Birmingham
Temperature
13°
Time
8:41 AM
Birmingham
Birmingham, the second largest city in Britain, served as inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien to write the celebrated work of fantasy fiction "The Lord of the Rings". The city is renowned for its dining scene that will satisfy the most demanding palates and, thanks to the many attractions, tourists are sure to keep busy. With world-class shopping centres all fashionistas will leave the city with a smile, and when the night falls there is an exciting nightlife to discover.Find your trip
Dating back over 250 years, Jewellery Quarter is a conservation area with over 200 listed buildings and today one of Birmingham´s most vibrant locations with an amazing community spirit. This is also the home for more than 500 jewellery businesses, the beating heart of England's jewellery industry, making it a great place to buy some gifts and souvenirs. When here, you should also visit the award-winning museum on Vyse Street, called Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.
Designed by Joseph Hansom and inaugurated in 1832, Birmingham Town Hall is a Grade I listed concert hall located in Victoria Square. Today, it is a cultural hub together with its sister venue Symphony Hall, where to enjoy a diverse programme with classical concerts, jazz, dance, comedy rock, pop, folk and more. If you want to learn more about Birmingham’s most iconic historic building, then take the Town Hall tour and get an insight over the backstage areas.
Originally dating from 13th century, the contrast with the futuristic facade of the Bullring shopping centre is extreme, but this does not diminish the value of the church, either visually, historically, or as a meeting place. A peaceful retreat with beautiful interior in the middle of a shopping area.
Located one hour drive from Birmingham, Twycross Zoo is renowned as a specialist primate zoo where to discover a wide variety of monkeys and apes. But they have more than moneys, with more than 160 species and around 900 animals like leopards, meerkats, elephants, giraffes, birds, reptiles and many more you will for sure have a lot to explore.
Housed in a Grade II listed building, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) is a vibrant museum in the heart of the city that offers over 40 galleries which are displaying world-class collection of art both from local and international artist. There are over 800,000 objects, everything from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art, including applied art such as ceramics, jewellery, silver, textiles, woodwork and more. And with lots of interactive displays, you will keep yourself busy here.
Explore the amazing sea life and learn more about the animal life, about turtles, sharks, clown fish, octopus and jellyfish to name a few. This is a great family attraction with plenty of activities for the children. Do not miss the walkthrough underwater tunnel where you get a closer look of these amazing animals.
One of Birmingham's largest tourist attractions with over 500,000 visitors each year, this amazing sight is definitely a must if you love chocolate since it allows you to discover the renowned Cadbury chocolate. With fourteen amazing zones to explore, there is plenty to see and do for the whole family and at the same time, you will learn how this lovely confectionery is made. A great experience that should not be missed.
At this museum, you can discover the world of science, investigate the past and take a peek into the future of technology. In these ten themed galleries, spread across over four floors with inspiring and interactive fun, you will definitely find yourself busy. There are more than 200 hands-on exhibits but make sure not to miss the state-of-the-art Planetarium and the outdoor Science Garden.
Dating back over 250 years, Jewellery Quarter is a conservation area with over 200 listed buildings and today one of Birmingham´s most vibrant locations with an amazing community spirit. This is also the home for more than 500 jewellery businesses, the beating heart of England's jewellery industry, making it a great place to buy some gifts and souvenirs. When here, you should also visit the award-winning museum on Vyse Street, called Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.
Designed by Joseph Hansom and inaugurated in 1832, Birmingham Town Hall is a Grade I listed concert hall located in Victoria Square. Today, it is a cultural hub together with its sister venue Symphony Hall, where to enjoy a diverse programme with classical concerts, jazz, dance, comedy rock, pop, folk and more. If you want to learn more about Birmingham’s most iconic historic building, then take the Town Hall tour and get an insight over the backstage areas.
Located within the cosmopolitan area at Brindleyplace, Bank is a chic and elegant restaurant and bar with classical and seasonal cooking. This brasserie has lively atmosphere with a spacious yet intimate dining area and with an open kitchen, you will able to watch the chef in action. Come here for amazing steaks or just enjoy a delicious cocktail at the bar.
For authentic and fresh Indian food, head over to restaurant Pushkar where the award winning head chef Bishal Rasaily has created an eclectic menu with a mix of contemporary, traditional and original ideas. The food is prepared with quality and natural produce to get clean and refined flavours; this is Indian fine dining at its best.
Enjoy traditional Polish food in the heart of Birmingham. The restaurant is decorated in the style of an old country cottage with wooden tables and benches. This is a place where you can eat homely, hearty and rustic food, which are prepared with top quality ingredients. From the menu, you can pick numerous Polish classics like stuffed dumplings, beetroot soup, stuffed paprika and more.
Cucina Rustica serves fine Italian food in the heart of Birmingham in the well-known Jewellery Quarter. A restaurant where you can eat authentic Italian food in a warm atmosphere that is created by the attentive and welcoming service. From the menu, you can choose mouth-watering dishes like pizza, pasta and meat dishes, all prepared with passion and love.
Topokki is an excellent restaurant to experience Korean home cooking cuisine. The friendly and attentive staff serves delicious dishes like Korean dumpling, spicy fried pork and Korean style pancake. A modern place with an open kitchen where the dishes are bursting with authentic Korean flavours.
Michelin starred restaurant, Carters of Moseley is well worth a visit if you like classic British food with a modern twist. The chefs prepare the food with the finest ingredients, from Scottish beef to Cornish fish and vegetables from the local farmers. With your tasty food, select a glass of fine wine from the extensive wine list.
Simpsons is a French restaurant with a Michelin star and is a great place where to enjoy high quality food in a romantic and beautiful setting in the leafy Edgbaston. The attention to detail in the choice of food, ingredients, preparation and service is impeccable at this restaurant.
