birmingham city away travel

Don’t just take our word for it when it comes to the best ways to get there, where to park, where to stay, or which pub to go when you’re going to see your team play Birmingham City away. Find out what other away fans thought of their visit to St Andrews in our away day reviews.

You can share your own away day experience by sending us a review. Let us know how you travelled to the ground, which pubs you visited, where you ate, what you thought of the stadium, and anything else that might interest other away fans.

You can email your review (plus any photos) to [email protected] or by filling in our online review form here .

Birmingham City v QPR - 02/01/2022

Review by qpr fan lukas, why did you choose to go to this game and why were you looking forward to it.

Birmingham is a popular away day and being on 2nd January stood out in the calendar. Prior to the game, me, my dad and my mate had never done Birmingham away so it was a new experience for all involved.

How did you travel to the game and how easy was it?

Me and my dad drove up from Buckinghamshire, with the journey taking just under two hours up the M40.

If you drove, was it easy to find car parking and make your way to the stadium?

We parked at the Morrisons adjacent to the ground, about a 2-3 minute walk from the away turnstile.

Where did you eat on your away day and was it good value?

We ate at a local chain called Big Johns which was very good. Wish they had it down south.

What did you think of the food and drink available inside the ground?

Only had a Bovril which was solid as per usual.

What did you think of the away end and your view of the game?

View was unrestricted.

What was the atmosphere like during the match?

The atmosphere in the away end was electric, a sellout. The home end was dead.

How friendly were the home fans out of 10?

How easy did you find it to get away from the stadium after the game.

Getting out and back to the car was easy, it took us a very long time to get out the car park though. Once out of the car park, it took us two hours to get home, including a quick stopover at Cherwell Valley services on the M40.

Would you recommend this away day to other fans?

Photo’s submitted from away fans on their visit to Birmingham City:

11 small towns, beaches + natural areas to visit within a day’s drive from Birmingham

• LAST UPDATED 12/29/20

I don’t know about you, but after months of quarantine, a road trip has never sounded SO. GOOD. Luckily, Birmingham is only a day’s drive from some of the country’s most stunning sights. Here are 11 places within a 6-hour drive from Birmingham to consider exploring if you’re planning a summer + fall adventure.

Opening up to Travel + Tourism

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ⓖⓡⓐⓨⓣⓞⓝ Ⓑⓔⓐⓒⓗ (@grayton.beach)

As states are slowly beginning to reopen, travel is back on the table. But for many, big cities and metro areas aren’t as appealing as they used to be. Considering the risks with COVID-19, it makes sense that people would rather travel by car and explore smaller towns and natural destinations—and studies are confirming this idea.

According to a survey conducted by RentCafe , results show that “travel searches for all popular U.S. vacation destinations were down 64% in March and April 2020 compared to the same time last year.” But some searches were less affected than others including small towns, beaches and natural areas.

If you’re ready for a summer adventure here are 11 quaint towns, white-sand beaches and mountain views all less than 6 hours from Birmingham to explore—with plenty of outdoor and social-distance-friendly options.

*NOTE: Some of these attractions and destinations may be closed to visitors at the moment. Before making any travel plans, make sure to confirm attractions are open and welcoming visitors.

1. Memphis, TN  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beale Street (@bealestreetmemphis)

• Driving Distance: 3.5-hour drive (238 mi)
• Where to Eat: Memphis BBQ is a must. We recommend The Rendevouz or Central BBQ .
• Most Instagrammable Spots: With so many iconic attractions, most of Memphis would make a good Insta post. A few of our favorite photogenic spots are Elvis Presley’s Graceland , Mud Island Park and of course the Beale Street District .
• Fun Fact: Memphis, Tennessee is named after the ancient Egyptian capital bearing the same name. And if you visit, keep an eye out for the Memphis Pyramid (now a Bass Pro Shops megastore) for a fun photo-op.

2. Blue Ridge, GA  

• Driving Distance: 3.5-hour drive (232 mi)
• Where to Eat: Indulge in local eats with Southern flair at The Black Sheep . Located in Blue Ridge’s Historic Butt House downtown, you’ll get a delicious meal with lots of character.
• Most Instagrammable Spot: Take a hike with a view Benton Falls . The 1.5-mile trail (each way) is an easy hike, and the 65-foot high waterfall is picture-perfect.
• Fun Fact:  The Blue Ridge Mountains cross six different states including: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

3. Vicksburg, MS  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Morton (@monkmoose)

• Driving Distance: 4-hour drive (278 mi)
• Where to Eat: Get views + good eats all in one place at 10South, a rooftop bar atop the First National Building in downtown Vicksburg.
• Most Instagrammable Spot: The Vicksburg Bridge provides stunning views of the Mississippi River—It’s a must-see.
• Fun Fact:  During the Civil War, Vicksburg was a key Confederate river-port. Its surrender to Ulysses S. Grant in July 1863 marked the turning-point of the war.

4. Calhoun Falls, SC  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Discover South Carolina (@discover_sc)

• Driving Distance: 4-hour drive (272 mi)
• Where to Eat: Grab a dog, bag of chips, soda and homemade ice cream at The Rough House, a hot dog joint in nearby Abbeville that’s been around for 85+ years.
• Most Instagrammable Spot: Camp under the stars at Calhoun Falls State Park . The 318-acre oasis is situated around Lake Russell and offers all kinds of outdoor fun including camping, kayaking, boating, swimming, hiking and fishing. 
• Fun Fact:  Abbeville, west of Calhoun Falls, is the location of the tallest building in South Carolina—the Prysmian Copper Wire Tower. It was built in 2009 and stands 373 ft tall with 30 floors.

5. Grayton Beach, FL

• Driving Distance: 4-hour drive (246 mi)
• Where to Eat: Along 30A, you’ll have no trouble finding good eats. One of our favorites is The Red Bar , an iconic spot in Grayton Beach that’s currently being rebuilt after a fire last year. If you’re making plans to visit sooner, the Hibiscus Cafe is a must-try.
• Most Instagrammable Spot: Bring the ~summer vibes~ to your Insta feed with photos of Grayton Beach’s sugar-white sand and emerald green waves.
• Fun Fact: Grayton Beach was recently named the number one beach in America by Stephen P. Leatherman, or “Dr. Beach”— a coastal scientist known for his annual beach rankings.

8. Ocean Springs, MS  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by P Cu (@kaijucu13)

• Driving Distance: 4.5-hour drive (312 mi)
• Where to Eat: Chow down on fresh oysters and delicious steak at Charred , and make sure to stop by The Tato-Nut Donut Shop to try their popular Katrina Pieces .
• Most Instagrammable Spot: You can’t visit Ocean Springs without spending a day at Front Beach. Catch some rays, and stay for a stunning sunset over Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. 
• Fun Fact:  Rumored to be a hideout for Al Capone and a summer haven for Elvis Presley, the  Gulf Hills Hotel is an iconic spot in Ocean Springs.

7. Land Between the Lakes, KY

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paul Heckel (@heckeloutside)

• Driving Distance: 4-hour drive (287 mi)
• Where to Eat: Dine on the water at Cindy’s on the Barge—a marina diner with lots of Kentucky charm.
• Most Instagrammable Spot: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area . Fish, swim, and boat around Kentucky Lake and explore the 360-square-mile peninsula—the second-largest inland peninsula in America.
• Fun Fact: The national recreation area includes a 700-acre Elk & Bison Prairie where visitors can explore by driving a 3.5-mile paved loop road.

8. Gatlinburg, TN

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Gatlinburg (@visitgatlinburg)

• Driving Distance: 5-hour drive (299 mi)
• Where to Eat: For a sweet treat, visit The Donut Friar in downtown Gatlinburg. The quaint donut shop has been serving up delicious desserts since 1969. 
• Most Instagrammable Spot: For some of the most breathtaking views head to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail to the top is 1-mile roundtrip, and on a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles in every direction. 
• Fun Fact:  Gatlinburg, originally named White Oak Flats, got its name from Radford Gatlin—a man who moved to the area and opened a general store with a post office inside. Also, he may or may not have been hated by his neighbors and chased out of town.

9. Fort Morgan, AL  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andy Sinclair (@je.davisdesigns)

• Driving Distance: 5-hour drive (298 mi)
• Where to Eat: Enjoy a colorful meal at Tacky Jacks where you can fill up on fresh seafood, catch stunning sunsets and live like a local for a bit.
• Most Instagrammable Spot: Located at the end of the Fort Morgan Peninsula, the Fort Morgan Historic Site was built in the early 1800s and is a must-see if you visit. Bonus points if you own a drone because the aerial view is pretty dang cool.
• Fun Fact:  The fort played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864, and was used intermittently through the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II.

10. Asheville, NC

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Biltmore (@biltmoreestate)

• Driving Distance: 5.5-hour drive (372 mi)
• Where to Eat: You won’t have any trouble finding impressive eats in Asheville. Their food scene, dubbed “Foodtopia” is extremely diverse and unique. Curate , Plant and Chai Pani are just a few favorites.
• Most Instagrammable Spot: Did you really visit Asheville if you didn’t visit the Biltmore ? The iconic mansion is a must-see. But if an 8,000-acre mountain oasis isn’t really you’re thing, the Blue Ridge Mountain scenic drives are just as Instagram worthy—and they’re free.
• Fun Fact:  Don’t forget your wine glass because there are 15 wineries within 50 miles of Asheville.

11. Savannah, GA  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Tybee (@visittybee)

• Driving Distance: 5.5-hour drive (394 mi)
• Where to Eat: A few of our favorites include Vic’s on the River , brunch at Gryphon , and The Olde Pink House .
• Most Instagrammable Spot: How can we pick? Every inch is Instagrammable —from the downtown streets all the way to the Tybee Island lighthouse. There’s so much to explore here and we’re sure your Instagram followers won’t mind the Savannah spam.
• Fun Fact: Remember that scene in Forrest Gump where Tom Hanks’ character talks about how “life was like a box of chocolates?” That was filmed in Savannah!

Have summer travel plans already locked in? We want to know where you’re heading! Tag us in all your adventures at @bhamnow on Facebook + Instagram or @now_bham on Twitter!

Hannah Chambley

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One Day In Birmingham Itinerary – Top Things To Do In Birmingham, England

When visiting England, most people immediately think of London. However, the truth is that many other cities in the country have a whole lot to offer. Birmingham is the perfect example of that – it may not be at the very top of your list of places to visit, but once you do, you will be extremely happy you decided to go. Loads of history, beautiful canals, incredible musical heritage… These are just some of the reasons to spend at least one day in Birmingham. Oh, and it’s an absolute foodie paradise. Find out all about these and many other Birmingham features in the rest of this itinerary.

What’s the best time to visit Birmingham, England?

Birmingham is a good example of typical English weather, so the best time to visit it would be summer. Summers here are warm but not very hot, so it will be quite pleasant to walk the city streets and explore what they have to offer (do be prepared for rain, though). Not to mention that this is the time of the year when Birmingham is at its liveliest.

Winters are relatively cold and snowy, while springs and autumns usually have much lower temperatures than summer. That being said, coming here outside of peak season will get you better hotel deals.

As far as events are concerned, the Foodies Festival in June is one of the big things to watch out for, and the Mostly Jazz Soul & Funk Festival in July is ideal if you want to enjoy some good music. Birmingham also boasts a huge Pride event, and the German Christmas Market is ideal if you’re here during the winter holidays. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the events you can visit, and no matter when you come here, you’ll have plenty of options to have fun.

A few facts about Birmingham

You may be surprised to know that Birmingham is actually the second-largest city in the UK – with over 1.1 million people in the city proper and more than four million people in the wider metropolitan area, it is second only to London.

Many incredibly popular food brands were born in this city, chief among them Cadbury Chocolate, but also Bournville Drinking Chocolate, HP Sauce and Typhoo Tea.

People from Birmingham are called Brummies. Don’t let that word confuse you if you hear it around here. The locals called the city Brummagem, so this is where the name Brummies originates from.

Black Sabbath and Judas Priest are just some of the world-famous bands that were founded here, and two of Led Zeppelin’s founding members also come from the city. Birmingham is actually considered by many to be the cradle of heavy metal, but it has left quite a mark in other music genres, as well.

The game of tennis was invented in Edgbaston in Birmingham, and this is also where the first match was played.

Birmingham has more canals than Venice!

More than one third of the people living here are younger than 25, which makes Birmingham the youngest city in Europe. Additionally, this means that you can be sure you will be able to find a great place to go out and have a fantastic time.

One day in Birmingham Itinerary

T he second-largest city in England is a fantastic place to visit, especially for young people because there are A LOT of places to enjoy at night around here. But older travelers and even families will find plenty of sights to keep their one day in Birmingham incredibly interesting and busy. Follow this itinerary and you will discover some truly amazing places.

Start in with the canals

As mentioned above, Birmingham has more canals than Venice, so the best way to get a feel of the city early in the morning is to take a walk exploring this maze. Gas Street Basin is in the center of the network, and here you can see traditional narrowboats on the water and plenty of bars and cafes around you. It’s a great way to see how the city gradually developed because this location represents the perfect blend of the old and the new. From here, head northeast towards the main square.

Take a moment and enjoy the city center

You will want to start your one day in Birmingham in the city center. Not only is it very pedestrian-friendly, but it also has quite a lot of excellent places to visit, all within walking distance from each other. Victoria Square is the very heart of the city, and you can sit down for a morning coffee or a cup of tea in several nearby places.

Edwardian Tea Rooms is certainly one of the most interesting places for that, Second Cup is also very good, and there are a few bakeries around if you want to pick up a quick breakfast.

Visit the Town Hall

While at Victoria Square, you will definitely notice a very peculiar building that looks more like a Roman temple. But this is actually Birmingham Town Hall, built in 1834. It’s an absolute masterpiece and one of the most important buildings in town from an architectural point of view, so it would really be a pity not to check it out. The place also hosts events, especially concerts (The Rolling Stones have performed here, for example), and even Charles Dickens had readings here.

Enter Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Another major Birmingham sight is Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery , also right there on Victoria Square. This exquisite institution opened its doors at the end of the 19th century and is considered to be one of the best museums in England.

You will learn a lot about the city’s history, but you can also check out a collection of no less than 6000 wooden items and numerous incredible pieces of art. The gift shop is a great place to pick up a souvenir, and the aforementioned Edwardian Tea Rooms are also here. You won’t regret coming here!

