About Birmingham
Birmingham is often hailed as the 'second capital city' of England, behind London. It is populated by over 1 million people and is situated in the West Midlands. Birmingham is now seen as an influential place for excellent business opportunities which is not surprising, considering major banks Lloyds TSB and HSBC were founded here. As well as this, Birmingham is the city with the lowest crime rate in Britain and is responsible for some of the finest architecture, such as the Selfridges building in the Bullring Shopping Centre and the Millennium Point science and technology centre.Best sites
Birmingham City Centre – Birmingham has one of the greatest shopping centres in the country. There is plenty to purchase if you want to revitalise any wardrobe or home. Whether you seek head-turning chic, or eye-catching value, you can get it all in one of Europe's vast retail areas. From Harvey Nichols or Selfridges to bargain-based markets, you have a wide range of shops to choose from. The Jewellery Quarter is where you can get a peek at the finest craftmanship available at the most satisfying prices.
Birmingham Cathedral - The church is a nationally important building. It was designed by Thomas Archer in an English Baroque style, and built in the 18th century. Situated at Colmore Row, it is situated in a beautiful square and recently-restored churchyard in the heart of Birmingham's ministrative and business centre. It is always available to everybody, welcoming all who come to pray and there are the immaculate stained-glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones. You can also enjoy many activities that help bring the community together.
The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery – Located at Chamberlain Square, this is the main museum and gallery of Birmingham. It has many notable pieces of art, such as a collection by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and several works by Edward Burne-Jones, a renowned 19th century artist who created wonderful oil paintings, such as “King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid.” Bronze Buddhas and Egyptian Mummies also reside here in this diverse and fascinating place.
There is so much to look at in this Birmingham museum. You have applied arts like ceramics and metalwork and artefacts which form an important part of local archaeology and world culture. Highlights are the Edwardian tea room, where you are welcome to taste the finest cakes, and galleries devoted to the Greeks and Romans. “Myths and Monsters” is a mouth-watering mix of mythical creatures, powered by animatronics, and some of the Natural History Museum’s own specimens and replicas. You can sample beasts like the dragon, the cyclops and the yeti, as well as lizards, sphinxes and griffons. There is also a kids' zone for the children to enjoy themselves.
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts – The University of Birmingham in Edgbaston is the home of this other highly educational establishment which contains one of the finest small collections of European art in the UK. Featuring works from the 13th to the 20th century, it is a near-perfect gathering of some of the most influential artists of the previous millennium, such as Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh, Botticelli and Bellini. The institute has one of the finest ever collections of Byzantine coins which serve as little capsules of art and history. Their key role is for research, education and public enjoyment.
This well-respected Birmingham museum does a creditable job educating children, young people, and adults. It includes holiday workshops, public lectures, a lively event known as 'art alive!', adult workshops and other special events are introduced throughout the year.
The Woodgate Valley Country Park - Birmingham's biggest park lies at the centre of Quinton and Bartley Green. It is an ideal place to go for a leisurely walk, observe wildlife, walk the dog or even ride a horse. Or it can simply be a great place to get away from the noise, traffic and buildings of the city. The park comprises 450 acres of meadows, hedgerows and woodland with the Bourn Brook running through its centre. Originally a mosaic of farms and smallholdings the park has retained much of its rural character. It is also the home of the Hole Farm Trekking Centre and the Urban Farm so horses and various farm animals can still be seen in the park today. It became a country park in 1984.
250 species of plants reside at Woodgate Valley, the damp meadow areas being especially rich and producing wonderful displays of wild flowers in spring and summer. The meadows also attract many kinds of butterflies. Eighty species of birds have also been recorded in the park.
Winterbourne Botanic Garden – Situated at the University of Birmingham, this is a six acre Edwardian-styled garden which is a place of peace and tranquillity. It is only 15 minutes away from the city centre. Lots of interesting features, including colour themed borders, a pergola, a Japanese bridge and an unusual sandstone rock garden. Winterbourne Botanic Garden displays plants from all around the world with collections of plants from China, North & South America, Madeira and the Alpine parts of the world.