Looking for a different dining experience? Take a relaxing three-hour canal cruise around Birmingham and enjoy three-course dinner while admiring the beautiful views. The welcoming staff serves a wide variety of dishes with meat and fish; there is also a good selection of wine.
Located within the cosmopolitan area at Brindleyplace, Bank is a chic and elegant restaurant and bar with classical and seasonal cooking. This brasserie has lively atmosphere with a spacious yet intimate dining area and with an open kitchen, you will able to watch the chef in action. Come here for amazing steaks or just enjoy a delicious cocktail at the bar.
For authentic and fresh Indian food, head over to restaurant Pushkar where the award winning head chef Bishal Rasaily has created an eclectic menu with a mix of contemporary, traditional and original ideas. The food is prepared with quality and natural produce to get clean and refined flavours; this is Indian fine dining at its best.
In Birmingham, much of the shopping is concentrated in the Bullring mega-complex. This is where you will find the traditional chains such as Karen Millen, Monsoon, Miss Sixty and HMV. The exception is Apple’s elegant computer shop, full of iPod accessories. The most interesting part, both the inside and the outside, is the highly self-assured Selfridges department store. If you are used to the London store, you should prepare yourself for a somewhat more focused, but still exciting range of goods.
Home to 350 stalls, and 17 perimeter shops, at The Rag you can find both bargains and sin, especially early in the morning. Vintage clothes, magazines, goods and gadgets. With its 50 years of history, The Rag is still a must in Birmingham.
Previously a mail sorting office on Wharfside Street, today the Mailbox is housing fashion shops and galleries. This is where the city has their exclusive stores like Harvey Nichols and shops like Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Armani. This is certainly one of the most luxurious shopping destinations in the town.
Just over five minutes walk from the Bullring, you will find another converted industrial premises called The Custard Factory. About 30 independent shops of varying quality are housed in the premises on Gib Square. Boisterous but interesting.
At Oasis you can find racks full of beautiful garments. This is the place to go for all fashionistas who love to dress up. If you need a dress for a special occasion, you will most probably not leave this store empty-handed.
In Birmingham, much of the shopping is concentrated in the Bullring mega-complex. This is where you will find the traditional chains such as Karen Millen, Monsoon, Miss Sixty and HMV. The exception is Apple’s elegant computer shop, full of iPod accessories. The most interesting part, both the inside and the outside, is the highly self-assured Selfridges department store. If you are used to the London store, you should prepare yourself for a somewhat more focused, but still exciting range of goods.
Home to 350 stalls, and 17 perimeter shops, at The Rag you can find both bargains and sin, especially early in the morning. Vintage clothes, magazines, goods and gadgets. With its 50 years of history, The Rag is still a must in Birmingham.
Birmingham International Airport (BHX) is situated 13 kilometres east of Birmingham, only 10 minutes from the city centre. The adjacent train station is reached via a short trip on the free 'Air-Rail Link' monorail system and between 00:30 and 02:00 there is a courtesy bus running to the station. Trains then depart for Birmingham; there are 7 services per hour from Birmingham Airport. However, they run less frequently in the evenings and at the weekends, (no trains at nights). Tickets can be purchased at the station for the 10 minute long journey to New Street Station. Bus 97A (a 24/7 service) connects Birmingham City Centre to Birmingham Airport. Tickets can be bought on the bus service. Licensed taxis operate 24-hour, and located directly outside the arrivals area of the terminal building. You can book your taxi ride in advance by email or phone (email ctmukltd2016@gmail.com +44 (0) 7376 859 569).
In Birmingham, public transport consists of an extensive bus network and the inner suburbs are linked by local trains and trams. There are several different types of travel passes from which to choose, including a one-day rover pass. You can also pay your bus ticket when boarding the bus, but remember that you need to give the exact change. There are official bus stops scattered around Birmingham when wishing to board on a bus so hailing will not be necessary. For online timetables and fare information, check Network West Midlands website (www.networkwestmidlands.com/ways-to-travel/bus)
It is easiest to hail a taxi on the street, especially in the centre of the city or at the airport and train stations. Taxis can also be ordered from companies, for example, Radio Cars.
Stamps can be purchased from post offices and newsagents. Post Offices are generally open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am or 9.30 am to 5.30 pm or 12.30 pm.
NHS Direct on +44 121 0800 328 3205 can advise you about pharmacies with longer opening hours. Zenith Pharmacy Birmingham:
Country code: +44 Area code: 0121
240V/50Hz
Birmingham International Airport (BHX) is situated 13 kilometres east of Birmingham, only 10 minutes from the city centre. The adjacent train station is reached via a short trip on the free 'Air-Rail Link' monorail system and between 00:30 and 02:00 there is a courtesy bus running to the station. Trains then depart for Birmingham; there are 7 services per hour from Birmingham Airport. However, they run less frequently in the evenings and at the weekends, (no trains at nights). Tickets can be purchased at the station for the 10 minute long journey to New Street Station. Bus 97A (a 24/7 service) connects Birmingham City Centre to Birmingham Airport. Tickets can be bought on the bus service. Licensed taxis operate 24-hour, and located directly outside the arrivals area of the terminal building. You can book your taxi ride in advance by email or phone (email ctmukltd2016@gmail.com +44 (0) 7376 859 569).
In Birmingham, public transport consists of an extensive bus network and the inner suburbs are linked by local trains and trams. There are several different types of travel passes from which to choose, including a one-day rover pass. You can also pay your bus ticket when boarding the bus, but remember that you need to give the exact change. There are official bus stops scattered around Birmingham when wishing to board on a bus so hailing will not be necessary. For online timetables and fare information, check Network West Midlands website (www.networkwestmidlands.com/ways-to-travel/bus)