Grab a nice lunch

All of this running around will probably have made you hungry by now, so get yourself something nice to eat in one of the nearby restaurants – there are some really good ones in the wider city center. Grand Central Kitchen is very much recommended if you want something quick and delicious (a sandwich or a pizza), and on the other hand, Adam’s Restaurant will provide you with a wonderful fine dining experience.

Turtle Bay Birmingham offers Caribbean dishes, cocktails and a killer barbecue, but you will find a variety of different restaurants within a radius of just a few hundred meters – vegan, Thai, Polish, seafood… whatever you feel like having, it’s there!

Don’t forget about the central library

A great thing about spending one day in Birmingham is that it’s relatively easy to come up with the itinerary – so many important places are right here in the city center. The Library of Birmingham is just across the street from the Museum and Art Gallery, on Centenary Square, and you can’t miss it thanks to its modern design.

This is actually the largest public library in Europe and it holds the largest collection of Shakespeare’s volumes on the continent, too. It was opened in 2013, it has a cafe and a gift shop, and it’s definitely deserving of a place on this list.

See what life used to be like

Back to Backs is one of the most popular Birmingham attractions, and you really should find time to visit them. These small houses vividly show you what life was like for an average citizen in the middle of the 19th century and what problems they needed to face. It really is an enlightening experience that clearly shows the effects of the Industrial Revolution. Oh and there’s a great sweet shop here, an old-fashioned establishment that fits in perfectly.

Explore the Jewelry Quarter

The Jewelry Quarter really needs to be a part of this itinerary because it’s an incredibly charming and fascinating part of this city. Located just northwest of Victoria Square, this is an area where you will find dozens, if not hundreds of jewelers and similar shops (be on the lookout for some great deals!). But it is also brimming with history, and all those red buildings take you back in time almost instantly. A great place to just come for a stroll and maybe pick up a souvenir or two, but you can also sit down for a drink in one of the bars. Really a place to relax and enjoy Birmingham.

Sit for a drink or go clubbing

Birmingham is an excellent place if you’re looking for something fun to do in the evening. There are all kinds of bars to choose from, plenty of very special restaurants and many excellent nightclubs to dance your night away.

The Wizard Brunch and Dinner , for example, creates a very special dining experience for all of its guests, while Birmingham Bierkeller is the place to go if you want to have some serious fun with a pint of lager in your hand. Broad Street is a whole area you can check out for bars and clubs, and The Jam House keeps things nice and easy with plenty of groovy beats.

Mind you, this is just the beginning, so do try and explore a bit and you’ll be amazed by what you can find.

Where to stay in Birmingham?

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Colmore Row Birmingham, Birmingham, B3 2BS

The Grand Hotel Birmingham is a five-star beauty located in a sensationally beautiful building. Close to the city center, but at the same time in a quiet neighborhood, it will amaze you from the moment you set foot in it. Luxurious rooms with fantastic beds, an excellent fitness center, a great bar and an extremely delicious English breakfast are just some of the highlights. With a bit of luck, you’ll get a room with a splendid view and come as close to a perfect stay in Birmingham as humanly possible. If you’re looking for luxurious accommodation, you simply have to choose this!

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Aloft Birmingham Eastside

4 Woodcock Street, Birmingham, B7 4BL

Stylish, modern, and at a great location, Aloft Birmingham Eastside has absolutely everything you need for a pleasant stay in this wonderful city. The rooms’ features go from private bathrooms to kettles and fridges, the view is excellent, and you can even enjoy some evening entertainment in the hotel. Furthermore, their English breakfast is great, the same as their fitness center, plus you are also allowed to bring in pets. Excellent value for money, you certainly won’t regret booking a room here!

Holiday Inn Express – Birmingham – City Center

19 Holliday Street, Birmingham, B1 1HH

Another great-looking modern hotel, Holiday Inn Express – Birmingham – City Center gives its guests excellent service at very reasonable prices. It’s not exactly in the city center, but it’s definitely within walking distance. You’ll love the modern interior, and you can also enjoy a great restaurant and bar in the hotel, too. Everything is very clean, plus the rooms are extremely comfortable and come with free toiletries and a power shower, among other things. The cherry on top of this great offer is the pillow menu that will make sure you rest well every time.

Toby Carvery Birmingham West by Innkeeper’s Lodge

Quinton Toby Carvery, 563 Hagley Road West, Birmingham, B32 1HP

Located in an exceptionally charming house, T oby Carvery Birmingham West will win you over at first sight. But the interior has a lot to offer too, with cozy design, comfortable beds and plenty of free toiletries in your room guaranteeing you will have a pleasant stay. And you get free tea and coffee. The staff is just excellent, there’s no other word for it, and they’ll make you feel right at home. The hotel even has a bar, so all in all, booking a room here means you’ll be getting a fantastic deal!

Day trips from Birmingham

Nobody will blame you if you decide to stay more than one day in Birmingham to explore the city. Should you opt for that, you may want to think about going on an interesting day trip as well. There is plenty to enjoy and explore in this part of England, but if you need some inspiration, here are a few suggestions you won’t regret visiting.

Cities of the north

if you want to explore other great cities of England, a good bet is to head north, less than two hours away by train. Spending one day in Manchester or Liverpool will provide you with an incredible experience and loads of fascinating sights. The Beatles, Liverpool’s docks, legendary football stadiums, Manchester’s Town Hall, incredible museums, friendly people and great restaurants, all of that and much more awaits on this day trip from Birmingham. Choose one (or both) – you just can’t go wrong!

A train from Birmingham to London will get you to your destination in less than an hour and a half, so if you haven’t visited one of the greatest cities in the world yet, this is your chance to spend one day in London . Walk along the Thames, ride the London Eye, see Big Ben and visit Westminster Abbey. And all that’s just the beginning! You can spend days exploring what London has to offer, but even one day will be quite enough to get a sense of its grandeur. A day trip to remember!

Peak District

Located about an hour and a half’s drive away from Birmingham, this incredibly serene part of England is perfect for those who want to spend a day outdoors hiking and enjoying a breath of fresh air. The hills are jaw-droppingly beautiful, the winding roads give you the feeling like you’re in another world, and the villages you can find around here are quintessentially English and offer good food and many interesting things to see.

Warwick Castle

Many of you will probably think of castles when somebody mentions England, and Warwick Castle is one of the most important ones around. Built by none other than William the Conqueror, it has stood here for almost a thousand years. Today, however, it is surrounded by incredibly beautiful gardens that stand in stark contrast to the castle’s dungeons. Just half an hour away from Birmingham, it’s an ideal location for a quick and simple day trip.

Extra tips for visiting Birmingham

• Since Birmingham is in England, it’s worth remembering that they use different AC sockets than most other countries. Check and see if you will need an adapter to charge your phones, tablets and/or laptops.
• Restaurants usually have a service charge included in the bill, so tipping is really not necessary. In bars, however, leaving something like a pound on top of what you pay will be greatly appreciated.
• There are many places you can visit for free in the city, and various free events are organized throughout the year. Inform yourself what’s on when you’re coming to town and you will have a great time without spending much.
• Keep your eyes open for good deals! Many places in Birmingham offer great prices on various items, from jewelry to old records, so you could come across something really cool and pick it up at a big discount.

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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20 TOP Day Trips From Birmingham By Train, Car & Coach!

Categories England , U.K

With Birmingham’s wonderful central location, there are so many day trips from Birmingham that can be done.

Whether you are looking for day trips near Birmingham that you can drive to with the family and have some fun at, or you are looking for day trips from Birmingham by train to a different part of the country for cities and culture, I’ve got you covered in this post full of days out in Birmingham!

Day Trips From Birmingham

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here:

Map of Day Trips from Birmingham

Sometimes, it helps to see places on a map so here is a map with all of the below Birmingham day trip ideas on it so you can see how far you want to travel.

Birmingham Day Trips

From historical cities like York and Bath , iconic sights like Stonehenge and family fun attractions like Alton Towers , the Harry Potter Museum and Leicester National Space Centre .

1. Malvern Hills

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to a beautiful nature spot just a 1 hour drive out of Birmingham, there is no better place to visit than the Malvern Hills.

Stretching across the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire , there are plenty of different walks to choose from in the Malverns. You can walk the five hours end to end following the top of the Malvern Ridge from Chace End to North Hill taking in the main summits!

How to do a Malvern Hills day trip from Birmingham ?

The Malvern Hills are pretty easily accessible by train so they make one of the great day trips from Birmingham by train !

A train from Birmingham New Street takes you directly to Colwall, Great Malvern or Malvern Link from which you can walk onto the hills pretty easily. However, a car is best if you want to park at the base of the hills for a really easy walk.

The best car parks are at British Camp, Gardiner’s Quarry, or Upper Beacon Road car park.

Suggested by: Faraway Lucy

2. Bibury Village, Cotswolds

One of the best day trips from Birmingham has to be the  beautiful Cotswolds village  of Bibury. This riverside village is often dubbed the prettiest village in England and is famous for being home to Arlington Row.

Owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row, is a small but picturesque row of houses , so quintessentially English that they even feature on the inside cover of the British passport.

Other than this beautiful row of houses, Bibury is also home to Bibury Trout Farm. Spanning 15 acres of land, the trout farm is one of the oldest in England and visitors even have the opportunity to catch their own dinner! If you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, you can always purchase one of the deli products to take back to Birmingham.

How to do a Cotswolds day trip from Birmingham?

Bibury is south of Birmingham and takes 1 hour 20 minutes to reach by car via the M5. If you prefer to visit the Cotswolds by train from Birmingham you can travel to Cheltenham Spa Station and get a 30-minute taxi for the rest of the way.

Suggested by: Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

TRAINS FROM BIRMINGHAM

When it comes to day trips from Birmingham by train , I really recommend booking your tickets in advance on The Train Line so you can get the best price! Tickets are always cheaper further out from your trip date rather than on the day itself. Check out train times and tickets on The Train Line here now!

COACHES FROM BIRMINGHAM

For your coach trips from Birmingham, you can also use The Train Line to make bookings with all the top UK bus and coach providers and the best thing is, coach tickets are often much cheaper than train tickets so this will help you book a cheap Birmingham day out!

Check out coach times and tickets on The Train Line here now!

3. Warwick & Warwick Castle

Warwick is a small town located along River Avon which forms part of the West Midlands Region in England. The very first thing that comes to one’s mind when we hear Warwick is its magnificent castle founded by William the conquerer.

To be very honest, Warwick is more than that, and there are many interesting things to do, considering how small the town is.

Seep through thousand years of jaw-dropping history as you walk through the rooms of Warwick Castle.  The castle is huge, sits right next to River Avon and is an unmissable attraction in Warwick. You come to Warwick to marvel at the Warwick Castle and hear about the stories of heroes and warriors.

Right next to the castle is the adorable The Mill Garden – a privately owned garden that allows public access. A great place to take a stroll or catch a glimpse of the castle.

Walk around the town centre admiring the half-timbered houses and myriad cafes and restaurants.  If you are looking for an indoor activity, St. Johns House and Market Hall Museum are lovely little museums that you can spend time in with your family.

How to get to Warwick Castle from Birmingham ?

 Warwick can be explored by car or public transport. It is only 45 minutes drive from Birmingham.

Alternatively, there is a direct train service by Chiltern Railways that connects Birmingham and Warwick and takes around 1 hour to reach. By coach from Birmingham , Warwick is just 30 minutes away.

Suggested by: Country Hopping Couple

4. Shrewsbury

Are you looking for a lovely relaxing place to visit on your day out from Birmingham? Shrewsbury is the perfect place to relax and wander.  The entire town centre is now within easy walking distance, bounded on all sides by the river loop.

The buildings in Shrewsbury are of all ages, many mediaeval and Georgian – and new ones too, all huddled together in a tiny half-square kilometre of space .  Much of the town centre is occupied by local shops, cafes, wine bars and restaurants. 

Some specific Shrewsbury highlights include The High Street , with bookshops, and cafes, Wyle Cop – steeply sloping and lined with jewellery shops, and others specialising in cookware, and fine foods, the vast Quarry Park with tree-lined lawns, and the river, and Mardol : an ancient street where you will discover the town’s most quirky old timber-framed structures, some dating back to the 13th Century.

Find time to enjoy a cup of tea on this Birmingham day trip before catching one of the many trains back to Bham.

How to get to Shrewsbury from Birmingham ?

There is a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury making this one of the easy and cheap day trips from London as the ticket cost is low, and Birmingham to Shrewsbury is around a 1-hour drive too.

It’s also one of the great coach trips from Birmingham because it takes just 1 hour by coach from Birmingham to Shrewsbury .

Suggested by: The Travelling Twins

CAR HIRE FROM BIRMINGHAM

If you need to hire a car for the day so you can go on the perfect day trip from Birmingham, have a look on Rental Cars here as they check for car rental with all off the big companies like Budget, Hertz & Aviv so you only need to check once to get the best price!

The list is long of things to do in Ludlow in this walled medieval town including a river walk, a castle, markets, and great food to try. You will notice the people who live there take very good care of their home with beautiful baskets of flowers everywhere and they keep it neat and tidy.

The castle square market is open daily, except Tuesday . They do vary the stalls with speciality markets on Thursdays and Sundays. The stalls are full of local produce and handmade items. You will find many tempting treasures that may be difficult to resist.

The walk along the river is beautiful, with great views of the castle from Dinham Bridge . There is a circular walk called the two bridges (or for the old times the bread walk) if you like to walk it is highly recommended. 

Ludlow is one of the great Birmingham day trips to enjoy a small-town, great food, beautiful surroundings, and so much more.

How to get to Ludlow from Birmingham ?

It is easier to reach Ludlow from Birmingham by car with a drive of about 1 hour 30 minutes.

There is a train from Birmingham New Street to Ludlow Station with 1 change which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and Ludlow train station is a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

Suggested by: Blue Bag Nomads

6. The Black Country Living Museum

You don’t have to travel far out of Birmingham to have a fun Birmingham day out. For a unique day trip from Birmingham, head to The Black Country Living Museum . The Black Country Living Museum does what it says on the tin; it’s an open-air living museum dedicated to historical life in the Black Country. 

You can walk around Victorian-style houses and speak to its inhabitants (museum staff who are in character and experts on their subject), experience a class from 1912 or visit an old-fashioned pub and have a pint (!). You can even visit the sweet shop and get some vintage sweets!

