This city has become recently popular among visitors from all around the world looking for an opportunity to experience all the positive vibes that English party spirit can create. Regardless of your intentions for visit, the second largest city in England will surely leave you surprised with all of its faces. Be prepared to fall in love with the red-brick identity of Industrial glory.

The Beating Heart of Midland England

The place of football history, unforgettable Birmingham Christmas parties, and the sound of Black Sabbath. The city is located in the West Midlands, a fairly central area of ​​the United Kingdom. Birmingham is both 2 hours from London and 2 hours from Manchester, the other two most popular cities in the UK. Luggage storage is important in order for you to get the most out of your trip to London. You may browse for self storage in London, Birmingham or Manchester, whichever is the nearest to your accommodation. It is much easier to discover a city without carrying bags around.

This place is considered the second most populated city of the United Kingdom, right after London. In addition, it is quite popular for its great cultural and ethnic diversity, where people of different origins live in the same city. It was declared a city in 1889 by Queen Victoria. Before becoming a big city, this area was better known as the old forest called Arden Forest. Although its growth as a city has to do with the time of the Industrial Revolution, especially with the exploitation of iron and coal.

Huge Set of Cultural Events

For lovers of culture, there is a wide variety of cultural activities in Birmingham, where you can observe different styles depending on your interests. For example, you can enjoy classic art at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery or underground art at the St. Paul Gallery, passing through contemporary art at the Ikon gallery.

Birmingham has two great festivals. One is the Bearded Theory, which has been held for four years and has become the largest independent music festival in Britain. On the other hand, you can also find the Birmingham International Tattoo, where you can watch a mix of great bands with local musicians offering a 3-hour show. If you plan to come in March and you love movies, you should not miss the Flatpack Film Festival.

If you want to go out drinking in this big city, you’re in luck, because there are an endless number of places. Some of the most popular areas are Árcade, Brindleyplace, El Buzón, Jewelry Quarter, Summerrow, City Center, Broad Street and Amargo’n Twisted.

For an active day outdoors, do not hesitate to go to Cannon Hill Park, Kings Heath Park, The Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses, Walsall Arboretum or Sutton Park.

If you are an unconditional lover of chocolate, you have to visit Cadbury World, a theme park formed by 14 zones where you will be informed about the history and the most important curiosities about chocolate through games, exhibitions and you can even play under a chocolate rain. It is one of the most popular attractions in Birmingham, as it usually congregates more than half a million visitors a year

Charming Architectural Heritage

Around the city, you will be able to witness a great number of charming canals, where you can rest watching the beautiful views of the surroundings or go to the many restaurants, bars, pubs and concert halls that are usually located in the area of the channels.

One of the religious icons of Birmingham is the Cathedral of St. Philips, which is located on Colmore Row. St Philips was created in the 18th century and has an English baroque style. It is a small cathedral, but it has a large number of decorative elements, both inside and outside. During the week it is usually open from 8 am to 8 pm and on weekends from 9 am to 16 pm.

Another quite famous cathedral in Birmingham is the church of St Martin. It is located on New Street, and its contrast with the modern buildings around it makes it even more charming.

An emblematic building that you cannot miss is Selfridges. It is part of the Bullring shopping center, therefore, in addition to photographing it from the outside, you can also take advantage of shopping. Since its construction in 2003, it has become one of the most famous buildings in Birmingham, with its curved facade and pulverized concrete.

As for gastronomy, one of the most typical dishes is the Balti, a type of curry that comes from Pakistan and is made with barbecue sauce, Cadbury chocolate, and the English sauce Bird’s Custard. In addition, Birmingham has three restaurants awarded by the Michelin guide.

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