Trinity Road, Aston

Birmingham, B6 6JD Tel: +44 (0)121 327 0062

 open daily, call for information Aston Park, in the Handsworth area of Birmingham, covers more than 20 hectares / 50 acres. Dating back to the mid-19th century, this mature Birmingham park is a popular area for relaxing in Birmingham, and features large expanses of lawns, suitable for sporting activities. Aston Park is close to the Aston Villa FC football ground and is also home to the historic Aston Hall. Aston Hall

Trinity Road, Aston

Birmingham, B6 6JD

Aston Hall was built between 1618 and 1635 by Sir Thomas Holte, 1st Baronet and head of a prominent Warwickshire family. The Hall and its adjacent stable building are Grade One listed. The Hall boasts some impressive pieces, housing a good portion of the furniture, paintings and textiles from the Birmingham Museum's collections (look for the Romney and Gainsborough in the dining room). There are turrets, gables, plaster ceilings and friezes, and a panelled gallery that's over 130ft (40m) long.

Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Location: Edgbaston neighborhood

Tel: +44 121 414 7333

Mon – Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 2pm-5pm

Admission Free

For art lovers, a visit to the Barber Institute is the highlight of a visit to Birmingham. The collection takes in Renaissance masterpieces, such as Rubens and Van Dyck, British greats including Gainsborough, Reynolds and Turner, an array of impressionist pieces and modern classics by the likes of Picasso and Schiele. A little way out from the city centre but easy to get to, the Barber Institute is adjacent to the University of Birmingham. This is one of the world's finest small art galleries with an outstanding collection of old and modern paintings, drawings and sculpture. This gallery is not normally as busy as some larger galleries, so your tour will be uncrowded and pleasant. The Institute is also a regular venue for concerts, lectures and other events.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Chamberlain Square

Birmingham, B3 3DH

Tel: +44 [0]121 303 1966 for further information

The impressive Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery houses displays of local and natural history, fine archaeology and ethnography exhibits, and a renowned collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Other highlights include works by Degas, Braque, Renoir and Canaletto. Don't miss the charming Edwardian tearoom for a restorative cuppa.

Birmingham Railway Museum

670 Warwick Road, Tyseley

Birmingham, B11 2HL Tel: +44 (0)121 707 4696

daily - 10:00 to 17:00, winter 0 10:00 to 16:00 Admission Charged The Birmingham Railway Museum is situated in the Tyseley area of Birmingham, to the east of central Birmingham and features a large number of beautifully restored steam locomotives and interesting railway artifacts.  

Brindleyplace

Next to the International Convention Centre, Brindleyplace is a £250-million (US$357 million) development comprising trendy bars and restaurants, shops and a theatre. In this complex, the Ikon Gallery features temporary exhibitions of video, photography, installations and other contemporary art. Collections are usually either exciting or ridiculous: you decide.

Also in this area is the ever popular National Sea Life Centre, where you can stand in a glass tunnel and watch stingrays, sharks and other scary creatures swim past you.

Birmingham City Centre Gardens

Cambridge Street

Birmingham, B1 2NP Tel: +44 (0)121 643 2514

 Daily, dawn to dusk

Admission Free Birmingham City Centre Gardens are located in the heart of central Birmingham, next to the Birmingham International Convention Centre. The Birmingham City Centre Gardens feature tropical plants, colorful flower beds, pathways, benches, lawns suitable for picnics and large trees.  

Birmingham and Midland Museum of Transport (BaMMOT)

Chapel Lane, Wythal

Birmingham, B47 6JX Tel: +44 (0)1564 826471

Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 17:00 Admission Charged

Located to the south of Birmingham city centre, the Birmingham and Midland Museum of Transport was founded in the late 1970s and is home to an enormous of historic vehicles. Highlights at the Birmingham and Midland Museum of Transport include a large collection of Midland Red vehicles, fire engines, coaches, battery electric vehicles - including milk floats dating back to the 1930s, vintage-bus rides, and exhibitions of photographs, drawings, catalogues, uniforms, bus stops and general transport memorabilia.  

Black Country Living Museum

Tipton Road, Dudley

Birmingham, DY1 4SQ Tel: +44 (0)121 557 9643

daily, March to October - 10:00 to 17:00, November to February - 10:00 to 16:00 Admission Charged

Working with coal and iron is dirty work, and the black faces of the miners gave this area west of Birmingham its name. The Black Country Museum is a re-created mining village populated by locals in period costume, complete with workshops, shops, cinema, pub and mine. You won't get to pick up a pick but you can go down a subterranean coal seam and see the conditions miners worked in. The village cinema plays silent movies and you can check out the 1930s Fried Fish Shop if you get the munchies. Electric trams go around the site and there's a funfair for kids. In the summer you can also take a 40-minute boat ride down the Dudley Canal Tunnel and explore the limestone caverns.

