Explore Essentials: Things to Do in Birmingham

“Located in the West Midlands, Birmingham is a hub of scientific development, museums, parks and spectacular entertainment venues. With so much to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do in Birmingham during your holiday.

### See a concert at Symphony Hall

Symphony Hall is one of Birmingham’s crowning achievements, boasting a picturesque auditorium and excellent acoustics. It routinely hosts performances from prestigious orchestras, prominent musical acts and stand-up comedy throughout the year, providing something for everyone.

_Photo by matthew Feeney on Unsplash_

### Visit the National Motorcycle Museum

Boasting over 1,000 restored motorcycles spanning decades, the National Motorcycle Museum is a fascinating museum that’s appropriate for all ages. All the motorcycles have been restored to the original specifications of the manufacturers, tracing a timeline of the evolution from the early days of engineering to modern-day superbikes.

### Explore the National Sea Life Centre

The National Sea Life Centre is a great attraction for kids and adults alike. With interactive rock pools, global habitats and kid-friendly events, the marine park offers a range of activities for animal lovers. You can marvel at giant tanks with nurse sharks and octopi or walk through a corridor to immerse yourself in the marine environment. You can also see gentoo penguins at the Antarctic exhibit, which offers feeding experiences.

### Ride the Shakespeare Express

Steam trains are an important part of British culture, with a handful of working steam railways running throughout the country. Running from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon, the Shakespeare Express is one of the more notable. The train ride takes you through the fascinating industrial past of Birmingham to the gorgeous countryside of Warwickshire, past working farms, charming villages and glistening waterways. You can also enjoy meals and cocktails on your journey.

### Sightsee at the Winterbourne House and Garden

Birmingham has numerous historic homes and gardens to explore, and Winterbourne House and Garden is one of the most beautiful. Restored to its Edwardian-era architecture, the heritage home boasts a vast collection of beautiful antiques and furnishings, as well as a verdant garden with global plant species and a Japanese bridge.

### Explore the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a varied museum that covers a wide range of subjects, making it perfect for couples and families. It features beautiful masterpieces of artwork, artefacts of social and ethnographic history, archaeological finds and centuries of European history and culture, all within one space. You’ll see Anglo-Saxon golf, Egyptian mummies and coffins, Indian bronze sculptures and dinosaur exhibits, as well as temporary exhibits throughout the year.

### Get out into nature in Sheldon Country Park

Sheldon Country Park is perfect for relaxing and strolling through nature. Set in hundreds of acres of open grassland, hedgerows, woodlands and wetlands, the diverse landscape of the park is great for hiking and nature walks. Near the entrance, you’ll find the Old Rectory Farm, a 17th-century dairy farm with farming demonstrations, a petting zoo and a collection of pigs, goats, ponies, chickens, ducks and cattle.

### Learn about local history at Aston Hall

Located in a vibrant park, Aston Hall is a vital landmark and historic home. Completed in 1635, the red-brick mansion has lasted the centuries and hosts regular events, activities and historic trails for visitors. One of the more notable events is the Civil War display room. Outside, you’ll find Lady Holte’s garden, a symmetrical garden with water features that are picturesque and peaceful.

_Photo by Kyle Frederick on Unsplash_

### Shop at the Jewellery Quarter

The Jewellery Quarter is steeped in history and remains one of Birmingham’s most vibrant and lively destinations. Dating back over 250 years, the Jewellery Quarter is home to hundreds of jewellery shops and dealers, as well as art galleries and a unique museum that chronicles the history of the district.

### View wildlife at the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Animals lovers will enjoy the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park and its vast collection of threatened and endangered species. You can see such unique creatures as ocelots, meerkats, iguanas, capuchin monkeys and other rare animals within naturalistic habitats at this family-run park.

### Visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses

Whether you’re looking for a couple’s retreat or a family-friendly trip, you can find something for both at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses. The property is home to 4 stunning glasshouses on verdant lawns with shrubbery, including an exotic tropical plant house, a subtropical plant house, an arid house and a Mediterranean house. You’ll also find a bandstand and play areas for children, as well as a tea room for adults. Events run throughout the year, especially for major holidays.

From family attractions to idyllic escapes for couples, Birmingham has a rich blend of attractions and activities for a fun-filled holiday.”