Birmingham is a lovely city with a long and illustrious history, from the industrial heyday of the 18th century to its current status as the UK’s second-largest metropolitan area. As one of England’s most popular tourist destinations, there’s plenty to do and see for all the family. Whether you’re up for a stroll at Cannon Hill park or prefer a visit to Victoria Square, there’s something for everyone! Here are ten must-see attractions that you can find in Birmingham:
1- National Sea Life Centre
If you’re an aquarium fan, why not take a trip to the largest one in the Midlands? The National Sea Life Centre is home to over 60 incredible creatures, from sharks and stingrays to giant turtles! With numerous interactive displays, educational talks, and exciting animal feeds, this is the perfect place to learn more about the incredible marine life of our planet. The aquarium is just a ten-minute walk from the station, so it’s incredibly easy to get to if you’re visiting Birmingham for a short stay.
2- Birmingham City Centre
You can’t beat the hustle and bustle of Birmingham’s City Centre for a great day out. With its myriad of shops, restaurants and bars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Take a leisurely stroll around the streets, explore the incredible Victorian architecture or take a boat ride on the canal. The top picks include the Hotel Du Vin and Ikon Gallery for their fantastic food and art. In addition, there’s also the Birmingham City Centre path, a circular walkway perfect for getting the whole family outdoors.
3- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
The Birmingham museum and art gallery are the city’s most iconic attractions. If you’re an art lover, you can explore the incredible collections from Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary art. There are also plenty of interactive family activities and fascinating stories about the city’s history. Birmingham museum holds an extensive collection of artefacts, from Ancient Egyptian artefacts to a V2 rocket engine! Meanwhile, the art gallery teems with works from some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Monet and Picasso. Both museums are free to enter, making them an ideal option for a budget-friendly day out.
4- Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Situated right in the heart of Birmingham, these 15 acres of landscaped gardens offer a variety of attractions for visitors. Take a relaxing stroll through the manicured lawns or explore the stunning glasshouses and rockeries. There are also plenty of children’s play areas, an aviary and even an insect house! If you’re a family with young children, kids under 5 go free! Adult tickets are a modest £7.50, and visiting the Botanical Gardens is great value for money. They also like to keep it varied, offering numerous events throughout the year, such as live music and educational talks.
5- Black Country Living Museum
This open-air museum is one of the UK’s most popular attractions and a great way to see what life was like in Victorian Britain. The 26-acre site houses over 50 original buildings from the period and authentic steam locomotives and trams. You can also join in on traditional activities such as pottery making, oven stoking and even blacksmithing demonstrations. The museum hosts various events throughout the year, so check when you plan your visit!
6- Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
If you’re after a fun family day out, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Centre is a great place to take the family for an educational trip! It’s home to over 200 species of wildlife, including red pandas, lemurs, reptiles and many more! You can get close to incredible creatures with various interactive displays and talks. You can join in with the keeper talks and animal feeds during the summer months. The park also has a fantastic restaurant and shop, so you can stop for snacks if you need to be re-fuelled. Adult tickets cost £7.50, and kids are just £3.75, so this is perfect if you’re on a budget.
7- Escape Live Birmingham
If you’re looking for something interactive and different from typical tourist attractions, Escape Live is the perfect activity for your family and friends! This Escape Room Birmingham is the ultimate challenge for any group of friends or family. In each game, your team will be given an hour to solve puzzles and clues before you can make it out! Escape Live even offers a Peaky Blinders-themed room called ‘The Raid’. Work with your team to find incriminating evidence and dispose of it before the police catch you!
Make your next visit to Birmingham one to remember by trying out something new. If you’re not into Peaky Blinders, there are a range of different escape challenges, including Room 13, Dr Watson’s Office and even a Virtual Reality room! Escape Rooms are an excellent way to improve communication in the group, increase your problem-solving skills and strengthen relationships with your teammates!
If you’re interested in taking part in an escape room, get in contact with Escape Live today!
8- Birmingham Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter is one of the oldest in Europe, and it’s full of cobbled streets, interesting shops and iconic buildings like St Paul’s Church. It’s home to over 800 independent jewellery shops that offer everything from contemporary pieces to antique gems. There are also great places to eat and drink, such as the nearby Rose Villa Tavern and the historic Jewellery Quarter Bar. The jewellery quarter also holds regular events, including markets, live music and art exhibitions and is a historic part of Birmingham, renowned for its rich past and vibrant atmosphere.
9- Birmingham Science Museum
The Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is the perfect place to explore and learn. There are 10 interactive zones filled with hands-on activities and educational talks. These exhibits range from a Planetarium Simulation Room to a Rocket Engine Testing Facility – enabling visitors to get close and personal with a real rocket engine! It’s also home to several permanent exhibitions like the Bug House and the Human Body Gallery. This West Midlands museum also offers a variety of workshops and activities throughout the year, plus an IMAX cinema!
10- The Birmingham Institute of Fine Arts
The Birmingham Institute of Fine Arts is a great place to explore the city’s rich art history. It houses some of the region’s finest collections, ranging from classic old masters to modern abstracts. The gallery also holds regular exhibitions, workshops and events for all ages, making it perfect for families too! Admission is free, so you can enjoy a great day out without breaking the bank. The institute also has a fantastic gift shop where you can purchase beautiful art pieces, souvenirs and more!
We hope this blog has helped give you some ideas on places to visit! Next time you’re in Birmingham, be sure to take a look at these attractions and let us know what you think!
FAQs About Birmingham Attractions:
We’ve done our best to try and answer some of the most common questions about Birmingham attractions:
Is there anything fun to do in Birmingham?
Yes! There are plenty of fun activities to do in Birmingham, whether you’re alone or with family. The historical jewellery quarter, barber institute and contemporary art museum are just a few examples of the amazing range of attractions in Birmingham. If you’re looking for a fun and interactive experience, Escape Live is the place to visit! Not only will their escape rooms challenge your mind, but they’re also a great team activity for family and friends.
Is Birmingham good for tourists?
Absolutely. Birmingham is great for tourists visiting the city; there’s a range of amazing attractions for people of all ages!
Why is Birmingham called the black city?
Birmingham was nicknamed the black city during the industrial revolution. This was due to the colour of the coal that rose into the air. However, this is no longer the case as Birmingham has moved on from its industrial past and towards a more modern, eco-friendly future.