This museum works almost like a functioning town. The cherry on top is a visit down into real coal mines. After a full day of time travel, you’ll need some fish and chips from the fish shop… they’re genuinely delicious.

The first time I visited the Black Country Museum , it blew my expectations out of the water, I could have wandered around there for days making it a great family day trip from Birmingham.

How to get there from Birmingham ?

You need to head to Dudley which is just a 30 minute drive from Birmingham , or this works as a great day trip from Birmingham by train because you can catch a train from Birmingham New Street to Tipton which takes around 20 minutes. Once you’re in Tipton, you need to walk about 15 – 20 minutes to the museum .

Suggested by: Ambers Destinology

7. Bourneville

Bourneville is the perfect day trip for families , or in fact, anyone with a love of chocolate! The area was created in the late 18th century when the Cadbury family relocated their chocolate factory there.

The family named the area Bourneville after the local river Bourn and added the French word for town ‘ville’. The area soon grew with the creation of a model village similar to that of Saltaire built by Titus Salt in Yorkshire.

In this village, the Cadbury family built housing, schools, parks, and even a village green for their workers to enjoy. This was revolutionary at the time as it meant the workers at the Cadbury factory were well paid and looked after by their employers. 

Today you can enjoy a stroll through the leafy streets and parks in this popular area of Birmingham .  

You can of course also visit the main attraction in the area – Cadbury World. Enjoy an interactive tour and learn all about chocolate production! And of course, enjoy lots of samples on your way around. Booking is essential especially during school holidays as this is a popular destination for families and chocolate lovers everywhere! 

How to get to Bourneville from Birmingham:

Only 12 minutes after leaving Birmingham New Street station by train you arrive at the pretty suburb of Bourneville.

Suggested by: UK Travel Planning

8. Harry Potter Studio

The   Harry Potter Studio Tour  in Watford is an absolute must for Harry Potter fans. This is where the actual Harry Potter films were made and is now a popular attraction full of old sets, costumes, props and more.

It’s a self-guided tour but it is perfectly designed so you follow the route through some of the most iconic Harry Potter sets including the Gryffindor Common Room , Snape’s Potions Classroom , The Great Hall, The Ministry of Magic and more.

The studios lift the veil on the magic so you can see exactly how they brought Harry Potter to life and it’s a thoroughly insightful and unforgettable experience. There’s a huge amount to look at and read as they’ve covered every little detail down to the sketches that brought these sets to life. What’s more, you get to experience some magic for yourself such as flying a broom in front of a green screen and sipping on Butterbeer. 

It’s estimated that the tour takes anywhere from 3 – 5 hours depending on how long you spend on the optional activities, lunch, gift shop etc, so it makes for the perfect Birmingham day trip!

How to get to the Harry Potter Studios from Birmingham ?

You can go from Birmingham to Watford where the Studios are in just 1 hour 40 minutes by train!

Suggested by: Laura of What’s Hot?

The gorgeous city of Oxford is easily visited on a day trip from Birmingham . The beauty of Oxford is its small, compact nature which means you can easily explore the whole city in just a day.

Oxford is a city with plenty of fascinating history and several buildings dating back over 1,000 years like the Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate. This would have been the viewpoint from the city walls that protected Oxford from its enemies.

Other things to see during a day trip from Oxford include the Radcliffe Camera , Christ Church College where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed, the Bodleian Library which holds a copy of every book in the UK, The Sheldonian Theatre designed by Sir Christopher Wren and the Ashmolean Library, home to the lantern used by Guy Fawkes in the Gunpowder Plot.

While there are lots of things to keep you busy, one of the best things to do is relax in one of the many excellent Oxford cafes , sip a speciality flat white and watch this picturesque city go about its day.

How to do an Oxford day trip from Birmingham?

There is a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Oxford which takes just over 1 hour. Alternatively, you can drive from Birmingham to Oxford down the M40 in around 1 hour 20 minutes making it an easy day trip from Birmingham.

And for coach trips to Oxford from Birmingham you can get a coach there in 1 hour 10 minutes!

Suggested by: Where Goes Rose

10. Castle Combe Village, Cotswolds

One of the top day trips from Birmingham is Castle Come Village in the Cotswolds! Without a doubt, Castle Combe is one of the most beautiful villages in England so it has to be visited at least once.

In fact, in 2001 Castle Combe has even named the most picturesque village in Great Britain so if you are planning a day trip from Birmingham with friends or family – this beautiful village will be really a great choice!

Well-preserved medieval stone houses and a beautiful market square perfectly define the character of the village. No wonder this Cotswold gem is very known amongst photographers from the whole country. Go for a walk around the village, have a pub lunch or one of the local tea rooms for the afternoon tea.

Castle Combe village, with its surrounding beautiful countryside, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Cotswold – a perfect place to visit from Birmingham during summer.

How to get to Castle Combe from Birmingham?

Car is the best way to get from Birmingham to the Cotswolds. The 100 miles journey from Birmingham will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive by car.

Suggested by: Darek and Gosia

11. Stratford Upon Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a medieval town located in the West Midlands . The town is also famous for being the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare is the most famous English writer who is left with an impressive legacy including the plays ‘Romeo and Juliet ‘ and ‘ Hamlet ‘. Therefore, Shakespeare’s Birthplace is the most famous landmark in Stratford-upon-Avon and is also the main reason why many tourists visit the town.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes a wonderful day trip from Birmingham , especially for Shakespeare lovers. Not only can visitors visit his birthplace but they can also watch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The theatre has contemporary plays of Shakespeare and as well as plays written by modern writers.

However, not everything in Stratford-upon-Avon is Shakespeare’s related; The charming town also has local shops, a beautiful church called Holy Trinity Church, a cool museum and even a butterfly farm. Indeed, the town has something to offer for everyone whether you are travelling with friends, kids or as a couple.

How to a Stratford day trip from Birmingham ?

Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon from Birmingham is relatively simple, it is a 45 minutes journey by direct train or you can drive and it will take roughly 45 minutes too . Be sure to use the Stratford Park and Ride option to get into the centre easily.

Suggested by: Luxury Voyager

Only one and half hours away on the fastest train, London is one of the best day trip destinations from Birmingham .

There is so much to do and see in London that you will leave wishing you had more than just one day. But sometimes time is short, and luckily, a lot of the main attractions in London are quite close to each other, so it is possible to cover quite a bit of ground in one day. 

If this is your first time in London, you’ll have to start at the Palace of Westminster or Houses of Parliament , of course. Aside from having Big Ben, you will be able to visit Westminster Abbey in the vicinity. Head to Trafalgar Square straight after that, where you will find the National Gallery, and walk through the Admiralty Arch down Pall Mall towards Buckingham Palace.  From the Palace, walk through Green Park to Piccadilly, Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. All these famous areas are within a short distance from each other. 

If, however, this is not your first time in the capital and want to do something a bit different, there are some fun and unique ways to see London . You could have afternoon tea or a gourmet meal on board a bus while you tour London’s famous landmarks.

Or if you are a thrill-seeker , why not take a Thames Rocket and enjoy London from the river with an adrenaline-inducing boat ride? It’ll take you all the way from the London Eye to Tower Bridge. Whichever way you decide to spend a day in London, there are plenty of options on how to do it.

How to do a London day trip from Birmingham?

Getting the train to London is the best and quickest way to get from Birmingham to London and the fast train takes just 1 hour 30 minutes from Birmingham New Street Station to London Euston Station.

Suggested by: Brogan Abroad

13. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the most popular day trip destination s in the United Kingdom. The mystery behind the prehistoric monument’s origins and purpose is a major draw for tourists.

When you arrive at Stonehenge, take a trip to the visitor’s centre where you can find an exhibition dedicated to the history of Stonehenge and life during the times when Stonehenge was constructed.

After learning a little bit more about the monument’s history, grab a picnic lunch from the café and hop on the shuttle to the Stone Circle. Enjoy your lunch in view of the stones (also a great spot for people watching!) before getting a bit closer to admire the mysterious stones. 

How to get to Stonehenge from Birmingham ?

Stonehenge is just a little bit over 2 hours from Birmingham by car, making it easily visited on a day trip from Birmingham by car. It is possible to visit with public transportation; however, the journey can take around 1 hour longer.

When driving from Birmingham to Stonehenge, the majority of the trip is done by taking the M5 down to Salisbury.

If you’d prefer to use public transportation, you can take a train from Birmingham New Street to Bristol Temple Meads and from there to Salisbury before taking a taxi to the monument.

Suggested by: A World in Reach

14. Bristol

If you’re looking for one of the most exciting cities in the south of England, then Bristol will tick all the boxes and Bristol is an easy day trip from Birmingham! The maritime city is steeped with history, particularly around the dockside. If you’re after something a bit more urban, then you’ll love the street art scene.

Bristol is famous for loads of things beginning with B; Blackbeard, Brunel, Balloons and Banksy. The notorious pirate Blackbeard is said to have resided in Bristol (under the name of William Teach), there are quite a few trails around the city about Bristol and pirateology.

Moving forwards a couple of hundred years, you can’t miss how much street art there is in the city. Bristol is home to Banksy, you can find his work dotted all over the city. However, the biggest hub of street art is in the   autonomous underbelly of Stokes Croft . Each year Bristol hosts UPFest: The Urban Paint Festival.

How to do a Bristol day trip from Birmingham ?

Bristol city is situated just under 90 miles south of Birmingham , journey times should be around 1 hour 30 minutes. You could also travel to Bristol by train, this takes around 1 hour 20 minutes .

Suggested by: Meet Me In Departures

15. Peak District

Get away from it all and escape to the open landscapes of the Peak District National Park on a day trip from Birmingham. The Peak District is split into the green rolling hills of the White Peak and the dramatic escarpments and moorland plateaus of the Dark Peak.

The best way to spend your day in the Peak District from Birmingham is with a long walk in the hills. Dovedale is a popular choice for those visiting from the South, but it can get awfully busy at weekends. Instead, drive a little further into the National Park to Hartington or Monyash. Or if you want dramatic escarpments, head to Curbar or Stanage Edge.

If you prefer a more relaxed day out, head over to the Chatsworth Estate, one of the grandest houses in the country. Or ride the cable car up to The Heights of Abraham and explore the old mining caverns, amongst other  things to do in Matlock .

However you choose to spend your day, the best way to finish up is at a local pub with a pint of Peak Ale. 

How to do a Peak District day trip from Birmingham ?

From Birmingham, the heart of the White Peak is only an hour and a half drive away and if you don’t have your own car you can visit on one of the organised coach day trips from Birmingham.

Suggested by: Jenny from Peak District Kids

York is our favourite city and it would make for a great day trip from Birmingham. The beauty of York is not only its history but its diversity. There is so much to do in York, there really is something to suit everyone.

As a family, we love the free National Railway Museum near to the train station. Other favourites include a visit to the Castle museum that has a historically recreated Victorian street. You can relive the lives and smells of Viking York on a ride through time at Jorvik Viking Centre.

Young and old will love finding out about something with a strong connection to York, chocolate. At the Chocolate story, you will learn all about the history of chocolate in the City and you not only get to taste different kinds of chocolate but you can make your own chocolate lollipop. If that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth how about booking an afternoon tea at the popular Betty’s tea-room.

For lovers of water, you can catch a boat ride down the main river running through the City. For lovers of history, you can visit the stunning York Minster. If you are visiting with teenagers they can be scared silly in York Dungeons. Once you’ve worn yourselves out exploring there is a huge and varied choice of places to eat out. From Italian to Indian and from tea rooms to pubs. You will never go hungry on a visit to York.

How to do a York day trip from Birmingham ?

Birmingham New Street to York is just 2 hours 30 by direct train or you can drive from Birmingham to York in around 2 hours 15 minutes.

Suggested by: Yorkshire To Do With Kids

Bath works well as one of the day trips from Birmingham because once you are there it is easy to walk around Bath and explore this historical city.

Things to do in Bath on a day trip include visiting the Roman Bath Museum, and visiting the iconic circular houses in the Royal Crescent . Take a boat trip or a walk along the River and shop in Bath’s many independent shops.

If you are ready for a full day out you can combine a trip to Bath with a stopover in the Cotswolds or Stonehenge because they are all so close by.

How to do a Bath day trip from Birmingham ?

Birmingham to Bath by car is around 2 hours, it is also 2 hours by train from Birmingham New Street Station to Bath Spa Station with a change in Bristol making it an easy Bham day trip.

Suggested by: The Wandering Quinn

18. Alton Towers Theme Park

Theme Parks in the UK are loved for their world-class rollercoaster rides , and they don’t come much bigger than Alton Towers , the largest theme park in the country and being just over an hour’s drive from Birmingham, Alton Towers is an absolute must-visit for adventure junkies on a day trip from Birmingham !

Situated near the village of Alton near Stoke-On-Trent , the site consists of a sprawling theme park, an indoor and outdoor tropical lagoon-themed water park , a luxury oasis spa, an extraordinary golf course, and a hotel complex.

Alton Towers is arguably the best adventure park in the UK , and boasts The Smiler – the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster , and the Nemesis, perhaps the most memorable rollercoaster ride of my childhood, that carries dangling thrill seekers around 250 tonnes of tangled steel through corkscrews, spins and loops at 50 miles per hour. 

Get your tickets to Alton Towers here and start planning your day trips to Alton Towers from Birmingham!

How to get to Alton Towers from Birmingham ?

By car via the M6 the journey from Birmingham to Alton Towers is around 1 hour and 15 minutes. To get to Alton Towers by train from Birmingham , board the Newcastle-bound Cross Country train from Birmingham New Street Station to Derby which takes 33 minutes.

From Derby Railway Station, catch the X52 bus and step off at the 8th stop at Alton Towers Entrance. The journey is 2 hours and 10 minutes in total.

Suggested by: BRB | Gone Somewhere Epic

19. Bear Grylls Adventure

One of the fun day trips from Birmingham is to the Bear Grylls Adventure , located at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre).

There is a wide range of adventure activities to choose from. If you’re after a whole day experience, you can book ‘ The Big 5 ’ which takes around 9 hours to complete! In this package, you’ll be able to learn archery , go indoor skydiving , scuba diving in a tank with sharks , test your nerves on a high ropes course and climb on an indoor rock climbing wall. All the activities can also be purchased separately, so you can build your own perfect package or just choose one!

