Birmingham City Guide

A night on the town or a day in the outdoors? Stand-up comedy or jazz music? Birmingham will have you spoilt for choice. This eclectic city can be the perfect destination for any occasion, be it a family trip with the kids, a weekend get-together with friends or a solo business trip with a pinch of entertainment. Pick your Birmingham short stay accommodation and start planning days and nights of fun in the city. 

Chocolate, aquariums, science gardens and centers, trains, forests and interactive historical villages: Birmingham teems with vigor and activities; there is something for everyone.

About Birmingham

Britain’s second largest city is also one of its busiest. Whether preserving history, putting on BBC programs, celebrating learning, roaming nature parks, or indulging in chocolate, Birmingham offers a warm welcome to visitors, new and returning, young and old. With the new high-speed train under construction, Birmingham will be only 40 minutes from London! Getting around Birmingham is simple, with eight train lines crisscrossing the city, and a new Metro light-rail system just added, travelers are able to get to venues in a quick and efficient manner.

An ancient city, dating back over 1500 years, Birmingham began its start as a market town, and has kept its sense of industry throughout its long history. A vibrant and bustling business core doesn’t mean that Birmingham isn’t visitor friendly though; with its cultural, natural and athletic offerings sure to delight explorers, Birmingham is a destination to enjoy.

Did somebody mention chocolate?

Chances are you have a sweet tooth, and that means Birmingham is beckoning!  Birmingham is home to a world of chocolate-flavored fun; all waiting to be discovered at Cadbury World. With over 14 zones to explore, this is not just a factory tour and visit. While learning about the history and techniques of making fine Cadbury chocolate, visitors also get to interact with characters, play in chocolate rain, and humor in adding treats to a warm pot of liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk. Plan to spend some time: the average visit is over three hours, and is sure to please all members of the family, especially the kids.

Birmingham’s other top attractions

Chocolate isn’t all Birmingham has to offer, and with such a long and storied past, the city’s museums are a must-see. “Birmingham, Its People, Its History” gallery at Birmingham Museum is an excellent place to start when delving into the history of Britain’s Second City.

History buffs will also enjoy exploring nearby Warwick Castle, where towers contain tales of treachery, intrigue and mystery. Get a hands-on experience by feeling the weight of swords, and look out through a battle helmet. Check the schedule to see if there will be any live programs going on when you’re visiting, such as jousting or a themed event.

Black County Living Museum offers a glimpse back into village life of the 19^th century, all brought to life by actors in costumes, original shops, a school setting and more, all in a canal-side village setting.

Thinktank Science Center and Garden is also a popular attraction, with ten themed zones of interactive fun and learning, it is sure to be a hit with kid and the young at heart. From space travel and the planetarium to locomotives and planes, the Science Center and Garden engage as well as delight the mind.

If you’ve always longed to know how television is made, stop by Birmingham’s Public Space to learn how BBC Midlands puts together their programming. Behind the scene tours are available for booking for those who want to know the ins, outs and trade secrets of the business!


Born to shop?

The Mailbox and Bullring Shopping Malls contain enough shops to ease any shopaholic’s cravings. The Bullring, a modern sculpture of a center, contains over 160 shops alone!  And if you want to wear some new jewelry home as a souvenir, stop by the Jewelry Quarter, home to over 500 jewelry businesses and 250 years of history.
 

On the natural side

The National Sea Life Center walks visitors through a glass tunnel on a fantastic exploration of sea life. Marvel at being surrounded by an enormous one million liter tank, filled with sharks, turtles, and tropical fish that swim by as you watch.

If you want to spend some time in the forest, check out Go Ape, Britain’s #1 forest adventure, held in Cannock Chase and Wyre Forest. Fly down the zip line through ancient woods, or take a Segway along the forest floor for a completely different experience. 

Step into the pub? 

Birmingham has a wide variety of places to dine or drink. From the much beloved English pubs, to four-star Michelin restaurants, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for. Birmingham offers everything from spicy curry restaurants, hearkening back to colonial ties with India, to small cafes specializing in hearty English fare. 

Where to Stay
With a city the size of Birmingham, there are a lot of choices for accommodations. Whether you want to be close to public transportation, the historic center of town, shopping or the nightlife, there are places to stay available for every budget. World Escape specializes in assisting travelers in finding just the right rooms, be it high-end or a quaint bed and breakfast, for just the right price! 

Birmingham Holiday Apartments

Our collection of mod-conned apartments come in all shapes and sizes for any needs and occasions – from luxury romantic pads to modern corporate housing.

Renting your own Birmingham holiday apartment allows you to stay in the heart of the city, within walking distance from shopping and dining outlets, local attractions and amenities.

Birmingham short stay accommodation

Birmingham is the perfect place for a city break on your own, with your significant other or with a group of friends. There is plenty to see and do in the city both at day and nighttime. You can splash out on shiny things in the famed Jewellery quarter, stroll through the historic Botanical gardens or go star-gazing at the planetarium. And with lots of live music and theatre venues, bars, clubs and pubs to choose from, you can have unforgettable nights on the town.

Our Birmingham holiday apartments offer great flexibility for individuals and groups. Unlike cramped hotels or hostels, you can have an entire apartment to yourself with as many bedrooms as you need to accommodate everyone under one roof. And with a fully equipped modern kitchen and digital entertainment you can dine in and entertain whenever you like, making the most of your time together with your friends.

Birmingham family friendly apartments

Your kids will never get bored or tired in Birmingham and neither will you. Little visitors and sweet-toothed adults can indulge in chocolate rides and chocolate treats at Cadbury World. Giant turtles and tiny tropical fish will have you stunned at the Sea Life Centre, while the giraffes grazing in the tall grass at the West Midland Safari Experience will make a fantastic addition to your family photo album.

Days in Birmingham can be eventful and action packed, so nothing feels better at the end of the day than putting the kids into their beds in their own bedroom, while you retreat to the lounge with a bottle of wine and a film. Our selection of contemporary holiday homes offer space, privacy, fully-equipped kitchen and child-friendly amenities for cosy family stays. You will feel as if you have never left the comfort of your own home.

Start planning your Birmingham stay now. Take a look at our fantastic apartments!