Things to Do in Birmingham, UK

Located in the West Midlands region of England, Birmingham has many things to do. This major city features many landmarks from the Industrial Revolution and is a former manufacturing powerhouse. The city is also home to many canals, many of which radiate from Sherborne Wharf, a trendy district lined with trendy bars. You can also check out the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which features many pre-Raphaelite masterpieces.

Castle Bromwich is a 350-year-old formal garden

Set in ten acres of grounds, Castle Bromwich is one of the few remaining examples of the late 17th-century formal gardens of England. The gardens are a Grade II*-listed site and are run by an independent Charitable Trust. The garden is open to the public to enjoy. It is also a popular venue for weddings, workshops, and events.

If you're visiting Birmingham, make sure to visit the 350-year-old English garden at Castle Bromwich. It retains its original period style and is a popular venue for outdoor activities.

Cannon Hill Park

One of the most popular parks in Birmingham is Cannon Hill Park. Covering 250 acres, this park features formal gardens, woodlands, and sports facilities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, bowling, tennis, putting, and more. It also offers a variety of activities for children and adults alike.

The park contains 80 acres of formal parkland and 120 acres of conservation. There are also golf courses, bowling alleys, and a miniature golf course. There is also a wildlife centre and the Midlands Arts Centre, which hosts workshops, crafts fairs, and food markets.

The Bullring

The Bullring in Birmingham, UK is an important shopping area that got its name from the infamous bull-baiting and -slaughtering events that took place here in the past. Today, it is one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, attracting more than 30 million visitors a year.

The Bullring Centre is a mix of traditional open-air market stalls and a modern indoor shopping complex. It was opened to the public on May 29, 1964, by the Prince of Wales. When it opened, it included 150 stalls. It was surrounded by a ringroad and subways.

The Jewellery Quarter

Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter is an industry hub with over 100 diamond dealers and retailers. It's also home to the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, which is housed in a restored 1980s workshop. The Jewellery Quarter is also home to Georgian buildings and the 18th-century St. Paul's Church. A variety of restaurants, bars, and shops can be found in the area.

The Jewellery Quarter is considered a conservation area by the city council, but the council has allowed developers to develop mixed-use projects in the area. The development plans have included new buildings and refurbishments of existing buildings.

The Custard Factory

The Custard Factory is a creative workspace complex in the heart of Birmingham. It features independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. It is set in fifteen acres of factory buildings. It was built by Sir Alfred Frederick Bird (1849-1922), the son of Alfred Bird (1811-1878), to produce Bird's Custard. It was designed by Hamblins architects, and today, it is home to various cultural and creative events.

The Custard Factory is also home to the largest travelling vintage market in the UK. This event is popular with students, families and fashion enthusiasts. During the event, over 40 traders sell their second-hand fashion and accessories. The venue also features a theatre, a record shop and a music fanzine store.

The music scene

Birmingham is a diverse city with a vibrant music scene. The city's culture fostered innovative artists to collaborate with locals. During the mid-20th century, technology and geopolitical factors combined to create a unique and diverse music scene. Birmingham's famous beatniks and flowery psychedelic rock influenced the scene.

The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, where you can enjoy a varied selection of music from 60s Brumbeat to 90s superclubs. This vibrant music scene is fast establishing Birmingham as an excellent location for discovering new music. Its renowned Rainbow Venues collective features a number of lively music venues, and 'The Rainbow' is a more relaxed option for visitors.

The arts

For art lovers, Birmingham has a wealth of museums and art galleries. You can explore Pre-Raphaelite art in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, which was named Gallery of the Year by the Good Britain Guide in 2004. Other art galleries include the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, which is located in a neo-gothic former school, and the Ikon Gallery, which showcases contemporary art. You can also visit the Museum of Birmingham, which is home to more than 40 exhibition galleries.

The Grand Union is another cultural institution in Birmingham that offers free entry to the public. It has an extensive programme of exhibitions and events, including one that explores the concept of curation. Recent exhibitions include VOZ RARA, a season focusing on voice and communication. There are also talks by Sabel Gavaldon and workshops by Hamish Macpherson. In addition to these, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery offers regular exhibitions and family events. For those who want to explore the artistic side of the city, the annual Inspire art competition is held in the gallery.