Sunil Johal, Director at Argent and proud Brummie with his suggestion for '48 hours in Birmingham'

Our Summer run of '48 Hours in Birmingham' continues with this great contribution from Sunil and he should know as project director at Argent.

View full post to see Sunil's '48 hours in Birmingham' suggestion - well worth a read!

For other '48 hours in Birmingham' posts and suggestions, select View More.

Boy have I been looking forward to giving you guys an insight into the wonderful things you can do in the FIRST city - where to start ....

Friday night.

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Photo by Chris Fletcher

After being greeted by our new and vibrant New St train station and checking into your hotel (assuming you are staying over), your first night has to be at one of our prized theatres. There will certainly a leading production on in Birmingham.

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Birmingham theatres.

But before you do, you must go over to Digbeth and visit the famous Digbeth dining club.

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View to Digbeth from Selfridges. Photo by Mac McCreery.

You will be exposed to some of the best alternative food on offer in the UK. The scene is mixed with music and entertainment, and is the perfect place to grab a light snack before you stroll back through the city to enjoy the show.

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Beautiful sunset at Eastside, Birmingham. Photo by Mac McCreery.

Saturday Morning

Early rise, you’re going to need the energy. A small train journey out of the city centre and you’re in the beautiful Royal town of Sutton Coldfield, grab a great breakfast at the Window Box (Wylde Green), before heading for a stroll around the 2,400 acre National Nature Reserve – Sutton Park.

Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, you’ll have a blast!

The park has open heathland, woodlands, seven lakes, wetlands, and marshes - each with its own rich variety of plants and wildlife, some rarely seen in the region. Cattle and wild ponies graze on the land.

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Wild Ponies at Sutton Park. Photo by My Biking Adventure.

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Cattle grazing in Sutton Park. Photo by My Biking Adventure.

Saturday afternoon

You’ve worked up an appetite now, head back to the city centre, freshen up and venture out for some afternoon tea at the quirky Edgbaston boutique hotel, you will not be disappointed.

Head back to the city centre, and take in the array of development which is happening, where cranes take over the Birmingham skyline, showing just how the city is thriving.

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Westside skyline in Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

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Cranes over Chamberlain Square, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

You will be able to fly through the new Central Library, you’ll certainly have an opinion on the architecture.

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Library of Birmingham. Photo by Tammie Naughton.

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Library of Birmingham. Photo by Tammie Naughton.

Saturday evening

You will be spoilt for choice with the variety of restaurants Birmingham has to offer. There are great spots around St Paul’s Square, personal favourites include Anderson’s, Lasan or Asha’s.

Check out one of our quirky gin bars – 40 St Paul’s whilst you’re there. 

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St. Paul's Church & Square, Birmingham. Photo by Tammie Naughton.

Another option is to head to the Jewellery Quarter, lots of local bars and restaurants which are independent, quirky and full of character, look into - The Wilderness, The Button Factory or 1000 Trades.

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Chamberlain Clock in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

If you want to up your game – then you could always opt to go for one of four Michelin star restaurants...let’s just say if you’re a foodie like me, you are simply spoilt for choice.

Sunday morning

I know I know, you’re sad that it's your last day...So there is no better way to start your Sunday morning by experiencing the selection of shops within the City Centre (Bullring and Mailbox) – Selfridges, John Lewis, you name it we've got it....

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Selfridges, Birmingham.  Photo by Chris Fletcher.

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Mailbox, Birmingham. Photo by Damien Walmsley.

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Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham. Creative photo by Imran Ali Bashir.

Whilst you enjoy the retail vibe in Birmingham​, you will see lot’s of opportunity to grab a quick coffee at one of great coffee establishments – check out 200 degrees, The Faculty or Java Lounge...

Sunday afternoon

You may have noticed large footprints in and around the city centre whilst you have wandered round the streets of Birmingham, and I can feel your curiosity...Yes! You have guessed it, Dippy the dinosaur has decided to join us for the Summer.

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'Dippy'. Photo by Birmingham Museum.

The British icon is on a mission to inspire five million natural history adventures, encouraging families to explore nature on their doorstep. You can see the exhibition and many other interesting artefacts at our world class museum in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

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Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Photo by Daniel Sturley. 

Nearly home time...but before you head back ....fix a date for your return, as I can guarantee your next weekend in Birmingham will be even more fun.

 

This '48 hours in Birmingham' suggestion has been written by Sunil Johal and produced by BirminghamWeAre.

For more '48 hours in Birmingham' posts and suggestions, click HERE.

 

Martin Guest Managing Director of property consultants CBRE with HIS suggestion for '48 Hours in Birmingham'

We kick off our mid-summer run of '48 Hours in Birmingham' with Martin Guest's suggestions. More to follow through the week.

See our full post to see how Martin would recommend a visitor to our City spends '48 hours in Birmingham'.

For other '48 hours in Birmingham' posts and suggestions, take the project link.

Coincide your visit with a trip to Britain’s busiest theatre - no, it’s not in London’s West End, it’s right here in Birmingham!

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Photo by Daniel Sturley

Whether you are a fan of musicals, opera, dance or ballet – Birmingham Royal Ballet is based here or want to catch a top-flight comedian, The Hippodrome has the show for you.

Either before or after a Friday night performance, I’d stop off at The Victoria, a traditional pub on nearby John Bright Street with a great choice of real ales.

For cricket fans, a game at Edgbaston is a must. Home to Warwickshire CCC and the Birmingham Bears, it’s undeniably the best ground outside Lords, and a favourite among England players, and not without reason: England has lost just one match there since 2008. No wonder they call it ‘Fortress Edgbaston’! 

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Photo by Debra Power

There’s a great line up this year, with visits from two of the world’s greatest cricketing nations, Australia and India, for a floodlit T20 and a test respectively.

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Photo by Daniel Sturley

If you can’t get either of these hot tickets, Edgbaston is the home of the T20 domestic finals.

Even if the cricket’s a bit slow, you can always rely on the crowds in the legendary Eric Hollies stand to keep you entertained. They’re the England team’s 12^th man!

After the game, head into the city for dinner. A steak at Gaucho, 55 Colmore Row, or a curry at Asha’s on Newhall St – fitting if you’ve been to the India test – would top my list.

I’d work that off on Sunday with a walk.

The city centre has a wealth of fantastic architecture to explore. Modern icons such as Selfridges, the Library of Birmingham and New Street Station live cheek by jowl with the Victorian buildings which burgeoned as the city prospered from the Industrial Revolution. 

 

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Photo by Chris Fletcher

It’s equally fascinating to see the emergence of a new generation of buildings, including the HSBC and HMRC HQs at Arena.

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Photo by Daniel Sturley

New build is also underway at Paradise, creating a walkway from the Library of Birmingham which reveals Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in a totally different light.  