Bullring Shopping Centre - Birmingham's best shopping destination and one of Europe's most exuberant retail areas. Nearly 200 of the most stylish and modern shops, including Debenhams and Selfridges, are here, as well as more than 25 restaurants where you can taste the best food. Costing over £500 million to make, Bullring has about 26 football pitches worth of shops, boutiques and restaurants at the centre of town. Some of Birmingham's more traditional streets have been brought back and Bullring is a stimulating, glass covered environment where you can do your shopping, eat out or just hang around. Since its inception in Birmingham, over 3000 more parking spaces have been added and public transport links have been improved. Mixing modern and historical architecture, Bullring is a commendable asset to Birmingham.
Corporation Street – This has an old department store site which has gone through a £5 million renovation recently in an attempt to make it one of Birmingham's most interesting places to shop. Priory Square is a two-storey shopping precinct that was designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd and opened in 1966 as Corporation Square. Access to Corporation Street is now limited to buses and taxis. It acts as a terminus for many of the city's bus services. There is also a shopping centre which houses New Look, Mothercare and JJB Sports.
Brindleyplace – This is another attraction of Birmingham's, a lively canalside area that is also relaxed and laid-back. You can mix business and pleasure as you can get virtually everything here from eateries, galleries and a theatre to unique, independent stores, all combined together in the safest and cleanest environment you can find in Birmingham. Brindleyplace has a most pleasant environment, which is home to 8,500 office workers with a hotel, serviced apartments and the National Sea Life Centre. Add to this the award-winning 24-hour Canalside Car Park. Brindleyplace is the area for launching cars, promoting products and displaying items.. Many top companies have been involved in the past, such as Jaguar, BMW, Nescafé, Appletize and Mini.
Broad Street – At the centre of Birmingham, Broad Street is a dynamic entertainment quarter, featuring all the best pubs and clubs. Besides these, there are also many bars and restaurants and cultural attractions such as the Ikon Gallery. Three major radio stations BRMB, Galaxy Birmingham and 100.7 Heart FM have their studios on the street.
Last year, Broad Street received high accolades when Birmingham City Centre was awarded the Cleanest City Award by the British Cleaning Council. It was praised for its special focus on leisure facilities and shopping areas and for the introduction of street wardens to prevent unacceptable behaviour in the area.
Bartley Green - This is a residential area, situated south west of Birmingham city centre. It holds Bartley Reservoir which provides drinking water. It covers 46 hectares of countryside and is the place where TV presenter Bill Oddie did most of his bird watching. The reservoir is also used by a local sailing club. Nearby schools and activity clubs frequently visit to take part in aquatic activities, such as canoeing and sailing.
Best hotels
Jury's Inn – Situated in Birmingham's Broad Street, Jury's Inn is close to some of the UK’s leading exhibition centres such as the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the International Convention Centre (ICC) and the National Indoor Arena (NIA). This Birmingham hotel is close to vibrant shopping districts, lively pubs and intimate restaurants which are all in the middle of Birmingham. The hotel is ideal for conference meetings, leisure travels and even weekend breaks.
There are spacious and comfortable rooms which can accommodate two adults and two children, three adults sharing, or even one person only. Facilities include the Arches Restaurant, a public house, syndicate rooms, laundry and dry cleaning, Broadband Internet access and a car park.
