Birmingham is one of Britain’s most cosmopolitan cities and its rejuvenated centre plays host to a vibrant cultural life as well as a first-rate restaurant scene.
Wander through its past and discover the proud industrial heritage of the city, showcased by a crop of exciting, cutting-edge buildings, from warehouses to an old custard factory, and its extensive network of canals, given a new lease of life in recent times.
Old and new art
The city’s famous Bull Ring has been revitalised over the past few years. Make time to visit the dazzling, space-age design of its splendid Selfridges department store. Take a brief stroll to the elegantly restored Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square, where you’ll find the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the city’s finest, with a stunning collection of Pre-Raphaelite art.
Further west, Gas Street Basin is the prettiest part of the city’s extensive canal system. Close by is Brindleyplace, a smart, brick-and-glass canal-side development made up of slick cafés and bars, street markets and summer festivals, and the acclaimed Ikon Gallery of contemporary art.
The jewel in the city’s crown
Birmingham’s famous and unique Jewellery Quarter is a wonderful place to explore and perhaps buy that special gift. This historic corner of Birmingham dates back over 200 years and remains the heart of the country’s vibrant jewellery industry, where an estimated 40 per cent of all British jewellery is lovingly crafted.
Today it is home to over 100 independent specialist retailers and craftspeople, many with their own workshops, where you might just find that little treasure you’ve been looking for.
For a glimpse of the city’s jewellery making heritage, head to the northern end of the neighbourhood to find the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. Built around a preserved workshop, you’ll be able to see where master craftsmen created stunning pieces of jewellery.
The museum also contains the 'Story of the Jewellery Quarter' which explores the history and development of the area, and 'Earth’s Riches' which displays a stunning collection of pieces fashioned from natural materials discovered across the world.
Tempt your tastebuds
With superb Michelin-starred spots and some of the best Indian restaurants in the land, you’ll find Birmingham's blooming restaurant scene second to none. Indulge in some high-quality cuisine and a bit of gastronomic adventure at the Michelin-starred Adam’s on Waterloo Street. Chef Adam Stokes has been wowing Birmingham diners with his contemporary twist on tantalising fine dining for years.
Birmingham is known the world over for its South Asian cuisine – curry houses, Balti restaurants and Indian restaurants are ready and waiting to be enjoyed across the city.
A cut above the rest is Itihaas. Situated between the city’s Jewellery Quarter and the Colmore Business District, it has long been a favourite with the corporate crowd. Now, though, it’s also attracting admiration from Birmingham’s foodies.
Step back in time
Only 45 minutes from Birmingham city centre via the M42 and M40 motorways, you’ll fall in love with historic Warwick. This small but perfectly formed town is famous for its imposing castle, but its charming streets, many of which were rebuilt following a great fire in 1694, are also well worth exploring.
Warwickshire is one of England’s most visited counties, known as ‘Shakespeare Country’, and 20 minutes south-west of Warwick you’ll stumble upon Stratford-upon-Avon, famed as the Bard’s birthplace. Discover Shakespearean delights and world-class theatre in this most cultured of towns.
Car hire in Birmingham gives you the key to unlock the treasures of the city, as well as the must-see spots within easy driving distance.