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Photo by Raj Sanghera

I’d probably steer my city walk towards the Jewellery Quarter, and not just to take in the lovely St Paul’s Church, set in the city’s only Georgian square. 

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Photo by Damien Walmsley 

The JQ is becoming as well known for its bar scene as its jewellery making, with an award-winning gin bar and a specialist whisky bar, housed in the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, among its draws.

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Photo by Birmingham Museums

In my book, Sunday’s not Sunday without meat and at least three veg. I’d head for the Red Lion, an old-school pub which serves up a crackling (see what I did there?) roast and all the trimmings from £12.95.  

That said, The Highfield in Edgbaston is also a great alternative: all the roasties you can eat, extra yorkies and bottomless gravy.

What’s not to like?

Enjoy Birmingham!

 

 

 

 

 

Harriett Lewis Journalist and avid blogger with her suggestion for '48 Hours in Birmingham'

Take the article below to see how Harriett would recommend a visitor to our City spends '48 hours in Birmingham'.

 

For other '48 hours in Birmingham' posts and suggestions, take the project link.

Day 1

 

As your coach pulls in at Digbeth Coach Station ready for a 48 hour stay in Birmingham, you step straight into the city's creative district – renowned for its artistic heritage and impressive independent shopping.

 

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You'll walk through the streets of Digbeth: stopping to admire the incredible murals that are splashed across the backs of buildings, injecting colour and life into the area. As a creative industry worker myself, admiring and encouraging raw, artistic talent is something in which I feel we must pursue - and Digbeth is the perfect place to platform such capabilities.

 

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Photo by My Biking Adventure  

 

You'll walk down Digbeth and Fazeley Canal, admiring its’ unexpected tranquility amongst the hustle and bustle of typical city life.

 

Spotting the upcoming shops, you'll call in at the Cow Vintage Clothing store: pick out an outfit of old designer garments and accessories and save yourself a penny or two in the process. (And who can say no to a bit of retail therapy?)

 

Kitted out in your new gear, you'll head to Digbeth's Dining Club: an award-winning street food event. You'll grab an outstanding burger from Flowing Cows (my all-time favourite!) and sit back and enjoy all of the live music and entertainment the venue has to offer. As the evening draws close, the night is also just beginning!

 

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Photo by Daniel Sturley

 

You'll then hit Broad Street – Birmingham's biggest and most popular nightlife scene, equipped with plenty of pubs and clubs. You'll wet your whistle with a drink (or two!) before heading on to Hare & Hounds, a live entertainment venue which showcases alternative music acts. You'll listen to a round of drum and bass acts, appreciating the platform venues such as this have on artists trying to make it big in Brum.

 

Tired yet most content, you head to your room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where you are able to appreciate the incredible skyline views across Birmingham City.

 

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Photo by Daniel Sturley

 

Day 2

As a new day beckons you start the morning with a refreshing walk at Cannon Hill Park, absorbing the wildlife and admiring the hundreds of acres of conserved greenery (despite being situated in the UK's second largest city!).

 

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Photo by Daniel Sturley

 

Back in the City Centre, you'll stop by for a bit of culture intake at The Ikon Gallery – a beautifully modern art venue showcasing contemporary art, absolutely free of charge.

 

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Photo by Kevin Maslin

 

After enjoying an exhibition or two, you'll hit the Bullring for an afternoon of non-stop serious shopping!

 

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Photo by Daniel Sturley

 

With endless stores to browse in, you'll be kept on your toes as you hunt for the latest fashion must-haves.

 

If there's time, you'll call in at Miss Macaroon in the Great Western Arcade for a glass of prosecco and array of tasty macaroons – the perfect sophisticated pick-me-up after an afternoon of shopping.

 

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Photo by George Daley

 

To round off the evening you'll attend a stand-up comedy night at the Glee Club, and enjoy endless amounts of entertainment and laughter.

 

A perfect end to a perfect 48 hours in Brum!

 

Dave Thompson QPM, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police with his suggestion for '48 Hours in Birmingham'

Although a Mancunian and someone who loves the city of his birth, Dave Thompson, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, simply adores Birmingham.

 

Take the article below to see how Dave would recommend a visitor to our City spends '48 hours in Birmingham'.

 

For other '48 hours in Birmingham' posts and suggestions, take the project link.

As the Chief Constable of the West Midlands, it is a huge pleasure to police the incredibly diverse region of the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Birmingham.

 

I am a typical Mancunian and love the city of my birth but I simply adore Birmingham and can’t believe it took this job to bring me here!

 

Birmingham is bursting with youth, diversity, history and culture. The city has an outdated reputation and the 2022 Commonwealth Games will rebrand this exciting place.

 

Get ahead and get here to check the city out!

 

It's a real push to get a taste of the city in 48 hours, but let’s have a go!

 

Day 1.

 

Arrive to the Cathedral of Rail that is New Street Station. It is an inspiring gateway into the city that floods travellers with light and sound.

 

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Grand Central, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

You can literally touch the best range of shopping in England here with the Grand Central shops above you and the Bullring attached to it. Make sure you see the Bull, who is often dressed for the season.

 

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Birmingham Bull, Bullring, Birmingham. Photo by Tammie Naughton. 

 

Drop down towards St Martin’s Church between the Bullring’s Wings to catch a glimpse of Nelson and the impressive façade of the Selfridges store.

 

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Selfridges, Birmingham. Photo by Chris Fletcher.

 

As you pass the beautiful St Martin’s, set out to Digbeth.

 

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View from city centre to Digbeth. Photo by Mac McCreery. 

 

Arty and youthful now but it is one of the oldest parts of the city with interesting pubs and eateries hidden in its streets. Catch a glimpse of our beautiful 1911 Digbeth police station with its own clock as you set off down the High Street! Spot the JFK Mosaic and street art then into the Custard Factory for independent shops, art and events.

 

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Custard Factory, Birmingham. Photo by Fay Loewy. 

 

If you are here on Friday night then the Digbeth Dining Club ensures you can grab the best of Birmingham Street Food. If not, then hope for a craft fair where you can access some great artists. Alexander Edwards’ Brumhaus is my favourite.

 

Time is tight so back towards the city centre so you get to glimpse some of the Victorian Gems. Head up to St Philip's Cathedral on Colmore Row and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city as it’s a busy intersection and all human life is here.

 

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St Philip's Cathedral, Birmingham. Photo by Mac McCreery.

 

Catch a glimpse across the road at the vista that is The Grand, 'Brum's' beautifully restored grand lady of a hotel and then down Colmore Row to the Town Hall and Council House.

 

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Council House and Queen Victoria statue, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

Keep going and end the walking at the new Library. It is a great deal more than books with amazing views across the city!