Cannon Hill Park

Russell Road, Moseley

Birmingham, B12 9QH Tel: +44 (0)121 442 4226

 open daily, 7:30am to dusk

Admission Free Located in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park is one of the most popular parks in Birmingham. Facilities at Cannon Hill Park include lakes, boating, playground areas for children, glasshouses, nature trails, cycle routes, picnic areas and tennis courts. Birmingham's Cannon Hill Park is also home to a number of outdoor events during the summer months in Birmingham, including concerts and Birmingham festivals. Castle Bromwich Gardens

Chester Road, Castle Bromwich

Birmingham, B36 9BT Tel: +44 (0)121 749 4100

Tuesday to Thursday - 13:30 to 16:30, Saturday and Sunday - 14:00 to 18:00

Admission Charged Birmingham's Castle Bromwich Gardens date back to the late-17th century and are filled with large, mature trees and shrubs. Covering around 10 acres / 4 hectares, Castle Bromwich Gardens features walled gardens, an orangery, a hedge-maze, landscaped gardens, a café, a plant centre and a garden gift shop. Charlecote Park

Wellesbourne

Birmingham, CV35 9ER Tel: +44 (0)1789 470277

 April to November, Friday to Tuesday - 11:00 to 18:00 Admission charged Charlecote Park, to the east of central Birmingham, dates back to the 13th century. With large, landscaped gardens, spectacular views, herds of deer and a 16th-centurty Manor House, Birmingham's historic Charlecote Park is full of things to see and do in this part of Birmingham.  

Cadbury World

Linden Road. Bournville

Birmingham, B30 2LD Tel: +44 (0)121 451 4159

Admission Charged

Hours vary; call for information Cadbury World is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Birmingham and is located in the famous Bournville area of Birmingham. This famous, historic chocolate factory has many attractions, including a factory chocolate shop, impressive exhibitions, displays - many of which are interactive, a large gift shop and guided tours, explaining the fascinating story of the founding Cadbury family. Birmingham's Bournville Village was built in the late 19th century by the Cadbury brothers and is a pioneering example of a garden suburb. It is advisable to book guided tours at Birmingham's Cadbury World in advance, to avoid disappointment.

Caving

Dudley Caving Club

The Old Ruiton Windmill

Vale Street, Upper Gornal

Birmingham, DY3 3XF Tel: +44 (0)121 525 1230

Cannon Hill Park

Birmingham, B12 9QH Tel: +44 (0)121 440 4221

open daily The Midlands Arts Centre (mac) is situated in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham and has become one of Birmingham's most important arts centres. With large, spacious studios, regular workshops, an arena, art galleries, exhibition space, a cinema and numerous theatrical events throughout the year, the Midlands Arts Centre also has a number of attractions for younger children, including puppet shows.  

Elegant Railway Excursions

49 Bodenham Road, Northfield

Birmingham, B31 5DR

Tel: +44 (0)121 477 4375

Hours vary, call for information

Admission Charged Elegant Railway Excursions is located in the Northfield area of Birmingham and provides scenic, luxurious journeys on restored steam trains. The Gloucestershire / Warwickshire steam railway operates throughout the year and the journey also includes a meal.

Elmdon Park

Elmdon Park Road, Solihull

Birmingham, B92 9EJ Tel: +44 (0)121 704 6130

 daily, dawn to dusk

Admission Free Elmdon Park is a large park in the Solihull area of Birmingham, close to Birmingham International Airport. Full of wildlife, including large numbers of wild birds, Elmdon Park also features mature trees, a lake and an exciting playground area for children.  

Fishing / Angling

Birmingham Anglers Association

100 Icknield Port Road, Rotton Park

Birmingham, B16 0AP Tel: +44 (0)121 454 9111

Fishing Lodge

1770 Coventry Road, Yardley

Birmingham, B26 1PB Tel: +44 (0)121 743 0448

Gas Street Basin

Gas Street

Birmingham, B1 2JT Tel: +44 (0)121 643 2514

 open daily Gas Street Basin, in Birmingham city centre, is home to more miles of canal than in the watery city of Venice. Once an important port in the heart of central Birmingham, Gas Street Basin is now full of trendy wine bars, restaurants, cafés and entertainment venues.

