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 Birmingham's finest canvas |
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TS United Kingdom +44 121 472 0962 (24 hour line)/ +44 121 414 7333 http://www.barber.org.uk/ |
A little way out from the city centre but easy to get to, the Barber Institute is adjacent to the University of Birmingham. This is one of the world's finest small art galleries with an outstanding collection of old and modern paintings, drawings and sculpture. This gallery is not normally as busy as some larger galleries, so your tour will be uncrowded and pleasant. Artists' works include Bellini, Canaletto, Monet, Renoir, Rossetti and Van Gogh. The Institute is also a regular venue for concerts, lectures and other events. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: bbamethyst  |
 Photo: Richard Harper |
 A chocolate experience |
Linden Road Bournville Birmingham United Kingdom +44 121 451 4180 (24 hours)/ +44 121 451 4159 http://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/ |
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. One word of warning, however: the Cadbury tour is very popular and visits should be booked in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anna Briggs |
 Photo: Belinda Summerville |
 Photo: Mark Smith |
 Photo: Lala |
 Photo: Matt Cleary |
 Photo: Kevin Morrice |
 Photo: Sharon Stevens |
 Photo: Alex Graham |
 Photo: Tim Thompson |
 Picnics a-plenty |
Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RD United Kingdom +44 121 442 4226 |
This 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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Sloman |
 Photo: David Rivier |
 Photo: John Dalkin |
 Photo: Tanya Upton |
 Photo: Michael Summers |
 Photo: Jonathan Sloman |
 Photo: namalzir |
 Photo: Giles Keen |
 Photo: John Wesley Barker |
 Photo: Emily Quinton |
 Photo: Matthew McConkey |
 Photo: DEBASISH DAS |
 Photo: Paul Tomlins |
 Fantastic fashion exhibition |
Broad Street (NEC) Birmingham B40 1NT United Kingdom +44 (0)121 780 4141 http://www.clotheshowlive.com/ |
This regular event is a fashion extravaganza not to be missed if you care about clothes. With the participation of top BBC shows such as 'Looking Good' and 'Style Challenge', not to mention 'Radio 1', this claims to be the largest fashion and social event in the world. Stunning catwalk shows will feature models wearing the most exciting new designs, and style scouts will be mingling with the crowds looking for new talent. Bargains galore will be available. Proceeds from the event benefit the British Heart Foundation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bushra Khatoon |
 Photo: Bushra Khatoon |
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Famous dog show |
Broad Street (NEC) Birmingham B40 1NT United Kingdom +44 121 780 4141 http://www.the-kennel-club.org... |
The first Crufts show took place in Islington in 1891 and today is known as 'the world's greatest dog show'. The most coveted prize is the 'Best in Show' award, for which over 21,000 pedigree dogs compete. There is a wide variety of trade stalls at Crufts, selling all kinds of items for grooming, training and rearing your dog. There's also an exhibition entitled Discover Dogs, allowing owners to discuss needs and problems of individual breeds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.sonoflelland.com |
 Photo: Carol Lydia Jones |
 Photo: www.sonoflelland.com |
 Photo: Adrian Kelly |
 Photo: wzwjon |
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Birmingham United Kingdom |
The Sanctuary nightclub is down here as is the coach station (you may think this is not much to recommend the place and you'd be right). Recently, however, much cash has been invested in this area and one result has been the Custard Factory - this is a venue for younger people to eat, drink and watch/perform drama, music and dance pieces. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: eightball |
 Photo: annahardy |
 Photo: Steve Sawford |
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Birmingham United Kingdom |
Loads of interesting places here, including one of the excellent King Edward Schools and the BBC Pebble Mill TV and radio studios. There's a wonderful and popular reservoir near Birmingham University where you can find the Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Daniel Darwin |
 Photo: gazuk1963 |
 Photo: John Dovey |
 Photo: Sarah Prentice |
 Photo: Phil Whelan |
 Photo: Peter Aston |
 Photo: Mark Hewson |
 Photo: John Kemp |
 Photo: Saurabh Kohok |
 Photo: John Patrick |
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Birmingham United Kingdom |