 

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Library of Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

Time to relax so catch a film before you seek food or sleep. It’s a small walk back to Station Street to the lovely Electric Cinema, the UK’s oldest working cinema. Cosy, warm, great staff, a nice choice of beers and snacks and a wonderful selection of films.

 

Day 2.

 

Now try out of the city centre, as it's in Birmingham’s neighbourhoods where the diverse city comes to life!

 

Drive off along the Bristol Road, part of the old Super Prix Track (watch your speed, I am the Chief Constable!) and navigate towards Edgbaston Cricket Ground. If the cricket’s off then a leisurely stroll in Cannon Hill Park lets you feed the ducks.

 

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Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

Birmingham has a huge number of parks but Cannon Hill has the wonderful Mac Centre where the arts and a great café live.

 

Leave the park through Moseley, (a lovely neighbourhood), before slipping onto Ladypool Road. This is the place to seek out a curry if you are peckish and it’s certainly the hub of East meets West in Birmingham. If you have time, a drive down Stratford Road will bombard you will the sights and sounds of Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities like nowhere you have been in Britain. The parking can be really quite creative too!

 

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View from City to Birmingham Central Mosque. Photo by Daniel Sturley. 

 

Head back towards the city and as you pass down Belgrave Middleway you will see the huge Central Mosque which, when built, was the largest in Europe and one of many in a city with a large Muslim community.

 

As you go back on the Bristol Road you will pass through the famous tunnels but not before you get a great view of the Library. Head up Soho Road to see the huge Nishkam Sikh Gurdwara.

 

Birmingham has one of the country’s largest Sikh communities and you will find someone to show you around and explain their faith. The Sikh faith values the tradition of Langar that ensures the Gurdwara kitchen serves all visitors a free meal regardless of faith!

 

Soho Road sees a mixture of Muslim, Sikh, Caribbean and African Communities with newer Eastern European communities.

 

Returning back down the road to the city to spend the afternoon relaxing in the Jewellery Quarter.

 

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Clock Tower, Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Photo by Barry Whitehead.

 

A heady mix of museums, residential, leisure, jewellers and industry, the quarter is a great place to wander around with notable restaurants and bars. Many of the shops make jewellery to order if you are after a special gift.

 

Don’t miss the wonderful St Paul’s Square built around the 1779 church. It has the most beautiful bells of any in the city and wonderful grounds to sleep off a meal and a drink in in the summer!

 

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St Paul's Church, St Paul's Square, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

It’s probably time to head back to the station but, if you have booked early, West Midlands Police may well have opened up the historic police cells at Steelhouse Lane on a visitor’s day.

 

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Mix of photos from Lock Up, Steelhouse Lane. Photos from West Midlands Police.

 

The cells were opened in 1892 and held the real Peaky Blinders and many other felons until we closed them in 2016! You may see the odd ghost by all accounts. We hope the cells will become the future museum for the force. They are amazing!

 

Time to hot foot back to New Street realising you have barely touched this gem of a city and promising to come back soon!!

 

Tony Elvin, general manager at Birmingham's luxurious Hotel du Vin with his suggestions for great '48 Hours in Birmingham'

Tony says of 'The Brummies' - "they are great at welcoming people from all over the globe, including people such as me". Tony hails from Essex.

 

Often asked by people to recommend places to go and visit in Birmingham, Tony and his team need to know all the best places, both within and close to the City.

 

Take Tony's article to read his suggestion for '48 Hours in Birmingham'. For other suggestions, take the project link below.

A great 48 hours in Birmingham

 

48 hours in Britain’s friendliest city. The Brummies are great at welcoming people from all over the globe, even people from Essex like me. As a hotel Manager in Birmingham’s finest hotel, my team and I need to know all the best places to go. I hope you enjoy my inside track on what to do . .

 

Arriving in Brum on a Friday afternoon with Hotel du Vin as your base, we’ve got a decadently extravagant couple of days planned.

 

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Hotel du Vin, Birmingham. Photo courtesy Hotel du Vin.

 

A glass of champagne in hand, relaxing in our Bubble Lounge champagne bar and tucking into a delicious Croque Monsieur as you contemplate the itinerary.

 

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Bubble Lounge Champagne Bar, Hotel du Vin. Photo courtesy Hotel du Vin.

 

Friday Afternoon

 

First it’s time for culture. Just a short walk to Victoria Square through the Colmore Business District’s impressive architecture you arrive at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Before you even enter the museum this is a stunning spot. Victoria Square housing the majestic Council House, Museum and Art Gallery, our Floozie in the Jacuzzi and the Birmingham Town Hall, one of  the world’s oldest concert halls, some 180 years old.

 

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Birmingham's Council House. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

Looking past the transformation of the Paradise development where cranes fill the sky blending modern architecture with grand old buildings, this is the ever changing face of Birmingham at its best. Transforming it’s identify on a seemingly continuous 40 year loop of redevelopment. Baskerville House nestled amongst the new developments of Paradise and the ‘Jewellery Box’ Birmingham Library sit under the watchful eye of the Lunar Men.

 

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Library of Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

Heading into the Museum and Art Gallery you are welcomed to the Round Room Gallery by Sir Jacob Epstein’s Lucifer before taking in the Staffordshire Hoard, The Pre-Raphaelites and Baroque Art collections to name just a few. And if you need more champagne already then you can literally ‘Press for Champagne’ in the tea rooms where a glass of delicious Piper Heidsdeck Champagne will make its way to you by just pressing a champagne button . . how civilised!?

 

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Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

On the way back into the business district location of the hotel we pick up a playing card from The Liquor Store clothes shop on Colmore Row. This intriguing card has a phone number on it. We might give that number a call later.

 

 

Friday Evening

 

Time for a cocktail? We’ve planned ahead and have a spot reserved at the most amazing cocktail bar you can imagine. With just 8 seats available, it is an incredible experience  at Smultronstalle on Union Street in the City Arcade. We’ve booked a tasting menu of 7 courses with paired cocktails for a two hour experience.

 

On the way back to HdV, we dial the number on the playing card from The Liquor Store and wait outside the clothes shop.

 

We’ll say no more and let you find out what happens when you dial the number.

 

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Birmingham skyline at night. Photo from Daniel Sturley.

 

We get back to the hotel and head upstairs for a restorative night’s sleep in a giant leather sleigh bed.

 

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Giant leather sleigh bed at Hotel du Vin. Photo courtesy Hotel du Vin. 

 

Saturday Morning

 

An early start and a hearty HdV breakfast before heading to the shops. Bullring, Selfridges, Grand Central. A shopper’s paradise!

 

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Selfridges, Birmingham. Photo by Jay Mason-Burns.

 

We pop into Loki Wines in the Great Western Arcade to do some more shopping, picking up a cracking bottle of Frog’s Leap Californian Cabernet Sauvignon as recommended by cheeky proprietor Phil Innes to take home with us.

