What to do and see in Birmingham, England: The Best Things to do

December 17, 2021 Chanda Heide

The geographical heart of England, Birmingham started life as a sixth- century Anglo-Saxon village. Today, much of this city of over a million dates back to post-WWII redevelopment in the 1950s and 60s. Cutting edge museums and galleries, innovative theaters and excellent shopping have contributed to Birmingham's appeal as a weekend break destination. Don't miss the hopping bars and cafes of Gas Street Basin or the fascinating creatures at the National Sea Life Centre.
Restaurants in Birmingham

1. Symphony Hall

Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA England +44 121 780 3333 http://www.thsh.co.uk
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5.0 based on 2,739 reviews

Symphony Hall

Birmingham's world-famous acoustically refined 2262 capacity concert hall presents a diverse programme of jazz, world, folk, rock, pop and classical music concerts, organ recitals, spoken word, dance, family, educational and community performances each year, as well as conferences, graduation ceremonies, business meetings and major broadcasts.Symphony Hall is managed alongside sister venue Town Hall, by the registered charity Performances Birmingham Ltd, and is home to the Birmingham International Concert Season and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

2. Birmingham Back to Backs

50 - 54 Inge St / 55 - 63 Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TE England +44 121 666 7671 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birmingham-back-to-backs/
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5.0 based on 3,664 reviews

Birmingham Back to Backs

Reviewed By lesh244 - Birmingham, United Kingdom

Finally got around to booking (essential) in for the tour and was not disappointed, the rooms are so small that only a few people can be accommodated on each tour! Our guide was well informed and gave a very humourous guided tour During the 90 minute tour there are lots of narrow doorways and steep stairs, both up and down, to negotiate so you do need to be able bodied You are introduced to the ever changing history of the properties and its occupants with fascinating description of their lives and businesses There are lots of objects to see and handle to help you get a fuller picture of life in the back to back housing of the times There is a small museum to view and a visit to the sweet shop on the corner is an absolute must Please make sure to book so as not to be dissapointed when you are turned away, as all tours are fully booked, if you turn up on spec!

3 Congreve Passage Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DA England +44 121 348 8007 [email protected] http://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag
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4.5 based on 3,986 reviews

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

From Renaissance masterpieces and cutting edge contemporary art to Egyptian mummies and the iconic HP factory sign, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery showcases a world class collection and offers fascinating glimpses into Birmingham's rich and vibrant past. Highlights include the finest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art in the world and the largest find of Anglo-Saxon gold ever discovered - the Staffordshire Hoard. Don't miss the Birmingham History Galleries - packed with artefacts, local treasures and interactive displays that reveal captivating stories of Birmingham from the last 500 years.

Reviewed By vinblue - Birmingham, United Kingdom

Have visited Bmag many times and really enjoyed the Black Sabbath "Home of Metal" exhibition in Gas Hall, I met a friend who I escorted to the Edwardian tea room and she was blown away by the splendour and style of the tea room and can't wait to visit again and show her friends this fabulous facility on our doorstep.

4. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

75-80 Vyse Street Hockley, Birmingham B18 6HA England +44 121 348 8140 [email protected] http://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/jewellery
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4.5 based on 1,229 reviews

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

Discover the skill of the jeweller's craft and enjoy a unique tour of an original jewellery factory, which traces the 200-year history of the ancient crafting skills that made Birmingham the centre of the British jewellery industry.

Reviewed By RobertAndrewBrown1 - Birmingham, United Kingdom

This wonderful museum, contained within a time warp is a favourite of ours. Highlighting the heritage that founded the Jewellery Quarter and one particular family that owned the business unless the day it closed. It was left exactly as visitirs see it. Astonishing.

