In the UK, we’re approaching the bank holiday season -for my non-UK readers, this is a time when the majority of UK employees are given days off by to celebrate holidays and events.
With two long weekends coming up, I am considering taking a road trip to my Midlands neighbour, Birmingham, to what the city has to offer. I have been a few times, but only to attend events like music gigs or football matches.
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Images: telegraph.co.uk & BBC |
Browsing through some of my favourite travel sites and blogs, I am beginning to see that Birmingham is actually a city with a lot to offer. So, I thought this would be a handy little blog post for anyone wanting to plan a short city break.
Places to Stay
From the Chinese Quarter to the Town Hall, like most cities, Birmingham has a lot of places for people to stay on any budget. Whilst looking around on price comparison sites, the
IBIS Birmingham* hotels were coming back at the best price for me and with pretty good locations too.
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Image:Ibis |
You can also ask the advice of the Visit Birmingham team on
places to stay throughout the city.
Places to See
From historical quarters to a little retail therapy at the enormous Bull Ring Shopping Centre, Birmingham offers something for everyone. I have chosen my top three places to see, but you can choose from over
190 things to do in Birmingham over on Trip Advisor.
Cadbury World
Calling ALL choc-o-holics! If you’re in love with chocolate (candy) and want a taste of true British chocolate, then you need to go to
Cadbury World in Birmingham. Booking online gives you 5% off, making adult prices £15.15, child prices (4-15) £11.12 or family tickets (2+2) £46.36.
Jewellery Quarter
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Image: Jewellery Quarter |
They do say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and I know so many people who have ventured to the famous
Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham for a gift or engagement ring.
If you're feeling a little flush or just want to see all the sparkly jewels then make sure you pay a visit. This place has been around for over 250 years and is still home to over 500 jewellery businesses.
Botanical Gardens
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Image: Birmingham.gov |
I love fresh flowers in the spring time, as it reminds me of being a kid and my grandparents planting flowers and seeds in their / our gardens. I think this is why I’m partial to visiting a beautiful botanical garden like the one in Birmingham.
Open every day, but Christmas and Boxing Day, the
Birmingham Botanical Gardens have everything from glass houses to tearooms to tropical rainforests.
Places to Eat
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Image: Daily Mail |
Birmingham has such a diverse collection of bars and restaurants to eat it, which even have their own designated areas. First up is the tantalising
Balti Triangle – which is home to a variety of authentic family-run Asian restaurants.
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Image: Visit Birmingham |
If you're in the mood for yummy Chinese or Malaysian food, then there's an option to visit the vibrant
Chinatown area to enjoy their restaurants, cafes, bars and bakeries.
For a little more fine-dining, then Birmingham has a number of restaurants that have been awarded Michelin star, like
Purnell’s Bistro. Located close to the St Phillips Cathedral, this delightful little place combines a chic customers and contemporary fine-dining.
So there you have it, if you have any 'must-see' sites that I have to visit in Birmingham, then please pop me a tweet over at
@EatTravelLove!