Cheap Vacations to Birmingham
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The city of jewellers
All roads in England lead to Birmingham, which lies less than 200 km (124 mi) from London. A vibrant city, Birmingham proves to be a capital of entertainment and nightlife.
Overview
As an industrial city, Birmingham has very few noteworthy historic sites; however, it does have a wealth of great cultural attractions to offer. At Chamberlain Square, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, whose holdings include the world's largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings, is a must. The museum also offers a wonderful interactive exhibit.
The Ikon Gallery, strategically located on Oozells Square, stands out as one of the most important contemporary-art galleries in Europe. Works by British as well as international artists are on view here. You'll also find a Spanish-style café on the premises.
Those with an appreciation for all manner of jewellery shouldn't miss the historic Jewellery Quarter. Here, some 100 of the most renowned jewellers in Britain, who produce more than a third of the United Kingdom's regalia, can be seen at work. To admire the most beautiful pieces and learn about the district's history, head to the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. The museum also houses a shop that offers a great selection of locally made creations.
In Handsworth, the elegant Soho House, the former home of industrialist Matthew Boulton, is open to the public. Inhabited by Boulton from 1766 to 1809, the place features beautiful rooms as well as a garden.
Chocoholics will undoubtedly make a stop at Cadbury World so as to learn about the history of cocoa, observe the chocolate-making process and enjoy free samples. For the admission fee, visitors also receive a few chocolate bars.
Going Out
Although Birmingham and its region are rather quiet during the day, the city truly comes to life after sundown. Indeed, Birmingham is justly proud of its highly recognized, thriving nightlife. There certainly is no shortage of theatres, live-music venues, pubs, bars and nightclubs of all kinds. The Broad Street-Hurst Street area is proof positive of the city's amazing cultural diversity.
Music-lovers partial to jazz or classical music will enjoy the Birmingham Jazz Festival, held during the first two weeks of July, and the prestigious City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, which regularly performs at the Convention Centre's Symphony Hall. And for theatre-goers, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the Hippodrome and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (in Stratford-upon-Avon, southeast of the city) regularly stage plays.
Last but not least, Birmingham is known as the capital of the balti, a famous Kashmiri dish visitors should be sure to sample before leaving the city, which is home to a great many restaurants ("Baltihouses") specializing in this type of cuisine.
Where on earth
Located in the heart of England, in the Midlands, Birmingham is the second-largest city in the country, after London. It is home to over one million people, with more than twice that in the urban area.
