Birmingham, despite what some might say, is a bustling hub of culture. The city is home to innovative museums and galleries, historical sites, brilliant theatre as well as fantastic places to eat and drink. This makes it a great destination for a city break or a just a jam-packed day trip.
Our guide to a day in Birmingham
Morning
Image credit: @tarana.islam/ via Instagram
As far as most Brummies are concerned, Grand Central Kitchen is second to none when it comes to a good breakfast. Whether you want the works - a full English with egg, bacon, sausages, beans, tomato, mushroom and lots of toast (veggie option available) - or a continental breakfast of cereal and pastries, these guys trump all others. Or, if you want something a bit lighter, every hot drink comes with free toast!
Grand Central Kitchen is located at 7 Stephenson St, B2 4BL.
Once you’ve wiped the last crumb from your mouth, visit Aston Hall - a Grade I listed Jacobean Mansion turned community museum. Admire the stunning architecture and the surrounding manicured grounds, then enjoy a guided tour inside. They also host ghost tours and family friendly murder mystery trails if you fancy something a bit different.
Aston Hall is located at Trinity Rd, B6 6JD. Opening times until 29 March are Wednesday-Thursday (and the first Sunday of the month) 11am-4pm.
Aston Hall. Image credit: Colin Hepburn/ via Flickr
In a Grade II listed city centre landmark building, you’ll find the fascinating Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. While it’s worth a visit for their Pre-Raphaelite paintings alone, which is the largest collection of its kind in the world, there is also a range of permanent galleries and changing exhibitions for you to check out, all of which are free. If you fancy learning more about the city’s heritage you should definitely visit the ‘Birmingham: its people, its history’ exhibition.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is located at Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH.
Midday
For a spot of lunch, head over to Cherry Reds where you can grab all sorts of delicious grub. They serve ‘breakfast sandwiches’ all day, which include jam and peanut butter or Nutella, as well as a lovely bacon sarnie. They also offer pancakes with a variety of toppings, jacket potatoes, burgers and a selection of mains such as sausage and mash, salmon salad, and fish and chips. If it’s a cold day out, this is the perfect spot to warm up as they have a whopping 6 different kinds of hot chocolate to choose from!
Cherry Reds is located at 16 York Rd, B14 7RZ.
Image credit: Warehouse Cafe/ via Facebook
If Cherry Reds is not your cup of tea, award-winning vegetarian restaurant Warehouse Café should be able to satiate your hunger. They have both healthy and indulgent dishes; halloumi “fish†and chips, katsu curry, a middle eastern Buddha bowl made of various grains and pulses, a butterbean, quinoa and spinach burger and a halloumi and pear salad. They also have some delightful Sunday roast options, such as toad in the hole, veggie wellington and baked stuff pepper.
Warehouse Café is located at 54-57 Allison St, B5 5TH.
Afternoon
Once you’ve had your fill, venture to the picturesque Winterbourne House and Garden for a gorgeous woodland stroll. This historic Edwardian house is nestled in a leafy oasis, just a few minutes from the Birmingham city centre, and is home to over 6,000 different plant species. Make sure you wander through the hazelnut tunnel and stroll over the 1930’s Japanese Bridge as well.
Winterbourne House and Garden is located at 58 Edgbaston Park Rd, B15 2RT.
Winterbourne Garden. Image credit: Damien Walmsley/ via Flickr
Afterwards, grab yourself a drink at local watering hole, The Selly Park Tavern. Get yourself a seat next to the fire and enjoy a tipple of your choice - lager, ale, wine or cocktail. Take advantage of their Monday cask club where all cask ales are £2.49, or enjoy their Sunday wine club where selected bottles are £10 from 5pm. They also stock alcohol free and gluten free beers.
The Selly Park Tavern is located at 592 Pershore Rd, B29 7HQ.
Evening
If you’re happy to splurge on dinner, Adam’s should be next on your agenda. They offer a fine dining equivalent of classic British cuisine, and offer a mouth-watering tasting menu as well as a delectable three course dinner. Mains include duckbreast, john dory with chicken wing, and a single estate loin of venison. If you fancy, you can also treat yourself to a cheeseboard, and don’t worry - they have an extensive wine menu to match their dishes.
Adam’s is located at New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo St, B2 5UG.
For something a little more casual, tuck in to some authentic South American street food at Bodega. Feast on tacos, quesadillas or Mexican lasagna, or nibble on some papas chorreadas or Brazilian coxinhas. Then, sit back and relax in their laid back atmosphere and treat yourself to a few margaritas. Vegan’s won’t miss out here either as they have an extensive list for the herbivores out there.
Image credit: Bodega Birmingham/ via Facebook
Bodega Bar and Cantina is located at 12 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS.
The Birmingham Hippodrome is both a fantastic theatre venue and a registered charity. Whether it’s a pantomime for the kids, or a gripping piece of drama or ballet, The Hippodrome will deliver an exceptional show.
The Birmingham Hippodrome is located at Hurst St, Southside, B5 4TB.
Alternatively, you can head to The Jam House for an evening of fantastic live music in a 3-storey Georgian building and click your fingers to some smooth jazz or pat your knee to soulful blues, and finish your day on a high.
The Jam House is located at 3-5 St Paul's Square, B3 1QU.