Planning a family trip to the UK but don’t know where to start? Picking up a 7 seater car hire Birmingham would be a great idea! Birmingham is the second largest and most populous city in the UK after the capital, and car hire is the best way to explore its sights. Indeed, you get complete freedom of movement when you hire a car. What’s more, a family trip on a hire car is a guarantee of a smooth and comfortable ride.
Once an industrial city, Birmingham is one of the must-see spots in England. Beautiful landscapes, an impressive combination of ancient churches and futuristic buildings give it a special charm. Here everyone will find entertainment to his liking.
The sights of Birmingham attract connoisseurs of architecture and art, lovers of outdoor activities, and of course, children. So if you’re heading to Birmingham and dreaming of an unforgettable family trip, check out the following must-do list for your visit to this amazing destination!
Shop at Bullring Birmingham
This is one of the most popular shopping centres in Birmingham and the entire United Kingdom. The first thing that attracts buyers is plenty of shops and boutiques. The second is the original design of the building with a wave-like shape, a glass roof, and aluminum discs that seem to be scattered around the entire perimeter. So, you won’t regret heading to Bullring Birmingham for some shopping and relaxation.
Visit the Birmingham Library
Think visiting the library is boring? Head to the Birmingham Library to see the opposite. If until now you have known libraries as old buildings undergoing renovations, then the Birmingham Library will surprise you.
The modern building boasts a beautiful design. By the way, it’s one of the largest libraries in the United Kingdom. Its rich history and amazing architecture will give you a fresh look at England’s cultural heritage.
Try the local cuisine
If you get hungry and want to relax a bit, head to Loki Wine Merchant & Tasting House. This is the best local wine boutique and has received eleven prestigious awards over the past few years.
Here visitors can taste, buy wine or enjoy it in a pleasant atmosphere of the establishment. Snacks and other meals are also at your disposal.
Explore marine life at the National Sea Life Centre
Another stunning attraction in Birmingham is the National Sea Life Centre. This is a great place to spend a few hours with the whole family and improve your knowledge of marine life. The spacious aquariums feature a variety of marine creatures including fish, jellyfish, and turtles.
At the same time, penguins occupy a separate enclosure. These cute and charming animals always attract many visitors. If you love marine predators, then watch the sharks and rays swim majestically in the aquariums.
Head to the Pen Museum
This museum is not quite ordinary, but nevertheless, it will amaze you with its unique collection. Here you will find a huge selection of ballpoint, fountain, and steel pens.
The museum has a rich history to tell. Birmingham was once a centre for pen making, and today the city hosts the UK’s only museum dedicated to the pen. By the way, here you can trace the evolution of pens and even sign up for a master class in calligraphy.
Relax in Cannon Hill Park
Outdoor recreation is a great way to unwind. So, head to Cannon Hill while in Birmingham. Cannon Hill is Birmingham’s largest and most beloved park. It exists since 1873 and occupies 32 hectares of the main territory and 48 hectares of forest area.
Here you can simply have a picnic on the lawn or take a walk along the lake – the park offers plenty of activities to choose from. For example, play tennis on one of the five courts, host a bowling championship, or spend a few hours playing mini-golf. You will enjoy every activity.
Get in touch with art
Fans of fine art should not bypass the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham. After all, here you have a chance to touch the best works of world art. The masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Rembrandt will let you plunge into the world of painting. So, don’t miss to visit the Institute of Fine Arts and improve your knowledge in the field of culture!
See old churches
If medieval churches with large stained glass windows and gothic designs are your thing, then explore the temples of Birmingham. To start with, visit St Edburgha’s Church in Yardley, St Laurence’s Church in Northfield, or St Martin’s Church on Bull Ring to get into the spirit of old England.
Then, find the early 18th-century baroque-style St. Philip’s Cathedral and the neo-Gothic St. Chad Cathedral, a must-see for any connoisseur of centuries-old architecture.
Walk around the Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter is a popular tourist attraction in Birmingham as it’s home to the biggest jewellery businesses in the UK. Several streets of the block are home to about 500 jewelry stores and a factory museum that you can explore on a free guided tour.
Attend an event at the Midlands Art Centre
Midlands Art Centre (or simply MAC) is Birmingham’s pioneering arts centre, hosting events of all genres for visitors of all ages. More than 850,000 people from all over the UK and beyond visit the MAC every year. Theatrical productions, independent films, music concerts, exhibitions and much more – every traveller will find a reason to look into this art centre.
We hope that our small but informative guide will be a great help on your trip to Birmingham. Of course, this is not a complete list of available activities, and you can always find even more interesting things to do in this wonderful city!
