Birmingham, the UK’s second city, has long been a mover and shaker. A vital cog during the industrial revolution, it has remained at the centre of UK life, both literally and metaphorically, a business, cultural and sporting powerhouse.
With an enviable location in the heart of England, Birmingham is also a fantastic jumping off point to see what the rest of the country has to offer, once you’ve exhausted all the possibilities here.
Streets of water
There really is so much to see in Birmingham. Spend the day travelling along the city’s many canals and taking in the stunning Victorian architecture of the Gas Street Basin. The canals are lined with modern, vibrant bars and restaurants, so be sure to stop off and grab a bite to eat in sight of the water.
Shop marks
Those craving retail therapy won’t be disappointed by Birmingham as it boasts one of the best city centre shopping experiences in the UK. All the major high street names have a home in Birmingham, as well as high-end designers and smaller local boutiques.
The Bullring shopping centre is one of the most iconic locations in the city, with an imposing structure that dominates the city. Birmingham is also home to the famous Jewellery Quarter, a community of craftspeople fashioning beautiful pieces to order.
The Balti and beyond
Whether you’re looking for fine dining in Michelin star restaurants or wanting to savour rich street food, you’ll certainly be able to satisfy your tastebuds in Birmingham. The city is one of the curry capitals of the UK and is said to be the birthplace of the traditional Balti curry. This famous dish has an area of the city dedicated to its incredible flavours - the ‘Balti Triangle’.
There’s life beyond curry, however, and two of the best recent openings are The Wilderness and Two Cats Kitchen. At the former, playfulness and ambition combine in dishes like monkfish with salted chicken skin and chocolate skulls overflowing with gooey salted caramel. At the latter, there’s an approachable take on New Nordic cuisine with goat’s cheese dumplings or beef tartare with smoked duck and coal oil – fresh, ambitious stuff.
A sporting city
It has been a troubled few years for the famed football teams of the Midlands. Local giants Birmingham City FC have been languishing in the UK’s second tier for some years, often flirting with relegation to the third. Local rivals Aston Villa, long a Premier League team, have also dropped off the pace in recent years, while Wolverhampton Wanderers are just starting to stir again. The three teams have a fierce rivalry, and taking in a match day is highly recommended.
Cricket flourishes in the Midlands too, and there may well be Australians playing at Edgbaston, home to Warwickshire County Cricket Club. There are international fixtures aplenty here, from tests to T20, and cricket has been played at this grand old ground since 1882.
Car hire in Birmingham is the key to unlock not just the city and all within it, but the very best of the surrounding towns and counties too.