Birmingham is said to be Britain’s second city and has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. If you wish to take advantage of your visit to Birmingham to explore what the city and its surrounds have to offer when you are not on campus, visit https://visitbirmingham.com/ for full details but here are a few possibilities.
City Centre Attractions
Gas Street Basin - This is an area in the heart of the city where several canals meet that was once a thriving port. It is now a popular destination where you can see picturesque canal boats whilst enjoying the food and drink offered by the many bars, cafes and restaurants in the area.
Sightseeing tours Explore Birmingham, its history, its architecture and the thriving city it has become, by booking on to a walking tour or a canal tour.
Theatre, Dance, Music: Find out what’s on at one of Birmingham’s many prestigious venues such as:
Shopping: If retail therapy is your leisure activity of choice then Birmingham has plenty to offer you. Whether you are looking for high end brands or something more original explore beautiful arcades, historic markets and luxurious shopping centres. Or visits the world-famous Jewellery Quarter and buy a special gift from one of the 100 or more specialist retailers and craftspeople. Find out more.
Slightly Further Afield
The following attractions are all within a 45-minute drive from the university.
For Families
If you are bringing your family, there are some excellent attractions to keep you and them happy. These include:
Sightseeing tours Explore Birmingham, its history, its architecture and the thriving city it has become, by booking on to a walking tour or a canal tour.
Theatre, Dance, Music: Find out what’s on at one of Birmingham’s many prestigious venues such as:
- Birmingham Hippodrome
- Birmingham Royal Ballet
- City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
- Birmingham Rep
- The Electric Cinema
- MAC Midlands Arts Centre
Shopping: If retail therapy is your leisure activity of choice then Birmingham has plenty to offer you. Whether you are looking for high end brands or something more original explore beautiful arcades, historic markets and luxurious shopping centres. Or visits the world-famous Jewellery Quarter and buy a special gift from one of the 100 or more specialist retailers and craftspeople. Find out more.
Slightly Further Afield
The following attractions are all within a 45-minute drive from the university.
- Shakespeare's Birthplace
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage
- Warwick Castle
- Black Country Living Museum Over fifty shops, houses and workshops have been carefully reconstructed in a canal side village and bring the history of this industrial area to life.
- National Trust At least 10 National Trust properties are within about a 45-minute drive from the university campus.
For Families
If you are bringing your family, there are some excellent attractions to keep you and them happy. These include:
- Thinktank - Birmingham Science Museum This is an award winning family friendly science museum that includes a child-sized mini city, a planetarium and lots of interactive activities through which to learn about, science, Birmingham’s industrial past, steam engines, trains, cars, planes and dinosaurs
- National SEA LIFE Centre See over 2,000 creatures and experience some of them at close quarters in the UK’s only 360 ocean tunnel!
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Provides children with thousands of LEGO bricks to play with, a soft play area, 2 rides and a 4D cinema.
- Cadbury World Set in the grounds of the original Cadbury factory this attraction offers and exciting day out. You’ll learn how your favourite confectionery is made, have a go yourself at tempering chocolate, ride in a Cadbury Creme Egg airship piloted by the Caramel Bunny and much more.