Not far from the city centre, this is the place to learn about Birmingham's jewellery industry at the Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jon Hill |
 Photo: Kevin Boyd |
 Photo: liz_com1981 |
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Innovative and contemporary modern art |
1 Oozells Square Brindleyplace Birmingham B1 2HS United Kingdom +44 121 248 0708 http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/ |
Birmingham's Ikon Gallery is one of Europe's premier venues for new art. As well as art exhibitions, the gallery also organises public talks, gallery tours and special events. Conveniently situated just off Broad Street, in the fabulously trendy Brindleyplace complex, the gallery has two floors (440 square metres) of exhibition space. There is also a special education and events room, a resource area for visitors, a cafe and an art bookshop. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stuart Atkins |
 Photo: Matt Murtagh |
 Photo: Sarah Gallagher |
 Photo: Nick Brickett |
 Photo: Andrew Green |
 Photo: Stuart Mason |
 Photo: Wilfred Knievel |
 Photo: monsters monsters |
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International meeting place |
Broad Street Birmingham B1 2AE United Kingdom +44 121 200 2000 |
A striking modern building, opened in 1991, the ICC faces on to Centenary Square and is ideally situated for central hotels and amenities. Of particular architectural interest is its angular design and impressive neon sculpture in the foyer. It has hosted many conventions of international importance and was a focal point for the G8 Summit meeting of world leaders in 1998. It also houses the entrance to the Symphony Hall, has a small cafe on the lower floor and contains conference rooms and halls to suit all but the very largest events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: vitaee™｜Shu Di |
 Photo: Martin O'Connell |
 Photo: Karen Cameron |
 Photo: Greg Vivash |
 Photo: Trav28 |
 Photo: Pete S |
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Jools Holland venture |
1 Saint Paul's Square Birmingham B3 1QU United Kingdom +44 121 200 3030 http://www.thejamhouse.com |
Now well-established in St. Paul's Square, The Jam House is backed by ex-Squeeze keyboarder and TV presenter Jools Holland. The club is spread over three airy floors, the top one being an open-plan restaurant serving modern world cuisine. The menu is set, although it changes regularly, and two courses will cost GBP21; three courses cost GBP25. Music, however, is the driving force with live fare nightly, and even a traditional Louisiana gospel brunch on Sundays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Pre-party bar |
193 – 194 Broad Street Birmingham B15 1AY United Kingdom +44 121 616 1300 |
Key Largo is, in its own words, "a pre-club bar", but the management offers the opportunity and space for customers to have a bit of a dance. A wide range of music is played, depending on which night you visit, and the volume becomes almost deafening late in the evening. If you are peckish, then there are fairly good quality bar snacks such as burgers, baltis and some Mexican delicacies. The normal drinks range is offered, with the emphasis on bottled lagers. Ask about the impressive daytime discounts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Entertainment Utopia |
Edgbaston Road, off Pershore Road (A441) and Bristol Road (A38) At Cannon Hill Park Birmingham B12 9QH United Kingdom +44 (0)121 440 3838 http://www.macarts.co.uk/ |
The mac is one of the country's leading arts' centres, welcoming over half a million visitors each year. The centre covers all aspects of art and culture within the region and is appreciated by everyone who comes here. There are three performance spaces, 14 studios/workshops, an outdoor arena, a cinema, six galleries and exhibition spaces. The centre has a wide-ranging programme covering performance arts such as drama and dance, music, film, and comedy. The great thing about the mac is that it caters for everyone and has a real community feel; there are puppet theatres for the younger ones, foreign films and theatrical productions to suit all tastes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy |
 Photo: Larry Tomkins |
 Photo: robanti |
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Birmingham's most famous industry |
75–79 Vyse Street Hockley Birmingham B18 6HA United Kingdom +44 121 554 3598 |
