From its sleepy canals reminding you of a busy industrial past to cycle routes that lead to green valleys and parks, Birmingham offers something for everyone. Conveniently located a short drive from the city centre, New Hall Hotel is the perfect place from which to explore it all.
While it might not immediately strike you as one of the best cities in Britain to visit, Birmingham is packed with interesting sights. From biking and hiking trials to excellent shopping, outstanding heritage attractions to excellent galleries and museums. Whether it is a culture fix you want, the latest fashion or something to inspire your children, Birmingham is a great destination for a short break.
While London may be infamous for its cultural powerhouses, Birmingham is certainly not short of them. Creative hotspots include Digbeth, site of the former Bird's Custard Factory where new bands and DJs come to air their creative talents, and the Gas Street Basin, which attracts locals and tourists alike with its colourful and traditional narrow boats, floating cafes, canalside bars and restaurants.
Just a few minutes from here, you will find the edgy Ikon gallery featuring artists from around the world with work that covers sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting and sculpture. If you are staying for a long weekend, it is also worth checking out what is on at the iconic Symphony Hall and the Museum & Art Gallery.
Birmingham is also home to many modern architectural gems, including the £189m futuristic Library of Birmingham and gleaming Bullring shopping centre. If it is jewels and charms, you are after though head to the historic Jewellery Quarter, where you can pick up pieces direct from makers’ workshops.
Birmingham is surprisingly leafy too, with 571 parks – from Cannon Hill to Sutton via Handsworth and the Botanical Gardens – covering almost 9,000 acres, it boasts more than any other European city. Another way to explore the beautiful scenery is by canal boat – did you know Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice?
The fact that regeneration is continuing at such a rapid place only means that Birmingham is set to get even better, with new public spaces and top attractions seamlessly merging into its industrial heritage to become one of Britain’s best-loved melting pot cities.
With so much to experience in Birmingham, why not start planning your stay at New Hall now? Book here.