All bookings also include free entrance to the ‘ Royal Marines ’ style timed assault course! It’s really tough going with some really tricky obstacles! Most of the activities to require a certain level of fitness, especially if you pick The Big 5 package, it’s like a full-body work out which you’ll definitely feel when you wake up the next day!

The Bear Grylls Adventure is a great day out if you want to challenge yourself and try something new!

How to get to Bear Grylls Adventure from Birmingham ?

Ideally located in the NEC it is really easy to reach from Birmingham city centre.

You can either drive for approximately 20 minutes or take the train to Birmingham International statio n, for approximately 20 minutes from Birmingham New Street and walk the last little bit.

Suggested by: Between England & Iowa

20. Leicester National Space Centre

The National Space museum is an outstanding attraction easily accessible from Birmingham.

The first thing that strikes you about the Leicester National Space Centre is the rocket tower. The tower is 42 m (138 ft) tall and claims to be the only place to house upright space rockets indoors. It is an impressive introduction to the museum! The real star of the show is Sir Patrick Morre Planetarium.

The Leicester Museum has 6 interactive galleries that explore and educate about Space. Our Solar System gallery has an amazing model of the Mars Rover that you can drive. There are enough fun stuff and learning experiences here to keep kids and adults entertained for a good few hours which is why it makes one of the best day trips from Birmingham!

How to get to Leicester National Space Centre from Birmingham ?

When driving via the A6 from Birmingham you can reach the National Space Museum in around 1 hour .

Suggested by: Wyld Family Travel

FAQs About Day Trips from Birmingham:

Here’s some more help for planning your day trip!

Where can I go on a day trip from Birmingham?

Because of Birmingham’s brilliant central location in the UK there are lots of places to go on a day trip from Birmingham like Bristol, Bath, Warwick, Cotswolds and the Peak District.

What places are 1 hour away from Birmingham?

For places that are 1 hour away from Birmingham or less you can go to Bourneville, Cadburys World, the Black Country Museum, The Cotswolds, Stratford Upon Avon, and Warwick.

What city is 2 hours from Birmingham?

Cities that are 2 hours away from Birmingham that are good to visit are Bristol, Bath, London by train, York, Sheffield, and Manchester.

I hope you now have lots of ideas of coach trips from Birmingham, day trips near Birmingham and some top Birmingham days out ideas!

If you need to hire a car for the day so you can go on the perfect day trip from Birmingham, have a look on Rental Cars here as they check for car rental with all off the big companies like Budget, Hertz & Aviv so you only need to check once!

• More posts of mine that you will help you see the best of the UK:
• Things To Do On A Day Trip To Oxford!
• Things To Do on a Day Trip to Bath!
• 25+ Day Trips from London By Train Ideas To Cities, Beaches & Europe!

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Birmingham Itinerary: How To Spend 1 Day in Birmingham

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Birmingham is the UK’s second-biggest city but, despite the fact I’ve never lived more than two hours away, I hadn’t spent much time there ’til recently. This all changed last week as I headed for a busy 1 day in Birmingham, England . If anywhere can rival London for me, it’s probably cool and quirky  Manchester or beach town, Brighton . However as I had arranged to catch up with a friend in the Midlands and we’d picked Birmingham as the location, discovering the city was on the agenda. Birmingham is also one of the cheaper cities in the UK which is a blessing if you’re travelling the UK on a budget .

Birmingham 1 day itinerary

Birmingham is definitely an urban jungle. It was once the heart of industry and now seems to be more about shopping, eating and nightlife. Whilst researching I couldn’t find any major tourist sights but that was quite nice… Often when I visit a new city my must-do list is as long as my arm and I feel exhausted before I’ve arrived. Here’s how to spend 1 day in Birmingham:

Morning – The Chinese Quarter

As we were staying in an Airbnb near the Chinese Quarter, this was the first place we wandered. The streets were lined with Chinese lanterns and not-so-Chinese multicolored umbrellas making it a really vibrant area.

As you can imagine, the area boasts loads of Chinese restaurants, as well as Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai and Korean eateries. So often in the UK I find Asian restaurants serve a bit of a mish-mash – Vietnamese places add pad Thai to the menu and Thai places also serve sweet and sour chicken. In contrast, Birmingham’s Chinese Quarter feels really authentic. The Vietnamese place we ate at had nothing but Vietnamese dishes on the menu and I knew from my time in the country they were true representations of what the people eat. At  Miss Vietnam   I had prawn summer rolls to start followed by bun cha, my favourite meal from Hanoi. Bun cha is basically slow-cooked pork balls in a broth with a side of noodles, herbs and fried spring rolls to dip. I washed it down with a sweet Vietnamese iced coffee and the whole experience brought back so many delicious memories of my Asia trip.

Street art in Birmingham

Street art fans will enjoy their 24 hours in Birmingham. Most of the art is in quirky quarter, Digbeth, where I glimpsed this mystical purple girl. Check out this  Birmingham street art blog for more details and exact locations.

There are a couple of other arty locations out of Digbeth, too. I glimpsed the fox below in Chinatown and the Bowie image on Dudley Street in the city centre.

Afternoon – The Bullring

Next, we walked off our food with a trip to the Bullring , an absolutely enormous shopping centre.

Shopping isn’t really my thing as I spend all my money on travel but if it was – wow. This place is super glam with every shop under the sun inside.

The Mailbox

Not far away is the Mailbox, an area of shops, cafes and restaurants all set around the canal. This is a buzzy area which is always busy at weekends. Simply sitting on the steps on a sunny day with a coffee is a great way to people-watch during a Birmingham itinerary for 1 day. From there we took a walk over the bridge, which is adorned with love locks, and along the canal on the other side.

Early evening drinks – Regency Wharf

After walking along the canal, we ended up surrounded by colourful canal boats at Regency Wharf. A cool pub to check out is the Canal House where we stopped for a G&T (okay, three).

Dinner in Birmingham – Shiraz Restaurant

No 1 day in Birmingham would be complete without sampling some Indian or Middle Eastern food. With a large Indian population, the city is actually the birthplace of the balti. Apparently, it was invented in a Pakistani restaurant in the 1970s as a way to combine the country’s flavour with Western tastes. A helpful Insta follower told me about Iranian restaurant, Shiraz , and I’m so glad she did. I’d recommended the chelo kabab koobideh which is a lamb kebab with rice and veg. Even though it was delicious I couldn’t finish it all – it was an absolute feast! We did have a tiny space for dessert however which was a FREE creamy rice pudding topped with pistachio and cinnamon.

Nightlife in Birmingham

Nightlife is one of the things Birmingham’s best at. Even though I didn’t go on a fullscale night out, we fitted in drinks at a few of the Birmingham bars . Top picks if you have just 1 day in Birmingham include:

• The Canal House  – the place we drank sunset G&Ts overlooking the canal boats.
• Jekyll and Hyde – this Alice in Wonderland-themed bar has a beer garden and serves cocktails in mini bathtubs. 2023 update – this place is now the Queen’s Head!

Sunday morning brunch – Boston Tea Party

If you have 1 day in Birmingham, you’ll likely have time to grab a hearty brunch before you leave the city. I would recommend  Boston Tea Party which has been voted one of the top 25 places to have brunch in the UK. During our Sunday morning visit, I ate the sweetcorn hash with halloumi, poached eggs and chilli sauce – an amazing mix of sweet and spicy.

Where to stay during 24 hours in Birmingham

Airbnbs are great value in Birmingham and if you don’t mind being slightly further out and hopping on a bus to town, you’ll find rooms for £20 a night. You’ll pay more in the city centre but they’re still reasonable – as are hostels which start at £10 a night and hotels which start at £30.

Getting to Birmingham

Birmingham New Street station is connected to the Bullring so if arriving by train, you don’t even need to step outside for shopping and dining. Journeys to London start from £5.50. Book on Trainline for the best prices. During weekends and at peak time they’re more expensive so you can also consider a journey on the National Express coach which leaves from the Digbeth station. Compare and book UK buses on Busbud .

My verdict on 1 day Birmingham

I can’t say I fell in love during my Birmingham itinerary. Because the shiny, modern Bullring and Mailbox dominate the centre of town and get all the regeneration work and customer spending, the surrounding area can feel quite shabby and I didn’t find much in the way of local or independent shops and businesses. However, if you like shopping, it’s heaven so maybe that was just a bit lost on me. If I’d been there for a night out I’d have probably been more impressed too as the nightlife is well renowned. Still, I had a great time during my 1 day in Birmingham. The food in Birmingham is awesome and I’d return for my Vietnamese meal alone. Also, if you’re visiting around Christmas time, Birmingham is famous for its Christmas markets.

Visiting the UK?  Flights (international and domestic) – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. I use GetYourGuide for tours & activities when I don’t want to travel solo. The guides are knowledgeable and you can’t beat the prices. I also check Viator as they often have fun and unique offerings. For food tours pairing travellers with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith .  Pack the latest copy of Lonely Planet UK . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Thanks for reading my Birmingham itinerary!

If you liked it, please share it 🙂

If you’re looking for England inspo, check out some of my other posts:

• How to spend a weekend in Oxford
• How to spend a weekend in Manchester
• How to spend a weekend in Norfolk
• Things to do in Liverpool in winter
• The big Bristol travel guide
• 2 day Lake District itinerary
• Bath day trip itinerary
• The perfect Margate day trip from London

See you next time for more adventures,

Ps. Like this 1 day Birmingham guide? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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A weekend break in Birmingham | A 2-day itinerary

Diverse, with a rich heritage, a host of tourist attractions and renowned for its dining scene, Birmingham is a fantastic holiday destination in the UK.

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But that's not all. This industrial hub with a vibrant heart is all set to host the Commonwealth Games 2022 ! The games are set to begin on 28 July 2022 and continue through to 8 August 2022. Athletes from all over the Commonwealth will fight for the top spot in a variety of sports including athletics, cycling, swimming, netball, diving, cricket, boxing, basketball and more. The city is also currently hosting the Birmingham 2022 Festival with hundreds of amazing events across Birmingham and the West Midlands making it the perfect time to visit the city. Take a look at this weekend guide to Birmingham and start planning your own holiday to the city.

Day 1 in Birmingham

Birmingham library.

The Library of Birmingham is not just the largest public library in the UK but also a striking piece of modern architecture. Opened in 2013, the 31,000-square feet library is spread over ten levels and looks somewhat like a large, square-tiered cake with intricate decorations both inside and outside. It draws in thousands of visitors every day and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Birmingham.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which first opened in 1885, is housed in a Grade II listed building and includes 40 different galleries covering fine art, archaeology, costume & jewellery, antique earthenware, social history and ethnography.

St Philip’s Cathedral

The Birmingham Cathedral was originally the St Philip's parish church. It was designed by Thomas Archer in the English Baroque style and was consecrated in 1715. Birmingham became a city in 1889 and subsequently, St Philip's Church became the Cathedral of Birmingham in 1905. It’s actually the third smallest cathedral in England!

Go Shopping

For those who enjoy shopping, Birmingham offers plenty of choices on where you can spend your money.

A testament to Victorian craftsmanship, the building with its lovely facade and elaborate structure within is home to an interesting mix of small shops and cafes. You will find a host of award-winning small retailers selling everything from the latest fashion & accessories to traditional sweets & candies. Great Western Arcade | Colmore Row, Birmingham B2 5HU

Day 2 in Birmingham

Jewellery quarter tour.

Dating back over 200 years and with more than 200 listed buildings, the Jewellery Quarter area in Birmingham is a must-visit. From the late 1700s onward, for more than 200 years, gold and silversmiths have operated in the Jewellery Quarter. It is interesting to note that the button, buckle and other small metal object industry gave rise to the knowledge that is now used in jewellery making. When the business peaked in the early 1900s, there were about 70,000 local workers working in the Jewellery Quarter. 

Below : The Welcome People team with the staff at Artfull Expressions.

Visit the Pen Museum

Located on Frederick Street in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter is the Pen Museum. Housed in a former Victorian pen factory, that was built in 1863; the museum tells the story of Birmingham’s pen trade with the help of interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff members.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

After the visit to the Jewellery Quarter and exploring other attractions in the city, if you are looking for a place where you can relax and connect with nature, then head to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses. Set in a 15-acre area, the gardens contain more than 7,000 different varieties of plants from around the world.

There's also a Butterfly House where visitors can see colourful, tropical butterflies from Central America, parts of Africa and the Philippines. An aviary with some tropical birds seemed to be very popular with the younger visitors.

Other facilities on-site include a tea room, children’s playground and a gift shop that stocks a wide range of gardening gifts. For information on opening times, admission prices, parking etc. visit www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses | Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TR Phone | 0121 454 1860

Staying Longer?

Although a weekend stay in Birmingham gives you enough time to see all the main attractions, staying longer in the city would allow you to visit and explore some of the other popular attractions (as listed below).

National SEA LIFE Centre

Explore the world of penguins, sea otters, sharks, turtles and more at the National SEA LIFE Centre. Home to more than 2,000 creatures and boasting the UK’s only 360 ocean tunnel, the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham is a fascinating experience, right in the city centre.

Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

Thinktank is an award-winning science museum spread over 4 floors and with more than 200 hands-on displays related to technology and science. Highlights of the museum include MiniBrum (a child-sized world, aimed at the under 8s), the Planetarium, the Spitfire Gallery, the Marine Worlds Gallery, the Science Garden (an outdoor discovery space) and the Industrial Gallery featuring the Smethwick Engine (the oldest working steam engine). The museum also holds seasonal exhibitions, tours & talks and child-friendly activities throughout the year. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum | Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG Phone | 0121 348 8000

GoBoat Birmingham

If you want to enjoy Birmingham from a different prespective, give GoBoat a try. GoBoat offers self-drive electric boats on hire that allow you to explore the city's canal systems at your own pace.

Where to stay in Birmingham

Whatever your budget or taste, you will surely find accommodation in Birmingham to suit you. There are different types of accommodations to choose from - B&Bs, serviced apartments, hostels, self-catering properties and a range of hotels. If you are looking for something in the heart of the city, within walking distance of most of the popular attractions then Malmaison Birmingham is a great choice.

