Delightful Facts About Birmingham

For those considering a brief sojourn in an urban setting, Birmingham stands poised as your humble champion. The United Kingdom’s second-largest city, Birmingham, has earned a reputation for its vibrant business scene, industrious past, and tenacious work ethic. Yet, behind this industrious facade lies a city teeming with a vibrant arts scene, dynamic musical culture, and a host of entertainment venues, forming the ideal backdrop for a delightful exploration without extensive travel. Here, we present some fascinating facts about Birmingham that may pique your curiosity and inspire you to experience this city firsthand.

BIRMINGHAM: A TRAVELLER’S INSIGHT

1. Birmingham welcomes 34 million visitors annually, including nearly 1 million from abroad.
2. The esteemed New York Times once rated Birmingham amongst their top 20 must-visit locales.
3. Brimming with youth, the metropolis is one of the youngest in Europe, with nearly 40% of its inhabitants under 25.
4. Boasting five universities and a staggering student population of over 73,000, Birmingham promises a vibrant nightlife.
5. Birmingham Airport ranks third in terms of size within the UK.
6. A staggering 90% of the UK lies within a 4-hour travel radius of Birmingham, with
7. London being a mere 1 hour 25-minute train ride away.

BIRMINGHAM ATTRACTIONS FACTS: AN OVERVIEW

1. Surprisingly, Birmingham has more canals than Venice, with 56 kilometres of waterways.
2. Fondly dubbed ‘Brum’, Birmingham outshines many of its counterparts as one of the UK’s greenest cities, boasting over 8,000 acres and 600 parks and open spaces. According to the city council, that surpasses even Paris!
3. Sutton Park is also one of the largest urban parks outside a capital city in Europe.
4. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and International Convention Centre (ICC) collectively host over 850 events annually.
5. The city comes alive with over 50 festivals yearly, including the Moseley Folk Festival, Flat Pack film festival, Fierce art festival, and the mammoth Birmingham International Jazz Festival.
6. Birmingham’s Bullring is one of the largest shopping centres in Europe and has been the ‘go-to’ shopping destination since medieval times, hosting markets since the 12th century.
7. Birmingham ranks third in popularity for shopping destinations across the UK.
8. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery takes pride in owning the world’s largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings.
9. The Birmingham Hippodrome is the busiest theatre in the UK, attracting over 520,000 visitors annually.
10. Birmingham is the birthplace of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It’s said that people and places inspired his writings in the city.
11. The city also holds a significant place in heavy metal music history, being the birthplace of bands such as Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Led Zeppelin.
12. St Chad’s Cathedral, an architectural marvel, was designed by Sir Charles Barry, the same architect behind London’s Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
13. Birmingham Cathedral houses stunning stained-glass windows, the work of Edward Burne-Jones, a master of the craft and a native of Birmingham.
14. Soho House, the erstwhile residence of inventor and trailblazing industrialist Matthew Boulton, is also in Birmingham. Boulton’s personal fortune was at one time twice as large as that of Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates!
15. Birmingham is full of cost-free art, music, and history activities. 
16. Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter produces 40% of all UK-made jewellery. It also boasts the highest concentration of jewellery businesses in Europe.

CULINARY FACTS OF BIRMINGHAM

1. Birmingham is part of Délice – a global Good Food Cities network.
2. The city is home to five Michelin-starred restaurants, more than any other city outside of London in the UK.
3. Birmingham is famous for its ‘Balti Triangle’ housing over 100 Balti restaurants, which attract more than 20,000 visitors weekly.
4. Birmingham is the birthplace of several beloved food and beverage brands, including Bird’s Custard, Cadbury Chocolate, Bournville Drinking Chocolate, HP Sauce, and Typhoo Tea.

So, there you have it! These delightful discoveries offer a glimpse into the unique charm of Birmingham. From historical treasures and cultural events to green spaces and a bustling food scene, Birmingham is a city that seamlessly blends the past with the present. The city, with its youthful energy and rich heritage, promises an experience that’s both enriching and exciting. To truly immerse yourself in the vibrancy of Birmingham, consider hiring one of our minibuses. Designed for comfort and convenience, our minibuses make touring and sightseeing in Birmingham an absolute pleasure. Whether you’re a local or an international visitor, Birmingham, with its captivating tapestry of life, invites you to step in and explore its wonders. So why wait? Hop on and embark on your Birmingham adventure today!