Birmingham has a lot to do, you might want to stay an extra day or two, or Conference Widows might want to sneak away from the conference. We also have a page about PubsAndRestaurants. Here is a partial list: There is a longer list and other local information available at BirminghamUK.
Shops
Birmingham is the biggest shopping centre outside London, and is a lot less crowded too. There are lots of high-end boutiques at the one end, and discount outlets at the other, the Bull Ring mall is particularly famous as well as the nearby Bull Ring indoor markets. Another shopping attraction is Merry Hill shopping centre. The Jewellery Quarter The Jewellery Quarter has been home to some of the most highly skilled goldsmiths and jewellery makers in the world for over 200 years. It could be the place to visit to find that gift you are looking for.
The best alternative to the mass commercialism of the Bull Ring is The Custard Factory - A massive riverside factory turned into bohemian community of artists and small creative enterprises. With little shops and workshops, galleries, cafe, bars and clubs. On Saturday they have extra flea market of vintage fashion, art and designer couture.
Galleries, Theatres and Museums
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) - The local city council Museum and Art Gallery, free to all visitors and has a fantastic collection of paintings, sculptures etc (I've been, personally I find it much better than window shopping) - Free Entry
ThinkTank - Local science museum. If you're bringing children, take them here they will go bonkers with the fun stuff. Also very good if you're into the Industrial Revolution, has the world's oldest working steam engine, The Smethwick Engine.
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter - If you like jewellery then this is your heaven on a stick, need we say more? Free entry
Ikon Gallery - media art gallery, including sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture and installation.
Birmingham Back to Backs is a Carefully restored, atmospheric 19th-century courtyard of working people's houses.
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Discover the skill of the jeweller's craft and enjoy a unique tour of an original jewellery factory, frozen in time.
The Lapworth Museum of Geology has the finest and most extensive collections of fossils, minerals and rocks in the Midland Region. It dates back to 1880, and is one of the oldest specialist geological museums in the UK.
Sea Life Centre Experience the sea in the heart of Britain.
Music
The Symphony Hall at the ICC holds many concerts, operas, and other music orientated events.
Cinemas
There are 4 cinemas in the local area. 3 Multiplexes and our own charming single screen cinema, The Electric Cinema. All are a short walk (less than 10mins) from the conference venue.
Odeon - Located on New Street.
AMC - Located at Five Ways.
Cine World - Located on Broad Street
The Electric Cinema - Not far from New Street Station
Religious Buildings
Prior to 1715, Birmingham only had one church, St Martin's, then they built St Philip's Church (now St Philip's Cathedral aka Birmingham Cathedral). St Philip's Cathedral has famous windows while St. Martin's has Europe's largest shopping mall built around it. Both are worth a quick visit. In the 19th Century, churches were built at an amazing rate in Birmingham, including the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Chad. By the end of the 19th Century, there were so many seats in Birmingham churches that even if every resident went to a morning or evening service, there would still be spare seats. The 20th Century, has brought even more diverse religious buildings including Birmingham Central Mosque, one of the most prominent and important mosques in the UK.
Parks and Gardens
Botanical Gardens You will find beauty, peace and tranquility combined with excellent visitor facilities for all the family in these gardens and glasshouses where you can enjoy nature at its best and discover the importance of plants to people.
Cannon Hill Park Cannon Hill Park is one of the premier parks in Birmingham and has been awarded Green Flag status. With beautiful flowerbeds, lakes, pools and a wonderful collection of trees. There's plenty of opportunity for exercise at the park's tennis courts, bowling and putting greens and wildlife enthusiasts can follow the walkways and cycle routes alongside the River Rea.
Other Attractions
Chinese Quarter is an area with a predominantly Chinese influence located south of the Bullring Centre. It has a prominent landmark, in Holloway Circus, taking the form of a seven storey granite pagoda surrounded by Chinese style gardens and sculpture.
University of Birmingham is situated to the south of the city and has been in existence for over 100 years.
Less Local Attractions
Cadbury World is where they make the chocolate! It's true, Bournville smells like chocolate, and it's a beautiful little village in the centre of a City. Another must if you're bringing children or a choco-holic partner. You'll probably need to book in advance. It's a train ride from the New Street station, ~20mins
Stratford-upon-Avon was the home of Shakespeare and John Harvard, this little town is a single train-ride from Birmingham City Centre.
Warwick Castle A nice big castle that survived the wars, great for a day out. Home of world’s largest siege machine, the Trebuchet.
Soho House home of Matthew Boulton, father of the industrial revolution, and the main location for the Lunar Society meetings. Free entry
Blakesley Hall A 16th-century timber-framed house at Blakesley, again with beautiful gardens. Free entry
Sarehole Mill A 200 year old mill with Lord of the Rings connections and a massive country park. Free entry
Weoley Castle Walk around the really nice grounds then stand on a viewing platform to see the ruins of an ancient castle that was blown to bits - Free entry
Black Country Living Museum Historic buildings from all around the Black Country have been moved and authentically rebuilt at the Museum, to create a tribute to the traditional skills and enterprise of the people that once lived in the heart of industrial Britain.
Lickey Hills Country Park lies 11 miles south west of Birmingham city centre and covers an area of 524 acres. The hills are covered by a mosaic of mixed deciduous woodland, conifer plantations and heathland, all are rich in a variety of wildlife.
The National Motorcycle Museum holds the World's largest collection of British motorcycles, with over 850 motorcycles which cover a century of motorcycle manufacture.
Spaghetti Junction is on the M6 to the north of Birmingham. An aerial view shows how it got its name. There are even those who take a tour round its loops.
Walsall Arboretum is well worth a visit if you have the time to visit one of Birmingham's near neighbours.