Malmaison Birmingham , located in the historic, former Royal Mail building, offers 193 beautifully designed rooms and suites with amenities and services that will make your stay comfortable and convenient. Our room at the Malmaison was modern, spacious, clean and quiet even though it overlooked a busy road. It had all the mod cons needed for a short stay.

Breakfast was good; there was a small selection of continental items and an à la carte, cooked menu. And the staff happily catered to our dietary requirements.

Where to eat and drink in Birmingham

Birmingham is foodie heaven! Whatever type of gastronomic experience you are after, the city will cater to your taste. From Michelin-starred restaurants to street food joints and from family-run cafés to cool & quirky bars, the city has a vibrant and happening food scene.

Albert’s Schloss

To enjoy Europe’s finest biers and a fantastic selection of cocktails make your way to Albert's Schloss on Chamberlain Square. Albert's Schloss' first branch was opened in Manchester followed by the one in Birmingham. Set across 2 floors, the Birmingham venue serves the best of Munich lagers like Paulaner, Augustiner and Lowenbrau, the Pilsner Urquell from the Czech Republic and much more. The wonderful cocktail list is also a treat.

Rudy’s Pizza

For the best pizza in Birmingham head to Rudy's Pizza on Bennett's Hill. With an open-plan, industrial type of decor, the place serves delicious Neapolitan pizzas. Rudy's make their dough on-site and with just 4 ingredients: flour, salt, yeast and water. They double ferment it for a minimum of 20 hours at room temperature which makes their pizzas light and soft. Their pizzas are 14", cooked for just 60 seconds and not crispy or deep pan. They currently have 14 different pizzas on their menu along with a small selection of starters & sharers and a good selection of drinks to enjoy with your pizza.

If you want to try out delicious, comfort food from Mumbai then Dishoom is where you need to visit. With interiors reminiscent of the old Irani cafés from erstwhile Bombay, Dishoom manages to capture the essence of Bombay's life, commerce and markets. There are loads of decor items that have a connection to the Indian city and will make you nostalgic especially if you have lived in Bombay. The menu is equally impressive with a selection of grills, small plates, biryanis, bread & rice, salads and side dishes. What immediately caught our attention though was the street food from Mumbai. We tried the Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav, Dishoom's House Chaat, Bhel and all the dishes had authentic flavours. It was excellent!

Another place to enjoy a lovely meal in Birmingham is Chapter. It is an independent kitchen and bar that is the brainchild of restaurateurs Ann Tonks, Irene Allan and Ben Ternent. Chapter prides itself on its nature-led menu that uses quality British produce. The menu list at Chapter is extensive. There is a Breakfast menu, a Lunch & Dinner menu, a Bar menu, a Tasting menu, a Children's menu and a Sunday Lunch menu. All the menus have been crafted with great thought and using local produce wherever possible. The vegetarian starters that we tried were Goats Cheese Mousse (beetroot panna cotta, walnut biscuit, herbs & local beetroot) and Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli. Both were beautifully presented and amazing in quality and flavours. Vegetable Garden (fried polenta with marinated tofu, black garlic and local vegetables) which was our main course was also great. The desserts were also lovely with a special mention for the Salted Caramel Tart. 

The Coconut Tree

To experience authentic Sri Lankan flavours and warm hospitality, head over to The Coconut Tree restaurant on Gas Street. The Coconut Tree has several branches in the southwest of the country (Cardiff, Cheltenham, Oxford, Bristol) and the Birmingham site is their first one in the Midlands. Founded by 5 Sri Lankan friends, the restaurant serves small, tapas-style Sri Lankan street food along with a selection of sweet and fiery 'Cocotails'.

Asha’s

Owned by Indian playback singer and entrepreneur Asha Bhosle, Asha's in Birmingham serves traditional North-Western Indian cuisine. The menu is inspired by the culinary traditions that Asha encountered on her travels through the various states of India over the years. The menu is extensive with a good choice for vegetarians as well. We tried their Vegetarian Kebab Platter which included Paneer Ka Soola (Indian cottage cheese with green peppers and pineapple), Palak Dal Tikki (spinach stuffed with cheese), Vegetable Seekh Kebab (minced vegetable kebab) and Papdi Chaat (Indian street food) served with chutneys. The starters were perfectly cooked with delicious flavours, and it was quite filling too.

The desserts selection included Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, a trio of Kulfis, Brownie and Chocolate Fudge Cake. We opted for the Indian classic, Gajar ka Halwa which was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed our experience at Asha's and judging by the crowd at the restaurant when we visited; we can say that it is a popular destination for Indian cuisine. The restaurant can get very busy, especially over the weekends, so booking ahead is recommended. Visit www.ashasbirmingham.co.uk to book a table. Asha's | Edmund House, 12-22 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 3LX Phone | 0121 200 2767

How to get to Birmingham

Birmingham has very good road, rail, coach and air links, making it one of the UK's easiest cities to get to. The city has 3 city-centre rail stations - Birmingham New Street Station, Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill - each one with fast and frequent connections to local and national destinations. The West Midlands Railway (WMR) operates more than 70 trains each day from London to Birmingham and their fastest journey to Birmingham takes 1 hour 59 minutes. WMR also operate trains from Worcester Shrub Hill, Kidderminster, Stourbridge, Hereford, Solihull, and Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham. Avanti West Coast (AWC) also has direct trains from London to Birmingham New Street with the fastest journey taking 1 hour 22 minutes. AWC also has trains to Birmingham from Coventry, Rugby, Crewe, Milton Keynes and Sandwell & Dudley.

How to get around in Birmingham

Most of the tourist attractions listed in this post are within easy walking distance of each other, so you could arrive in Birmingham by train/car and then explore the city on foot. If you prefer not to walk, then the easiest way to get around Birmingham is by public transport (buses, trams and trains).

Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held from 28 July until 8 August 2022 and will host 19 sports and 9 para-sports with 72 nations and territories participating in the games. More than 4,000 athletes will be taking part in the Games and it is going to be a very interesting time for the city with some top-class sporting action.

If you are planning to travel to Birmingham to enjoy the Games, visit www.birmingham2022.com The site has all the information you need (competition schedule, venue details, ticket information etc.) to plan your day at the Games.

Seasonal attractions in Birmingham

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market with its wide range of stalls featuring traditional gifts, food & drinks is popular both with locals and visitors alike. It is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, so if you are planning a visit to Birmingham during December, a visit to this market is recommended.

Whilst this guide/itinerary is by no means exhaustive, it will give you a good idea of what to see and do in Birmingham .

For more inspiration on what to see and do in Birmingham, check out www.visitbirmingham.com

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Your Trip to Birmingham: The Complete Guide

• Weather & Climate
• Best Time to Visit
• Birmingham Airport Guide
• Public Transportation
• Best Hotels
• Neighborhoods to Explore
• 48-Hour Itinerary
• Day Trips From Birmingham
• Top Things to Do
• Best Museums
• Top Parks to Visit
• Food to Try
• Best Restaurants
• Nightlife Guide

Founded along two rail lines in the late 19th century, Birmingham, Alabama, has a storied history as an industrial town, renowned for its iron and steel production . Now the largest city in the state of Alabama , this thoroughly modern city offers some of everything to visitors: acclaimed museums, award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, dozens of parks and green spaces, and recreational activities ranging from golf to mountain climbing and hiking. From the solemn streets of downtown's Civil Rights District to the exhilarating trails of Red Mountain to the lively bars and music venues of Lakeview and Five Points South, Birmingham is an all-around great city for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and music lovers.

Here's a complete guide about when to visit, where to stay, what to do, getting around, saving money, and more on your visit to the Magic City.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit Birmingham is from March to May when the flowers are in full bloom, the city's festival season begins, and the weather is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities like golfing and hiking. In the fall, temperatures cool off again, hotel rates are lower, and summer crowds disperse, making it another ideal time to explore the city. Summers are long, hot, and muggy, but it is a great time to enjoy the area's many parks and recreational activities and acclaimed (and air-conditioned) museums. Winters are often chilly and rainy but still milder than other parts of the country, and seasonal lights and decorations in Railroad Park, the city's historic neighborhoods, and the Birmingham Zoo mark the festive season.
• Language : English
• Currency : U.S. dollar
• Getting Around : While the downtown area is walkable and Birmingham has both tourist and public transit buses, renting a car ride or hailing a ride-share is the best way to explore the city when not on foot.
• Travel Tip : Hotel prices are the highest in spring and summer, especially during major events like the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama and the Sidewalk Film Festival. Reserve hotel rooms and tickets for major attractions in advance or plan to arrive early to points of interest to beat the crowds.

 Photo Courtesy Birmingham Museum of Art

Things to Do

From acclaimed museums like the Birmingham Museum of Art to the McWane Science Center to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame to scenic Railroad Park and the storied Civil Rights District, downtown has enough attractions to keep you busy for an entire weekend.

But don't miss Birmingham's other neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and points of interest. Head to historic Avondale for breweries and local boutiques like  Manitou Supply , gritty Lakeview for live music at  Sidebar  or  Tin Roof , or Homewood for galleries and shops like  Alabama Goods and Soho Retro .

More of the outdoorsy type? Head to Red Mountain Park, a 1,500-acre wooded recreational area that offers 15 miles of challenging hiking and mountain biking trails, plus zip-lining, aerial adventure tours, and rock climbing.

And don't forget to fuel up for your adventures: the city is home to several award-winning restaurants like the coastal-inspired  Automatic Seafood and Oysters and elegant Highlands Bar & Grill , as well as several breweries, bars, and late night clubs.

• Visit the Civil Rights District. This six-block area and national monument downtown includes several historic sites, including the 16th Street Baptist Church, the  Fourth Avenue Business District , Carver Theatre, and Kelly Ingram Park, site of many of the era’s protests and demonstrations which now has solemn sculptures commemorating the era. After a walking tour of these landmarks, visit the  Birmingham Civil Rights Institute , a Smithsonian affiliate that offers  guided tours , oral histories, and permanent and rotating exhibits dedicated to significant events and figures in the city’s history. Museum highlights include photographs, multi-media displays, and the cell bars where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. penned his famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
• Bike from Railroad Park to the historic Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Railroad Park is a 19-acre urban green space in the heart of downtown. Besides regularly hosting yoga classes and movie nights, the park has a designated skating area, playground, and outdoor workout equipment. Settle in for a lakeside picnic, stroll along the park's walking trails, and then rent a bike share to pedal to the historic Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, just 1.5 miles away.
• Sample craft beer. Birmingham has more than a dozen local breweries, including  Good People Brewing Company , the state's oldest and largest. Sample the Muchacho—a Mexican-style lager—or one of its IPAs, stouts, and other brews in its taproom, overlooking downtown's Railroad's Park. From there, follow the  Magic City Brewery tour , which includes Birmingham District Brewing Co., Ghost Train Brewing Company, and the Lakeview District's TrimTrab Brewing Co., a space that doubles as a gallery for local artists. Or book the  Birmingham Brewery Tour , a $65 guided excursion that stops at three local breweries and includes four 4-oz. samples at each location.

Explore more activities in the city with our guides, the  Top 13 Things to Do , and 48 Hours in Birmingham .

What to Eat and Drink

While Birmingham has its share of Southern classics—Alabama barbecue, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken—the city has a diverse food scene, where you can find everything from pho and ramen to South American-inspired small plates and Greek fare. Birmingham also has a thriving nightlife and bar scene.

For a special night out, opt for coastal fare like oysters and Octopus a la Plancha at Automatic Seafood and Oysters in Lakeview, or French-inspired, seasonal fare at the romantic Highlands Bar & Grill in Five Points South.

For those wanting a more relaxed culinary experience, get chicken and waffles and other Southern favorites at the mother and daughter-owned Yo' Mama's, pizza and beer at Slice Pizza & Brew, or plates of smoked meats like pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken with Alabama-style white barbecue sauce at SAW's BBQ.

Other standout restaurants include elegant bistro The Essential, late-night favorite Shu Shop, seafood-centric Hot and Hot Fish Club, and the "Greek plus three" Johnny's.

Birmingham is home to more than a dozen local breweries, many of which offer regular tours and tastings. Try downtown's  Good People Brewing Company , Avondale Brewing, Birmingham District Brewing Co., Ghost Train Brewing Company, or TrimTrab Brewing Co.

The city also has a thriving nightlife scene, most of it centered around the neighborhoods Five Points South and Lakeview. Try the retro-cool Collins Bar near downtown for cocktails, Atomic Lounge for fun costumes and late-night dancing, the LGBTQ-friendly Al's on 7th for drag shows and movie screenings, and the Nick for live music. For more options, see our guide to the city's bars and nightlife .

Courtesy of Tutwiler Hotel, Birmingham

Where to Stay

• Central City/University of Alabama at Birmingham: This is where you'll find the city's most conveniently located hotels, all of which are within walking distance to attractions such as Railroad Park, the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Civil Rights District, and the McWane Science Center. For a bit of luxury, opt for the Art Deco era The Redmont, the historic Tutwiler, the sophisticated Elyton Hotel, or all-around favorite the Westin. Downtown/UAB also has several reliable chains like SpringHill Suites and Hilton Garden Inn.
• Mountain Brook/English Village: These leafy southern suburbs are convenient to the Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Botanical Gardens, as well as shops, restaurants, and galleries. For a splurge, opt for the glamorous Grand Bohemian in Mountain Brook. More affordable options include the modern Aloft Birmingham Soho and the Embassy Suites.

Additional accommodations and short-term rentals are available in neighboring areas like Hoover, Fultondale, and the airport, but expect a longer drive into the city.

Getting There

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is located 6 miles northeast of the city. It offers direct flights to and from over 15 destinations in the United States such as Chicago, Denver, Houston, and Miami via American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

From the airport, it's a 10-15 minute drive to downtown. Rent a car, catch a ride-share like Lyft or Uber, hail a taxi, or take the Magic City Shuttle.

Birmingham is an easy drive from nearby destinations like Hunstville (95 miles north), Nashville (191 miles north), and  Atlanta (147 miles east). Most of the city's hotels offer self-parking or valet, and the city's streets are easy to navigate for out-of-towners.

Money-Saving Tips

• Book a hotel in the offseason. Hotel rates can skyrocket during the tourist season (spring and summer), so try visiting during a less busy month like January or February.
• Take advantage of free attractions such as the Birmingham Museum of Art, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
• Opt outside. From the walking paths, playgrounds, and free concerts in downtown's Railroad Park to 15 miles of hiking trails at Red Mountain Park to Moss Creek Preserve's waterfalls, most of the city's parks and recreational areas are free. They offer a variety of activities for all ages and fitness levels.

