1. The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory is an arts and media complex in the heart of Birmingham’s creative quarter, Digbeth. The complex is home to a variety of independent shops, galleries, studios and restaurants. From arts and crafts to design and fashion, there’s something here for everyone.
2. The Bullring Shopping Centre
The Bullring is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the UK. The centre boasts over 160 stores, including high street favourites, designer boutiques and department stores.
3. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is the city’s premier museum and art gallery. It features a range of exhibits, including art, history, and natural history. Highlights include the Pre-Raphaelite collection, the Staffordshire Hoard, and works by Picasso and Van Gogh.
4. The Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter is a historic neighbourhood that’s home to over 100 independent jewellers, many of whom have been operating for generations. Here you can purchase unique jewellery pieces, learn about the history of jewellery making and even have a go at making your own.
5. Cadbury World
Cadbury World is a must-visit attraction for chocolate lovers. The tour takes visitors through the history of chocolate, from the origins of the cocoa bean to the manufacturing of Cadbury’s famous chocolate bars. You can even taste some of the sweet treats along the way.
6. The National Sea Life Centre
The National Sea Life Centre is a fascinating attraction that’s home to over 2,000 marine creatures, including sharks, rays and sea turtles. Visitors can take a walk through the glass tunnel that runs through the main tank and get up close with some of the ocean’s most fascinating inhabitants.
7. The Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle that’s been beautifully preserved and is now open to the public. The castle features stunning architecture, beautiful gardens and interactive exhibits that bring the history of the castle to life.
8. The Library of Birmingham
The Library of Birmingham is not just a place to borrow books, it’s an architectural wonder too. The building is a stunning modernist structure, with an impressive facade and a rooftop garden with panoramic views of the city.
9. The Black Country Living Museum
The Black Country Living Museum is an open-air museum that takes visitors back in time to the 19th and 20th centuries. Here you can learn about the region’s industrial heritage, meet costumed characters, and watch skilled craftsmen at work.
10. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a beautiful 15-acre green space that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. The gardens feature a range of themed areas, including an arid desert, an exotic rainforest and a tranquil Japanese garden.
These are just a few of the many things to do and see in Birmingham. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that the city is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, or simply relaxing in a beautiful green space, Birmingham has something for everyone.