Birmingham is the second largest city in the United Kingdom and is also one of England’s top industrial and commercial areas. A major economic hub in the UK, Europe and the world at large, it is a historic city famous for several reasons among which is leading the industrial revolution in Britain and ushering in development into the country. Millions of people troop into the city each year to conduct business, education or simply for a holiday. It is the second most patronised city outside of London for educational purposes and is a major recreational and cultural centre. It is home to major cultural institutions like the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the Library of Birmingham and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
What’s the Hype about Birmingham
As historic, rich and culturally diverse as the city of Birmingham is, there is so much more to than economics, politics and education. There are several fun reasons why it is the fourth-most visited city in the UK by foreigners. Its rich social culture lends it an appeal that draws a variety of people who will all find something to captivate them and the city is crawling with gems hidden in plain sight and some that one can never grow tired of.
Things to do and see in Birmingham
To begin with, Birmingham is home to one of Europe’s largest shopping malls, the famous Bullring Shopping Enter and is also home to the iconic Birmingham Bull statue.
It also boasts more miles of canal waterways than Italy’s Venice and was fondly called the ‘City of a Thousand Trades’ as it brought so many traders from around the world that set up camp in the city.
Legendary music artists Ozzy Osbourne, Duran Duran, UB40 and the heavy metal rock band Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin are all from Birmingham.
Over 40% of Birmingham’s population is under 25 making it the youngest city in Europe and where there is an abundance of youth, fresh innovative thinking and development is never far behind. So is partying. In fact, it is one of the top party destinations in the UK. For event organisers, the party venues Birmingham has to offer are top-notch and meet international standards.
Next, the largest public library in the UK is The Library of Birmingham.
It is also one of the greenest cities in the UK with over 8000 acres and 600 parks so for visitors seeking clean air and environment, it is the perfect European stop.
For the artistically inclined, The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has the world’s largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Nowhere else will one find a collection so large by the iconic Italian artist.
For those who love ornaments, a visit to The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter is guaranteed a satisfying experience. They not only produce 40% of all jewellery produced locally in the United Kingdom, but it is also the one location with the most jewellery businesses in one place.
The Escape Brum also located in the jewellery quarter is yet another fun place that visitors and locals alike flock to. Here, participants are placed inside escape rooms where they have to find clues and answers to puzzles and escape within one hour.
Cadbury world is a chocolate lover’s dream destination in Birmingham where they get to learn the history of the iconic chocolate company while indulging in sweet treats.
Birmingham is a town that is special not just for its amazing history, educational prowess and business acumen but for the fun and enlightenment it offers to visitors.