5. National Motorcycle Museum

Coventry Road Bickenhill, Solihull, Birmingham B92 0EJ England +44 121 704 2784 http://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk
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4.5 based on 1,041 reviews

National Motorcycle Museum

The National Motorcycle Museums award winning facilities provides a truly unique venue for your conference, seminar, banquet or function. Breathtaking displays of literally hundreds of fully restored British motorcycles are on hand to provide an extra attraction to your delegates. We aim to offer more than a unique venue, however. We know that the success of any function is dependent upon the backing and support of an experienced and caring staff. 13 luxuriously appointed and newly renovated suites, ranging from just 5 to up to 1000 delegates offer the flexibility to suite most requirements. The National Motorcycle Museum is at the hub of the country’s motorway system and rail network, with Birmingham International railway station just five-minutes taxi ride away. Access from everywhere within the UK is direct and overseas visitors praise the excellent international services provided at Birmingham Airport, which is less than two miles in distance away. The National Exhibition Centre is also near the Museum complex and we offer vast car parking facilities.Many of our clients are ‘blue-chip’ companies from home and overseas. They come back to us time after time – we know you will too, and look forward to seeing you to discuss your requirements in the near future.

Reviewed By Shaun9160

What a cracking day out! I joined as a friend last year after buying my father in law a membership for father’s day. We have attended the talk by Rick Partington on the evolution of bikes, with a fascinating guided tour of the museum as well as several visits under our own steam. Last Saturday afternoon we went to the Try a Classic Bike day and had the chance to ride a variety of British bikes with the highlight being a Brough SS100. We had a pre-ride briefing from James and his attitude was "If the bike breaks we have a team to fix it. Go out, enjoy and try not to fall off and hurt yourself". How refreshing in this current climate of health and safety overload. (Imagine a main dealer telling you this as you take a test ride in a bike you will probably buy). This was the best afternoon on 2 wheels I have had for a long time and I probably didn't go above 25 MPH. I was giggling like a child. The friend’s membership was 30 odd quid and there was a charge of £12.50 to cover insurance for the try a bike day. Adding this all up, a half day talk and tour with one of the most knowledgeable British Bike buffs in the country, free entry to the museum every day it is open and the opportunity to ride bikes I will never be in the position to buy in this condition, this is excellent value for money and I will definitely be renewing my membership as will my father in law. I would encourage anyone reading this to sign up and join in the fun. Shaun Lewis and Father in Law Mick James.

6. Birmingham Hippodrome

Hurst Street Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB England +44 844 338 5000 [email protected] http://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/
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4.5 based on 3,416 reviews

Birmingham Hippodrome

Birmingham Hippodrome is an independent, not-for-profit, registered charity. The unsubsidised Hurst Street based venue averages over 500,000 visits annually making it the most popular single auditorium in the UK. With no public revenue funding, it is home to Birmingham Royal Ballet and DanceXchange, presents all of Welsh National Opera's repertoire, welcomes the best in international dance, West End and Broadway musicals and is home to the world's biggest Pantomime. Birmingham Hippodrome is currently expanding its Creative Programme building on its successful work in schools and in the community, and with free outdoor performances. With partners including Arts Council England, Birmingham City Council and private funders, the Hippodrome has recently enjoyed co-producing and producing new events including Six Summer Saturdays, International Dance Festival Birmingham, The Voyage (for the London 2012 Festival) and Summer in Southside.

Reviewed By MJGUK - Solihull, United Kingdom

We went to see Circus and will be back soon for Snow White and Mamma Mia. Good seats, we always try for row M in the middle, far enough away but also close enough. Seats are comfy and you have enough space. Acoustics very good, no issues hearing. Friendly staff around, easy entrance process. Drinks are a bit pricey though. Looking forward to returning, lots of great shows.

7. Winterbourne House and Garden

Winterbourne Botanic Garden 58 Edgbaston Park Road University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2RT England +44 121 414 3003 [email protected] http://www.winterbourne.org.uk
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4.5 based on 1,078 reviews

Winterbourne House and Garden

The Garden, tea room and shop are open daily 10.30pm to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). The House remains closed until further notice. Restored to its Edwardian Arts and Craft splendour, Winterbourne House is a unique heritage attraction – set within seven acres of beautiful botanic gardens. Only minutes from Birmingham city centre, Winterbourne is a hidden gem – home to beautiful antiques and over 6,000 plant species from around the world. Wander along the woodland walk, stroll through the hazelnut tunnel, cross the 1930’s Japanese Bridge or simply soak up the tranquillity of this perfectly English Edwardian home.

