A beginner’s guide to Birmingham

The UK may not be the biggest country in the world, but it certainly has more than its fair share of top cities to choose from.

From Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland, down through Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, York, Leeds and Bristol in England, there’s sure to be something to keep the most discerning of city-lovers happy – and all that before we even think about the cultural, political and historical capital that is London.

Indeed, every British city has its own charms and whether someone wants to get into the thick of things in a major metropolis or savour the quaintness of a small cathedral city, the UK sure has it all.

However, there is one city that often seems to escape the tourist radar for no apparent reason other than, perhaps, the fact it is surrounded by so many other great cities. Situated in the West Midlands county of England, Birmingham is only about 100 miles from London, Manchester and Liverpool, three cities that cast a rather large illustrious shadow.

Birmingham, though, is a fantastic city with the right mix of history, culture and entertainment to make it a true contender among the other municipalities of the UK. Furthermore, with a population well in excess of a million people, Birmingham is Britain’s second largest city and, with so many people, there simply has to be enough to keep the masses amused.

Although most people will probably associate it with being the home of junction 6 of the M6 motorway – otherwise known as ‘Spaghetti Junction’, Birmingham is busy, bustling and culturally diverse in its offerings. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts in the campus grounds of the University of Birmingham is home to works by Van Gogh, Monet, Rodin, Picasso and Rembrandt, making it a must-see attraction for art-lovers of all eras.

Arguably one of Birmingham’s most famous exports, Cadbury’s Chocolate first came to fruition in the 1830s thanks to the dedication of the city’s very own John Cadbury. Today, ‘Cadbury World’ brings to life the remarkable story of one man’s vision, whilst the museum is also a great place for children – and adults – to learn about the various stages of the chocolate-marking process.

For those who want to sample the more sedate side of the city, Birmingham has a staggering 8,000 acres of parks and public open areas – more than any other city in the whole of Europe. From Birmingham nature centre and Fox Hollies Park, to Sheldon Country Park and Woodland Valley Country Park, there are plenty of wide opens spaces to clear the head after a hectic day in the crowds.

Of course, with so much to see and do in Birmingham, visitors will need the promise of a comfortable night’s rest. There are countless budget, mid-range and luxury hotels in Birmingham, ensuring that there is something to suit all tastes and requirements.