Birmingham - what is there to do and see in Birmingham?

Jo4

What is there to do and see in Birmingham? I am going on holidays there from Thursday 6th August 2009 to Wednesday 12th August 2009? I have my accommodation booked but I was wondering what places should I make sure I visit, where are the nice places for eating and where should I avoid?

anna42hmr

hi, you have not advised much about yourself so will do a random note, but if you advise more about what you do/dont like then may be able to advise more taylored to you

ok evening entertainment - in birmingham city centre there is the birmingham hippodrome theatre (which has we will rock you on at the moment and will when you are there) the alexandra theatre, the birmingham rep theatre, the old rep theatre, then there is Jongleurs comedy story (broad street) and the glee club comedy club (china town) there are several cinemas, a casino, loads of bars and clubs. ther is also the birmingham nia, the symphony hall, the town hall and birmingham nec for concerts

day time entertainment - shopping in the city centre, bull ring, mail box etc

there is the birmingham museum and art gallery, the imax centre, the heritage houses (near the hippodrome) the sea life centre

in access from the city centre via public transport include soho house, aston hall, the cannon hill nature centre, cadbury world visitor centre, botanical gardens,

and even further out but easlily accessable include west midlands safari park, alton towers, drayton manor, stratford upon avon, warwick castle, the ackers centre, snow dome, black country museum etc
this will help you http://www.visitbirmingham.com/country_selector/

Alias_Omega

Cadburys chocolate factory (its in birmingham)

Drayton Manor (Near Tamworth)

Alton Towers (Near Stoke - 45mins away)



Chocolate factory is a must..

Jo4

anna42hmr wrote: »

hi, you have not advised much about yourself so will do a random note, but if you advise more about what you do/dont like then may be able to advise more taylored to you

My husband and I are visiting Birmingham as a couple because we do not have any children therefore we do not need any information on childrens activities. I am 32 years of age and my husband is 44 years old. We like most things apart from nightclubs because I am partially sighted and therefore I do not like going out at night in strange places. I am a tee totaller and hubby drinks on a very rare occasion.

Although I am partially sighted I have 6/6 vision in one eye which means I still see as much as most sighted people except I see in only one eye where as a lot of other sighted people see with both of their eyes. I should point out though that my husband does communicate with me through my hand if we are out in the dark due to me having limited night vision because of lasering.

We are going to the Mini 50 event on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August as hubby loves Minis. I hope this gives a clearer image of us and what we like.

Jo4

Alias_Omega wrote: »

Cadburys chocolate factory (its in birmingham)

Drayton Manor (Near Tamworth)

Alton Towers (Near Stoke - 45mins away)



Chocolate factory is a must..

I have to agree with you the chocolate factory is a must, even hubby agrees. I wonder how long we would need for visiting the factory as we are trying to do as much as possible when we are over.

I hope they have some chocolate tasting, must take a look at the website!! I am like a child in a sweetie shop.

moneysavingyvonne

Might not be of interest for you (it is for me and my partner - early / mid twenties!!) but their is West Midlands Safari Park not far which i really enjoyed.

HTH

Yvonne

p00hsticks

The Black Country Living Museum is close by

http://www.bclm.co.uk/index.htm

markandkate

Hi The Art gallery has some wonderful pre raphelite paintings and a beautiful edwardian tea rooms. The Botanical gardens are on the edge of the city. The cathedral also has lovely pre raphelite stained glass windows. the Ikon gallery in Oozells place has modern art and a highly rated tapas bar.

For eating in the city the Big Wok offers a superb chinese buffet for £4.99 all you can eat before 5.00pm £8.99 after.

In Hurst Street just below the Hippodrome are the Back to back houses, houses owned by the National Trust which have been restored to their original 1900's condition.

Mathew Boulton's house http://www.birminghamuk.com/sohohouse.htm is in Handsworth is reachable by bus and also there is the jewellery quarter museum http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/motjq.bcc a fascinating insight into the trade and also a short ride from the city centre. You may even find a bargain in one of the shops!

A walk round Brindley place and the rennovated canal basin is pleasant and there are a number of shops and bars. Bill Clinton famously stopped for a drink here.

We live not far away and visit the city regulalry so please ask if there is anything else you want to know

bestpud

p00hsticks wrote: »

The Black Country Living Museum is close by

http://www.bclm.co.uk/index.htm

I recommend you visit the Black Country Museum - it's a fab day out.

Cadbury World will be heaving in the school holidays so I'd book in advance rather than take a chance and end up waiting. I like it there, but it involves quite a lot of walking, and standing (more to the point), and lots of people say it is not what they expected - just to warn you!

loveabargin

How about the motorcycle museum in solihull not far from the nec here's the web link
http://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk/museum/photos.php

or maybe hire a barge for the day on the canal and have lunch/dinner at one of the pubs along the way.

have a good trip

bex2002

I would reccomend going to see we will rock you on tour - we see it in london and it is the must see musical and will be going to see it on tour when it hits bristol!!