The Regus Blythe Valley Hotel - One of Brindleyplace's best accommodations offers excellent rooms for business meetings and conferences that are fully furnished and air-conditioned. The Regus' staff members are highly skilled in reception and administration. Serviced kitchen areas and state-of-the-art office technology are also available. Clients and customers are sure to welcome a warm greeting. Highlights are sports and leisure facilities, golf courses and a range of local shops
The Portland Hotel - This 63-bedroom hotel, situated on Hagley Road, near Bartley Green in Birmingham, has superb accommodation at a suitable price. The hotel staff will always respond to requests from questions about toothbrushes to calling a taxi. A telephone is available in customers' rooms to contact members of staff. Every one of the bedrooms is convenient, comfortable and clean. All rooms are centrally heated, with tea/coffee trays, remote control TV with satellite channels and 'direct-dial' telephones. There is even a trouser press and hairdryer. You can always rely on a traditional English breakfast at the Portland and you will be given your favourite daily morning newspaper, as well..
The Copthorne Hotel – Located at Birmingham's Paradise Circus, it is near the Bullring Shopping Centre and has 212 impeccably spaced bedrooms and suites which will give you all the comfort you need. There is a bar and restaurant where you can eat, drink and kick your feet back. If you need any help, there's the 24-hour front desk.. The rooms are sound-proofed, there's luggage storage and a safety deposit box. All public and private rooms are strictly non-smoking areas.
Health enthusiasts can enjoy the fitness centre and there are facilities for meetings and banquets. There are services for babysitting and dry cleaning accessories. You can also exchange currencies at the hotel. Internet is free of charge.
There are so many delights offered at the Copthorne. The Cafe Bar has an extensive range of dishes, as well as beers, wines and spirits. You can even share your food with your friends, especially platters. The beverages are brilliant, too, with a variety of special coffee drinks and fresh teas. You can have your brew light, decaffeinated, extra strong or flavoured.
For meals, why not taste delicious, traditional stuff like Bangers & Mash and Yorkshire fish cakes?
The McDonald Burlington Hotel – Located at Burlington Arcade on New Street, this is only a few minutes' walk from Bullring. This is Birmingham's best independent hotel and has been running for over a century. The bedrooms are large and the grand staircase is lavishly decorated with marble. The Horton suite is ideal for larger conferences and there are suitable rooms for smaller meetings. There is equipment available for video conferencing and air conditioning facilities.
The food is amazing. There are English and Continental cuisines. The Berlioz restaurant is a sophisticated place, ideal for that special evening occasion. During the daytime, you can enjoy a light lunch, complemented by a more elegant, business-like atmosphere. You can also bring someone over for a romantic time at the hotel. Champagne and chocolates are available. The Berlioz is the place for a candle-lit dinner and a cocktail nightcap is the way to end the perfect evening. You can get two nights' worth of Bed & Breakfast, as well as a free upgrade to your superior room.
Best night club
Bar Risa - Located on Birmingham's Broad Street, Bar Risa is one of the most biggest and stylish venues. It is fitted with 6 rooms and 7 bars, catering for everybody's tastes and has been designed to ensure it fits the mood and occasion. A maximum of 2000 people can be let into the Risa. Bar Risa also incorporates Jongleurs, the UK's largest comedy club, where you can eat, drink, laugh and dance all night long. This club provides world-class acts every week. Once the comedy is over the furniture will be whisked away and the room transforms into the perfect location to party away until the early hours, playing the best songs from popular past and present artists. Bar Risa is also an ideal venue for corporate events and parties. All the rooms are available for hire.
Flares – The title says it all, folks! Situated on Broad Street, this is the ultimate haven to re-live the glory days of the '70s. You are all free to wear the clothings of the era and even Afro wigs which should make for a fun night. The tunes that are often played range from T-Rex and Slade to The Jacksons. Flares is known as an ideal destination for hen, stag and birthday parties. It is the one to put a grin on your face and you are sure to be guaranteed a good time.
Sundissential – One of the highlights of Corporation Street and part of the Q Club, Sundissential boasts the youngest bunch of clubbers and is often called "the maddest club in the world". The lifestyle is reflected by the wacky costumes people wear, and the atmosphere in the club is one of a fun, friendly party where there is no limit to how far you can enjoy yourself. The music tends to be hard, generally mixing standard commercial hard house and anthemic commercial trance. If you want your music hard, fast and loud, then this is the club to go on a weekend night.
