Birmingham is the second largest city in the United Kingdom. It used to be associated as an industrial center, but now it attracts a considerable number of tourists with its atmosphere and attractions. What is worth seeing there?
Birmingham is the city of diversity so everyone will find something for themselves. Are you into shopping? A piece of cake! A walk in the historic district sounds better for you? Here you go! Or maybe you prefer active recreation? Done!
If you’re looking for the most picturesque places of the city, you should definitely see the canals running alongside Gas Street. Until 1960 they were used for loading and unloading goods transported by the river. Now you’ll find lots of atmospheric restaurants and clubs by the canals which have turned into a place of rest, hanging out, and all-night fun. While being there, take the boat ride – small brick-built Victorian houses look even more beautiful from this perspective. Interestingly, Birmingham can boast more canals than Venice.
The origins of Birmingham go back to the Middle Ages. Kings Norton – the complex of buildings with, e.g., historic school and the Merchant’s House – dates from the medieval age. Saint Martin's Church was established at the same time. Today it stands… at the heart of the city’s biggest shopping center, The Bull Ring. It’s been built at the location of the 12th-century marketplace. In Birmingham there are also several fine cathedrals, e.g., the Anglican Cathedral of St. Philip, Catholic St. Chad’s Cathedral, and Greek Orthodox Cathedral dedicated to Theotokos and St Andreas as well as Aston Hall with well-preserved interiors, dating back to centuries ago. And if you love art, step into Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery housing the rich collection of works by Edward Burne-Jones, the great Pre-Raphaelite painter.
If, as a child, you dreamed of visiting a factory of the most delicious product in the world – which is, of course, chocolate – you just must go to Birmingham! Not far from the city, the Cadbury World is located. During the three-hour tour not only will you observe the process of making chocolate, but also you’ll try various cocoa treats. After such an intense experience, you can relax in one of the urban parks. The most special one, Sutton, is the world’s biggest Nature Reserve placed in the city space. Spend some time by the lake, do some sports or just laze on the grass – all from 9 a.m. to dusk.
