Back

Birmingham tourist attractions

Sep 16, 2022
Birmingham tourist attractions
Travelling around the West Midlands? Birmingham has all the reasons to be part of your itinerary. For example, did you know that it has more canals than Venice? And that is home to the UK’s oldest working cinema? Believe it or not, this is only the tip of the iceberg!

Read on as we dive deep into Birmingham’s best tourist attractions.

St Philip’s Cathedral

 
Located in the Jewellery Quarter, St Philip’s Cathedral was designed by Thomas Archer and consecrated in 1715. The cathedral was a parish church when it was first built, elevated to its present status in 1905. It represents Baroque art at its finest and is famous for being England’s third smallest. It was severely damaged during World War II but was restored in 1948 and is today a must-see landmark. 
 
Opening times: From Monday to Friday between 07.20-17:00; Saturday and Sunday between 08:20-17:00
Ticket prices: Free of charge
Find out more: https://birminghamcathedral.com/
 

Aston Hall

 
Steeped in 400 years of history, Aston Hall is a 17th-century mansion house and a Grade I listed building. It lies within the picturesque Green Flag public park, about 3 miles from Birmingham’s city centre. 
 
It was built for Sir Thomas Holte between 1618 and 1635, who lived there with his family until 1817. Today, you can visit the display rooms and roam around the majestic gardens. We recommend booking in advance. 
 
Opening times: From Wednesday to Sunday between 12:00-16:00
Ticket prices: Adults £9; Children (3-15 yo) £3; Concessions £7; Children under 3 enter for free
Find out more: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston
 

Birmingham Back to Backs

 
Truly unique to the city, Birmingham Back to Backs are the last surviving example of back-to-back houses where the working class used to live. They are also known as ‘Court 15’ - a mid-19th century courtyard today operated as a historic house museum by the National Trust. Visits are possible with a guided tour only, where you’ll visit the ground floor and a traditional 1930s sweet shop.
 
Opening times: Tuesday and Wednesday between 13:00-15:00; from Thursday to Saturday between 10:00-15:00; Sunday from 10:30 to 15:00
Ticket prices: Adults £9.50; Children £4.75; Family £23.75; Family (one adult) £14.25 
Find out more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birmingham-back-to-backs
 

Library of Birmingham

 
An architectural wonder inside and outside, the Library of Birmingham is another iconic landmark. Opened in 2013, this public library is Europe’s largest and sits right in the heart of the action, in Centenary Square. The building is spread out on ten levels, hosting Shakespeare’s memorial room (with 50,000 volumes!), the British Film Institute National Archive and two rooftop terraces.
 
Opening times: From Monday and Tuesday 11:00-19:00; from Tuesday to Saturday between 11:00-17:00; Sunday closed
Ticket prices: Free of charge
Find out more: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/libraryofbirmingham
 

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

 
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery stands proud in the heart of the action and showcases an impressive collection of paintings, British ceramics, jewellery, metalwork and natural history. A visit here promises a journey through the world-class work of Rossetti, Millais and Hunt – an exceptional treat. 
 
Opening times: From Monday to Friday from 10:00-17:00
Ticket prices: Free entry; some exhibitions may charge
Find out more: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag
 

Symphony Hall

 
Voted for boasting the seventh-best acoustic in the world, the Symphony Hall is a celebration of all types of music at their finest. Opened in 1991, this concert hall is a must-play venue for artists from around the world. Over the years, it has welcomed countless international stars, including Bruce Springsteen, Grace Jones and Van Morrison. 
 
Ticket prices: Admissions vary according to the performance.
Find out more: https://bmusic.co.uk/your-visit/symphony-hall
 
The city brims with fascinating museums,  magnificent churches and a diverse culinary scene . You can spend a day shopping at Bullring mall, graffiti-hunting or go on a canal tour. One thing is sure: there is never a dull day in Brum!
 

Related Articles