A Break In Birmingham

Birmingham is one of the United Kingdom’s foremost travel destinations, mainly because of the role it has played in the country’s history. A prominent city during the time of the Industrial Revolution, Birmingham was one of the wealthiest cities in the country. However, a huge part of the city was blown up and destroyed during the Second World War and many replacement buildings were further added to the city. Nowadays the city is largely pedestrian friendly and modern, since much renovation has been done in the process of reconstructing the city. The city is famous for retaining its industrial look and heritage even though it has been modernized from the outside. The city also has an attractive and extremely pulsating night life, and is also one of the best shopping hubs in England.

You can reach Birmingham through flights to Birmingham International Airport, which is about eight miles east of Birmingham and serves the entire region. Flights from all major cities land at this airport and places as far as Dubai and Delhi can be accessed directly from Birmingham. The airport passengers are directly linked on to the Birmingham International Rail Station, from where, the main city can be reached within five to ten minutes. Services range from express to local and charges are specified depending on these services. Buses ply between Birmingham and Coventry and take 20 minutes generally to reach the inner city. Birmingham can be reached through train, for it has two stations, one is the Digbeth Coach Station and the other is Birmingham Central Station. Trains are available from London and other major cities like Bristol, Edinburgh, Oxford and Cardiff. These trips can often be marred by mechanical and engine failures and are thus less frequented by the traveling public. Birmingham is connected to all the other major cities through the most efficient roadways system and can thus be reached easily by car. The routes M1, M42, M6, M40, M5 and A roads all lead to Birmingham from various parts of the countryside.

Places to visit in Birmingham include its famous art galleries and museums, including Aston Hall, Barber Institute, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery and IKON Gallery. The birthplace of Ozzy Osbourne can also be visited while you are in Birmingham. This place is private and hence, you should obtain permission to enter. However, it is a popular hangout for heavy metal fans. Aston Hall is a stark reminder of the aftermath of war in Birmingham, when the whole city was destroyed and mutilated. The IKON gallery consists of modern art collections that have a devoted following in the region. Soho House is another must see when you are in Birmingham. The home of the businessman Matthew Boulton, it is extremely elegant and definitely worth a visit. Also visit the Think-tank, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Nature Center, the Cannon Hill Park, the Lickey Hills County Park and the national Sea Life Center. The center has a multitude of aquatic animals ranging from piranhas and turtles to rays, sea horses and other animals. It is a hit with the kids, hence an ideal place to take them during a lazy afternoon. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip, and fly to Birmingham now!