Grand Prix Karting

Birmingham Wheels Park

1 Adderley Road South, Saltley, Birmingham Tel: +44 (0)121 327 7617

Go-Karting Ice Skating - Hobs Moat Road, Solihull, Birmingham Tel: +44 (0)121 742 5561  

Kings Heath Park

Vicarage Park, Kings Heath

Birmingham, B14 7TQ Tel: +44 (0)121 444 2848

open daily, 7:30 to dusk Admission free Kings Heath Park, in the Moseley area of Birmingham, is most famous for its regular appearances on BBC Television's popular gardening programme, Gardeners' World. Full of mature plant specimens, Kings Heath Park is located in an idyllic setting and is always full of flowers.  

Lickey Hills Country Park

Warren Lane, Rednal

Birmingham, B45 8ER Tel: +44 (0)121 447 7106

open daily - 10:00 to 19:00, winter - 10:00 to 17:00 Admission Free Lickey Hills Country Park can be found in the Rednal area of Birmingham and covers more than 200 hectares / 500 acres. With enormous trees, natural areas of wild flowers, woodlands and open grassland, other attractions at Birmingham's Lickey Hills Country Park include a popular golf course, a bowling green, tennis courts and cycle trails.  

Mamble Craft Centre

Church Lane, Bewdley

Worcestershire, DY14 9JY Tel: +44 (0)1299 832834

 Tues – Sat 10:30 – 17:00, Sun 11:30 – 17:30 Mamble Craft Centre can be found in Dudley, close to the outskirts of Birmingham. This group of historic barns dates back to the 17th century and highlights include stunning views, a large gallery area, an exhibition space, numerous demonstrations and period features. The Mitchell Centre

Weeford Road, Sutton Coldfield

Birmingham, B75 6NA Tel: +44 (0)121 308 8080

 open daily

Admission Charged Situated in the Sutton Coldfield area of Birmingham, the Mitchell Centre is a large, arts centre in a group of historic, Victorian buildings. Attractions at Birmingham's Mitchell Centre include exhibition galleries, Victorian-style craft workshops, gardens and a café.

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

75-79 Vyse Street, Hockley

Birmingham, B18 6HA Tel: +44 (0)121 554 3598

 Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 17:00

Admission Charged The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is situated in Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter district and has won a number of prestigious awards. With many interesting exhibitions about Birmingham's thriving jewellery business in the 19th century, other attractions at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter include guided tours in various languages, demonstrations, a café area and a gift shop, selling a wide range of jewellery made at this working Birmingham museum.

Queen's Park

Court Oak Road, Harborne

Birmingham, B17 9AH Tel: +44 (0)121 681 6098

open daily, call for information

Admission Free Located in the Harborne area of Birmingham, Queen's Park is one of the most charming parks in Birmingham, Opened more than 100 years ago to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, attractions at Queen's Park include a manicured-bowling greens, tennis courts, a playground area for children, benches and colourful flower borders.  

Shakespeare Express Train

Snow Hill Station

Birmingham, B19 1AA Tel: +44 (0)1789 299866

Hours vary

Admission charged The Shakespeare Express Train is the fastest steam train in the country and regularly travels from central Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon. This beautifully restored train is one of the most scenic and exciting ways to travel to the home of Shakespeare. The journey from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon lasts just over one hour. Sutton Park

Park Road, Sutton Coldfield

Birmingham, B73 6BU Tel: +44 (0)121 355 6370

open daily, call for information

Admission Free Sutton Park is the largest park in the whole of Birmingham and covers over 810 hectares, 200 acres. With vast areas of woodlands, nature trails, a national nature reserve, seating areas, large expanses of grassland, a restaurant and a popular visitor centre, Sutton Park is located in the Sutton Coldfield area of Birmingham.  

Sarehole Mill

Cole Bank Road, Hall Green

Birmingham, B13 OBD

Tel: +44 [0]121 777 6612

Fans of JRR Tolkein should make the journey 4mi (6.5km) southeast of the city centre to see one of Birmingham's last 18th-century corn mills, opposite the house where the author lived as a young boy. It's said to be the inspiration for Hobbiton in The Hobbit and the mill in The Lord of the Rings - readers will be able to compare the brick building and lake and make up their own minds. The mill has been restored to working order and an exhibition within explains the industry and other aspects of rural life. There's also a Victorian engine house and bakehouse.

Skiing / Snowboarding - Birmingham

Ackers Trust - Golden Hillock Road, Small Heath, Birmingham Tel: +44 (0)121 772 5111

The Snowdome - Leisure Island, River Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7ND Tel: +44 (0)1827 67905

Soho House Museum

Soho Avenue, Handsworth

Birmingham, B18 5LB Tel: +44 (0)121 554 9122

April to October, Tuesday to Sunday - 11:30 to 16:00 Admission Free Matthew Boulton, inventor of the steam engine, lived in Georgian Soho House in Handsworth between 1766 and 1809. As befits a scientific innovator he installed central heating and plumbing, which may be why he had so many friends. The Lunar Society, of which he was a member, often held their 'brainstorming' sessions there. It has been restored to look as it did in the 18th century and visitors can admire some of Boulton's own furniture and effects. Displays chart the technological advancements of the time.

