|
As one of the principal cities of Britain, Birmingham is one of the most visited holiday destinations in the whole of the country, particularly in recent years. Whether in town for business, or for leisure, Birmingham has a wealth of attractions, family-friendly activities and after-dark entertainments well suited for first-time visitors to the largest city in the West Midlands of Britain.
Origins of Birmingham
Birmingham's reputation as "city of a thousand trades" developed over several millennia from the Stone Age to the Industrial Revolution and beyond. The Digbeth area of the city was once inhabited by ancient settlers in the region. And certainly, the Romans and Saxons spurred the development of Birmingham during the first millennium.
As a thriving city, Birmingham achieved prominence in the region as a major trading centre as early as the 12th century when Peter de Birmingham founded the first market in the city. And beginning in the 16th and early 17th centuries, Birmingham transformed from rural market to a major industrial centre in a matter of decades, with the principal trade being weaponry. These successes of the city laid the foundation for the Industrial Revolution when Birmingham thrived like never before and expanded into one of the most important manufacturing centres in the whole of Europe.
Not surprisingly, Birmingham was a prized target during World War II, and unfortunately many of the cities historical architecture was lost to the ravages of Nazi raids. Nevertheless, the "city of a thousand trades" recovered and prospered once again as an important centre of commerce in the West Midlands, a heritage the citizens of Birmingham laud to first-time visitors to the city.
Entertainments in Birmingham
Birmingham has a wealth of entertainment districts, shopping centres, the full lot of restaurants and pubs and even a family-friendly themed park, which is especially popular with young families. In the heart of Birmingham city centre you will find the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Bull Ring shopping centre as well as wharfs along the city's extensive canal system.
Other choice family-friendly attractions include the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouse, the National Sea Life Centre, which houses rare species from across the globe, and the old Electric Cinema. But young people will surely appreciate Birmingham's after-dark entertainments, too.
The most popular entertainment districts include Selly Oak, Broad Street, where most of the city's youth choose to enjoy nights out, and Digbeth, famous for its authentic, traditional Irish pubs. But Birmingham is also well provided with choice theatres such as the Birmingham Hippodrome and the Alexandra Theatre.
Birmingham Transport
As you would expect of a major metropolitan area, Birmingham is rather well served by the full lot of modern infrastructure including a locally operated metro and even waterbus service near the canals. Birmingham's principal rail stations are New Street and Snowhill. And the city is very well serviced by bus and taxi hire, as well.
To reach Birmingham by road, simply follow the M40, the M5 or the M6 Motorways, all of which converge on Birmingham. You can even reach Birmingham via the M1 to the M6 if you choose.
Birmingham Places to Stay
Birmingham hotels rank highly among the choicest accommodations in the whole of Britain, rivalling those of Manchester and Liverpool. But you can also find affordable accommodations in all districts of the city. So visit Birmingham this travel season and take an extended holiday in one of Britain's most unique cities.
Accommodation in Birmingham
Show Bed & Breakfasts in Birmingham
Show Hotels in Birmingham
Show Holiday Apartments in Birmingham
Show Boating Holidays in Birmingham
| 
