Exploring new places offers a thrill of its own, especially when in the United Kingdom. It is made up of four nations with so much diversity and unexplored regions that need to be seen, felt and explored for one to believe it, at least once in a lifetime. Your England tour packages would be incomplete without a visit to Birmingham. The city of Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK, located in the county of the West Midlands region of England.  

Birmingham is embedded with a rich history, which you can witness in its museums located all around the city. The city’s industrial heritage can also be witnessed in its Art and Culture. Travel back in time by visiting the Birmingham Back to Backs, a National Trust that takes you on a tour to witness how workers lived at the peak of the Industrial Revolution. At Veena World, our tour managers understand the significance and uniqueness of the city, which allows them to offer a more detailed tour to its guests. From booking the best hotels to creating an itinerary that is tailored just for you, Birmingham tour packages curated by Veena World are all you need to experience the best of British Culture. 

Things to do in Birmingham

The best way to explore is to build an itinerary of the places to visit in Birmingham and things you would like to do. Here are some recommendations: 

• Brindleyplace 

• The Library of Birmingham 

• Explore the City’s Musical Heritage 

• Embark on a Chocolaty Journey 

• Pamper Yourself at the Largest Shopping Centre 

• Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 

Brindleyplace 

This canalside location makes Brindleyplace one of Birmingham’s most sought-after destinations, all for its picturesque scenery and lively vibe. This destination is in proximity to the Utilita Arena Birmingham, National Sea Life Centre and the International Convention Centre, which is home to the Symphony Hall. This makes Brindlyplace the perfect spot to be before you head out to explore other tourist attractions in Birmingham. Tree-lined squares, a thriving waterfront and restaurants with international cuisines make this destination ideal for families as they begin their journey to explore Birmingham. The Brindleyplace is well-connected to most parts of the city. For instance, it is a ten-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station and just off Broad Street, which is served by local buses. 

The Library of Birmingham 

This library is considered a significant landmark that houses notable works and collections of Shakespeare in a dedicated space called the Shakespeare Memorial Room. Additionally, there are other things to discover, such as the outdoor Amphitheatre, which provides a dedicated space for performing arts like music, drama, poetry reading and storytelling. This is one of the best places to visit & things to do when in Birmingham. Located in the Centenary Square, Birmingham, the library is open to visitors from 11 am to 7 pm on Mondays & Tuesdays and 11 am to 5 pm from Wednesday to Saturday. Note that the library is closed on Sundays.  

Explore the City’s Musical Heritage 

Music is a language of the heart and soul that allows people to connect. From rock pioneers like Black Sabbath & Judas Priest, to the reggae beats of UB40, Birmingham’s music scene is so diverse that only a few cities in the UK have been able to produce on that scale. The neighbourhood of Birmingham has contributed to the city’s rich musical heritage. Visiting all of Birmingham’s major tourist attractions would be incomplete without attending live musical gigs. Birmingham is an ideal destination for music enthusiasts and everyone else. You can indulge in the local music scene in one of its pubs, as well as witness big-name acts in the Utilita Arena at Brindleyplace. 

Embark on a Chocolaty Journey 

This is one of the most popular places in Birmingham that tourists enjoy visiting. Much like the Chocolate Factory in Willy Wonka, Birmingham also has its own chocolate factory, which is known as the Cadbury World, an ideal destination for those with a sweet tooth or someone who has come with their kids on a family vacation. Unravel the world of chocolaty delights as this tour educates visitors and walks you through the history of cocoa and the Cadbury family. You can also enjoy a tea party in a private area of the Cadbury Café conservatory. 

(Note: Opening times vary, please visit cadburyworld.co.uk for details.) 

Pamper Yourself at the Largest Shopping Centre 

One of the largest shopping centres in Birmingham is at Bullring & Grand Central. Here you can find iconic fashion brands, make-up brands and much more, so don’t forget to pamper yourself by adding designer wear to your collection. Treat yourself to delicious international cuisines at some of the finest restaurants, such as Nando's, Five Guys, Vietnamese Street Kitchen, Wagamama, Wingstop and Bill's. 

The opening hours for the Bullring Standard Centre are:  

• Monday to Friday 10 am to 8 pm 

• Saturday 9 am to 8 pm 

• Sunday 11 am to 5 pm 

The opening hours for Grand Central are: 

• From 6:30 am to 11 pm 

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 

This museum was inaugurated in the late 19th Century, which is a must-see place to see on your trip to Birmingham. Whether it is an ancient relic or a modern masterpiece, you can witness the treasures of art and artefacts at this museum cum art gallery. Being here at the museum takes you back in time on a journey through the world’s diverse history. This landmark building features the Birmingham History Galleries, Round Room, Industrial Gallery, Bridge Gallery, Wild City, Tearoom, Museum Shop and a series of exhibitions. The Museum is open from Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.  

Best Time to Visit Birmingham 

The best time to visit Birmingham depends on how much you want to see and explore. Most tourists consider spring and autumn as the best time to visit Birmingham. During this time, the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are enjoyable as temperatures range from 10°C to 21°C. This creates a pleasant atmosphere for exploring the city's cultural attractions, parks, streets, markets and vibrant neighbourhoods. Even though winters are extremely cold, it is the festivities that create an atmosphere for exploration. So, choosing the time to visit depends on personal preferences for weather and activities. Birmingham is a tourist destination that can be visited throughout the year. You should plan your visit properly before booking the tour package. Additionally, you can speak to Veena World’s travel experts for hacks, tips and tricks for making the best out of your holidays. 

 Veena World’s Birmingham tour packages are curated and designed to celebrate and strengthen the bond of the family. The idea of travel is reflected in every tour that we undertake, and this time, UK sightseeing can be the best way to celebrate travel and exploration. 

FAQs 

Q1. Is it true that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? 

Yes, and it’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Birmingham boasts over 35 miles of canals, originally built to fuel its industrial boom. Today, these waterways are lined with cafes, art murals, and quiet walking paths. Head to Gas Street Basin for a mix of historic locks and modern nightlife.  

Q2. Why does Birmingham smell faintly of chocolate sometimes? 

That’s not your imagination - it’s Cadbury World! The famous chocolate factory in Bournville still fills the air with a sweet aroma when the wind blows right. The surrounding village was built by the Cadbury family for their workers, complete with beautiful gardens, schools, and not a single pub! 

Q3. Why does Birmingham seem to be “under construction” all the time? 

Locals joke that the city’s unofficial mascot is the construction crane! But it’s true for a reason -  Birmingham has been constantly reinventing itself. From the stunning Library of Birmingham to the futuristic Bullring and the transformation of New Street Station, the city is a work in progress, literally evolving in front of your eyes. 

Q4. Why do so many films and shows get shot here now? 

Because Birmingham’s industrial charm is cinematic gold. From Peaky Blinders (set in post-war Brum) to Ready Player One and Line of Duty, the city’s mix of Victorian grit and modern architecture makes it a perfect backdrop. Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter are often unrecognizably transformed into 1920s streets or futuristic worlds. 

Q5. What’s one thing you must try before leaving Birmingham? 

A proper Balti, and not just curry. The “Balti Triangle” (around Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane, and Stratford Road) is where this spicy, sizzling dish was born in the 1970s. Served in a thin, wok-like pan, it’s meant to be shared with naan instead of rice. Locals insist it’s the true taste of Birmingham.