Birmingham is probably the last city tourists consider when exploring England. The first thing that comes to mind, obviously, is London. But the sad truth is that millions of other people think the same thing. So what happens? London ends up being overcrowded with hardly any room to walk from point A to point B. Little do they know that the real fun lies about 100 miles northwest of the capital. This post is for you travelers who love experiencing the unique parts of a city that turn into stories you can tell for years to come!
Paintballing in Birmingham
National Paintballing Fields, just outside Birmingham, are a 200 acre action-packed paintballing heaven. The field is movie themed and proves to be quite the adventure making it world-famous. The Hollywood-like field offers complete days with interactive military simulation and role play. Bring your friends and family along to the resort and you won’t regret it!
Cadbury World
Yes, it is exactly what you think! Cadbury World attracts around half a million chocolate-lovers each year. Dive into the chocolatey-goodness to discover the history of Cadbury and learn more about the chocolate. It will be like chocolate heaven—and yes, you guessed it, free samples!
Science Museum
The Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is four floors of science-madness! With over 200 hands-on exhibits and artefacts, the Thinktank has ten themes of galleries and inspiring learning—fun for all ages! It ranges in exhibits from large aircrafts to nanotechnological projections.
SEA LIFE Centre
Birmingham’s National SEA LIFE Centre walks you through a glass tunnel to give you an undersea voyage that you won’t forget! The one million litre ocean tank consists of giant green sea turtles and tropical fish that are inches from your face! Oh and you can’t forget about the black reef sharks that are the leaders of the ocean tank.
Jewellery Quarter
Hop on down to the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham and peek into the Pen Room Museum with your loved one. Be careful though, the females can start admiring your wallet more passionately than they do you! The Jewellery Quarter also has the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter—consisting of several art galleries for you to indulge your abstract side in. You’ll end up spending the whole day here if you’re not careful!
The Public
The Public is a building open to explore for all creative individuals looking to get inspired. The iconic art venue is home to stylish interactive art exhibits. Head over to the Public to enjoy talented exhibitions, music, comedy, and theatre and movie screenings. Have a refreshment at the Café Bar with illuminated floor lights. Lighting is a key theme throughout the Public with different floors portraying unique lighting effects. If you’re in for a mysterious yet inspiring experience, the Public is the place for you!
Birmingham Parks
Want to have a relaxing summer day with your family? Stop by at the Sutton Park—one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Who would want to go to London’s Richmond Park when you have Birmingham’s Sutton Park? Spreading out over 2,400 acres of lakes, greenery, and a golf course, there is no better place to relax than Sutton Park.
Just around the corner from Birmingham’s city centre is Cannon Hill Park. You’ll find the Birmingham Nature Centre and Midlands Arts Centre here. It’s the perfect time to head over to Cannon Hill to hire pedal boats and view the beautiful city from the lake.
Now that you think of it, you’ll need weeks to pack in Birmingham’s galleries, museums, chocolate indulges, and parks. There should be no excuse to visit the underrated city. Accommodation shouldn’t be a problem as there are tons of Birmingham Hotels spread throughout the city. So what are you waiting for? Birmingham may not be the capital, it may not be hosting the Olympic Games, but it is an experience—an experience you can’t miss!
Author Bio
Sohaib Siddique is passionate about experience and adventure travel and works as a freelance writer. When he isn’t around and about, you’ll find him pushing the limits on his bike or stuffing his face with his food obsession.