 

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Great Western Arcade, Birmingham. Photo by George Daley.

 

Saturday Afternoon

 

An afternoon is spent sightseeing in the Jewellery Quarter, visiting the award winning Coffin Works Museum and the RBSA Gallery.

 

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We grab a bite to eat in 1000 Trades, and then jump in a cab to Moseley.

 

Saturday Night

 

A great night is had popping in and out of Moseley’s fine pubs finishing in my favourite, The Prince of Wales. Walking through the door you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. A tiny traditional old Pub with some fantastic cask ales . . but, head down the corridor to the back of the Pub to find this place is like a tardis. A huge covered and heated Pub garden, party music playing, everyone is singing along, there’s a Tiki Bar, A Cigar Shack, a Wine Shed and more.

 

We enjoy a Sabai Sabai before cabbing back to HdV for an Old Fashioned in the Bubble Lounge. Bed beckons.

 

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Hotel du Vin, Birmingham. Photo courtesy Hotel du Vin. 

 

 

Sunday Morning

 

We have a lie in, skip breakfast, check out and go for one Birmingham’s best Sunday Lunches. We don’t have far to go . . for the four course Hotel du Vin Sunday Lunch. Soup, French Market Table, Roast Beef and Tarte Tatin.

 

Could do with another sleep now but we instead pick up a coffee from Urban over the road before heading to our favourite cinema, The Electric on Station Street by New Street Station.

 

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We settle in for an old classic movie on one of their comfy sofas. Casablanca and zzzzz.

Tony Smith, passionate about all things 'Birmingham' with his suggestion on how to spend a great '48 Hours in Birmingham'

Like all great cities, Birmingham is an exciting mixture of old and new. It was the “city of a thousand trades” with loads of civic pride still evident today. It is now one of the youngest cities in Europe and the Commonwealth Games city for 2022.

 

Let's see what Tony suggests as a great way to spend '48 hours in Birmingham'. Tony should know as he is well connected across the City and passionate about all things related to the future of the City.

 

Take the article below to see what Tony says. Take the project link to see other '48 Hours in Birmingham' suggestions from people who are passionate about the city.

 

 

Like all great cities Birmingham is an exciting mixture of old and new. It was the “city of a thousand trades” with loads of civic pride still evident today. It is now one of the youngest and most diverse cities in Europe and the Commonwealth Games city for 2022.

 

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'A hundred thousand welcomes', an Irish Birmingham greeting in Digbeth. Photo by Mac McCreery

 

Day 1 .....

 

Start the weekend at the free 5pm Jazz Lines concert at Symphony Hall café bar, check out what’s on and come back to one of the best modern concert halls in the world. Its' sister venue, Town Hall, opened in 1834, remains a jewel in Birmingham’s architectural crown.

 

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Town Hall, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

Explore the canals and Brindley Place where you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants, with Bistrot Pierre and the Pickled Piglet definitely worth a try.

 

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Bridge over canal leading to Brindley Place, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

Stroll up to the Mailbox for more choice of food and drink, walk through the shopping centre and on towards the gleaming façade of New Street Station (also a shopping centre).

 

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Grand Central, Birmingham. Photo by Chris Fletcher.

 

Turn down John Bright Street, home to more lively bars and eateries – try the Stable for pizza to share, Cherry Reds or the Victoria.

 

Next day you could shop, but why not explore some heritage? Among the restored streets of the Jewellery Quarter, bustling with jewellers and many other small businesses, you will find James Watt’s House, St Paul’s Square and Church and two historic cemeteries, one of which contains the grave of Joseph Chamberlain (though you’ll have to hunt for it).

 

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Jewellery Museum, Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

For lunch try the Pig and Tail, The Church Inn or the Lord Clifden.

 

It’s also well worth strolling round the Digbeth area beyond the Bullring shopping centre, Take a stroll through Eastside City Park. Eastside is home to Millennium Point, Thinktank (Birmingham's Science Museum) and the 'Dancing' water fountains. 

 

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Dancing water fountains, Eastside, Birmingham. Photo by Damien Walmsley.

 

In Digbeth, Drop in to the arty shops in the Custard Factory and The Old Crown next door.

 

Saturday night brings a choice of great restaurants, including Asha’s or Lasan for Indian and Pasta di Piazza or San Carlo for Italian. The Purecraft Bar and Kitchen is a winning partnership of Purity Brewery and Simpsons restaurant doing posh pub food.

 

Or take a cab out to Ladypool Road for an authentic Balti. See a film at the charming Electric Cinema.

 

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The entrance to the UK's oldest cinema, The Electric near Grand Central. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

Day 2 .....

 

On Sunday, don’t miss the Museum and Art Gallery and its Pre-Raphaelite paintings.

 

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Beautiful sculptured masonry of the Museum and Art Gallery. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

Then visit St Phillip’s Cathedral to see the stunning Burne-Jones windows, taking in the historic Council House, the School of Art and the Victorian facades of Colmore Row.

 

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Burne-Jones windows inside St Philip's Cathedral. Photo by Christine Wright. 

 

Take a break at Urban Coffee and make a quick visit to the Old Joint Stock pub with its magnificent interior. For lovers of real ale there’s the Wellington Arms, just across the alley at the back of the OJS. Hotel Du Vin is the perfect place for a long, lazy Sunday lunch.

 

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Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham. Courtesy Barry Whitehead.

 

For more history visit Soho House or take a train out to Lichfield to see Erasmus Darwin’s House. Take the train to the University and discover the excellent Barber Collection of art, or head out to the Victorian suburb of Moseley, take a walk round Cannon Hill Park, then lunch in The Fighting Cocks or Carters restaurant in Moseley Village.

 

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The great city of Birmingham from Romsley Hills 8 miles west. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

And that’s just a taster of the many great things old and new you will find in Brum.

'48 Hours in Birmingham' - a biker's (cyclist) delight as recommended by Lisa, Biking Adventure

So, you’ve arrived in Birmingham with 48 hours to enjoy. You've come with your bike and you're eager to explore our great city. Get ready for an urban (and countryside) adventure on two wheels, all from your base in the City. Oh and if you haven't brought your own bike, don't worry, you can always hire one.

 

Let's see how Lisa (Biking Adventure) would recommend you enjoy a great 48 hours in and around Birmingham.

 

Take the article link below. For other 48 hour suggestions, take the project link.

 

 

Day 1 ....

 

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Birmingham to Sutton Coldfield (cycle route suggested by Biking Adventure) 

 

A good day on the bike always starts with a good breakfast, I would recommend one of the great independents we have in the town centre. Cherry Reds or Yorks Café are a good shout, quirky but homely and both offering great food and drinks, catering for all.

