The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a perfect place to start your Birmingham trip. Here you can explore the city's art, history, and culture. The gallery houses a remarkable collection of art, including the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world. It also has an engaging exhibit dedicated to the city's industrial heritage. The museum has free entry, but donations are appreciated. Allow for 2-3 hours to enjoy the museum fully.
The Jewelery Quarter is a historic neighbourhood filled with craftsmen, antique shops, restaurants and bars. Visit the Museum of the Jewelery Quarter, set inside a restored workshop, to learn about the trade history and see how jewelry was made. Then visit The Coffin Works Museum located in an old factory. Here, discover the fascinating story of the funeral trade and the processes of creating coffins. End your day with a free tour of the nearby Birmingham Cathedral which features stunning stained-glass windows and is just a 5-minute walk away from the Coffin Works Museum. This neighbourhood can easily take up a full day.
Start your day with a trip to Cadbury World. This interactive attraction features a chocolate-making tour experience that takes you through the history, making, and branding of the world-renowned chocolate from the Cadbury factory, which is now owned by Mondelez International. The tour usually lasts 2-3 hours, including a chocolate-making demonstration. In the afternoon, take a Cotswolds tour, located about an hour from Birmingham. The picturesque small towns, stunning countryside views, and charming village architecture, make it an ideal destination to escape the noise of the city. A tour of Cotswolds takes around 4-5 hours.
If you have extra time, take a trip to the Library of Birmingham, home to a 10-storey building designed by Dutch architects, Mecanoo. Be sure to also visit the iconic Spaghetti Junction Motorway Interchange or walk along the Birmingham Canal, which twists and turns through the city. If you're tight on time, you can cut out the Cotswolds Tour to focus on other local attractions. Additionally, add a visit to the National Sea Life Center to experience the marine lives.