Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice or that it hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the world? Birmingham’s reputation as England’s industrial hub often overshadows the rich historical heritage and fun side of the Second City.
Famous as the City of a Thousand Trades, Birmingham is also home to incredible diversity, architectural splendors, and cultural charm. It’s the ultimate location to begin a life-changing adventure in the West Midlands and explore the Malvern Hills through Birmingham’s lovely canals. Boating in the many canals is one of the best free things to enjoy in the city while feasting your eyes on the glorious architecture.
Keep reading to explore our round-up of the most-visited attractions to behold in Birmingham.
1. Horticulture Explorations at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Horticulture is a national obsession for the British, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are the ultimate venue to witness the fruits of their labor of love. Sprawling over 15 acres of spell-binding beauty, these whimsical gardens will transport you to the Victorian Era.
The 19th-century architecture and landscaping of the gardens are a sight for sore eyes. Travelers keenly interested in gardening or botany will find themselves endlessly fascinated as the gardens are home to numerous rare species. You can learn about over 7,000 trees, flowers, and plants plucked from all over the world and a delightful variety of exotic birds. We love the butterfly house and stopping for authentic English tea at the quaint little tearoom.
2. A Game of Blackjack at the Grosvenor Casino
A trip to Birmingham is incomplete without experiencing the city’s glitzy nightlife and classic casino experience. Interestingly, gambling is regarded as a socially acceptable and enjoyable sport in this part of England, and the casinos offer a grand European experience. We urge high-rollers to head off to the Grosvenor Casino and soak in the glamour and finesse of this fine gentlemen’s club in their most refined tailoring.
The Grosvenor is famous for its live events and nationwide poker tournaments. It offers an impeccable experience, combining casino games with a fine dining establishment. Tucked in the heart of Birmingham, this casino has some of the best Blackjack and Roulette tables and a wide
range of slot games. However, this casino certainly isn’t cheap, so be sure to brush up your skills if you haven’t played the slots in a while. Interactive and immersive online platforms like the Casino777 offer a wide variety of slots and card games to keep your inner gambler alive and thriving. These platforms combine discretion with affordability and allow players to interact and play with seasoned gamblers from all over the world.
3. Strolling through the Victoria Square
Victoria Square is the beating heart of Birmingham, and you cannot unravel the historical mysteries without strolling through this bustling square. Walking through Victoria Square is akin to a walk through history itself. First, you will encounter the majestic old Town Hall that stands tall and proud with its impressive Victorian architecture and Roman-inspired Anglesey marble columns.
Next, you will encounter two memorials paying tribute to Queen Victoria and renowned inventor James Watt, followed by the Council House, a breathtaking ode to Renaissance architecture. Be sure to visit Chamberlain Square, and then stroll towards the northeast to arrive at the fascinating Coffin Museum. If you’re a passionate bibliophile, you don’t want to miss exploring the most extensive collection of Shakespeare in the UK, housed by the Central Library.
4. The Jewellery Quarter
Do you have a profound love for precious metals, trinkets, and jewelry? Or perhaps, you’re fascinated by the artisanal traditions of goldsmiths and silversmiths? Either way, head over to the Jewellery Quarter to unravel Birmingham’s history of jewel manufacturing and trade. Here, you will find more than 200 artisanal workshops and silversmiths hard at work.
This part of the city is drenched in history, culture, and tradition, and there’s much to explore besides jewelry workshops and the Jewellery Quarter Museum. For instance, you can head over to the Church of St. Paul’s and feast your eyes on its magnificent Georgian Architecture. The Baskerville House and the Hall of Memory are also worth-visiting for history buffs.
Final Thoughts
There are many sides to Birmingham, and you can unravel its mysteries by planning a well-rounded itinerary. The old quarters and squares are home to the splendors of Victorian and British architecture, while the industrial hubs will introduce you to the city’s manufacturing traditions dating back to the Industrial Revolution. Churches and museums are abundant for history buffs, while cosmopolitan travelers can hit the world-famous clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants in Birmingham.