 

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Coffee at Yorks Cafe. Photo by Biking Adventure.

 

Once you're all fuelled up, head across town getting on the canal behind the Symphony Hall, this is where you will start your journey to Sutton Park.

 

The Birmingham canal system has more waterways than Venice and is a very different way to view the city, traffic free on two wheels. The canal towpaths connect with parks, trails and open spaces to take you on a real touring adventure, you almost forget you’re in a city.

 

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Birmingham - the heart of the Waterways. Photo by Biking Adventure. 

 

The beginning of this route is a bit up and down over a series of locks and bridges but luckily not for too long and it makes for an exciting ride. It’s quite an industrial part of the city and passing under the famous Spaghetti Junction is an experience in itself but be sure to keep a look out for all the cute encounters along the way.

 

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'Cute encounters' along the canal. Photo by Biking Adventure.

 

Coming off the canal at Egerton Rd you are led to Pype Hayes Park via a few small roads, keeping to the path brings you to the trail following Plants Brook Stream through New Hall Country Park, an enjoyable ride with beautiful scenery for a few miles as you approach Sutton Park.

 

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New Hall Country Park. Photo by Biking Adventure.

 

You might want to put aside a few hours to explore Sutton Park, either on your bike, checking out the dirt trails and bridle ways or by foot (great bike parking outside the leisure centre). A picturesque 11 mile traffic free ride and you have reached one of the largest urban parks in Europe. 2,400 acres of National Nature Reserve where you’ll find lots to do. Open heathland, woodlands, several lakes, wetlands, and marshes. There’s even wild ponies and cattle grazing if you’re lucky enough to see them or you can even head over to the Donkey Sanctuary.

 

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Wild Ponies in Sutton Park. Photo by Biking Adventure.

 

This is one of the most amazing outdoor places in Brum with so much to do and see you’ll find it hard to leave. If you need a coffee stop there are a few pubs and cafes in the park, my fav is Blackroot Bistro, a lovely little pit stop set in a wonderful location.

 

After all your exploring I’m sure you are ready for food, head for the town gate where you can easily access Sutton Coldfield town centre. I can recommend Brew House and Kitchen, a great food menu accompanied by some great beers that are brewed in-house.

 

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The Brewhouse, Sutton Coldfield. Photo by Biking Adventure.

 

The 'Beer Can Chicken' paired with an English Ale is very popular. I don’t know about you but I love nothing more than a great beer after a ride and they have a great choice of beers. There are also veggie/vegan options although you will also find Earths Kitchen close by, serving up some great Vegan dishes to die for!

 

Your day has been jam-packed and I’m sure you will have had time to sample a few craft beers on your last stop. We wouldn’t want you wobbling back to Birmingham Town centre on your bike and 10 miles back will probably not looking too attractive, so I would suggest hopping on the train, a short 30 min journey for £3.60.

 

Day 2 ….

 

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Birmingham circular route (cycle route suggested by Biking Adventure) 

 

After a busy day yesterday, you deserve a lie in. You’ll need it because you are in for another adventure today! Before you set off, get yourself a hearty breakfast down at the canal basin. The Canalside Café serves up great grub for meat eaters and vegans alike. Unfortunately, you will have to miss out on the great beers they have on offer, unless a breakfast beer is your thing? (We won’t judge promise!)

 

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Canalside Cafe at Gas Street Basin, Birmingham. Photo by Biking Adventure.

 

This is a wonderful place to start the day. There’s lots of photo opportunities with all of the barges, Venice-style bridges and reflections making it a very picturesque part of town.

 

Now it’s time to head off down the canal towpath, you will follow the train line towards the university. Surprisingly a very green, scenic route taking us out of the city.

 

A short enjoyable ride where you will come off at the university, you just have to cycle under the arch of Old Joe, the tallest freestanding clock tower in the world which is believed to have been the inspiration for the tower of Orthanc, the black tower of Isengard, in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

 

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'Old Joe', Birmingham University. Photo by Biking Adventure.

 

If you’re lucky you might even spot the famous Peregrine falcons, who nest in the clock tower. If you’re into your museums and art galleries there’s a few hidden gems worth a stop. On the university site you have The Lapworth Museum of Geology and The Barber Institute of Fine Arts - both are a good shout.

 

Only a few miles of cycle friendly roads and a section of the Rea Valley route, roughly 20 mins takes you to the best lunch time stop in the cycling world. You’ve done the tourist thing and you must be gasping for a drink and some food, Gorilla Coffee is Birmingham’s designated cycle café.

 

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Gorilla Coffee Cafe, Kings Heath, Birmingham. Photo by Biking Adventure.

 

A great atmosphere with all the cycling banter you could ask for, very chilled and laid-back, cycle themed décor with great food and beer. You may never leave…

 

If you do manage to leave you will be full after lunch so we are taking some side roads and a hill, but don’t worry its downhill so enjoy the ride. At the bottom of the hill there is a gap in the trees which is the John Morris Jones Walkway, following the River Cole it is part of the Shire Country Park taking us to the next point to call, Sarehole Mill, which is only a 15 min ride from the café but well worth the stop. Sarehole Mill dates back to 18th Century with a fully working waterwheel used to grind wheat every Wednesday and Sunday, Sare(w)hole meal flour is available from the mill shop. There’s also a charming tea room on site. The mill is another place connected with JRR Tolkien, he lived across the road from the mill, and it has been said the mill and rural surroundings inspired his writings of Middle-earth.

 

This green space is a fantastic cycle route, as you continue following the River Cole, shortly coming to what I like to call the river splash! This is not compulsory as there is path/bridge but go on… put some fun between your legs and ride through the river.

 

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'River Splash!' at River Cole. Photo by Biking Adventure.

 

Adults out there, you are never too old for some fun on a bike. This is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and you will soon dry off, it’s not that deep. Continue to follow the path through the country park. There’s a few road crossings but very clearly marked and you will soon reach the Ackers Adventure Centre. You may want to book ahead to join on one of the activities they have on offer from skiing and archery, to canoeing and rock climbing. It’s definitely worth a quick stop just for the Tobogganing. They have a mini slope which is a fun activity for children but don’t worry adults, they have a few rubber tubes which are awesome fun for us too.

 

Continuing on the off-road paths, you will see the signs directing you to the Union Canal.

 

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Union Canal. Photo by Biking Adventure.

 

There are a few steps to tackle while getting down onto the canal or you can take the long way around on the road. Then there is a short journey on the canal taking you to your final destination. Again, there will be a few locks to tackle and a few cobbled towpaths to test you, but a great route and you’ll soon pass some great industrial Birmingham inspired street art which is how you will know that you have reached Digbeth.

 

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Industrial street art, Digbeth. Photo by Biking Adventure. 

