Top 5 Reasons to visit Birmingham, England

*This is a sponsored guest post, not written by me*

As England’s second largest city, Birmingham became an Industrial powerhouse in the 18th Century, and is now the main urban centre for the Midlands. Once described as “the first manufacturing town in the world” and “the City of a Thousand Trades”, Birmingham has rapidly become a must-visit destination in the UK. Here are five reasons why.


  1. The Beautiful Canals


Home to a more extensive canal network than even Venice, covering some 35 miles, these waterways were the lifeblood of Birmingham during its Industrial heyday. Modern developments like Brindleyplace are injecting a new lease of life into the watery veins of the city, attractions such as the Arena Birmingham and the Crescent Theatre. Ambling along the tow-paths is a pleasant, relaxed way to take in the city, complete with several waterside bars and restaurants to keep you going!


  1. To Watch Aston Villa Football Club


Founded in 1874, Aston Villa are one of the oldest football teams in the world, and have played at their current home ground of Villa Park since 1897. The club were one of the founding members of the first football league competition in the world - the Football League - which began play in 1888. In their storied history, Aston Villa has won the FA Cup seven times, and their bitter rivalry with city neighbours Birmingham City has raged since 1879. Having played in the Premier League since its inception in 1992, Villa were relegated in 2016. However, they marked their return this season with a stunning win over defending champions Liverpool. See the website Seat Compare for Aston Villa tickets, upcoming fixtures and Villa Park stadium guide.


  1. The rich and important history


Birmingham boasts several hallmarks of its Industrial past, including Birmingham Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1715. Other stunning historical sites include Aston Hall, a 17th Century Jacobean country house, and the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower. Finished in 1908 to commemorate the first chancellor of Birmingham University, the monument is recognised as the tallest free-standing clock tower in the world. City museums such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter provide fascinating insights into the history of the city.


  1. Amazing Entertainment


Rapidly becoming one of the UK’s most famous shopping capitals, Birmingham is home to the Bullring, one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, alongside entertainment venues such as the Hippodrome, Barclaycard Arena and Birmingham Town Hall. The Mailbox, a luxury retail and dining centre near the iconic Gas Street Basin area, is close to the canals. Britain’s oldest operating cinema, the Electric Cinema, resides near the Bullring, and celebrated its 110th birthday in 2019.


  1. First Class food and drink


England’s Second City is also making waves as a prime destination for foodies, thanks to an impressive array of world-class restaurants and bars. Birmingham houses five Michelin Star restaurants, trailing only London. Establishments such as Simpsons, Carters, and Turners provide fine-dining experiences, while bars like The Jekyll and Hyde in Steelhouse Lane and The Button Factory in the Jewellery Quarter keep the cocktails flowing late into the night.



1 comment:

  1. I've never really been to Birmingham, just through it, but you've given me a lot of reasons to change that asap! It looks like a really fun and vibrant city, and I had no idea about the canals either! I definitely need a trip there when lockdown is over!
    Beth x Adventure & Anxiety

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