The jewellery industry developed in Birmingham from the mid-19th century. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is an award-winning working museum which offers a guided tour around a real jewellery factory, showing you all the different aspects of jewellery in the 19th century and also highlighting the work of new designers. There is a tea room, in case you need refreshments, plus a shop from which you can purchase souvenirs, books and jewellery. If English is not your mother tongue, then you can will find guided tours on tape in French, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish and German. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Premier concert and exhibition venue |
The National Exhibition Centre Birmingham B40 1NT United Kingdom +44 (0)121 780 4141 http://www.necgroup.co.uk |
With 21 halls covering 200,000 square metres of space, the NEC is reputed to be the busiest exhibition centre in Europe. Over 180 exhibitions are staged here every year, 30 per cent for the general public and 70 per cent for trade. It is definitely a successful and popular venue—it holds annual exhibitions like the BBC's Clothes Show Live and the famous Motor Show. Extensive conference facilities and an array of eating options complement this spacious venue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Bloom |
 Photo: Chris Bloom |
 Photo: Alan Knell |
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Sports and music |
King Edward's Road Birmingham B1 2AA United Kingdom +44 121 780 4141 http://www.necgroup.co.uk/visi... |
The National Indoor Arena is the venue for indoor sports, ball games, contact sports and athletic sports. In fact, they say that 30 different sports are played here and three world records have been set on the athletics track that can be dismantled and stored away. This venue is not just used for sports, however; programs such as the Eurovision Song Contest and Gladiators have been televised from here. Business conferences and concerts are also held and almost 13,000 people can be seated in the arena. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jonnyfez |
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Rest & Repose? Not Likely |
78 Digbeth High Street Birmingham B5 6DY United Kingdom +44 121 246 1010 |
The Sanctuary, established in 1998, is one of Birmingham's premier nightclubs. Previously known as the Institute, the venue is also one of the largest in the city. The club boasts a top DJ line-up, attracting clubbers from all over the country. Music is a variety of hard house, indie and big beat and there's a special night for students during term time on a Tuesday and a 70's night has recently started up. It's most famous club night, Godskitchen, has however now moved to the Code superclub nearby. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The best musical venue outside London |
Broad Street Birmingham B1 2EA United Kingdom +44 121 200 2000 / +44 121 780 3333 http://www.necgroup.co.uk/visi... |
Since opening in 1991, the Symphony Hall has been acknowledged as one of the finest concert halls in the world. The hall is home to the world famous City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and also plays host to visiting orchestras, celebrity recitals, non-classical acts and top comedians. It is one of the first ports of call for serious entertainment because of the fantastic acoustics; there is a reverberation chamber, a highly visual acoustic canopy and acoustic curtains. To experience Verdi's Aida or Wagner's Das Rheingold to full effect, come here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steph Jennings |
 Photo: Rob Annable |
 Photo: Ivan |
 Photo: Stinco di Porco |
 Photo: OrangeJon.com |
 Photo: Ramsay McIver |
 Photo: Matt Knight |
 Photo: andrewmew1968 |
 Photo: Dan Maharry |
 Photo: Fiona Baker |
 Photo: Claude |
 Photo: Mike Rigby |
 Photo: Terry Caulton |
 Photo: Vicky O'Connor(mngg) |
 Photo: John Turner |
 Photo: mackerpics |
 Photo: Ian Nelson |
 Photo: Moody Blue |
 Photo: Nutan Panwar |
 Photo: Mixclix |
 Photo: Giselle Tabone |
 Photo: Diamond Stardust |
 Photo: jessie crochet |
 Photo: Maretta Jerrett |
 Photo: Ed 1973 |
 Photo: John Marshall |
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All-nighter club |
Branston Street Hockley Birmingham B18 6BP United Kingdom +44 121 233 0339 |
The Venue is renowned for its weekend all-nighters. Friday night hosts "Venue", playing house and US garage in two rooms from 10p-6a. Saturday night is called "Play House" - another all-nighter also playing varied deep house and garage with well-known guest DJs on the turntables. It's not a place that attracts the self-consciously cool brigade, the clientèle being too focused on the music to care what labels might be on show. Review © 2007, Wcities |