 

You’ll be amazed by the quality of the work that puts a splash of colour to an otherwise quite dull part of town. I would suggest coming off the canal at Fazeley Street and going on a little wander on the side streets to take in all the works of art that adorn the walls of old factory buildings.

 

Head under the arches of the bridge, check out the amazing graffiti filled Trinity Street car park with the quirky crushed car entrance before locking your bike up at the Custard Factory. There’s loads to check out from the city centre brewery, Dig Brew, Mockingbird Theatre and Bar, a bit of Ghetto Golf, The Ruin or craft beer house Clink. You’ll be spoilt for choice on how to spend your evening but I’m sure you will have built up an appetite.

 

I know the itinerary was jam-packed and you probably need another 48 hours to recover but I hope you’ve had a good time and will be back to Birmingham again soon.

 

*If you happen to have left your bike at home, I can recommend Midland Cycle Hire with a drop off and pick up service, if you want to make a real adventure of it they even do tandems.

 

More from Lisa, together with a great selection of photos, posts and links for cyclists of all abilities can be found at Biking Adventure.

 

'48 Hours in Birmingham' with actor Tracey Briggs, adopted 'Brummie' and often seen at BBC Birmingham

Let's see how great actor and adopted 'Brummie' Tracey Briggs (Casualty, Archers and many others) would suggest a visitor to Birmingham spends their 48 hours in our great city. Take the article for Tracey's absolutely brilliant 2 days in Birmingham, together with some fantastic photography from our 'People with Passion'. 

 

Day 1:

 

So you have come to Birmingham and I’m so proud to show you round my adopted city. Make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes because there is so much to see and I like to walk.

 

You’ve arrived at Birmingham New Street station and walk into Grand Central, which is always an excellent start for a trip around Birmingham.

 

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Grand Central, Birmingham. Photo by Chris Fletcher

 

From there we will follow the brightly coloured footpath to the Mailbox, with lots of high-end shops including Harvey Nicks and BBC Birmingham where I go to work when I’m in “The Archers”, and then to my favourite bit - the comfy blue chairs and sofas in the middle of the refurbished Mailbox, where we might bump into “Coronation Street” actor and comedian Gareth Berliner and his National Theatre actor wife Kiruna Stamell, who have recently made Birmingham their home.

 

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Mailbox, Birmingham. Photo by Tammie Naughton.

 

 

Walk past the Everyman boutique cinema by lots of excellent bars and restaurants into the Cube, and up to the top to Marco Pierre White’s. We just have to linger here to appreciate both the food and excellent views, and the see-through floor in the champagne bar which is scary for people with acrophobia. We could also maybe pop into Madeleine on the ground floor of the Cube for scrumptious cake and coffee.

 

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The Cube, Mailbox, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

 

Then walk along the canal and a bridge, a quick glance round Brindley Place, and into the ICC, where we have to have a quick peek into Symphony Hall. I’m so proud of this building; and built with European funding, by the way.

 

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Symphony Hall and organ, Birmingham. Photo courtesy Mike Gutteridge

 

Then it’s to the building that I always love to show visitors to my adopted city, the Birmingham Library. We must go right to the top to appreciate the garden, the other secret garden, and the wonderful views, and spend some time in the Shakespeare Memorial Room.

 

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Library of Birmingham & Shakespeare Memorial Room. Photo by Daniel Sturley

 

Then race past the impressive Council House, Floozy in the Jacuzzi (or rather in the jungle as she is now) to Colmore Row and Pigeon Park where we can appreciate the newly refurbished Grand Hotel and the beautiful Burne-Jones stained glass windows in St Philip’s Cathedral.

 

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St. Philip's Cathedral, Birmingham. Photo by Damien Walmsley 

 

And then I’ve just got to show you the Great Western Arcade, with its beautiful architecture and my favourite cheese shop Anderson & Hill.

 

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Great Western Arcade, Birmingham. Photo by George Daley.

 

You may have to drag me away from the cheese shop kicking and screaming, as I do love cheese! Now we must be feeling peckish again despite eating all the cheese in Anderson and Hills. So let’s go and look at St Paul's Square with its pretty church, Georgian buildings and my favourite wine bar The Rectory I had a lovely birthday meal here with friends last year.

 

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St. Paul's Church, St.Paul's Square, Birmingham. Courtesy Elliott Brown

 

Now it’s the evening and we have to go to my absolute favourite place in the whole of Birmingham, the Old Joint-Stock Theatre, which was created a decade ago after the Equity Birmingham branch and West Midlands Writers Guild lobbied Fuller’s brewery. Tonight my talented young friends and recent acting graduates from Birmingham Conservatoire are in the Old Joint Stock Theatre with their in-house production “Kanada”. As we go up to the top floor don’t forget to glance up at the ceiling of the Old Joint Stock pub and take in all the delights of this fabulous building, we may even catch sight of Julian Lloyd Webber having a quiet drink in a corner. We can end our evening back in the bar discussing this challenging play with my young actor friends and the immensely warm and welcoming producers who run the Old Joint Stock Theatre, Karl Steele and Adam Lacey. 

 

Day 2:

 

Day two just has to be a walk round Bournville Village. We can start off at the pretty train station and walk by the chocolate factory, see the lovely environment built by the Cadbury family for its factory workers back in the late 1800s. We must not miss Bournville Green with the carrilon as it’s the most amazing and bizarre bell ringing you’ll ever hear. We can loiter in the various parks and have brunch at Leverton & Halls. 

 

I told you to wear comfy walking shoes, because now it’s back to Bournville train station where we will go through the gate and have a lovely long walk down the canal to Birmingham University. Doing this walk always feels like you’re in the middle of the countryside and hard to believe you’re in the middle of a bustling city.

 

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'Old Joe', University of Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley

 

At the University we just have to visit the Barber Institute to appreciate some art and this fine building.

 

Also not to be missed, Winterbourne House with its 7 acre Botanic Garden; a lovely oasis in the middle of our city.

 

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Winterbourne gardens. Photo by Peter Leadbetter.

 

Then time to have something to eat at Winterbourne’s Terrace Tea Room, and then back to Grand Central for your train home.

 

Hope you enjoyed your journey around Birmingham with me, there’s so much more I can show you so do come back again soon.

 

Tracey xx

"48 Hours in a great City" - what would you recommend to a visitor to Birmingham!