Reviewed By hayla-lales - England, United Kingdom

Went here around four months ago with my friends. It's so beautiful and peaceful here. No noise from the city, it's in an almost countryfied area. Really lustrous, colourful gardens, with various little areas that are a little bit different and unique to each other. They have an orchard, a gorgeous Japanese bridge over a small pond, glass houses full of succulents and cacti, some really exquisite sites there, and all in its just a relaxing, pleasent walk through that you can take your time strolling around in, for as long as you want. House we couldn't see, but had some afternoon tea there and sat outside, good prices for tea and cake, really delicious as well. Not sure if the cakes are made there or bought in, or if they have the same cakes through the year or change the options around, but they have a good selection to pick from. Definitely will try and go back there when they're able to open the house to the public.

8. Library of Birmingham

Library of Birmingham 4 Centenary Square Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2ND England +44 121 242 4242 [email protected] http://www.libraryofbirmingham.com
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4.5 based on 3,754 reviews

Library of Birmingham

Reviewed By 520philliph

Visited many times , always impressive ! The architecture is evidently an acquired taste but I warm to it ! It is obviously a great place on learning but it has character as well ! It includes a stunning roof garden , an excellent music library & pleasant relaxing cafe !

9. Villa Park Stadium Tour

Trinity Road, Birmingham B6 6HE England +44 333 323 1874 http://www.avfc.co.uk/villa-park/stadium-toursl
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4.5 based on 1,112 reviews

Villa Park Stadium Tour

How do you fancy looking out onto Villa Park's hallowed turf? Or would you love to check out the first team dressing room? If the answer is yes, join us for an unforgettable day out at one of English football's most historic venues. Soak up the atmosphere and walk in the footsteps of Villa's finest players, both past and present, in an amazing experience which highlights the club's proud history. Take the manager's position on the bench and give your verdict on the game in the post-match interview room. Imagine the roar of the crowd as you emerge from the players tunnel and out into the 42,640 capacity stadium. Get a real feel for how the players prepare in the hours leading up to a match by paying a visit to the players lounge and dressing rooms. This exciting and informative tour allows access to areas that are only available to players and officials. We promise you a tour you will never forget, so have your cameras ready for those personal mementos of your visit.

Reviewed By Anthonygurney8691

Had this tour on Friday 30th October for my birthday day out with the Mrs and 2 family members,from start to finish this tour was absolutely amazing..???? the tour was made by the tour guide Mick,he was such an inspiration and showed pride in his job! I've cone away with some memories to treasure and some amazing pictures.. ???? would highly recommended this to any villa fan,great hospitality and friendly staff throughout..???????? many thanks Mick and Aston Villa one of the best days out in my life..UTV

10. Coffin Works

13-15 Fleet Street Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B3 1JP England +44 121 233 4790 [email protected] http://www.coffinworks.org
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4.5 based on 880 reviews

Coffin Works

A Victorian Coffin Fittings factory, restored by Birmingham Conservation Trust and opened as a museum in October 2014. The shelves and workbenches at Newman Brothers are full of original stock and tools of the trade. With the original machinery working again, you can truly experience how this old Jewellery Quarter firm once operated on a day-to-day basis, producing some of the world's finest coffin furniture, including the fittings for the funerals of Joseph Chamberlain, Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother.

Reviewed By neilb43431 - Birmingham, United Kingdom

The tour at the old Newman Brothers' factory brings to life little stories about the way of life of workers in Birmingham over a period of time. It just so happens these workers made coffins look good. Seeing the stamp room and understanding about processes, conditions and lifestyle through knowledgeable guides' (Leigh, in our case) stories and excellent demonstrations really bring the period to life. Case studies of workers and managers of the factory from the 1880s right through to its final owner and closure in 1997, you really to understand the importance of their work , their lives and their contribution. Thank you, Leigh, for an insightful and engaging tour. (Not one phone rang during the writing of this review - ha).

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