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Birmingham

View over Birmingham city centre at dusk, with landmark buildings, modern and historic architecture.

Birmingham

England’s second city, Birmingham is packed full of exciting attractions, from a state-of-the-art library to a world-class shopping centre and even Cadbury World - a real-life chocolate factory.

Birmingham at a glance

  • Visit Birmingham and indulge your inner kid at Cadbury World, the famous chocolate factory where you can order a liquid pot of choc with your choice of sweet treat added, from marshmallows to moreish candies.

  • Home to many architectural gems, the futuristic Library of Birmingham and gleaming Selfridges Bullring shopping centre are two modern triumphs not to be missed.

  • The city is renowned for its dining scene, which ranges from the flavourful family-run eateries of Balti Triangle to its Michelin-star restaurants.

  • For something a little different, explore the city by canal boat – Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice and there’s plenty of beautiful scenery to take in. While you're at it, why not visit the National Sea Life Centre and be wowed by the marine life on display?

  • Did you know? Around 40 per cent of British jewellery is made in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. The historic district is the perfect place to pick up pieces direct from makers’ workshops.

  • You might like to stay here a night or 2 on your way to the home of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon, which is 1 hour south by train.

  • VisitBirmingham  offers a wealth of useful information to help plan your trip.

  • Birmingham is a convenient 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London. It also has an international airport.
The Mailbox is a landmark building, an ex-sorting office and now the BBC Birmingham offices.
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Britain’s second largest city, Birmingham is the industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart. Satisfy fashion fever at the Bullring or Mailbox Malls or head from the train straight to the shops, at the achingly cool Grand Central complex. Follow the footsteps of Cillian Murphy and co. on a Peaky Blinders city tour, or indulge your sweet tooth at Cadbury World. Get creative at the Custard Factory - the former home of Bird’s Custard that’s now home to up-and-coming designers, artists and independent cafes and bars, or enjoy a taste of Edwardian history at Winterborne House and Garden.  From cruising down the city’s forgotten underground canals with an expert guide to checking out the home of the BBC, or celebrating the city’s eclectic cuisine with an unforgettable meal on the Balti Triangle, Birmingham’s blindingly brilliant!

How to discover another side of Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

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Where is Birmingham?

Snug in the heart of the West Midlands, Birmingham is a two-hour train ride from London. It’s also home to Birmingham International Airport, which is served by major airlines including Air India, Qantas and Emirates.

Getting around Birmingham

  • With two major stations – Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International – it’s easy to reach the city by train from destinations across Britain. Chiltern Railways serve Birmingham Moor Street station from London Marylebone
  • An extensive bus, tram and train network means it’s easy to travel around Birmingham 24/7
  • Keen cyclist? With traffic free bicycle routes aplenty, Birmingham’s beautiful when explored by bike

BY TRAIN

Find the best fares and discounts for train travel around Birmingham and the region at West Midlands Railway.

BY BIKE

Fancy sightseeing as a cyclist? Check out the city’s best cycling routes and all the bike hire options at PushBikes.

BY TRAM

Want to travel by tram or bus? Visit Swift and discover the easiest way to pay as you go for single, return and day travel tickets.