In the first of our "48 hours in a City" features, we have invited Emmalene Fletcher a 'Brummie', keen traveller and blogger to tell us how she would recommend a visitor spends 48 hours in the City of Birmingham.  Take the article. Send us your best "48 hours in Birmingham" suggestion in 500 words max (add pics) to Jonathan.Bostock@yourplaceyourspace.net

Friday night:

 

If you’ve arrived on a Friday and are ready for a drink or two and a bite to eat, look no further than Digbeth Dining Club. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the city centre, even less if you’re arriving in Brum by National Express Coach. If you’re venturing into Digbeth then you may as well start off at The Old Crown, a 640-something year old pub with olde-world charm, and a great big beer garden. As tempting as the menu is, move practically next door to the two or three units and covered courtyard which make up Digbeth Dining Club. There’s a rotating guest list of some of the Midland’s best street food vendors, and it’s highly likely you’ll find something to please everyone. Dishes are usually around £6-£8 each and there are three bars, including a specialist gin and cocktail bar hidden upstairs at Mama Roux’s. My personal DDC favourites are Buddha Belly, The English Indian and Kebab Cartel, with sugar cravings satisfied by The Bournville Waffle Company.

 

Birmingham’s iconic Custard Factory is just around the corner, with its distinctive street art and independent stores. If you’re after good beer sold by those in the know, pop into Clink, a great little bottle shop and bar for those passionate about their beer. Or if you fancy watching a movie, check out Mockingbird, a  bar/restaurant/cinema combo. Finally. if you’ve got the urge to dance, check out Night Owl; it’s primarily a Northern Soul club but has regular club nights for disco, funk, soul, 60s and alternative fans.

 

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Custard Factory, Birmingham courtesy Fay Loewy

 

Saturday daytime:

 

For a great breakfast or brunch, make your way towards Ju Ju’s Cafe on Browning Street. Full English (meat or veggie)? Hash served in a skillet? Eggs Benedict? The ubiquitous Avocado Smash? You can find them all, and they’re all equally tasty. It’s a great canalside cafe and everyone – locals or newbies – get the same warm welcome.

 

To walk off that breakfast, you can now take a walk along the canal. Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? Brummies will share this fact with you at every opportunity. If you pop up at Brindley Place, you could pay a visit to the fishies at Birmingham’s Sea Life Centre, or if you fancy a bit of culture, there’s always the Ikon Gallery on Oozells Square with its every-changing contemporary and modern exhibitions. Back canalside, and you can walk down the Birmingham City Centre Path to the Mailbox. This is the former Royal Mail sorting office, now a entertainment and high-end retail complex. If you fancy a quick window shop at Harvey Nicks then this is your chance. There’s also numerous bars and restaurants here if the sun is over the yardarm and you fancy a quick drink – Gas Street Social is one of my favourites and a welcome break from some of the chains that have taken up residency here.

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Sunrise at Gas Street Basin, Birmingham courtesy Chris Fletcher

 

If you arrived in Brum by train then you may well have already come through Grand Central, the shopping centre which sits above Birmingham New Street. Its worth a pass through just to see the transparent armadillo which forms the glass roof and makes the atrium bright, light and airy. You can walk all the way from Grand Central to Birmingham’s famous Bull Ring without going outside by following Link Street – passing the ridiculously hip Cereal Killer Cafe if you fancy some Lucky Charms for your lunch (Alas, as of January 2018, Cereal Killer Cafe in Brum is no more.) You can find all the major chains in the Bull Ring, but make sure you pop outside and see the Bull – have you really been to Brum if you haven’t posed for a selfie with the Bull? And whilst you’re outside, check out the controversial/much-loved (delete as appropriate) Selfridges building with its silver mirrored discs on a blue background. We like a bit of quirky architecture here in Brum (check out the wedding cake shaped Library of Birmingham too for further “what-were-they-thinking” buildings).

 

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Selfridges, Birmingham courtesy Chris Fletcher

 

If you fancy a stroll over to the Eastside of the city centre, you’ll find the Thinktank Science Museum, and an urban park which provides a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle. It’s close to a number of the city’s colleges and universities and it also provides a gateway down to the creative and independent hub of Digbeth so there’s often something going on in this area that even locals tend to overlook. If you’re lucky to arrive on one of Birmingham’s Hidden Spaces open weekends you may even be able to look inside the historic Curzon Street Station building – the oldest surviving railway terminal in the world – before it’s utilised as a hub for HS2. Make sure you pop into The Woodman for a quick drink, another beautiful Victorian building restored into a traditional real ale pub.

 

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21 Jet Plaza at Eastside, Birmingham courtesy Chris Fletcher

 

Depending on where you’re staying, make sure you pop by Tilt on the way back for coffee, cake and the chance to spend all your hard-earned pound coins on pinball. There’s also a rotating beer menu, and the staff – like those at Clink – know their stuff and are happy to make recommendations.

 

Saturday night:

 

By day, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is a shopping and manufacturing hub, by night its the perfect bar crawl destination with lots of food options along the way. If it’s a sunny evening, start off at The Lord Clifden, with it’s huge beer garden. It gets a bit rowdy on some evenings but if that’s what you’re after then feel free to disregard the rest of this guide. Or amble down Great Hampton Street to The Church for a rooftop terrace, great cocktails and a Louisiana-inspired soul food menu.

 

It’s back into the heart of the Jewellery Quarter and its iconic clock for the Rose Villa Tavern, a traditional pub with beautiful stained glass windows and a red phone booth. More cocktail options and a good selection of beers available, as expected from one of the city’s Bitter ‘n’ Twisted venues.  The Button Factory also has a rooftop terrace for soaking up the sunshine, and it’s just a short walk from here to my personal JQ favourite 1000 Trades. Independent, craft beer, natural wines,  rotating kitchen pop-ups and a showcase for the city’s artists and tradespeople; you never get the same experience twice at this bar. And their Sunday Jazz Roasts are pretty special too if you get the opportunity to revisit.

 

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Chamberlain Clock, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham courtesy Barry Whitehead 

 

Sunday:

 

If you’re feeling a bit bleary-eyed after the night before, it’s time to get out of the city. It’s a 20 minute taxi ride or a jump on the No 50 bus to Kings Heath for a spot of breakfast at Cherry Reds or Kitchen Garden Cafe, both on York Road, next to the Grade II Listed pub and music venue Hare & Hounds. There’s a second Cherry Reds in Birmingham on John Bright Street in you can’t face a bus ride.

 

If you want a bit of fresh air and greenery to blow the cobwebs away, Cannon Hill Park is is also south of the city, with mini golf, pedalos and tennis courts if you fancy getting a bit energetic. It’s also home to the MAC Arts complex, with it’s programme of dance, theatre, music and education; you can check what’s going on at the MAC here, or just pop into the cafe for a brew. Cannon Hill is also home to Birmingham’s Wildlife Conservation Park if you want to talk to the animals. It’s a bargain £6.25 for adults and they specialise in the conservation of endangered species.

If the MAC has given you the taste for culture, it’s back into the city for the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Granted the whole area around BMAG is something of a building site at the moment whilst “Paradise” is being constructed (don’t laugh, that’s what the new office and leisure complex will be called) but you can while away a couple of hours on a Sunday roaming among the Pre-Raphaelites, the Staffordshire hoard and Ancient Egyptian artefacts.

