If you’re planning to take a staycation in Britain this year, Birmingham should be near the top of your list of must-visit destinations. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, from museums filled with culture to exciting film and comedy festivals.
Those seeking a culture filled break should start at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, home to some of the finest examples of pre-Raphaelite art in the world, as well as a stunning precious metals exhibit and a social history gallery. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, meanwhile, is filled with classic works of art, with the likes of Monet and Degas featured alongside works by Rubens and Magritte.
If you prefer to shop, however, the legendary Bullring is the perfect place to start. The concrete shopping centre of the 1960s has been replaced with a modern mall that’s home to more than 160 different stores, as well as several cafes and restaurants to keep you well fuelled during a day of retail therapy. You can also enjoy special events including regular cocktail nights and fashion shows. For something a little more extravagant, try the Jewellery Quarter, where you’ll find luxury shopping opportunities in an area with a fascinating history.
Birmingham isn’t just a city for the daytime: those who stay later can enjoy the legendary Theatre District, home to some of the best comedy and musical performances in the country, as well as the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The thriving nightlife continues at the vibrant Arcadian Centre, which sits between Chinatown and the Theatre District and contains a number of top bars, clubs and restaurants, all of which are open well into the early hours.
If you’re not sure when to visit, you may want to plan your trip around one of the city’s annual festivals, which draw thousands of visitors from around the world every year. The headline events for 2013 include the LOLIHULL Comedy & Literature Festival, bringing together some of the biggest names in British comedy for eight days of laughter. Alternatively, film buffs are bound to enjoy the Flatpack Festival in March.
Enjoying everything that Birmingham has to offer has never been easier, especially if you use a credit card with Avios rewards from American Express. You’ll earn Avios points for virtually every pound that you spend, giving you the chance to get your hands on discounted flights with British Airways to destinations all over the world.
