Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Variety of boat trips offered |
Brindley place All Saints Street Birmingham B18 United Kingdom +44 121 507 0477 |
The National Sea Life Centre at Brindleyplace is the appropriate starting point for all boat trips offered by this company. Birthday parties, school trips, weddings and corporate hospitality are all in the repertoire, and boats have a bar with light refreshments available. Music of your own choice will pipe you aboard and send you on your way. Please call for further details on facilities, departure times and prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Magical History Tour |
Great Barr Street Birmingham B5 United Kingdom +44 121 643 2514 http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/G... |
A self-guided tour (full details and a map are available from local tourist information centres), the trail goes through Digbeth, not far from the city centre. It's actually one of the oldest parts of the city and much of it was burned down by Prince Rupert during the Civil War. The Tuck Trail concentrates on the marvellous old surviving buildings from the Industrial Revolution onwards and introduces the visitor to some of the historical characters of this fascinating area. Digbeth is currently undergoing redevelopment—but it is being done sympathetically, with an emphasis on keeping the best of the old buildings and converting them to other uses. The Custard Factory arts centre (which was a custard factory, hence the name) is an example of this. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Rail excursions |
49 Bodenham Road Northfield Birmingham B31 5DR United Kingdom +44 121 477 4375 http://www.excursions.freeserv... |
Take a step back in time with a journey on a steam train. Luxurious Pullman coaches will be your accommodation as you travel along the Gloucestershire or Warwickshire railway amid attractive scenery. Tours are available at various times throughout the year, and your trip will include a meal. Excursions are ideal for celebrating special occasions or just for those who want to dine in nostalgic style. Visit the web site or send an e-mail for full details of excursion times, dates and prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Under-the-Radar Sights |
Addison Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7EP United Kingdom +44 121 444 3900 http://www.hiddenhistory.co.uk/ |
Hidden History Tours specialize in trips to historical locations in various parts of the country. Many are in the Midlands and within a short distance of Birmingham. Others, such as trips to Hadrian's Wall and Stonehenge, are a little further afield. Expert guides who really know their historical stuff will accompany you, and you should come away with a better understanding of Britain's heritage. Prices vary according to the trip; telephone or e-mail any time for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Historic gems |
Jewellery Quarter, Hockley Birmingham B18 United Kingdom |
The Jewellery Quarter is one of Birmingham's great gems (if you'll excuse the pun). There are well over 100 jewellery shops and workshops in this area, about 15 minutes' walk from the city centre. The local council has put together a tour leaflet, which is available from local tourist information centres as well as the Jewellery Quarter Discovery Centre in the heart of the quarter itself. The leaflet enables the visitor to take a guided tour on foot around the area, noting some of its most fascinating features. If you don't have a leaflet, or can't get one (which is unlikely), then follow the signposts from the city centre to St Paul's Square. Here you will find a fine church and further plaques and signposts to guide you through the quarter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Wilson |
|
Summertime canal trips |
2 Kingston Row Birmingham B1 2JT United Kingdom +44 121 236 7057 |
As Birmingham has so many canals, a boat trip can be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon - and to see some of the canalside sights. Parties Afloat offers a series of regular trips lasting from an hour to an hour and a half. Operating from Gas Street Basin, just off Broad Street, the cruises are usually available during the summer. Private boat trips to places such as Cadbury World and the Black Country Living Museum are also available, and the boat can be chartered for parties of up to 46 people. The boat has a licensed bar and serves refreshments. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Float through Birmingham |
Gas Street Birmingham B1 2JU United Kingdom +44 121 236 9811 (Souvenir Shop) / +44 8000 15 1153 (Toll free) http://www.secondcityboats.co.uk/ |
Birmingham has more canals than any other city in the country. Second City offers canal cruises for anytime you feel like a trip by water - even throughout the night. There are regular boat trips along the canals and destinations include the Black Country Museum. It is possible to charter boats for private parties - ring for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Reinhardt |