Birmingham is one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, offering an endless array of entertainment, culture, and adventure across its diverse districts. From the historic Jewellery Quarter to modern shopping destinations, family-friendly attractions to green spaces that inspired literary classics, England’s second city delivers experiences for every interest and age group. 

Whether you are moving to Birmingham, visiting for business, or exploring the West Midlands, understanding what the city has to offer will help you make the most of this urban centre.

1. Explore Birmingham’s Culture Within The City Centre

Birmingham’s city centre combines shopping, dining, museums, and entertainment in one accessible location, making it the ideal starting point for exploring the city.

Bullring & Grand Central Shopping

Positioned above New Street railway station, Grand Central combines transport convenience with retail therapy and a diverse range of dining options. The adjacent Bullring shopping centre offers over 100 shops to choose from, ranging from high-street brands to independent boutiques.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

This cultural cornerstone houses one of the most extensive collections of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, alongside historical and artistic treasures spanning from the 13th century to contemporary works. The Shakespeare Memorial Room and Edwardian Tea Room add a touch of historical charm to your museum visit.

Birmingham Royal Ballet

As one of the UK’s foremost ballet companies, Birmingham Royal Ballet produces innovative performances of classical and contemporary works from its home at the Birmingham Hippodrome. The company’s touring schedule and local performances provide regular cultural entertainment throughout the year.

People moving to Birmingham for work or study can benefit from using business storage solutions during relocation, providing secure space for belongings whilst settling into the city.

2. Discover Birmingham’s Green Spaces

Birmingham’s parks and nature reserves offer a peaceful retreat from urban energy, providing a range of recreational activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Cannon Hill Park

This expansive park combines recreational facilities with natural beauty, featuring pedalo boats on the lake during the summer, floodlit tennis courts, mini-golf, two playgrounds, and the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park. The variety ensures that families can find activities regardless of the weather or season.

Sutton Park

Spanning a vast natural landscape, Sutton Park offers paths and bridleways ideal for jogging, walking, cycling, and horse riding. Water activities at Powell’s Pool and Blackroot Pool include sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. On-site facilities offer food and refreshments for day-long visits.

Moseley Bog and Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Moseley Bog, the childhood playground of J.R.R. Tolkien, features old trees and vibrant bluebells in the spring. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens span 15 acres, featuring themed areas such as the Japanese Garden and Tropical House, which create peaceful urban oasis experiences throughout the year.

3. Enjoy Family-Friendly Attractions

Birmingham delivers family entertainment through interactive experiences that engage children and adults alike:

• Cadbury World – Journey through chocolate history, experience 4D chocolate adventures, and browse the world’s biggest Cadbury store for sweet family memories.
• Legoland Discovery Centre – Eight family attractions, including Merlin’s Apprentice and Kingdom Quest ride adventure, bring Lego bricks to life through interactive experiences.
• National Sea Life Centre – The 360° Ocean Tunnel showcases sharks, giant turtles, and a variety of marine life, while interactive shark dive experiences create an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

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4. Experience Birmingham’s Historic Districts

Birmingham’s rich industrial and commercial heritage comes alive through preserved buildings and museums that tell the city’s story.

Jewellery Quarter

With a rich history of jewellery-making, this district remains one of Europe’s largest concentrations of jewellery businesses. Museums and independent boutiques offer insights into both historical craftsmanship and contemporary design, whilst guided tours reveal the quarter’s fascinating evolution.

Back-to-Back Houses

These unique 1830s houses, built quickly and affordably for industrial workers, offer authentic glimpses into everyday life spanning two centuries. The preserved interiors and guided tours transport visitors back to Birmingham’s industrial peak.

Black Country Living Museum

Located in nearby Dudley, this open-air museum recreates life in the West Midlands during the Industrial Revolution through preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on demonstrations of traditional crafts and industries.

5. Get Active Through Sports and Adventure

Birmingham caters to sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers through world-class venues and unique physical challenges:

• Edgbaston Cricket Ground – Home to Warwickshire County Cricket Club, this iconic venue hosts international matches and offers behind-the-scenes tours for cricket fans.
• Bear Grylls Adventure – Eleven unique experiences challenge participants physically and mentally through climbing, indoor skydiving, and survival scenarios.
• Running Tours – Guided city tours covering a range of distances combine sightseeing with fitness, led by knowledgeable local guides who share Birmingham’s rich history.

6. Immerse Yourself in Birmingham’s Art Scene

Birmingham’s creative spaces showcase contemporary art, celebrate industrial heritage, and support independent artists through accessible venues.

The Custard Factory functions as a central hub for creatives and independent businesses, housing galleries and studios where art comes alive. The Ikon Gallery, located near the National Exhibition Centre, showcases contemporary art from around the world. At the same time, the Pen Museum celebrates Birmingham’s role in pen manufacturing through interactive exhibits.

The Self Storage Company: Your Expert Self Storage Partner in Birmingham

Exploring Aston’s attractions is easier when you have reliable storage support during relocations or extended stays. Our self storage facility in Birmingham offers secure storage solutions for residents, students, and businesses looking to establish themselves in the West Midlands.

Our flexible monthly contracts, comprehensive security, and range of unit sizes from 10 sq ft to 275 sq ft ensure you find the appropriate storage space, whether you are moving to Aston, need business inventory space, or require temporary storage during property transitions.

Book your Aston storage today and receive up to 50% off your first 8 weeks of storage. Contact us to discuss your storage needs and understand how we can support your Birmingham experience with secure, accessible storage solutions

Sources:

https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/birmingham-museum-and-art-gallery/highlights/the-pre-raphaelites

https://www.bbcwildlife.org.uk/moseley-bog-plan-visit

https://birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/

https://www.thejewelleryquarter.org/our-story/