Host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the UK’s second-largest city is a historic tourist destination well worth a visit, as is the beautiful region that surrounds it. A well-kept secret, but not for long!
Right in the center of England – and just an hour and a half from London by train – Birmingham was the world headquarters of the 19th century Industrial Revolution, earning it the title of ‘the workshop of the world’. Shaped by history, this cosmopolitan metropolis is now experiencing a true renaissance. At the crossroads of culture and the art of living, it stands out for its first-rate museums, its gastronomic offer, its astonishing network of canals and its treasures of Victorian architecture.
EXPLORE BIRMINGHAMThere is plenty to do and see in this dynamic city where you can stop for a few days before embarking on a tour of the beautiful West Midlands. Overview.
Follow the water
Little known fact, the city of Birmingham has more canals than Venice! Built during the industrial revolution, they were used to transport coal, minerals and goods until 1963. They are now dedicated to leisure, and their banks have been laid out for pedestrians, runners and cyclists. A stroll along the miles of canals lined with historic buildings, restaurant terraces and cafés offers a unique view of the city. You can also rent a boat or a paddle board – great on a nice summer day! – or board a mini cruise. Note: Birmingham’s canal network is connected to the larger Midlands.
Appreciate the architecture
Due to the concentration of sites of interest, the center of Birmingham lends itself well to exploration on foot or by active transport, and not just along the riverside! The discovery of the many architectural styles – Victorian, Gothic, Art Deco, not to mention the back to back housing that accommodated the workers – alone rewards the walkers. To not miss anything, it is advisable to register for an organized visit or, if you want to be independent, to download an application.
Fill up on culture and history
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a must to retrace the turbulent history of the city since the Middle Ages. You can also admire one of the most important pre-Raphaelite art collections in the world. Contemporary art lovers, for their part, will be able to discover the unpublished collections exhibited in the spectacular Gothic buildings of the Ikon gallery. Finally, a stop is a must at the Birmingham Library, the largest in Europe, which houses editions dating from the 16th century in an ultra-modern building.and century.
Sit down in front of a balti
Since communities from Pakistan and Kashmir settled there in the 1970s, Birmingham has become the British capital of balti, an iconic curry. Some even say it was invented there! Well spiced and well seasoned, it is presented in a metal dish which gives it its name, and it is ubiquitous in what is called the “Baltis Triangle”, an area 3 km from the city center grouping restaurants that made their specialty.
And for dessert, you have to visit the Cadbury chocolate factory
For those traveling with children, the famed Birmingham-based chocolate factory welcomes them with open arms to Cadbury World. On the program: an immersive adventure including a circuit in a cart allowing you to follow the stages of chocolate production as well as a personalized tasting.
DISCOVER THE WEST MIDLANDS Gentle landscapes, charming villages with picturesque houses, churches with stunning architecture, cozy pubs and refined restaurants at will. A fascinating region to explore, taking your time to take full advantage of all its attractions. A few stops not to be missed.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Located a few kilometers south of Birmingham, this medieval town, birthplace of Shakespeare, attracts pilgrims from all over the world who come to visit the cottage of his childhood, pay their respects at his grave or attend one of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Company. You can also stroll through its charming cobbled alleys lined with Tudor houses, and stop there to have a bite to eat in a tea room, a pub or a restaurant – some of the best chefs in the country have set up shop there.
Coventry
Elected British Capital of Culture in 2021, this historic city pays tribute to art in all its forms. Its museums, such as the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, which combines local history, natural history and contemporary art, host major exhibitions. Fans of the performing arts can catch shows from London’s West End at the Belgrade Theater or check out experimental plays at Theater Absolute. As for the FarGo Village space, which is worth the detour, it is entirely dedicated to local artistic and gastronomic creativity. Not to be missed: the astonishing Coventry Cathedral, which admirably combines the exterior structure of the medieval Saint Michael’s Church, bombed during the Second World War, with a resolutely modern construction distinguished by a huge stained glass window. A magnificent tribute to British resilience.
Ironbridge Gorge
This area of Shropshire, which stretches along the River Severn and was home to the world’s first metallurgical port, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It now includes museums and archaeological sites that bear witness to the extent of the industrial revolution. In this place of collective memory, we find the first metal bridge in the world, built in 1779.
The Shropshire Hills
A natural site all in hills, which extends to the border of Wales. The designation AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), which was awarded to it, pays tribute to its spectacular green landscapes. To discover by car, bike or hike, without forgetting the picnic or the stop at the pub!
Attend Commonwealth Games
National Tourist Board VisitBritain inspires the world to visit Britain. The Birmingham Commonwealth Games will take place from July 28 to August 8, 2022. For more information on the city of Birmingham and the West Midlands, visit visitbritain.com
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