Atomic Jam – Also part of Corporation Street's Q Club, Atomic Jam is the finest techno haunt you can find. There is Detroit-style techno and as the night goes on, the music becomes more frantic and harder. The individual guest DJs give each night a different flavour, usually with a resident finishing for the last hour. Acid house is one of the more popular styles being played. There's plenty of drum 'n' bass and attitude, as well, if that's what you are looking for this side of Birmingham.
Liberty's – Situated on Hagley Road, this is a little older and wiser than most clubs in Brum and offers a selection of funky and soulful DJs that will impress the seasoned clubber. The interior is stylish and sumptuous, providing a cocktail bar and three rooms of music.
Expect lots of male and female dancers. The pick of the Friday night selection is usually Miss Moneypenny's Club Classics selection and Birmingham's spectacular Friday night afterparty 'Switch' is held downstairs. Among the dance genres played at Liberty's are Funky House, Electro House, Latin House, Soulful House and US Garage.
Snob's – Paradise Circus' main attraction, which is close to the Bullring Shopping Centre, embodies Birmingham's alternative/student scene and has done for a number of years. Snob's has held memorable themed nights, such as Big Wednesday. There have been plenty of other nights through the years, including UFO, Collision, Freak Scene, Cult Club, Click Club, Slushpuppy and Life is Easy to name a few.
It boasts two rooms of different music genres, commonly referred to as the big room and the little room. There are sofas and four bars to chill yourself out at. Drinks range from vodka and coke to Carlsberg.
The door staff are extremely friendly and you are free to listen to retro hit classics, as well as current ones. Hits by great bands like The Smiths, The Cure, Oasis and Red Hot Chilli Peppers are often played. Remember – don't be put off by the name!
Best festivals
St. Patrick's Day Parade – Birmingham's largest single-day event which is a march across the city. A variety of different bands play on this momentous occasion. In the past, they have been Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums, Triumph Pipe Band, West Midlands Police Band, Wolverhampton Pipe Band, Arklow Marching Band, Combined Nautical Band, Drums and Pipes of the Irish Guards and St MacCartan’s Pipe Band.
The Birmingham Comedy Festival – This feature-length show exemplifies the vibrance and energy of Birmingham as a city. Laughter and entertainment are certainly the order of the day. This was originally suggested as the best way to raise the profile of comedy within the city and surrounding regions. Positive responses led to the creation of this exciting British festival.
Not limited by stand-up comedy, from the outset, the festival includes films, theatre, workshops, new talent nights, club nights, classical music, dance, book readings, visual arts, events for children and individual performances. Stars like Peter Kay, Ross Noble, Patrick Kielty, Lee Evans and Lenny Henry have appeared at the festival.
The Birmingham Jazz Festival - Jazz fans and other fun-lovers from all over the country annually make their way to Birmingham for the greatest free jazz party in the UK. Musicians and bands from USA, Spain, France, South Korea, Hungary, Poland, Holland, Czech Republic and Venezuela hold the fort alongside the best from the UK and from the Midlands to present a feast of some 180 concerts in ten days, almost every one free to the public. Conference centres, pubs, clubs, bars and museums play host to a number of selected events which are part of the festival.
Bangla and Vaisakhi Mela - A crucial part of Asian domestic and social life, and one that also provides merriment. It is very much connected with rural life in India and Bangladesh. People attending this ceremony bathe early in the morning, before visiting friends and relatives and giving them presents, including food.
Various agricultural products, traditional.handicrafts, toys, cosmetics as well as various kinds of food and sweets are sold at the Mela fairs. The fairs also provide entertainment, with singers and dancers staging Jatra, Pala gan, Kavigan, Jarigan, Gambhira Gan, Gazir Gan and Alkap Gan. Artistes present folk songs as well as Baul, marfati, Murshidi and Bhatiali songs.
This is a superb, mouthwatering multi-cultural event.