Birmingham

Located in the heart of England and easily reached by rail, road and air, Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city. Due to major redevelopment, it is now a popular tourist destination and a stylish city with brand new shopping complexes including a Selfridges department store.

One of the most popular attractions for visitors, especially children, is Cadbury’s World, Birmingham’s very own chocolate paradise. It is located at Bournville and a visit to the factory can be a fun and fascinating learning experience about the history and the production of chocolate. Due to its popularity, it is worthwhile to book tickets in advance, especially during school holidays.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery houses collections of fine art and historical artefacts from around the world. Exhibits include Asian, African and American art and sculpture.

The National Sea Life Centre provides some excellent underwater experiences and is a great place to take the kids, as is the Museum of Transport; here you will find a collection of vintage milk floats, fire engines and electric battery vehicles.

The Black Country Living Museum pays tribute to Victorian times and chronicles how Birmingham came of age during the Industrial Revolution. Exhibits include a coal mine tour and narrow boat trips.

Over the years, Birmingham has become a major business and conferencing centre. As home to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and the Birmingham International Convention Centre, the city has hosted a range of prominent events, from the G8 Summit to popular shows such as the BBC Good Food Show, The Clothes Show and the Horse of the Year Show.

By hiring a car, it is possible to drive to some of the stunning sights that surround Birmingham. Warwick Castle is one of the greatest medieval experiences in Britain and is less than an hour away from the city by car. It is over 1,000 years old and its magnificent towers and ramparts have been well maintained, while the beautiful grounds are an ideal venue for picnics. There are many attractions at Warwick Castle, ranging from the dungeons to the Great Hall.

Birmingham International Airport offers flights to other UK and European destinations. It is situated seven miles outside of the city centre and lies at the centre of the UK’s motorway network. Local buses stop outside the passenger terminals and provide connections with the city centre. Birmingham International Interchange is situated on the West Coast Main Line, making the airport easily accessible by rail, while car hire is also available at the airport.