Celebrate English Tourism Week in Birmingham

Taking place in Spring each year, English Tourism Week celebrates the value and quality of the incredible tourist attractions we have in England, making our places great to visit.

Birmingham is bursting with unique and interesting things to do. The city is home to an extraordinary selection of attractions, restaurants and hotels, making your time here like no other!

So if you’re after an unforgettable time in the city, carry on reading to discover just a few things that make Birmingham great! 

1. Explore the Jewellery Quarter.

Did you know 40% of the UKs jewellery is from right here in the heart of Birmingham?

The Jewellery Quarter (JQ) is a historic and vibrant gem found in Birmingham and has a fascinating history spanning over 250 years. Since the 1800s this quarter has been a hub for jewellery making and home to some of the most highly skilled and talented jewellery makers and goldsmiths in the world.

When exploring the JQ, be sure to enter into a macabre world at The Coffin Works. This museum is a rare and wonderfully preserved example of Victorian engineering, which produced some of the finest coffin furniture, including fittings for the funerals of Sir Winston Churchill, Joseph Chamberlain and the Queen Mother.

As most of the furnishings have been left untouched, you’ll truly feel like you have stepped into a time capsule!

2. Discover Birmingham’s spectacular canals!

You probably already know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice. Not only that, but it is full of hidden gems and is studded with gorgeous scenery - some of which you’ll only be able to see on a boat tour.

You’ll be able to discover the city’s beautiful canals on a relaxing Sherborne Warf Heritage Narrowboat. Situated on Birmingham's historic 'Main Line' route, Sherborne Warf is a reminder of the city's Victorian might. On your journey, you’ll drift past historic sites and take in modern landmarks such as the National Indoor Arena and the charming Gas Street Basin.

Great British Boating will make your trip to the canals a truly unique experience. This service offers a range of canal boat holidays and has all of the information you need to plan and make the most of your time.

Just to add for all of you Steven Knight fans, the canals were also an inspiration for hit TV show Peaky Blinders!

3. Explore the world of JRR Tolkien at Sarehole Mill.

Part of the Tolkien Trail, this watermill, dating back to the 16^th century was a key inspiration for the author’s stories, in particular ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’.

With its permanent exhibition ‘Signposts to Middle-earth’, you’ll be able to learn all about what inspired this author. This family-friendly exhibition explores the connections of Tolkien with Sarehole Mill and the surrounding area, and is definitely a must see!

To celebrate 50 years of the Tolkien Society, between 7-10 August, the society is hosting the largest celebration of this special author. This will bring together hundreds of fans, scholars and artists from all over the world.

4. Be inspired and learn about the city’s diverse history all at once!

Birmingham is home to some of the nation’s favourite museums and art galleries, such as Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) and Ikon. These wonderful institutions regularly play host to an array of inspiring exhibitions, such as Brave: The Girls of South Sudan and Handsworth Self Portrait – 40 years on.

Currently BMAG holds the most important collection of Pre-Raphaelite art in the world and the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.

5. Sit back and relax at Winterbourne House and Garden.

Winterbourne House is a hidden gem tucked away in the leafy district of Edgbaston, minutes away from the city centre. It is a rare surviving example of an early 20^th century suburban villa and garden.

First owners of the home, Margaret and John Nettlefold lovingly crafted the garden, using the books of Gertrude Jekyll as guides and inspiration. The garden was further changed by its third owner, John Nicolson who added features such as a Japanese bridge and scree garden. Now the botanical garden is used for study and relaxation by students, and research by the School of Botany.

6. Get creative in Digbeth!

Get creative and explore Birmingham’s cool and quirky quarter, Digbeth. In 2018 The Sunday Times' Homes supplement even named Digbeth as the ‘Coolest Neighbourhood in Britain’!

Walking around Digbeth, you’ll notice that the walls are covered with beautiful pieces of street art. The free Walk Run Cycle Birmingham app allows you to fully appreciate its beauty on a self-guided tour around the neighbourhood.

Also find here the Custard Factory, a creative space filled with some of the quirkiest independent retailers and the award-winning street-food vendor Digbeth Dining Club.

7. Take in the breath taking city with a heritage tour!

As you have probably realised, Birmingham is one of the most interesting and photogenic cities around. If you want to appreciate all that this city has to offer, go on a unique sightseeing tour.

Brum Tours offers a range of unique trips around the city. From their famous Peaky Blinders Tours to the eerie City of the Dead Tour, Brum Tours has something that will please everyone!

Click this link to discover the exciting things that are taking place across Birmingham for English Tourism Week!