48 Hours in Birmingham - City Break
| Day 2 - Take a walk and have a beer!
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The plethora of canals interwoven throughout Birmingham provide great opportunities for strolls away from the hustle and bustle of the roads. Firstly there are two short trails around the oldest parts of the town - Digbeth see www.birmingham.gov.uk for more details. These trails provide excellent sights of the origins of Birmingham's industrial past: old canals, the original railway terminus for trains from London, and Birmingham's oldest non-secular building. While walking round Digbeth have a quick look at the Custard factory, former home of Bird's custard, now home to cafes and cult / charity shops.
A walk for the more adventurous takes in the waterways to the west of town - the Birmingham and Worcester Canal. Start at Brindley Place - named after the Birmingham based engineer who designed many of the UK's great canals, including the Bridgewater and the Trent & Mersey. Follow the canal under Broad Street, towards the Mailbox, and out of the city. The walk quickly becomes very tranquil as you head towards the first 'suburban' area of Birmingham - Edgbaston. You can follow the canal out towards the University. Cross an old bridge into the halls of the University which generously allows the public to traverse its footpaths. The impressive Chancellor's buildings and clocktower are at the heart of the University's beautifully kept grounds, and well worth a look. From the University there are direct and frequent trains and buses back to the city centre. Remember that you will need EXACT CHANGE for the buses! |
Together with the development of new shops, restaurants and cafes has come a renaissance in social venues throughout the city of Birmingham. The great venues of the Symphony Hall, National Indoor Arena, and National Exhibition Centre are all run by the NEC Group who list full details of events on their websites. An excellent, but well hidden area of bars is down in the St Paul's area near the famous jewelry quarter. On Ludgate Hill is the Actress and Bishop which hosts regular live music nights. This intimate venue has a great and friendly atmosphere. Possibly the most famous bar and nightlife area (only for the young / very young at heart!) is on Broad Street - full of lively and happening bars, such as the Walkabout, Lloyds No.1, and All Bar One. Another area with some very nice bars and clubs can be found in the Arcadian centre - this is just across the road from China Town, and is centred around a plaza with a neat Charlie-Dymock style water feature! |
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