If you’ve decided to get away from it all with a summer staycation this year, have you thought about heading to the city rather than the coast?
Sure, some sea and sun is often much needed, but the bright lights, incredible experiences and countless attractions available in a place like Birmingham shouldn’t be overlooked.
If Birmingham isn’t on your list of staycation venues at the moment, we’d like to change that.
Here are five reasons one of the most exciting cities in the UK should form part of your staycation planning.
1. You’re never far from retail therapy
For lots of people, retail therapy forms a large part of their holiday time, and Birmingham is perhaps one of the best cities in the business when it comes to shopping.
The Bullring is the biggest shopping centre in Birmingham, but there are countless stores beyond that if you’re willing to jump on the tram and explore.
There’s a reason Birmingham has built a reputation for a great shopping experience, and if that’s your idea of R&R, there’s nowhere better to spend your time off.
2. There are more canals than Venice
Not many people know that Birmingham sports more canals than Venice.
This makes it one of the most interesting cities to visit if you either like to take to the water yourself or simply enjoy long, fascinating walks along the canal path.
Plenty of pubs have cottoned onto the benefit of combining the city’s rich canal history and a decent pint, too, so you’ll never be far from a holiday drink when the mood takes you.
3. If you’re into art…
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery features the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings on the planet.
If you’re planning a long weekend away, and looking for a city holiday destination where there is history and art jam-packed into every corner, Birmingham will definitely fit the bill.
4. It’s not just about the bright lights
Although Birmingham is a big city, it does have some areas on the outskirts that demand to be explored if you decide to take a staycation there.
For instance, the Moseley Bog isn’t that far from the city centre. According to legend, it formed part of the inspiration for The Shire in Lord of the Rings. This is because the author, J. R. R. Tolkien grew up in the area around Moseley Bog and spent many of his formative years exploring there.
5. If you’re a chocolate lover, there’s nowhere better
Love chocolate? Never visited Cadbury World? You’re missing out.
Although some find it a little kid-centric, Cadbury World in Bournville Village demands to be explored if you visit Birmingham for a staycation and fancy a sweet treat (or two) combined with a journey back into the history of one of the UK’s most treasured brands.
Wrapping up
Besides the above, you simply can’t ignore the wealth of eating and drinking options in Birmingham.
For example, no trip to the city is complete without a visit to the Balti Triangle, where you can sample the very best examples of this delicious dish at award-winning restaurants and family-run establishments.
From the countless bars, pubs and restaurants in the city centre to the unique night out experiences in areas like the Jewellery Quarter and the Chinese Quarter, there truly is something for everyone.
So… when are you coming to Birmingham next? Why not plan your trip to this fabulous city today.