Birmingham Things To Do

History
A number of historic buildings are dotted among Birmingham city centre and the outskirts of the city: 16th century Blakesley Hall, 14th century Selly Manor, Sarehole Mill, Weoley Castle and the fine medieval hall, Minworth Greaves. Within the city, take a look at the 13th century St Martin's Church, and visit ancient pubs like the 14th century Old Crown. Birmingham museum, housed in a Victorian school, has a strong accent on history. Look out for the free History Bus that circulates Birmingham museums.

Culture
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery contains Old Masters, Impressionists, and the world’s most extensive collection of Pre-Raphaelite art. For contemporary and multimedia art, visit the acclaimed Ikon Gallery. A number of smaller galleries can be found in the Jewellery District. Birmingham has one of the most vibrant theatre scenes outside of London. The Birmingham Hippodrome and the Alexandra Theatre are great places to catch musicals, comedy and popular shows. Spectacular shows like the Cirque du Soleil have set up in the gigantic Star Centre complex, which also contains a vast 37-screen cinema complex and a huge casino. Large stadium venues in Birmingham attract big name acts. For an entertaining night out, try a Birmingham comedy club.

Shopping
Only London can outdo Birmingham in terms of quantity. Top Birmingham shopping experiences include the Bullring, Europe’s biggest city centre shopping centre, and the Star City centre with its huge cinema complex. Don’t miss the famous Jewellery Quarter with its cafes, restaurants, museum and galleries. For more traditional shopping and quality retailers visit the attractive Victorian Great Western Arcade. Birmingham markets include an open market, a rag market, a fine indoor food market, and an antiques and collectors market.

Eating and drinking
In common with England city break destinations like Manchester and Leeds, Birmingham now attracts weekend tourism focusing on the city’s cafes, bars, restaurants and nightlife. The famous Balti Triangle to the south of the city is a paradise for curry fans. Chinese and Asian food also enjoys a good reputation. As for drinking, Birmingham offers everything from traditional pubs and student hangouts to the trendiest of cocktail and DJ bars. Broad Street Brindleyplace and the Arcadian are top Birmingham nightlife areas. The Birmingham clubbing scene includes cool chill-out bars, famous hi-tech nightclubs and a thriving gay scene. Plenty of smaller venues offer speciality music nights from jazz to northern soul.

Family attractions
City breaks in Birmingham provide plenty of varied entertainment for a family weekend. Attractions outside the city boast excellent public transport connections. Top Birmingham attractions include the acclaimed National Sea Life Centre and the Thinktank, a highly entertaining and interactive science and transport museum. The vast IMAX Cinema features amazing 3D films. Cadbury World in Bournville is a chocoholic’s paradise. Two outstanding family attractions near Birmingham are Drayton Manor Theme Park and the West Midlands Safari Park. Drayton Manor features an incredible roller coaster, thrilling rides, family entertainment and a zoo. West Midlands Safari Park has elephants, lions, rhinos, reptiles, a petting zoo, a fairground and theme park rides.

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