A mini guide to: Birmingham

Home of the largest domestic UK population outside of London, Birmingham is a city that rarely boasts of its stature.

Birthplace of Heavy Metal, central figures of the Pop Art movement and more recently, the headquarters of UK Athletics, it's a city that works hard and knows how to express itself.

Image via Chapman Taylor

Easily one of the most architecturally pleasing shopping malls in the UK, Birmingham’s Bullring is host to a multitude of brand names both high and low, as well as coffee shops, restaurants and bars.

Image via Twitter

Keep it quirky with a visit to the Cereal Killer Café (which serves over 100 types of cereal), or opt for a traditional day of personal shopping at Selfridges followed by afternoon tea at Brown’s Bar and Brasserie.

Right across from the train station, the Bullring is well located for a day trip, open until 8pm six days of the week.

Can’t get enough of Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy’s BBC Drama? Step inside the real Peaky Blinders world.

Led by Birmingham City University Professor Carl Chin, Peaky Tours delves into the history of the city gang, walking through the very streets where such criminal activity took place all those years ago.

With prices starting at just £12.95 per person, fit the basic tour into your city break or opt for a longer visit with the £39.95 luxury tour, which includes a Q&A with Professor Chin as well as an authentic meal of faggots and peas at the Anchor, a local Birmingham pub. 

Image via Stage Talk magazine

Located in the Birmingham district of Digbeth, The Custard Factory provides a lovely counter to the Bullring with its street art and well-curated independent shops.

Hosting a variety of pop up sample sales, art showings and street food markets, there is always something happening within The Custard Factory.

Known as Birmingham’s Creative Quarter, the permanent stores are also well worth a visit. Fern & Foxglove Bridal has everything that any alternative bride could want, whilst the Mockingbird offers a 101-seat cinema that shows new releases right back to old black and white classics.

Image via Time Out

Birmingham’s most highly winning wine merchant, a trip to Loki is essential for anyone who knows their Sauvignon from their San Gregorio.

Book onto a tasting class of your preferred ‘machine’ or simply retire with a bottle in their comfy bar—with a list that covers desert wines, champagne and all the usual favourites, it makes a wonderful end to an evening.

Image via The High Field Town House

Take a break from traditional hotel highrises and stay at The High Field Town House.

Located a short distance from the city centre, it’ll feel just like home – cosy open plan living space, roll top baths and modern-meets-art-deco interior styling.

Breakfast comes included, setting you up for a day of exploring. Various deals and offers run throughout the year – keep a eye on their website for the perfect Anniversary or Birthday getaway.