Birmingham City Breaks
Birmingham City Breaks
Located in the West Midlands, Birmingham is often called England's ‘Second City’. It's the perfect place for a city getaway, with activities to suit solo travellers, couples, families and groups, from shopping centres and tourist attractions to sightseeing and sports tours.
Planning a Birmingham city break? Read on for everything you need, including the perfect hotels for your trip.
What is Birmingham famous for?
Birmingham is famous for its connection to food and drink, among other things. Cadbury and Bourneville were born in the Second City, and the Cadbury factory continues to produce sweet treats today! Typhoo tea has roots in Brum, while Heinz originally made its iconic HP sauce here.
The city is also home to the Balti curry, which emerged in the 1970s. A visit to the Balti Triangle is a must. The globally celebrated area houses over 100 curry houses, many considered some of England's finest.
Things to do in Birmingham
You’ll find many things to do in Birmingham during your city break. From family days out at Cadbury World to atmospheric restaurants and bars in the Jewellery Quarter, there’s plenty for all visitors.
1. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Cadbury World
Indulge in a chocolatey haven at Cadbury World. Learn about the history of one of the world's best-known chocolate brands in the factory responsible for sweet treats like Flakes, Crunchies and Dairy Milk bars!
Explore engaging exhibits, including the Aztec Jungle, Bull Street, and the Chocolate Making Zone, where you can watch the chocolate-making process firsthand.
Jump aboard the Crunchie rollercoaster and embark on the 4D Chocolate Adventure, or tuck into classic British afternoon tea. Don’t forget to visit the Cadbury World Shop before leaving to stock up on your favourites.
2. Immerse yourself in the world of the Peaky Blinders
Fans of Peaky Blinders can’t miss the fantastic Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour. Join your tour guide, acting as gang member Edward Shelby, and follow in the footsteps of 19th and 20th-century gangs as you walk the streets of Birmingham.
Learn more about notorious gang members of the era, including Billy Kimber and Alfie Solomon, who featured in the hit BBC drama. There are two pub stops where you can grab a drink and listen to stories about international gangs, weapons in Birmingham, and the city's impact on the tea trade.
3. Check out the Villa Park Stadium Tour
Delve into the history of Aston Villa at the Villa Park Stadium Tour. Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the iconic 42,640-capacity stadium as you visit player dugouts, dressing rooms and the media centre.
A stadium expert guides you through the football club’s illustrious history. Villa legends join on selected tours and give their insight, a treat for fans! Take photos with the Villains’ collection of trophies, including the FA Cup and European Cup, before finishing the day in the official Villa Store, where you get a 10% discount on all purchases.
4. Spend time in the Jewellery Quarter
Famous for housing the largest cluster of jewellery businesses in Europe, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has been described as a “national treasure” by English Heritage.
Walk along charming streets and check out the impressive architecture, including over 200 listed buildings. Keen shoppers can check out the area’s range of independent retailers. At the same time, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Newman Brothers Coffin Works and the Pen Museum are perfect for history buffs.
Grab a bite at one of the Jewellery Quarter’s fantastic restaurants. You’ll find an array of cuisines available, from traditional English grub to food from around the world, including Asian, Italian and Jamaican.
Questions about Birmingham city breaks
Find out everything you need to know ahead of your Birmingham city break.
Is Birmingham a good city break?
Birmingham is a fantastic destination for a city break. The city centre is full of tourist attractions, shops, restaurants and bars, meaning there’s plenty to do during your stay. It’s also well-connected thanks to three major train stations (Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill) and the M6 motorway.
What’s the best area to stay in Birmingham?
Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham is an ideal base for your Birmingham city break. Located in the heart of Brum, it’s within walking distance of many key landmarks, including the Bullring & Grand Central, SEA LIFE Birmingham and Birmingham New Street Station. It also offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, an on-site bar, restaurant and room service.
Is Birmingham a walkable city?
Birmingham is a walkable city. Its compact centre makes it easy to get around on foot if you travel to the city without a car. You can also walk along the Birmingham Canal. There’s a 1-mile city centre route, from which you’ll see many famous landmarks, including Old Turn Junction, Gas Street Basin and Brewmasters Bridge.