Car Rental Birmingham

A quick guide to Birmingham

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. 

Driving in and around Birmingham

Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, hiring a car is a great way to get around as Birmingham is fairly easy to navigate by road.

It is ringed by major motorways on all sides. The M5 passes the city on its western edge and meets the M6, which approaches from the north-eastern side of the city and runs around its northern boundary.

The M42 branches off from the M5 and heads east, skirting the southern edge of the city, before it runs north-east, passing the turn-off for Birmingham Airport at Junction 6.

The airport is a 40-minute drive from the city centre, via the M42, M6 and A38, or alternatively heading due west on the A45. You should note that the motorways that surround the city can get congested during morning and evening rush hours, so it’s worth planning your journeys in advance.

The M5 is the main access route for all points south and west and leads directly to the city of Bristol. If you’re heading north, the M6 toll road is a handy way to avoid the traffic on the M6.

It runs in a north-westerly direction between Junction 9 of the M42 and Junction 11 of the M6. Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon are situated on either side of the M40, which is reached off the M42.

There are numerous car parks dotted around the city centre, making it easy to see the central sights and do some shopping without too much fuss.

In the UK you’ll drive on the right. Speed limits are usually set at 70mph (112km/h) on motorways and dual carriageways, 50mph (80km/h) on single carriageways and 30mph (48km/h) or lower in residential and built-up areas.