Explore Birmingham

Enjoy a marvellous Midlands getaway with our top-rated picks

Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter

Renowned for its richly diverse cultural scene and industrious heritage, Birmingham is perfectly primed to entice those looking for their next weekend away.

From exciting attractions and top-drawer restaurants to quirky places to stay, discover our rated recommendations for your Weekend Escape to the UK’s fastest growing city.

Things to do in Birmingham

Birmingham has long been a place of innovation. Its growth in the Industrial Revolution was rapid, when the quiet country town was transformed into one of the world’s first manufacturing cities. One of the best ways to scratch beneath the surface of the city’s fascinating heritage is to walk around the area north of the city centre, known as the Jewellery Quarter.

More than 400 jewellery businesses still work in the area – its buildings, canals and churches reflect the fortunes of the city as a whole, with regeneration cementing itself as a continuous theme. While there, explore the unique time capsule factory that is the Coffin Works, where you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of factory life, including machinery demonstrations.

Birmingham’s magnificent waterways are perhaps the most well-known reminder of the city’s industrial heritage – some say that this midlands powerhouse has more canals than Venice. The canalside paths provide a tranquil way to go from bustling street to bustling street, in a way that feels very distinct to Birmingham.

Birmingham Cathedral

The impressive Baroque cathedral, dedicated to St Philip, is set in the heart of the city and is one of the smallest cathedrals in England. Look out for the four windows that were designed by locally born pre-Raphaelite artist, Edward Burne-Jones. For a touch greenery just a mile from the city centre, visit the Grade II listed Birmingham Botanical Gardens – one of the UK’s most significant botanic gardens.

Birmingham is also packed with options when it comes to fun-packed family days out. Thinktank – Birmingham’s Science Museum – has over 200 amazing artefacts and interactive exhibits to explore, along with a state-of-the-art planetarium. For a delicious treat, discover a world of chocolatey fun at Cadbury World.