City of Birmingham. "About Birmingham."

United States Census Bureau. "U.S. Census, QuickFacts." 2019.

Fly Birmingham. "Flying In. "

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Alabama (AL) » 15 Best Day Trips from Birmingham (Alabama)

15 Best Day Trips from Birmingham (Alabama)

Birmingham is the largest and most populous city in the state of Alabama, and while its grey exterior and long association with coal and iron works fail to hide its relatively new history as a huge, southern industrial centre, recent developments have begun to turn this large city into a cultural centre in its own right, and into a gateway to the great Alabama outdoors.

With Birmingham as your base, there are many opportunities to get out into the surrounding areas to explore the pristine nature waiting in the mountains, forests and state parks that are all just a short drive away.

Travel across nearby state boundaries, and you have cities such as Memphis and Atlanta to explore, while a long drive south will even bring you to Alabama’s own short stretch of beautiful coastline.

There are are many great day trips from Birmingham Alabama, and here are our top picks.

1. Oak Mountain State Park

Just a few miles south of Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park can be found.

Even though it’s so close to the city centre, visiting this state park is a great way to get out into the countryside, and to spend the day surrounded by nature, before being able to easily head back to your accommodation later.

This is the largest state park in Alabama, meaning that there are plenty of opportunities to keep returning day after day.

There are miles of walking trails, mountain biking trails, camping opportunities and swimming holes to discover.

Double Oak Lake even has a small beach to escape to, while the Wildlife Center does an excellent job of caring for and rehabilitating sick and injured animals in the park.

You can visit them to find out more about their work in Oak Mountain State Park.

2. Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park is another great outdoors area that is only a short drive to the south of the city centre.

It’s an area of natural beauty that’s almost within walking distance of the suburbs.

It makes for a great day trip, particularly for the adventurous, as there are many outdoor activities taking place at Red Mountain.

The area was once the site of many mining operations as they dug out the iron ore that fueled the city’s industrial boom.

Today, the redevelopment here is amazing, and what was once an eyesore has been turned into an adventure playground, with a vast green space and zip lining, rock climbing, hiking and biking trails and much, much more to be enjoyed.

3. Talladega National Forest

Located in the beautiful wilderness of the famous Appalachian Mountain Range, the Talladega National Forest is one of the best outdoor destinations in Alabama.

This was once an area that was almost destroyed by overlogging, but over the years it has recovered and now offers a pristine environment for visitors to enjoy.

There are great hiking trails through the forest and through the start of the Appalachians, a veritable wilderness that is sure to make you fall in love with Alabama’s scenery very, very quickly.

4. Childersburg

Childersburg is one of the most historic towns in Alabama, as it claims the title of the oldest settlement in the state.

Although the modern city is relatively new, dating back to the late 19th century, the site of the city has been continually occupied by successive groups of people for centuries.

Spanish explorers stayed here in the mid-16th century, and records show there was an indigenous community here then, although these original people were displaced by newcomers.

It’s an intriguing place to learn about the old and modern history of Alabama.

5. DeSoto Caverns

Close to Childersburg can be found one of the most attractive cave systems in the United States.

This huge underground cavern is found deep in the earth and is named for Hernando DeSoto, the Spanish explorer who also stayed at the Native American settlement in what became Childersburg.

The cave is historically important to the indigenous culture here as it was used as a burial ground.

Geologically, it’s a very unique place, and visitors can undertake underground tours into the huge cave, accompanied by light shows that add to the ambience.

6. Guntersville

Guntersville is found to the north of Birmingham, just a short drive away from the city.

It’s located on the stunning edge of the huge Lake Guntersville, and it’s one of the most picturesque places to visit in the entire state.

Imagine clear waters surrounded by mountain peaks: that’s Guntersville, and while the scenery will leave you amazed, the hikes and the trails will leave you utterly immersed in this outdoor paradise.

7. Tuskegee

Tuskegee is a few hours drive to the south of Birmingham, and this historic city offers visitors a great day trip opportunity.

There are several small museums that give an insight into the local history and into the civil rights movements here, while outdoor lovers can head into the nearby Tuskegee National Forest, which has the unusual distinction of being the smallest national forest in the country.

While the boundaries might not be very large, the wealth of natural beauty contained within the forest is absolutely wonderful.

8. Payne Lake

Just an hour and a half to the south of Birmingham is the spectacular Payne Lake, a protected area that’s surrounded by wilderness and forest which offers a great chance to enjoy a wonderful lakeside setting.

It’s peaceful, quiet and relaxed, with walking trails surrounding the glistening waters of the lake and opportunities to camp or picnic.

The hiking is easy and immersive, and you will find yourself wondering why you need to even think about going back to the city life at all.

9. Little River Canyon

The Little River Canyon National Preserve follows the winding contours of the Little River, which despite its seemingly diminutive name, has over time created one of the deepest canyons in North America.

This is one of Alabama’s best outdoor sights, and the tree-lined canyon is utterly spectacular to experience first hand.

There are powerful, tumbling waterfalls hidden along the river, and epic rock formations wherever you look.

The short hiking trails take you right into the gorge, where you will be immersed in the setting, while longer biking trails can help you get further afield.

The river too, is perfect for kayaking and canoeing, and offers a great opportunity to relax along the waters as the scenery flies past.

10. Cathedral Caverns State Park

The Cathedral Caverns are a collection of underground caves that are just waiting to be explored to the north of Birmingham.

It makes for an excellent day trip, as the cool caves are stunning in their gloomy underground darkness.

The protected site can be explored as part of the cave tours that take visitors into the network of chambers and caverns hidden in the rocks.

11. Bankhead National Forest

You will soon find that Alabama is really a quite extraordinary state when it comes to the immense natural beauty to be found here.

Yet another incredible forest to visit which is in close proximity to Birmingham, is the Bankhead National Forest.

This area of wilderness offers visitors the chance to enjoy the clear, calm waters of the Sipsey Fork River which meanders through the protected area, while along the length of the river can be found waterfall after waterfall, just waiting to be explored.

Mobile is found on the short coastline of Alabama, far to the south of Birmingham.

It makes for a unique trip, because Mobile is in many ways very different from industrial Birmingham.

Whereas Birmingham was founded by English settlers, Mobile was originally a part of French Louisiana.

It’s a lively, culturally vibrant city, with a great and scenic seaside setting.

Enjoy the warm Gulf weather, the great French inspired culinary scene and even, at the right time of year, the oldest Mardis Gras festival in the states.

13. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, one of the most famous cities in southern America, is one of the best cities in nearby Tennessee to visit for a cultural and musical journey.

It’s a long day trip from Birmingham, but it’s certainly worth an early start, because this is the heart and soul of music, home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion, and the scene of many famous musicians’ rise to stardom.

There are a great many museums and galleries to visit, and plenty of great restaurants and live music venues to enjoy.

14. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the capital of nearby Tennessee, and this large city has a real soul to it that needs to be experienced on a day trip from Birmingham.

The city is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame as a well as an intriguing museum dedicated to the famous musician Johnny Cash.

It’s a must-visit place for music and culture lovers.

The wide banks of the long Cumberland River offer an amazing, scenic spot to enjoy throughout the year, and there are great restaurants and a lively nightlife to accompany all the musical history to be found in the city.

15. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is the capital and largest city of the state of Georgia, located just a few hours to the east of Birmingham, Alabama.

Atlanta has a lot to offer, and a single day trip might not do the city justice.

It’s a truly historic place in the south, with a long association with the Civil Rights Movement and many corresponding locations and museums to experience.

There are plenty of green spaces, galleries and great restaurants to enjoy as well when visiting Atlanta.

15 Best Day Trips from Birmingham (Alabama):

• Oak Mountain State Park
• Red Mountain Park
• Talladega National Forest
• Childersburg
• DeSoto Caverns
• Guntersville
• Little River Canyon
• Cathedral Caverns State Park
• Bankhead National Forest
• Memphis, Tennessee
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Atlanta, Georgia

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Easy to get to. Easy to get around.

Two major interstates and the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport located 10 minutes from the city center make it easy to get here. Neighborhoods with retail space, hotels and entertainment options conveniently clustered around the heart of downtown make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Traveling in Birmingham

Like lots of cities, we have plenty of attractions that showcase the many different aspects of our history and culture. But we can also cultivate specific packages tailored to your individual interests, group size or group type.

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Airport & Airlines   Taxi/Cab Service    Rental Cars   Bus Service    Limousine Service    Amtrak

Airport & Airlines

A visually exciting gateway to the city, Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport gives visitors easy access to the metropolitan area. Direct service is provided to 50 cities with 70 daily departures, and the city is only one stop away from anywhere. Birmingham-with its array of major airlines serving the area-is well positioned in terms of cost efficient air travel.

For the most up to date information as well as flights and cities served, visit the Birmingham- Shuttlesworth International Airport Web site.  Be sure to check out these helpful  Security/TSA clearance and boarding tips  and apply for the TSA Pre Check here .

A new Metro Area Express is available to and from the airport which includes city center hotels such as the Westin, Sheraton, Marriott Courtyard, Tutwiler, Double Tree, Springhill Suites, Hotel Highland and others. To plan your shuttle, please call (205) 521-0101.

Distance(from Downtown): 4.5 miles, 10 minutes Airport accessibility by roadway: I-20, I-59, I-65, I-459

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Taxi/Cab Service

• Birmingham Yellow Cab (205) 323-9370 Radio dispatch service covering the metropolitan Birmingham area 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Provides package delivery.
• American Cab Co. (205) 212-4656 Primarily services Birmingham International Airport. Limited service of metropolitan Birmingham. Service provided 24 hours, most days.
• Birmingham Metro (205) 567-7089
• Ambassador Cab (205) 591-7770
• King Cab (205) 616-1466
• Silver Cab (205) 585-0132
• Birmingham Door-To-Door Shuttle Service (205) 591-5550 Provides van service to and from the Birmingham International Airport to any point within the state of Alabama. Charges are quoted via telephone. Reservations required.
• E-Shuttle Service (205) 702-4566 Provides car and van service from the Birmingham International Airport to all points within a 900 mile radius. Reservations required.
• Southern Sports (205) 965-5509 Offering shuttle service to the Talladega race (Saturday and Sunday) for both races, and for University of Alabama home football games.
• Reunion Tours and Travel (205) 848-8197 We at Reunion Tours & Travel strive to make your ride safe and comfortable.  Our team consists of licensed professional drivers years of experience. We guarantee a safe and dependable ride throughout your travel with us.

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Rental Cars

Alamo Rent A Car 5900 Messer-Airport Highway Birmingham, AL 35212-1057 Main Phone: 205-591-4395

Avis Rent A Car Birmingham International Airport Terminal 5900 Airport Highway Birmingham, AL 35203 Main Phone: 205-592-8901

Budget Rent A Car 2301 3rd Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233-2401 Main Phone: 205-322-3596

Dollar Rent A Car 5600 Airline Dr. Birmingham, AL 35212-1054 Main Phone: 205-591-8666 Fax: 205-510-0195

Enterprise Rent A Car Birmingham International Airport 5900 Messer-Airport Hwy Birmingham, AL 35212-1057 Main Phone: 205-591-1927

Hertz Rent A Car Birmingham International Airport 5900 Messer-Airport Hwy Birmingham, AL 35212 Main Phone: 205-591-6090

National Car Rental Birmingham International Airport 5900 Messer-Airport Hwy Birmingham, AL 35212 Main Phone: 205-592-7259

Bus Service

• Greyhound Birmingham Terminal 618 N 19th St Birmingham, AL 35201 (800) 231-2222, (205) 251-3210 Hours: 24 hours; 7 days a week
• MAX (Metro Area Express, Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority) 1735 Morris Ave. Birmingham, AL 35202 (205) 521-0101 Hours: Mon-Fri, 6am – 5pm only
• Mega Bus : Megabus.com is the first, low-cost, express bus service to offer city-to-city travel for as low as $1 via the Internet. Since launching in April 2006, megabus.com has served more than 15 million passengers throughout more than 70 major cities in the Midwest and Northeast of the USA and Canada. You can be assured of a great experience and overall satisfaction when you choose megabus.com. Our professional staff, and our fleet of clean, comfortable and well maintained motor coaches enable us to provide you with the dependable, quality service you expect. Atlanta and Memphis service is available to and from Birmingham.

