
Timing:
- November – March: 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- April – October: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
3. Blakesley Hall
Blakesly Hall is among the oldest Tudor Halls that is now converted into a museum. It was built in the late 16th century and was privately owned until the 20th century.
Today, it displays the history and culture of medieval Birmingham. Travelers are required to register for a guided tour, without which entry will be restricted.
Just a few years after it was opened, the hall badly dua a massive bomb blast. It was rebuilt and the old structure was recreated.
Timing:
- November – March: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance Fee:
- Adult – 7 GBP
- Children – 3 GBP
- Students – 5 GBP
- 3 Family members – 15 GBP
- 4 Family members – 77.60 GBP
- 5 Family members – 20.20 GBP
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4. St. Philip’s Cathedral
St. Philip’s Cathedral is one of the most notable historical heritage in the city of Birmingham. The church community is quite welcoming and people from all faiths are warmly invited.
Being the city’s oldest building, the Cathedral still served the purpose it was actually built for. The church is worth visiting whether you are a history geek or someone who loves to learn about theology and art.
The visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the cathedral’s importance, history, and exhibits. As a visitor, you can explore statutes, monuments, courtyards, and obelisk.
The is no entrance fee to visit St. Philip’s Cathedral. However, the visitors can only spend 20 minutes. Moreover, you can also participate in prayer services that are conducted regularly.
Features:
- English Baroque style architecture
- Smallest Church in England
- Contains Pre-Raphaelite Stained-glass windows
Timings:
- Weekdays – 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Weekends – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday Services:
- Holy Communion – 9:00
- Choral Eucharist – 11:00
- Choral Evensong – 3:30
5. Digbeth Neighborhood
Digbeth is among the most vibrant and the “coolest neighborhoods in Britain”. Situated in the heart of Birmingham, the former industrial area went through several reconstructions and renovations over the centuries.
It also houses the Birmingham coach station which makes it accessible from all parts of the city. Digbeth is all set to expand its network with the help of the HS2 station and the new tram stop at Adderley Street.
Nonetheless, the Digbeth Neighbourhood is quite a center of attraction for its crazy nightlife and offers several exciting things to do in Birmingham on a budget.
Highlights:
- Typhoo Tea
- The Night Owl – is a retro bar, and hosts weekly live music
- Cow Vintage – Vintage clothing center
- Baked in Brick – known for wood-fired Pizza or BBQ meat
- The Custard Factory – consists of various independent shops and spaces for events
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6. Cannon Hill Park
Cannon Park is one of the spectacular places to visit in Birmingham, especially when you are planning a family vacation.
For adults, it’s a perfect place for an adrenaline rush as they can indulge in various sports like bowling, tennis, cycling, and others.
If you are planning a day trip to Cannon Hill then don’t forget to take the Fun Pass The pass allows visitors to access all benefits and features at discount. The package includes a discount on mini-golf, fun park, and boating.
Though Cannon Hill lies in the south of the city center, it is easily accessible from all parts of the city.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Highlights:
- Fun Park
- Golden Putter Mini Golf
- Bronze Memorial Dedicated to Second Boer War Martyrs
- Golden Lion Inn timber house
- Land Train
7. Jewellery Quarter
Jewellery Quarter is a well-renowned destination in the city of Birmingham that is home to more than 400 jewelry workshops and retailers.
The beautiful Jewellery Quarter is regarded as “a National treasure” and “a place of unique character “ by English Heritage.
In case you feel tired after exploring the shops and museums, spend some in St. Paul Square. If you have enough time, head towards the Georgian square lined up with numerous trendy cafes and bars.
Also Read: 11 Famous And Affordable Shopping Places In London
8. Birmingham City Centre
Birmingham City Centre serves as the city’s major hub for education industries and culture. It houses some of the most popular attractions of Birmingham with a wealth of exciting things to do.
From breathtaking theatre experiences and rich artworks to the center of gastronomy, Brum is a must-visit place in Birmingham.
It is quite difficult to choose which is the best place to visit here, as it boasts some unmissable tourist sites.
Do consider visiting the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery which offers some of the best painting collections in the UK other than in London. It exhibits works of Edward Burne-Jones, Rossetti, and more.
Highlights:
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
- Electric Cinema
- Bullring
- Selfridges building
9. Edgbaston
One of the most popular places to visit in Birmingham for Cricket lovers, Edgbaston regularly hosts domestic as well as international cricket matches.
Other than the cricket stadium, the street also houses the Botanical Gardens and glasshouses.
Also, try some authentic Italian food in Laghi’s Deli restaurant. The restaurant won the Best Restaurant award in the year 2018, thanks to the unique variety of food varieties.
Highlights:
- Warwickshire County Cricket Club
- Edgbaston Priory Club
- Botanical Garden
- Simsons Restaurant
Timings:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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10. Mosley Bog
Also known as The Dell, Mosley Bog is a natural reserve surrounded by woods and animals. It also offers hiking opportunities just near the woodland area alongside a playing field.
It is a perfect place for a day out and an adrenaline rush especially when you are accompanied by your family.
The Natural reserve is originally a part of Shire Country Park which also visitors to locate routes through a Wildlife Trust Map.
Talking about the trail, it is family-friendly and quite easy to pass from. The main trail starts from wooden decking, but make sure it becomes slippery and to cross when wet.
Highlights:
- Archaelogical Sites
- Playground of J.R.R Tolkein