| Britain's second city with around a million inhabitants, | | | | foot tall tower that was built during the mid 1700's and |
| Birmingham is located almost centrally in the country. It | | | | is clearly visible above the local houses and |
| is a diverse city with plenty of things to see and do | | | | businesses. |
| when you visit. | | | | If you're looking for nightlife in Birmingham, you should |
| There is a long tradition of brewing beer in the | | | | concentrate on both Brindleyplace and Broad Street. |
| Birmingham and although most of the younger | | | | There are plenty of stylish pubs, clubs and restaurants |
| population drink lager, traditional British ales are readily | | | | to keep you occupied late into the night. |
| available in the city's many Victorian pubs and bars, | | | | Alternate years see the Birmingham International |
| including the Old Crown in Deritend, which dates back | | | | Festival taking place. This is a Caribbean style carnival |
| to around 1450. | | | | with plenty of floats and colourful costumes to keep |
| Birmingham has a massive network of canals - | | | | spectators interested. |
| surprisingly, it has even more canals than Venice. | | | | Cinema fans won't be disappointed - Birmingham is |
| These formed the early transport network but | | | | home to the UK's oldest working cinema, the Electric |
| nowadays they are mainly used for leisure and you | | | | Cinema, found on Station Street. The Odeon chain |
| can take short breaks on the waterways to explore | | | | started its life in the city during the 1920s. The local |
| almost undiscovered parts of the city. | | | | listing magazines will give you full information about the |
| Brindley Place has recently been the subject of a multi | | | | mainstream and independent films that are being |
| million pound redevelopment. It features many | | | | shown during your stay in the city, although if you want |
| canal-side pubs and restaurants and is centrally | | | | to watch a current movie in complete comfort then |
| located, so you'll be able to reach it easily from your | | | | the Star City complex is well worth a visit. |
| hotel when you stay in the city. The general area also | | | | Famous Birmingham residents now have their own |
| features large open spaces, theatres and art galleries. | | | | Walk of Stars, inspired by Hollywood's Walk of Fame. |
| The large Central Square often features open air arts | | | | Here you can find stars dedicated to famous |
| events and is home to the annual Arts Fest. | | | | Birmingham residents as diverse as Ozzy Osbourne |
| There is plenty to do in Birmingham for children and | | | | and the comedian Jasper Carrott. Slade fans won't be |
| adults alike. Whether you are looking for modern | | | | disappointed either - Noddy Holder has been honoured |
| spectacles such as Sea World or earlier and more | | | | with a star as well! |
| esoteric places such as the Botanical gardens. | | | | Music fans of every taste are able to find something in |
| The author J R R Tolkein was born in the city and it is | | | | Birmingham. From the massive concerts held at the |
| rumored that a number of scenes in his classic novel | | | | nearby National Exhibition Centre through to small local |
| The Lord of the Rings were inspired by regions such | | | | venues featuring everything from jazz to heavy metal |
| as Moseley bog and Perrott's Folly. The folly is a 96 | | | | music and all points inbetween. |