Birmingham Travel Guide
Birmingham Travel Guide
When you book into one of our Birmingham hotels, you’ll find yourself
conveniently located in the heart of the thriving city center while still
staying connected to major roadways, train stations, and airports.
Located in the West Midlands of England on a raised stretch of ground known
as the Birmingham Plateau, Birmingham is Britain’s second largest
population and economic center.
Birmingham was a late bloomer and remained rather isolated in comparison to
other English towns for much of history. This all changed during the
Industrial Age, however, when the combination of pioneering manufacturing
practices and the brilliant thinkers of the Midlands Enlightenment
re-forged the city. With groundbreaking technological and scientific
developments happening on their home turf, Brummies created an economy of
small workshops producing specialized products. This, in turn, led to
social mobility for tradesmen, and eventually Birmingham’s citizens
demanded more clout in English politics, helping to lay the groundwork for
a democracy.
Take an architectural peek into Birmingham’s building history when you
check out the medieval St. Martin in the Bull Ring church. Both St. Paul’s
Square and St. Philip’s Cathedral are grand examples of Georgian era
architecture, while buildings constructed in the Victorian age will give
you a glimpse into that era’s elegance and wealth. The Victoria Law Courts
were constructed in a distinctive red brick and terracotta pattern, while
the Council House dominates the skyline.
Birmingham is awash in cultural offerings, from the sleek nightlife and
dining on Broad Street and Brindleyplace to the Museum & Art Gallery, which
contains an
internationally recognized collection of pre-Raphaelite art. Chocolate
lovers won’t want to miss the samples at Cadbury World, which details the
production and history of the beloved candy brand. Not to be outdone by
London, Birmingham also hosts a trifecta of eminent performing arts
companies: the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and
Birmingham Opera Company. Your night out will definitely be one to remember.
The range of shopping in Birmingham is dizzying, and yet very manageable on
foot. Elegant New Street carries many big name brands, and rewards any
adventurous deal seekers that wander off into its branching alleyways.
Connected to the one-of-a-kind Selfridges, the Bullring shopping center
brings an atmosphere of luxurious shopping and dining right to you. Find—or
even commission—a gift for that special someone in the Jewellery Quarter,
where over 100 craftspeople sell their wares. Birmingham is also renowned
for the variety of its markets. Centered at Bullring, the Open, Indoor, and
Rag markets let dedicated bargain hunters haggle for everything under the
sun.
Did you know that Birmingham is the birthplace of the English Football
League (soccer to Americans)? How about lawn tennis? Birmingham is the
perfect place for sporty types. Whether you’re catching a Second City derby
between Birmingham’s two football clubs or one of the Warwickshire County
Cricket Club’s rousing matches, your day on the pitch will be packed.
Called Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham’s highway intersection has
connections to most major destinations. With the Centro urban rail system,
international airport, Birmingham New Street Train Station, and even canals
at your disposal, your next stop is easy to make.
Whatever your reason for a visit to the innovative Midlands, our Birmingham
hotels will pamper you with stylish interiors and professional service. Our
full suite of business amenities, great values, and pampering extras help
you greet each day of your stay with enthusiasm and ease.
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