St Chad’s Cathedral

St Chad's Queensway Birmingham, B4 6EU Tel: 0121 236 2251

Location:  North of the city centre

 Open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm

Admission Free It was built in 1839 by Augustus Pugin, the architect who also built the Houses of Parliament in London. This Cathedral is of historical significance for it was the first Roman Catholic Cathedral to be built in Britain after the reformation of the church in the 16th century. St Philip's Cathedral

Colmore Row Birmingham, B3 2QB Tel: 0121 262 1840 Open daily 7:30am – 6pm

Admission Free

England's smallest cathedral, the neoclassical St Philip's, was designed by Thomas Archer and built between 1709 and 1715. The Cathedral is most famous for its beautiful stained glass windows which dates from the 19th century and were designed by Birmingham artist Edward Burne-Jones.  

Victoria Square

Location:  City Centre

Tel: +44 121 693 6300

24 hours daily

Admission Free

This square has transformed over the past decade from a grassy slope where office workers would picnic on a summer's afternoon to a pedestrian-friendly European plaza accessible all year. Birmingham's Town Hall and Council House are located on the square, but graded steps replace the slope and there's now a large fountain containing a sculpture known fondly by locals as "the Floozie in the Jacuzzi." Stone lamps and statues of sphinxes adorn the grounds, as does a statue of Queen Victoria. Victoria Square has now become a popular meeting point and relaxing place to people watch.

Walking

South Birmingham Ramblers' Association

 26 Claines Road

Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2EE Tel: +44 (0)121 475 4465

Cole Valley/Project Kingfisher

 Cole Valley

Birmingham, B28 0DB, England Tel: +44 (0)121 749 3131

Edgbaston Reservoir

 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston

Birmingham, B16 9EE Tel: +44 (0)121 454 1908

Ward End Park

Washwood Heath Road

Birmingham, B8 2HB Tel: +44 (0)121 643 2514

 open daily, call for information

Admission Free Birmingham's Ward End Park can be found in the Saltley area of Birmingham, to the east of central Birmingham. This glorious Birmingham parkland was opened more than 100 years ago and attractions include a boating lake, lawns, trees, shrubs, pathways, nature trails and seating areas.

Warwick Castle

Location:  Warwickshire England CV34 4QU (East of Birmingham)

Tel: +44 0870 442 2000

Call for directions

Apr-Sep: 10am-6pm daily; Oct-Mar: 10am-5pm daily

Admission Charged

Woodgate Valley Country Park

Clapgate Lane

Birmingham, B32 3DH Tel: +44 (0)121 421 7575

 open daily, call for information

Admission Free Woodgate Valley Country Park is situated to the west of Birmingham city centre, close to a large housing estate in the Northfield area of Birmingham. Covering over 160 hectares / 400 acres, Birmingham's impressive Woodgate Valley Country Park features a popular visitor centre, wildlife areas, walking trails, lawns suitable for sports, seating areas and a small city farm. Tours:

Birmingham Guided Bus and Coach Tours - Birmingham Tel: +44(0)1225444102 Open-top hop on / off Birmingham guided bus tours operate throughout the day at regular intervals in central Birmingham. The Birmingham bus tours provide an easy way of sightseeing in Birmingham and with daily hop on / off tickets, they are also a very useful way to travel around Birmingham, since you can leave the bus to explore and get back on when you are ready. The Birmingham bus tours connect all of the major points of interest in Birmingham, including numerous tourist attractions, landmarks and monuments in Birmingham. Coach tours in the Birmingham area tend to travel further a field, to famous sights nearby Birmingham. Guided bus and coach tours in Birmingham are operated by several different companies, including: 

Birmingham Tour - Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BD Tel: +44 (0)121 693 6300 open daily - 10:00 to 16:00 Admission Charged

Hidden History Coach Tours - 103 Addison Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7EP Tel: +44 (0)121 444 3900 Hours vary, call for information

Admission Charged

Walking Tours of Birmingham Tel: +44 (0)1225 477786 The are a number of walking tours around Birmingham and these provide tourists with a real insight into some of Birmingham's most interesting and historic attractions, landmarks and streets. Tours are available with the Birmingham Tourist Information centre, and the tour guides are often locals who live in Birmingham.

Digbeth Tuck Walking Trail (self-guided) - Digbeth, Birmingham Tel: +44 (0)121 643 2514

Jewellery Quarter Discovery Trail (self-guided) - Jewellery Quarter, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 Tel: +44 (0)121 554 3598