Whether you have friends and family coming for Christmas or a special occasion, it’s great to be able to show them your home city and make some fun memories together. So, if you have people coming to visit in Birmingham, how can you make it a visit to remember?
1. Go shopping
Birmingham has become a major destination for shopping, and no doubt your guests will want to visit the Birmingham Bullring, window shop in the Jewellery Quarter and explore the charming arcades. There’s something for all budgets, whether you visit the giant new Harvey Nichols or the UK’s biggest Primark.
2. See a show
You don’t have to go all the way to the West End to see some amazing theatre. Birmingham gives you plenty to see right on your doorstep. When you’ve got visitors coming, book tickets for a show such as one of the touring musicals that come to the Birmingham Hippodrome, or see one of the exciting new shops at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. There are also smaller venues such as the Alexandra that offer comedy, music and unique shows.
3. See some live sports
Birmingham is home to many great sports venues, which make amazing, atmospheric places to catch a game. There’s athletics at Alexander Stadium, football at Villa Park, and sports from basketball to darts at Arena Birmingham. If you want to impress and get the best seats, book a rugby hospitality package and you’ll get the VIP treatment while you watch the game.
4. Explore the outdoors
There are some great walks to enjoy around Birmingham, and sometimes if you live in a city, you don’t get time to really explore it. When friends and family visit, make some time for a stroll around the Canal Quarter, stopping in stylish bars and restaurants, or visit Moseley Bog which is said to have inspired parts of Lord of the Rings.
5. Enjoy a family day out
If your guests are bringing children, then there’s plenty to do to keep them entertained. Cadbury World is a dream come true for chocolate lovers, or you could take them to the SEA LIFE Centre where you’ll see exotic marine creatures.
6. Learn about the history of the city
Birmingham has a rich history as one of the first industrial cities, so visitors will love to catch a glimpse into its past. Visit the Black Country Living Museum and you can wander around a recreation of old Birmingham, with costumed actors to show you around. It’s like taking a step back in time, and you learn so much more than in a normal museum.
If you live in Birmingham, you may not always appreciate the wealth of attractions right on your doorstep, but when friends and family come to visit it’s the perfect opportunity to see the best of the city. From shopping and dining to cultural activities and sport, there’s always plenty going on to entertain all ages.