Top Attractions in Birmingham

National Sea Life Centre

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, the National Sea Life Centre cost an estimated GBP5m to build. One of the most thrilling things about this aquarium is its 360° transparent tunnel, which lets you stand in the middle of the ocean while sharks and other aquatic life forms swim around you. There are 55 displays in total, including the "Kingdom of the Seahorse" and "Claws," featuring the giant Japanese spider crab amongst other fearsome crustacea.

Cadbury World

Cadbury World offers plenty for both kids and chocolate-loving adults alike. There are rides, a factory tour, chocolate-making demonstrations and lots of the popular chocolates for sale at discount prices in the factory shop. You can also learn about the history of both chocolate and the Cadbury family through a series of colourful exhibitions and interactive displays. However: the Cadbury tour is very popular and visits should be booked in advance. Do call or check out the website for timings.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses

These fine gardens called the Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses, opened in 1832, were designed by John Claudius Loudon, a leading garden planner and horticultural journalist. The gardens offer you the chance to see some of the most beautiful greenery in the world along with stunning glasshouses. Attractions besides plants include: indoor aviaries, a restaurant with a fantastic view of the gardens, a children's adventure playground, a gift shop, a plant centre and a gallery displaying work by local artists. Timings vary as per seasons. Check website for details.

Lickey Hills Country Park

A trip to "The Lickeys" has been a popular for generations of Brummies. The park itself, covering 524 acres, is a wonderful mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees, bluebells, marshes and heaths. Furthermore, because of this mix of conditions and plants there is a plethora of wildlife to be seen. Lickey Hills is a great place to learn about natural history and is a favourite day trip for schools. It is also a favourite among mountain bike riders, the highest point of the hills being Beacon Hill which reaches 975 feet. The park includes an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a bowling green. There is also a well-equipped visitor centre. Lickey Hills Country Park is situated to the south-west of the city, in the Bromsgrove area. Do call or check out the website as timings vary seasonally.

Sarehole Mill

Sarehole Mill is a restored Victorian-style working watermill originally built in 1765. Situated on the bank of the River Cole, it features a Victorian engine house and bakehouse and gives an insight into rural life of the period. Sarehole Mill was the inspiration for the village and mill in The Hobbit, since JRR Tolkien used to live in the area and spent much of his childhood by the mill. The mill is open all year round and is a popular destination for school trips.

Sutton Park - National Nature Reserve

Sutton Park, the national nature reserve park covers 2,400 acres of natural beauty with woodland, heaths, wetland and pools. The park contains a rich variety of wildlife, and birds such as kestrels, pheasants, plovers and buntings have been sighted here. Volunteer conservationists and park rangers help to keep this reserve in order and cattle have been restored to part of the park in order to keep young birch trees from entirely taking over areas of land. A cafe and restaurant is also open to those who work up a hunger on their rambles. Do call or visit the website for timings.

Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park is the ideal park for the entire family, offering a variety of facilities including boating lakes, playgrounds, tennis courts, tropical greenhouses and nature conservation areas. It is also the home of the Midland Arts Centre. A walking/bicycling route winds through the grounds that has recently been extended. The park also plays host to a variety of concerts, performances and the annual Fireworks Fantasia. Admission to the park is free.

Birmingham International Tattoo

This event is a show put on by the armed forces, which features military tattoo and a tournament. This event includes the Royal Signals White Helmets with their motorcycles along with gymnasts and dog displays, dancers, Massed bands. The event takes place in late November every year. Held at the National Indoor Arena.

Ward End Park

By the turn of the last century, it was clear that the inhabitants of the eastern part of Birmingham's increasing urban sprawl were in need of an open space. Ward End Park, which opened in 1903 on 54 acres purchased by the city, was the solution. Today, it remains as a great Edwardian park, with mature trees and a boating lake. There are also conservation areas within the park, which is especially popular with young families.

Queen's Park

Not one of Birmingham's largest parks by any means, this is certainly among the prettiest. It commemorates Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and was opened in 1898—a year after the jubilee itself. There are mature trees and very well-tended flower beds, as well as tennis courts and a bowling green used by a local club. Although swings have been removed by the council, a roundabout and slide remain for young children to play on.