Charter and Rentals:

• Alabama Football Shuttle / Talladega Race Shuttle P.O. Box 1094 Birmingham, AL 35201 (205) 965-5509
• Allen Transportation Co. Your #1 Trusted Transportation Company in Birmingham, Alabama. Currently Serving Birmingham and Surrounding Locations. PO Box 1976 Gardendale, AL  35071 (205) 873-8879
• Apex Valet 5184 Caldwell Mill Rd. Birmingham, AL 35244 (205) 991-0532
• Birmingham Charter Service 1012 Parkwood Circle Birmingham, AL 35215 (205) 335-8001 Toll Free: 1-866-325-3081 Email: [email protected]
• The BusBank- The Easy Way to Charter a Bus in Birmingham Toll Free (866) 428-7226
• Callaway Transportation 950 22 nd Street North, Suite 648 Birmingham, AL 35203 (410) 795-8300 Email:   [email protected]
• Camelot Charter and Tours Camelot Limousine P. O. Box 2204 Birmingham, AL 35201 (205) 337-3370
• Cline Tours, Inc. 3000 7th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 591-7555 Office Hours: Mon-Fri – 8a – 5p
• Crawford & Sons Limousine & Transportation 4301 Crawford Avenue Birmingham, AL 35221 (800) 487-0398, (205) 925-1391 Office Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Freedom Line Tours Experience Group, Food, History and City Attractions Tours in the Greater Birmingham Area 1525 4th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 (866) 259-9691
• Groome Transportation Shuttle service from Birmingham to Atlanta (and vice versa) 7001 Crestwood Boulevard Suite 112 Birmingham, AL 35210 (205) 719-0469
• GoGo Charters 1-855-826-6770 Talladega Race  Alabama Football Shuttle
• Excursion Unlimited, Inc. 3500 4th Street W. Birmingham, AL 35207 (800) 255-8910, (205) 251-7799, (205) 324-8639 Office Hours: Mon-Fri – 8a – 6p
• New Direction Charter Corporation 671 County Road 724 Calera, AL 35040-2733 (205) 668-1655 Office Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Prideline 1301 F.L. Shuttlesworth Drive Birmingham, AL  35234-2623 205-324-4024
• Rare Transportation Wedding and Corporate Shuttle Service 205-980-7273
•  R&B Transportation 1906 Lakeland Trail Helena, AL 35080 (205) 620-3416 Cell: (205) 966-7001 Fax: (205) 620-0245 Email [email protected]
• Shofur 1-800-436-8719
• Southeastern Motor Coach 1704 Sue Dr. Birmingham, AL 35214 P. O. Box 311085 Forestdale, AL 35214 (205) 791-1966 Fax:  205-791-1966
• Thrasher Brothers 4811 1st Ave. North Birmingham, AL 35232 (205) 591-8811 Office Hours: Mon-Fri – 8a – 5p
•   Windham’s Tours, Inc. 3400 31 st Place North Birmingham, AL 35207 (205) 808-0833 Cell:  205-965-1903 (Doug) Cell:  205-965-2053 (Vanice) Email: [email protected]

Limousine Service

• Cline Tours 3000 7th Ave. N Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 591-7555 Toll Free 1-800-633-0223
• Ambassador Limousine Service, Inc. 2166 Hwy 31 S Pelham, AL 35007 (205) 987-8789
• Ambassador Limousine Service, Inc. 2172 Hwy 31 Pelham Pelham, AL 35007 (205) 987-5466
• R.L. Lumzy Limousine Service 1907 1st Avenue Bessemer Bessemer, AL 35020 (205) 425-1907
•   R.L. Lumzy Limousine Service 1757 17th St. North Birmingham, AL  35204 205-251-5466/ 205-281-9143
•   B&B Transportation & Limousine Service, Inc. 1 Finley Avenue W Birmingham, AL 35204 (205) 326-0084
• Alabama Associated Limousine Service 2101 Montevallo Rd SW Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 942-3771
• Bushelon Limousine Service 800 14th St SW Birmingham, AL. 35211 (205) 781-4423
• Burkes Brothers Classic Limousine Service P.O. Box 39105 Birmingham, AL  35208 (205) 324-9677
• Cliff’s Limousine Service, Inc. 2101 Montevallo Rd SW Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 942-3771
• Birmingham Valet & Limo 210 Lorna Rd, Ste 216 Hoover, AL 35216 (205) 988-0005
• Robert’s Limousine Service, Inc. 1714 Avenue F Ensley Birmingham, AL 35218 (205) 788-5466
• Larry’s Limo’s 3651 St. Clair Road Springville, AL 35146 (205) 999-4201
• Airport Limousine Service 2348 Farley Place Birmingham, AL 35226 (205) 592-2777, (205) 838-1080
• Liberty Limousine Service 2348 Farley Place Birmingham, AL 35226 (205) 967-5466
• Acton Limousine Coach 5128 Valley Brook Circle Birmingham, AL 35244 (205) 408-7723
• R&B Transportation 1906 Lakeland Trail Helena, AL 35080 (205) 620-3416 Cell: (205) 966-7001 Fax: (205) 620-0245 Email [email protected]

Amtrak operates daily passenger service to Atlanta, New Orleans and New York.

Amtrak 1819 Morris Avenue Birmingham, AL 35203 (800) 872-7245 (205) 324-3033 Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

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Birmingham city guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in the UK’s thriving canal city

Forget everything you thought you knew about brum – explore this cool, contemporary city with our guide to its finest hangouts, article bookmarked.

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Hurtling along at top speed on a hamster wheel of regeneration, Birmingham is constantly pulling out new attractions that make it a worthy weekend destination. Long regarded as a drab place and teased relentlessly for its distinctive accent, today’s fast-evolving city will surprise you with its innovative, eye-popping modern architecture and new attractions.

This month it hosts the Commonwealth Games 2022 - just one sign of its emerging place on the world map. Plans for a Clean Air Zone and a whole calendar of festivals and events ‒ from art exhibitions to heritage walks and urban treasure hunts ‒ are leading it into the future. And you won’t go hungry, either: from diverse street food and proper curries to elegant Michelin-starred nosh, Brum’s gastronomic offerings are sure to give you eyes bigger than your stomach.

Get your bearings

Many of the top attractions, new developments and shopping hotspots in Birmingham are clustered within easy walking distance of each other and the central transport hub, New Street Station. The historic Jewellery Quarter in the northeast portion of the centre is replete with architectural gems (pun intended) from Birmingham’s industrial past ‒ this area is thought to produce 40 per cent of all British jewellery. To the west, canals find a sophisticated neighbour in the Brindleyplace development , with its glass-fronted cafes and summer deckchairs. For a more creative, arty vibe, head to Digbeth and its start-up magnet Custard Factory , where arts, street food and live music collide. South of the centre, you’ll find impressive green spaces to relax in like Cannon Hill Park and the Botanical Gardens .

Take a hike

To get a first taste of the city’s vibe and architecture, start at the ultra square, love-it-or-hate building: The Cube . Cross over the bridge to Gas Street Basin, and keep along the towpath to stroll past moored narrowboats. Nip under the arch of Broad Street Tunnel, and continue on to Birmingham City Centre Path. Turn left when you hit the Pitcher & Piano to explore the streets and squares of the masterfully redeveloped Brindleyplace, where relaxed eateries sit alongside the award-winning Ikon Gallery (currently collab-ing with Paris’s Palais de Tokyo on a major contemporary installation) and rows of blossom trees that shroud the Japanese-inspired Oozells Square in pink during springtime.

Return to the canal path, then cross the canal via the suspension bridge. Walk straight through the ICC conference complex into Centenary Square, where you’ll be confronted by the Library of Birmingham – a bold and blocky modern affair with yellow tiers and a lacy metal shell. Cross Paradise Circus Queensway via the walkway, bearing right and then left onto Fletchers Walk. Here you’ll spot the Neoclassical columns of Birmingham Town Hall ahead; wander behind it to enter Victoria Square, home to the grand Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery . Keep heading northeast onto Colmore Row, and eventually you’ll hit St Phillip’s Cathedral and square.

Lunch on the run

With its exposed brick walls and caged Edison bulbs, 200 Degrees on Colmore Row exemplifies Birmingham’s burgeoning indie coffee culture. They’re so serious about coffee that there’s even a barista school in the basement. Head in at lunchtime for expertly crafted brews and chunky gourmet sandwiches with inventive fillings like roasted broccoli, coffee-rubbed sweet potato, and Stilton with prosciutto.

Window shopping

You’ll find everything and the kitchen sink in the neighbouring Bullring, Mailbox and Grand Central shopping centres. These complexes cover all of the popular high street stores, and the Bullring also hosts Selfridges in a futuristic, disc-clad building. More independent boutiques line the charming Great Western Arcade nearby: be tempted by the cheerful, handcrafted macaroons from Miss Macaroon , and if cheese is your vice, have a good nosy at the well-stocked cabinets in Anderson & Hill .

An aperitif

For a sultry, loft vibe and Japanese-inspired creations, head for Bar Ikigai in the Jewellery Quarter. Exposed brick and whitewash rub up against jewel-coloured, velvet sofa nooks, where you can sip a mango-and-passionfruit-inflused Pixellated Punch or a Talisker whisky cocktail jazzed up with caramel, apple and nori (dried seaweed).

Dine with the locals

An offshoot of legendary local food venture Digbeth Dining Club, Hockley Social Club is Brum’s sensory-overloading answer to London’s street food scene. Open Thursday-Sunday evenings, its chefs serve up Asian rice bowls, pizzas, tacos and sweet waffles while live bands and local DJs generate a party atmosphere.

Out to brunch

Start the day with some canalside calm at Ju Ju’s Café , consistently rated as one of the best brunch spots in Brum. Nab a table out in the sun and choose from a menu packed with hearty brunch options done exceptionally well. From Lebanese flatbreads with avocado, feta and za’atar to paprika-dusted “eggs in purgatory”, Ju Ju’s serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm.

Take a ride

Birmingham is well serviced by a bus network, and trips can be paid for on board with cash (exact change required) or by tapping your contactless card. It’s also worth noting that Birmingham pips Venice when it comes to the overall length of its canals, so you may wish to admire the historic sights by narrowboat. Hour-long City Heritage tours start at the International Convention Centre moorings. Canal Boat trips depart from the International Convention Centre Quayside daily from Easter to end of October (11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm). Weekends only throughout November, January, February and March.

Cultural afternoon

Birmingham’s industrial past is central to its character, and two museums in particular offer immersive glimpses into life during the city’s boom years. Book guided tours in advance to learn about Birmingham’s metalworking and jewellery heritage at Coffin Works , open Friday to Sunday 10.45am-4pm (£8.50), and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter , which is currently only open for special events such as Kids’ jewellery workshops.

A walk in the park

Perhaps surprisingly, Birmingham is one of the greenest cities in the UK. Cannon Hill Park in south Birmingham boasts over 200 acres of green space, and it’s also home to the Midlands Arts Centre and Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Centre . In recent years, massive investment projects have transformed the park into a top leisure spot. A mini funfair operates at the weekend and you can also get active on a vast mini-golf course (£11.90 for 36 holes) or a giant swan pedalo.

The icing on the cake

After London, Birmingham has the second greatest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, with five total. Book well ahead of time for memorable tasting menus at fine establishments including Purnell’s , the eponymous restaurant headed up by Solihull local Glynn Purnell, Simpsons , a top chef training ground and star holder since 2000, and Carters of Moseley , with a menu focusing on unusual ingredients, wild game and foraged herbs.

Travel Essentials

Getting there.

Due to its position in the heart of England, the best way to get to Birmingham is by train. Fast and frequent services from all over the country arrive at three main stations: the recently refurbished New Street Station, with its divisive tinfoiled exterior, and the rather less shiny Moor Street and Snow Hill stations.

Staying there

Located in the Jewellery Quarter, a 15-minute walk from New Street Station, BLOC Hotel (0121 212 1233; blochotels.com) offers minimal but sleek rooms with monsoon showers and super-fast wifi. Doubles from £88 room only.

Check availability

The red-bricked Hotel du Vin (0121 794 3005, hotelduvin.com) is a Victorian beauty with a convenient central location, home-style French bistro and uniquely styled rooms. Doubles from £109, room only.

St Paul’s House (0121 272 0999, saintpaulshouse.com) in the Jewellery Quarter overlooks Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian square. Rooms are contemporary and casual with a free mini-bar, but there’s a public bar and a modern European restaurant on site should you wish to emerge at some point.

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A guide to Birmingham, the Peaky Blinders-inspired UK city break you'd never think of

Multicultural, industrious and home to the real life Peaky Blinders , the West Midlands’ capital flaunts its heritage with style.

Everything changed for Birmingham with the arrival of the Commonwealth Games in 2022, the biggest in the event’s history. With athletes and delegates from 72 nations descending on the region and more than 1.5 million tickets sold, it gave England ’s second city a chance to prove its mettle on the world stage. And so it did. The opening and closing ceremonies rolled out Birmingham’s multifaceted past, proudly celebrating the city’s long-standing multicultural residents — often referred to as ‘Brummies’ — and manufacturing heritage as reggae, rock and grime artists shared the stage.

It’s no surprise that this former industrial powerhouse chose to showcase its roots. From around the 16th century, the city became lauded for its metal-working industry, earning it the nickname of the ‘workshop of the world’ by the 18th century. It then became home to two of the UK’s biggest car manufacturers: Jaguar and MG Rover.

Today, the residents of Birmingham are down-to-earth and self-deprecating, but the city has had its fair share of fame. Novelist and lecturer JRR Tolkien spent formative years around King's Heath and Sarehole at the end of the 19th century and later cited the area as inspiration for his books. During the same period, the real-life Peaky Blinders criminal street gang rampaged around Birmingham; they would go on to be the inspiration for the blockbuster period television drama that now draws tourists to its city filming locations.

Birmingham’s industrial prowess lasted well into the 20th century, but eventually waned as British manufacturing was scaled back from the 1970s. However, its heritage is still on show in pockets of the city, namely along the snaking canal network, which was cut in the 18th and 19th centuries to transport heavy goods in and out of the region by narrowboat. Now, many of the waterways have become urban parks used by joggers, cyclists and kayakers.

In Digbeth, the former Bird’s Custard Factory is now a creative digital business complex home to independent bars, shops and a cinema. In the Jewellery Quarter, where 40% of the UK’s jewellery is still made today, former factories have been repurposed as hotels, trendsetting restaurants and social enterprise spaces. The regeneration of public squares in the city centre, meanwhile, has seen historic neoclassical architecture like Birmingham Town Hall blend in seamlessly in Paradise, a sleek development mixing business space and leisure facilities.

Steady gentrification has also seeped into the dining scene. While the city has long been lauded for its authentic South Asian cuisine, especially around the Balti Triangle, what’s less well known is that Birmingham has five Michelin stars, more than any other English city outside of London. It may not shout about its achievements, but Birmingham’s official motto is Forward — and that’s the way it looks.

What to see and do in Birmingham

1. Roundhouse Birmingham Kayak Tours Birmingham’s canal network was first engineered in the 1700s to transport heavy goods such as coal and iron. Today, the waterway’s distinctive 19th-century brick Roundhouse, originally used as stables and store houses, has been revamped in collaboration with the National Trust and Canals & Rivers Trust as a base for tours. Pop into the Grade II-listed building’s visitor centre in the heart of the city centre before joining one of its unique kayak trips, offering a duck’s-eye view of popular landmarks such as the historic Gas Street Basin, and areas that are inaccessible by foot.

2. Sarehole Mill & Moseley Bog It’s hard to believe that a young JRR Tolkien drew inspiration for The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings when living just five miles south of Birmingham city centre, but it’s true. Tolkien often visited the grounds surrounding Sarehole Mill, a 250-year-old working watermill in Hall Green, which he later said inspired Middle Earth. A five-minute walk away is Moseley Bog, an ancient forest with gnarled trees and walking trails, which was the inspiration for the Old Forest, on the edge of the Shire.

3. Positively Birmingham These fun walking tours, led by local authors and photographers, tap into topics ranging from the city’s Victorian heritage to its role as the backdrop for the hit TV series Peaky Blinders. Tours run Friday to Sunday and take in street art, filming locations and city landmarks, like the Library of Birmingham and Black Sabbath Bridge.