 

If you’ve got a couple of hours to spare before heading out of Birmingham, you might want to catch a film at the Electric Cinema – the oldest working cinema in the UK. Don’t let that put you off though, it shows both the most recent films and classics, and has sofas, a bar and waiter service.

 

And that brings the curtain down on a weekend in Birmingham. 

 

All venues have been tried and tested by yours truly and are all highly recommended. I have no professional affiliation with any of the venues mentioned.

 

For more articles and features from Emmalene, see YourPlaceYourSpace "People with Passion".

Send your own suggestion for "48 hours in Birmingham" to jonathan.bostock@yourplaceyourspace.net

 

 

Tara, a travel blogger and lover of all things "Birmingham" tells us how she would recommend a visitor spends "48 Hours in Birmingham"

View the article to see how Tara Bruton, blogging as Travel Geek Tara, would suggest a visitor to Birmingham makes the most of a weekend in this great city. Have your say, send us your suggestions (500 words max) and let's add your view to our "48 Hours in Birmingham" blog project.

 

Contact Jonathan.Bostock@yourplaceyourspace.net.

 

Friday night :

 

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View from Selfridges to Digbeth. Photo courtesy Mac McCreery.

 

Arrive in Birmingham on a Friday night and you must hit the custard factory area and Digbeth dining club to grab a bite of yummy street and of course a beer. Once suitably full perhaps move on to some of the local pubs and bars. I suggest having a beer at the Old Crown, the oldest pub in Birmingham before making your way closer to the centre. Try out the Victoria, Cherry Reds and Island Bar which are some of my favourites! 

 

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Chamberlain Square, Birmingham. Photo courtesy Kevin Hussey.

 

Saturday :

 

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Library of Birmingham. Photo courtesy Daniel Sturley.

 

Start your day in the Great Western Arcade with a good full English breakfast at the Edwardian tea rooms. Enjoy some shopping in the Bullring and the surrounding area, then I suggest a visit to Birmingham library. It is a fantastic piece of unique architecture and as you explore the inside you find terraces and gardens with a view of the city. I particularly like the looking at the maps stored here too. To learn about the city’s history and see some great exhibits such as the Staffordshire hoard, visit Birmingham museum and art gallery.  Stay here for afternoon tea in the gorgeous Victorian tea room then explore the surrounding Victoria square. 

 

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Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Photo courtesy Daniel Sturley.

 

Saturday night :

 

You can’t visit Birmingham without having a curry, so Saturday night should be curry night. Although there are some great curry houses across the city and in the outskirts, I suggest staying in the centre. Asha’s is an impressive restaurant with highly rated food found right in the heart of the city. Then you can move on to the pubs and bars in the surrounding area. Pure craft bar, the Post Office Vaults and Bacchus bar are amongst the many places I recommend. 

 

Sunday :

 

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Brindleyplace and canal. Photo courtesy Tammie Naughton.

 

Start off with breakfast in Brindley place, overlooking the canals. If you had a late night then you may want to enjoy some fresh air, the perfect place to do this is Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Spend the morning enjoying the beautiful gardens and then head to a pub for Sunday Lunch. I suggest going to the Jewellery quarter, to try the food at the Lord Clifden or the Rose Villa Tavern.

 

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Chamberlain clock, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Photo courtesy Daniel Sturley.

 

If you have time stay here and visit the Coffin Works which takes you back to factory life in old industrial Birmingham. You must book on a tour to enter so call ahead before you visit.

 

There’s so much to do in Brum so after you’ve done this weekend break you must come back to explore more of our great city!

 

This post has been compiled by :

 

Tara Bruton, a Birmingham Geek who loves travel, photography and beer! Travel blogger, freelancer & author.

 

Travelgeektara.com
@travelgeektara

 

 

Send us your suggestion for "48 Hours in Birmingham" in 300-500 words to jonathan.bostock@yourplaceyourspace.net

 

Anita Bhalla, Chair of Performances Birmingham, puts forward her suggestion for "48 Hours in Birmingham"

View the article to see how Anita would suggest a visitor to Birmingham makes the most of a weekend in this great city. Have your say, send us your suggestions and let's add your view to our "48 Hours in Birmingham" blog project.    

Gosh so much to do....

 

Friday night

 

Dinner in the City Centre, there's plenty of choice. Follow this up with a concert at the Town Hall or Symphony Hall. Be amazed by the fantastic Organs at both of these magnificent venues!

 

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Birmingham's Symphony Hall organ. Photo courtesy Mike Gutteridge

 

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Birmingham's Town Hall organ. Photo courtesy Mike Gutteridge 

 

Saturday

 

Visit Birmingham's wonderful Jewellery Quarter. So much to take in with great history and heritage at venues such the Pen Museum and the Jewellery Quarter Museum.  

 

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The Clock in the Jewellery Quarter. Photo courtesy Daniel Sturley

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Jewellery making tools at the Jewellery Quarter Museum. Photo courtesy Birmingham Museums

 

Take a stroll round other historic sites including the two cemeteries and catacombs in the Jewellery Quarter. You will be amazed by the stories, history and heritage they contain. Take in some lunch during the day. There's so many individual eating places to choose from.

 

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St Paul's Church in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. Photo courtesy Daniel Sturley

 

Saturday evening

 

Then in the evening, it has to be back to the City Centre. Dinner at one of the many pubs or maybe splash out at one of the City's many fine dining experiences.  

 

Take in a show - you're spoilt for choice with The Rep, The Hippodrome, New Alexandra Theatre and The Crescent Theatre, all just a short walk in the City Centre. 

 

Sunday

 

Get up early and take in a morning walk around Canon Hill Park. Enjoy a coffee and visit the exhibition or even watch a film at The Mac Birmingham.  

 

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Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston. Photo courtesy Daniel Sturley

 

Then walk past the cricket ground to Ladypool Road for a famous Birmingham Balti or a Samosa or two. Alternatively head to the Chinese Quarter for Dim Sum.

 

In the afternoon, the Museum and Art Gallery in the City Centre is a must! And enjoy some cake at the Victoria Tea Rooms.

 

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The entrance to the Museum and Art Gallery. Photo courtesy Daniel Sturley 

 

You could also take a stroll around the heart of the !8th century British Canal Network, through Brindleyplace and down to the Cube and the Mailbox.

 

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The canal at Brindleyplace. Photo courtesy Daniel Sturley

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........oh, I forgot to mention -  we have the most amazing shopping opportunities at the Bull Ring or Grand Central!  Slot in time for a visit to either or both, as you wish.

 

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The statue of Nelson in the Bullring. Photo courtesy Daniel Sturley