24 Hours in Birmingham, England
Even though Birmingham is England’s second largest city, it’s rarely visited by even the most seasoned of travelers. With an industrial past and a gritty reputation, it’s not known as the most beautiful city England has to offer. With that said, if you look closely enough, you’ll find a hidden charm to Birmingham that might surprise you.
Getting There
Birmingham is most easily accessible by train and is less than two hours away from London. If you’re traveling to northern England, it’s a great place to stop along the way. Check out the train schedules via Trainline and reserve your tickets in advance. Don’t worry about transportation within Birmingham. The main train station is right downtown and most sites are accessible by foot.
Within Birmingham, try to find accommodations in the hustle and bustle of downtown. The closer you are to St. Philip’s Cathedral, the better.
Your 24 Hour Itinerary
Birmingham is a fairly large city, so if you’re making a quick trip, it’s important to plan wisely. Follow the map and corresponding stopping points below for a perfect day of exploration. It’s quite easy to walk from stop one through stop seven, but you will need to take a taxi or Uber to stop eight, Aston Hall.
Explore Victoria Square
Grab coffee and a pastry at Damascena Coffee House
Pay a visit to St. Philip’s Cathedral
Explore the shops in the Great Western Arcade
Take in the beauty of St. Paul’s Square
Explore the Jewelry Quarter
Walk along the canals to the Gas Street Basin
Tour Aston Hall
Victoria Square
Victoria Square is the perfect place to start your city adventure because it is considered the center of Birmingham. This pedestrianised public square is home to both the Town Hall and the Council House, and is directly adjacent to Chamberlain Square. Spend a few minutes taking in the lovely architecture before walking down Waterloo Street to Cathedral Square.
St. Philip’s Cathedral
St. Philip’s Cathedral isn’t the most extravagant or ornate cathedral in the UK, but it has an interesting history and the square is quaint and charming. After you’ve spent some time in the Cathedral, get your daily dose of caffeine at Damascena which sits on the edge of the square. The coffee house offers delicious Turkish coffee and Middle Eastern pastries.
Great Western Arcade
The Great Western Arcade is a covered Victorian shopping arcade lying between Colmore Row and Temple Row. The Arcade was built by the Great Western Company in 1876-1877 to span a tunnel for the railway line. Today it is filled with unique indie stores that are fun to explore.
St. Paul’s Square
This charming Georgian square is a short ten minute walk from New Street. With a church at its center and beautiful surrounding trees, you’ll almost forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city. Take your time basking in the serenity of the square and then venture into the surrounding streets.
Jewelry Quarter
The Jewelry Quarter is Europe’s largest concentration of jewelry businesses, producing around 40% of the UK’s jewelry. In the last few years, the area has shed a little bit of its industrial past to become quite the hipster hot spot. It’s the perfect neighborhood to stop for a tasty coffee or afternoon cocktail.
Gas Street Basin
Believe it or not, Birmingham has more canals than Venice, Italy! The waterways may not have same aesthetic, but they are definitely worth the scenic detour. Take a leisurely stroll along the canal from the Jewelry Quarter to the Gas Street Basin.
If you have the time, catch a slow boat ride from Brindleyplace. If you’re feeling hungry, grab lunch at one of the restaurants lining the water. There are several options close to the Mailbox, a high-end shopping center.
Aston Hall
Aston Hall is a ridiculously beautiful Jacobean era mansion that was built between 1618 and 1635. Grade I listed, this building and its gardens are a wonder to explore. Walk through the stunning interiors and see the home that received royalty and was besieged during the English Civil War.
Aston Hall is on the outskirts of Birmingham so you’ll need to take a 10 minute taxi to get there. If you want to see the interior, check the hours of operation before you go. Even if it’s closed on the day of your visit, seeing Aston Hall’s exterior and the surrounding gardens are worth the detour.
End your day in Birmingham at one of the many excellent Indian restaurants in the area. Birmingham is within the Balti Triangle, a region in which you will find some of the best Indian restaurants in the country. What’s better than ending an adventure with an excellent meal?
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