Birmingham

Traditionally an industrial city, Birmingham has re-invented itself over the last decade to become a major tourist destination. Each year the city plays host to millions of conference and exhibition delegates from around the world.

In 1998 alone Birmingham welcomed President Clinton and other world leaders to the G8 Birmingham Summit, hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and staged the Lions Clubs International Convention, the largest convention of its type in the world. These events were in addition to many major exhibitions and conferences which take place in the city on a regular basis such as The British International Motor Show, the CBI National Conference, Ipex, one of the world's largest print and visual communications exhibitions and Clothes Show Live! Read on and you'll soon see why Birmingham is such an attractive destination for both business and leisure.

NIGHTLIFE- Pubs and Clubs Birmingham's nightlife rolls into action when you're ready to begin your evening. Start your evening at the Water's Edge, a lively complex filled with bustling continental style bars and restaurants situated on the city's waterfront. Then move onto Broad Street, a busy boulevard lined with pubs, clubs and restaurants where you can change cultures without leaving Birmingham.

As the pubs close the clubs open and there are clubs in Birmingham to suit all tastes. You might want to try Ronnie Scott's where international music stars play in intimate surroundings. If your only desire is to dance, check out one of the city's many top discos. Otherwise you might want to try your luck in the casinos or experience that infamous British humour on show at one of the comedy clubs located in and around the city.

Eating Out

In Birmingham you can eat your way around the world. Whatever your taste you'll find Birmingham can cater for it, whether it be finest French or authentic English, Cajun, Californian, Italian, Spanish, Austrian, Greek, Latin American, Thai or Chinese. In particular be sure to venture down to Birmingham's Chinese Quarter and don't miss the balti experience. Birmingham is the home of the balti. Balti restaurants can be found all around the city although the heart of balti land is in Sparkbrook, a short drive from the City Centre.

Culture

Birmingham is a city of world-class culture, with the superb City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in residence at Symphony Hall, widely recognised as one of the world's greatest concert halls. There is marvellous theatre to suit every taste, from lavish musicals through to the best in contemporary drama and the brilliant Royal Shakespeare Company perform at Stratford-upon-Avon, just 40 minutes from Birmingham City Centre. The Birmingham Hippodrome is home to Birmingham Royal Ballet and a regular venue for the Welsh National Opera.

DAYTIME - Art If the exertions of the night before haven't left you too exhausted then prepare for a busy day ahead. Anyone with an interest in art should investigate the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which hosts one of the world's finest Pre-Raphaelite collections. Next to the museum is the refurbished Edwardian Gas Hall which stages international touring exhibitions, while the Ikon Gallery is a showcase for innovative and occasionally controversial contemporary work.

If you are an art enthusiast don't miss the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, one of Birmingham's hidden jewels. Set a little way from the City Centre the Barber is one of Britain's most impressive small picture galleries, housing an outstanding collection of Renaissance and Impressionist art, including work by Degas, Monet, Canaletto and Poussin.

History

Birmingham is a city steeped in history and there is a wealth of well-preserved historical sites to visit. The recently restored Soho House, Matthew Boulton's 18th century home, gives a fascinating insight into how this pioneer of the Industrial Revolution lived. Birmingham enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a great Victorian City but has many buildings pre-dating this era such as Aston Hall, a perfectly preserved Jacobean Mansion full of period artefacts. Blakesley Hall and the 14th century Selly Manor are older still and well worth a visit.

Attractions

You won't be bored in Birmingham. Fabulous attractions include the National Sea Life Centre, the UK's first and largest inland sea life centre, with the world's only 360-degree transparent tunnel allowing you to stand suspended mid-ocean. Chocolate lovers will relish a trip to Cadbury World, where you can discover the history of chocolate, watch it being produced, packaged and then sample some of the produce.

Parks

Birmingham is a green city with more public parks than any other European city. Stroll around the Botanical Gardens with its vast range of rain forest vegetation, tree ferns, orchids and cacti. Alternatively take a trip to Cannon Hill Park, also home to the Midlands Arts Centre (mac). After you've strolled through the park with its wild flower meadows and two lakes, drop into mac for a cup of coffee and a snack.

Shopping

Birmingham is a shoppers' delight with its compact, pedestrianised centre. Large undercover malls provide one stop shopping opportunities, or you may prefer to stroll through the elegant Victorian arcades seeking out special gifts in individual shops and small high-fashion boutiques.

It is worth paying a visit to the City's open-air markets just to soak up the atmosphere and colour of the street stalls and chatter of the market traders. If you want to take home some gifts to impress, stop off at the famous Jewellery Quarter where you can find jewellery on sale at less than retail price.

Around and about

If you find yourself in need of escape from the temptation of city life then you'll find Birmingham is ideally situated as a springboard to the tranquillity and beauty of rural England. Situated at the heart of England, Birmingham is a perfectly placed base for exploring the attractions of Central England. You are so close to many of England's major heritage sites. Stratford upon Avon, birthplace to William Shakespeare, Warwick, home of England's finest mediaeval castle, the Cotswolds, a cluster of romantic, authentic English villages and the university town of Oxford lie to the south. To the north the delights of Robin Hood's Nottingham, the spectacular Peak District National Park and the chance to buy china direct from the factories of Spode, Royal Doulton and Wedgwood in the Potteries. The rural charm of Shropshire is to the west, with the Tudor towns of Ludlow, Shrewsbury and the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge.

The area is filled with stately homes, fascinating cathedrals, ancient village churches and abbeys, not to mention some old-fashioned English drinking hostelries.

And when you've taken your fill of green, lush countryside visit the Black Country. Take a step back in history and see how people lived and worked in days gone by with a visit to the Black Country Living Museum. Also worth a visit is Walsall, home of leather and saddlery and Stourbridge and Brierley Hill with their famous crystal glass works and shops.


Sport

In recent years Birmingham has staged more major championships than any other European city. For quality, action and world class facilities you won't be disappointed. From the renowned Belfry golf course, host to three Ryder Cups to the National Indoor Arena, Britain's top indoor venue, Birmingham offers a great sporting programme. Birmingham is the home of three leading professional football clubs and the venue for international cricket, which takes place at Edgbaston, the ground of Warwickshire County Cricket Club. The city boasts other spectator sports including top class tennis and athletics.

All text & images courtesy of BeInBirmingham web Site