4. Aston Hall This Grade I-listed Jacobean red-brick mansion across the road from Villa Park, home of Aston Villa FC , remains one of the finest standing examples of 17th-century architecture in the city. It also claims to be one of the UK’s most haunted buildings. Combine a visit to its rooms with a tour of Villa Park.

5. Jewellery Quarter Birmingham’s 19th-century industrial prowess gave it the nickname the ‘workshop of the world’, so for a window into its heritage, visit the city centre’s Jewellery Quarter. Here you’ll find Europe’s largest concentration of jewellers in a district where the original FA Cup, the whistles used on RMS Titanic and, at one point, 75% of the world’s pen nibs were manufactured. Now, many of the Jewellery Quarter’s warehouses have been repurposed as bars, museums and restaurants, all sprawling out from its centrepiece, St Paul’s Square.

6. Cadbury World Britain’s favourite chocolate maker turns 200 this year, and what better way to celebrate than with a visit to its factory? Just 13 minutes from New Street Station by train, Cadbury World’s home is the historic Bournville model village, where cottages, schools and sports facilities were built in 1893 by the Cadbury family for its workers. Today, Bournville remains a blueprint for British model villages and its immersive factory tour tells the brand’s story through interactive displays, actor appearances and, of course, tastings.

7. Ikon Gallery This nationally important artist-led gallery has one goal: to make art accessible for the people of Birmingham, free of charge. Ikon turns 60 this year and has been in its current neo-gothic city centre building on Oozells Square — a spot famous for its cherry blossom display in spring — since 1997. Recent exhibitions have showcased the works of photographer Vanley Burke and painter Mali Morris, among others.

8. Parks & green spaces With more than 8,500 acres of parks and gardens to explore, Birmingham is a much greener city than its industrial past would lead you to believe. Locals’ favourite park is Cannon Hill , a 15-minute bus ride south of the centre, which is home to the Midlands Arts Centre , an outdoor amphitheatre, boating lake, tennis courts and mini golf.

Where to shop in Birmingham

1. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Following a lengthy refurbishment, BMAG’s main galleries are undergoing a phased reopening in time for this summer. Head to its shop for products by local creatives, such as Stacey Barnfield’s Birmingham Colour Palette prints, and Punks & Chancer’s t-shirts emblazoned with the Brummie endearment ‘bab’.

2. Swordfish Records Swordfish is a shop tucked away on the city centre’s northeastern edge, but is worth the effort — it’s been a city mainstay since 1979. Most genres are catered for here but there’s nothing more quintessentially Brummie than flicking through the crates and going home with a Black Sabbath record.

3. Moseley Farmers’ Market Birmingham is surrounded by working farms that supply a handful of regular farmers’ markets. Perhaps the most popular is this one, held on the final Saturday of each month in the village of Moseley to the south, where all the food and drink for sale is grown, reared or produced no more than a few miles away. Local craftspeople often sell products such as jewellery, ceramics and textiles here, too.

See the city like a local

1. St Martin’s Rag Market It’s a rite of passage for young Brummies to visit the Rag Market — usually taken by grandparents seeking a bargain — with everything from textiles and homewares to food and jewellery for sale across 350 stalls. Birmingham was first granted permission to hold a market on this very site in 1166, making it a piece of city history.

2. Edgbaston Reservoir Birmingham is about as far from the sea as you can get, so Edgbaston Reservoir is where locals retreat to when they want to be by the water. Come for sailing, rowing and standup paddleboarding — just a five-minute taxi ride, or a 30-minute walk, from the city centre. There’s also a 1.75-mile trail you can walk around the edge.

3. Bearwood While the likes of Moseley, Stirchley and Digbeth find themselves on neighbourhood cool lists, Bearwood has been quietly fizzing away. The suburb tips over Birmingham’s northwest border into Sandwell and has become known for a burgeoning Latino food scene. Try Brazilian butcher-cum-restaurant BrasilPortu and the family-owned A La Mexicana .

Where to eat in Birmingham

1. Shababs The balti was invented in the 1970s by a Pakistani-Brummie restaurateur whose speedy method of cooking and serving the dish in the same flat-bottomed wok-style steel bowl caught on. Birmingham’s famous Balti Triangle, a 10-minute taxi ride south of the city centre, is home to a large concentration of authentic balti houses. Shababs restaurant has been a local institution since 1987.

2. Cherry Reds

This kitsch cafe-bar over the road from New Street Station is a hit with locals for its classic brunch menu featuring full English breakfasts and American pancakes, paired with freshly ground coffee from local roastery, Quarter Horse. Vegans and vegetarians are especially well catered for here, as are craft beer drinkers. Visit on evenings for live music.

3. Simpsons Michelin-starred Simpsons moved into Edgbaston in 2004, taking over a sprawling Grade II-listed Georgian villa. Chef-patron Andreas Antona and head chef Luke Tipping’s contemporary British menu provides playful twists on classic fine-dining ingredients like lobster, which is barbecued and served with pilaf rice, coconut and pineapple.

Where to go after dinner

1. Fox and Chance Carefully crafted cocktails take centre stage at this unassuming central bar known for its service and locally inspired cocktail names. Deep chesterfield sofas and vintage artworks are nice touches, but it’s the bartenders’ expert drinks knowledge that sets the bar apart. Try the funky Cannonball rum cocktail, named after a former city jazz club.

2. Nortons This independent bar in the Irish quarter of Digbeth pours some of the best Guinness in the city, alongside a range of cask and keg beers. Drinkers can expect great craic with trad music sessions on weekends and a beer garden showing live sports. There’s even a ‘split the G’ leaderboard with free pints for those who can take a gulp and land the black line between the gap in the ‘G’ on their Guinness glass.

3. Hare & Hounds If you’ve heard of the Hare & Hounds it’s probably because you know someone that saw Ed Sheeran play in its tiny gig room above the pub in 2011. Or so they say. This stalwart venue has indeed brought some of music’s biggest names to the sprightly south Birmingham suburb of Kings Heath, including UB40 who, in 1979, played their first ever gig here.

Where to stay in Birmingham

1. bloc With 73 cabins inspired by modern, Japanese design and 35 aparthotel suites, Bloc offers great value in a superb location near St Paul’s Square. Its lowest rates are found in its compact ‘no frills, no window’ space-saving rooms that still have king-sized beds, super soft linen and excellent monsoon showers.

2. Staying Cool at Rotunda For a bird’s-eye perspective on Birmingham, stay at this hotel high up in the landmark Rotunda building. It’s as central as you can get, with apartment-style rooms featuring kitchens that include complimentary local delicacies such as Birmingham Brewing Co beers and snacks from local zero waste shop The Clean Kilo.

3. The Grand Hotel Birmingham’s landmark hotel was empty for almost 20 years before a £50m restoration brought it back to life in 2021. The likes of Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin stayed here in their day, and more recently it’s hosted film stars such as Tom Cruise and Johnny Depp. The rooms include family and accessible options, as well as penthouse suites with four-poster beds. There’s also an on-site NYC-inspired brasserie, Isaac’s.

Related Topics

• SHORT TRIPS
• FAMILY TRAVEL
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• PEOPLE AND CULTURE

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Tenerife issues rare 'red' alert to UK tourists and warns 'stay away'

A red notice has been issued the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council as the summer getaway season windows down.

• 07:02, 19 SEP 2024

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A Canary Islands health warning has been issued to UK tourists - with swimming now banned on three popular beaches on Tenerife. A red notice has been issued the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council as the summer getaway season windows down.

The council has enacted a prohibition on swimming in the zones of El Bloque and Los Charcos in Valleseco due to "the identification of certain indicators that suggest water pollution", according to reports domestically, from newspapers in Tenerife.

It comes following the report from the Sanitary Inspection Service and Laboratory of the Tenerife Health Area of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS). The report has seen the municipal department responsible for Environmental Sustainability and Health declare these locations unsuitable for bathing.

READ MORE UK set for -4C snow blast with five parts of country 'worst hit'

The local authority is monitoring the progression of the situation through routine checks on the quality of bathing water. This measure has been implemented as a precaution while awaiting the results of water samples, which will undergo further testing to ascertain the conclusion of this contamination episode, according to reports.

Mmbers of the beach rescue and lifeguard team have taken charge of displaying the red flag at both bathing sites along the Valleseco coastline and have informed users regarding the current situation. The Local Police of Santa Cruz de Tenerife have also been alerted and requested to assist in ensuring proper adherence to the precautionary measures.

Municipal personnel have collected additional samples from these locations to verify whether the previously detected negative values persist or have been resolved. Both the Anaga District and the Santa Cruz City Council have been informed and fully support the measure to ensure the well-being of beachgoers.

Authorities urge residents and visitors to stay informed by following official updates and adhering to signage in the affected areas to avoid unnecessary risks, according to reports.

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I've Traveled Over 400,000 Miles With This Away Suitcase—Here's How It's Held Up

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It was 2016. I was working as an editor in New York City , and a carry-on from a new travel brand had just landed at my desk. A cardboard box held inside a black Away carry-on . Sleek, with a ridged design, it featured technology that was groundbreaking at the time—a built-in USB battery to charge your phone, a compression panel to press down clothing for even more room, and a removable laundry bag. Not only that, but as it was made from durable polycarbonate hardshell, it became my first hard-sided bag—at that time, hard shell luggage was still a small percentage of luggage bought and used, though it was gaining popularity every year. (According to the Travel Goods Association and first reported by The Washington Post , hard shell luggage accounted for almost 8 percent of the US luggage market by volume in 2010; by 2015, that number was just over 16 percent.)

Dimensions : 21.7" x 14.4" x 9" Weight:  7.5 lb.  Capacity:  39.8 L Pros : Lightweight, hard-shelled, easy to maneuver Cons : Handle only adjusts to two heights; it's very popular (meaning you'll want to add some defining characteristics like a bag tag) Standout feature : The compression panel that really locks everything in

I previously had a soft-sided carry-on my parents had graciously given me as a graduation gift (and as someone who didn’t have a passport until I was 22, I used that sucker a lot in my 20s), but it had been six years since then and this, well, this new Away carry-on was different. The first time I used it, I flew through the airport—the bag basically drove itself on the 360-degree wheels that were found at each corner. It made me feel like a full-blown adult.

“From the beginning, we set out to expand the conversation around travel, solving real world travel pain points by keeping an incredibly close pulse on our customer’s needs,” says Luigi Auricchio, Away’s VP of design.

Later that same year, Away launched The Bigger Carry-On , which was, obviously, bigger than the original carry-on, but still fit in most US airline’s overhead compartments. (It’s the brand’s best-selling product to date.) But I loved my little black bag—it was the perfect size for both US and international airlines, and fit so much in such a compact space (thanks in large part to the compression panel). I can fit at least a week’s worth of outfits, plus shoes, makeup, and accessories inside. In 2017, I got an email from the Away team—as did all those who had purchased its bag prior to that. Due to airline restrictions put in place by the UN, they were changing the built-in battery to be ejectable rather than built into the bag (with no way of getting it out).

The author with her go-to carry-on in Mexico City's Las Alcobas hotel

The author's suitcase in 2022

You had three options: You could mail in your bag (with the help of the Away team to coordinate), you could take it to Away's NYC store, or you could be sent the materials needed to install at home (they assured it was easy). I chose the last option, and it only took me a few minutes to change the battery case. From then on, I had an ejectable, portable battery (which, coincidentally, was my first portable battery in general, and one I would often use outside of travel days). Later in 2018, they got rid of the battery altogether as a feature, “as power outlets became more widely accessible throughout air travel,” says Auricchio. (In 2019, the UN rule was codified for US airlines , but many airlines had already been making passengers remove batteries from bags.) That’s how you know an Away is truly old school—do you have a battery on the top near the handle? I was an early adopter, one might say.

The bag later made the schlep to Brooklyn as I moved into my first big girl apartment at the end of 2017. While I was a full-time staffer at the time, I later went freelance, and was traveling at least once a month, if not more. Mexico City , Paris , Lisbon , Monaco , San Francisco , Los Angeles , Chicago , Dallas —this bag has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles over the years. (I’m currently at 405,000 lifetime miles on Delta, and I’ve flown many other carriers with this bag as well.) Rain, snow, sleet, sun, gravel, grass, cobblestone, cement—it’s been through the ringer. It’s been checked internationally (when I wanted to be hands-free on the way home), it’s been gate-checked against my will, it’s been lugged upstairs after a 18+ hour travel day only to get refilled and moved out the next day for the airport, and primarily, it’s been my constant companion for nearly nine years.

In 2021, it made its way to my new city of Los Angeles , where I lived out of it (and the larger checked size Away bag ) for two months before signing for an apartment and unpacking all my stuff that made the cross-country move. (FYI, even though it’s been scuffed in the past, these have been easy to get out with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser , and now the new version comes with a melamine sponge to get the scuffs out as well. Nine years later, it still looks pretty damn good with only one minor stubborn scuff-mark at the corner—and I do think the dark color helped keep it looking good.)

Only recently did I get another carry-on—this time in an olive green color. I thought about maybe getting rid of my old bag once I had the new version, but found that it’s actually helpful to have more than one carry-on option since I travel so much. Besides, it’s not that I needed to get rid of my old bag for another, it’s just that Away’s newest updates offer things my old one doesn’t: A compression panel with two pockets (as opposed to one large one) and stronger straps, a side handle (for easy handling and grabbing from both overhead bins and luggage carousels), and a smoother roll overall, thanks to better ergonomics on the handle and reworked wheels.

According to Auricchio, these user experience changes were “informed by tens of thousands of interviews, reviews, and direct customer feedback.” While I love my new bag (and use it often), my original bag always comes through for me, and is awaiting its next journey. Oftentimes, since I travel so frequently, I’ll pack both for a quick exchange at home before heading back to the airport. I’ve traveled to two different climates, filling only my carry-on and making it through days on end with what I packed. At my longest, I was gone 21 days (and traveling through three different climates—tropical, snow-laden, and desert). My black Away carry-on fit it all.

Things have certainly changed over the years, but one thing that has remained a constant in my life is, somewhat oddly, a piece of polycarbonate luggage. There’s something comforting about that. And, if nothing else, there’s always Away’s lifetime limited warranty .

This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler’ s second annual Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

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