It is one of the oldest stadiums in the world, having first opened in 1897. It has hosted FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship matches. In fact, it holds the unofficial title of the stadium that has hosted the most semi-finals of the FA Cup. Boxing, rugby and many concerts have also been held. Its capacity is 42,675 seats and despite the reconstructions, it still has the aura of the era when it was first built. It went down in history because it was where the last UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final was held in 1999. Aston Park is next to the stadium. There is also a sports complex around the perimeter.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO VILLA PARK
*** BUS: 42, 46, 50, 167.
BIRMINGHAM: METROPOLIS OF CULTURE
It is a growing tourist destination with a rich culture, with a culture that will fascinate you and a center of trade. In this city J.R.R. Tolkien was inspired to write the famous work “The Lord of the Rings”. The museums, the libraries, the charm of the old English world with the modern and the warmth of its inhabitants rank it in a city that offers daily surprises. 1970s architectural elements and lovely canals coexist with modern architecture.
Currency: Pound Sterling
Calling Code: +44
Nearest airports from city center: Birmingham Airport (22km), East Midlands Airport (61km), Gloucestershire Airport (94km), Manchester Airport (127km), Sheffield Airport (138km), London Luton Airport (143km), Liverpool Airport (150km), Bristol Airport (172km), London Heathrow Airport (183km), Gatwick Airport (241km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY (Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3DH)
It has approximately 500,000 works of art in over 40 art galleries and span 7 centuries of European culture.
*** LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM (1 Centenary Sq, Birmingham B1 2EA)
Visit a space with collections of rare books, photographs and among other things, you will also see a modern gallery.
*** WINTERBURNE HOUSE & GARDEN (58 Edgbaston Park Rd, Birmingham B15 2RT)
It is a unique heritage attraction that includes an antique house and over 6,000 species of plants from around the world. Walk through the forest and you will be enchanted.
*** THE COFFINS WORK (13-15 Fleet St, Birmingham B3 1JP)
It is a museum that essentially presents the history of the city’s last coffin furniture factory.
*** JEWELLERY QUARTER
It is a special and historic neighborhood that has a history of more than two centuries. Visit the Museum of the Jewelery Quarter in a place where over 500 jewelery businesses are located.
*** SEA LIFE CENTRE (The Water’s Edge, Eleven Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2HL)
It is a fantastic aquarium with hundreds of species of water creatures to “companion” you every step of the way in the building.
*** THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS (Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR)
It is one of the UK’s most important Botanic Gardens and has been intact since 1829. Over 7,000 species of plants, two Alpine Gardens, the Japanese Garden with its Bonsai collection and much more, will captivate you in the oasis of greenery that is presented right before your eyes.
*** THINKTANK BIRMINGHAM SCIENCE MUSEUM (Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham B4 7XG)
It was opened in 2001 and you will have the opportunity to discover the world of science and the evolution of technology.
*** ASTON HALL (Trinity Rd, Birmingham B6 6JD)
It was built in the early to mid 17th century and is an architectural masterpiece. You should definitely visit the listed Jacobean house.
*** THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM (Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ)
Those of you who love motorcycles, then you have come to your own “paradise”. Here you will find the largest collection of British motorcycles in the world.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** The Pen Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the pen in the city and the country in general.
*** Lapworth Museum of Geology is also a good choice to spend your time.
*** Walk the lovely canals of the city and we would recommend walking especially in the evening.
*** The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is a gallery that will impress you.
*** Selly Manor Museum and Soho House Museum are two museums that deserve your attention.
*** West Midlands Police Museum is also a place we would recommend you visit.
*** It is worth a walk from Winterbourne House & Garden and to see a special history of the town.
FOOD AND DRINK
In the city you will find excellent dining options from many cuisines (British, Mediterranean, American, Latin American, African and Asian). From traditional foods you can try Panackelty, Pan Haggerty, Parmo and Craster Kippers. Of course you will find many fish and chip restaurants. Also try the Pease Pudding and we’d recommend packing in the Chevington Cheese which was first made in 1895. Accompany your meal with beer. On top of that, you will find many bars in every corner of the city to try the cocktails.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find several hotel or accommodation options for all budgets, both in the city center and a little outside the center.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Visit Cadbury World and experience the magic of chocolate!
*** Birmingham Hippodrome is a historic theatre. If you happen to be in Birmingham and there is a show on, then book tickets to enjoy the spectacle.
*** Bullring & Grand Central is an ideal place for your shopping.
*** The Square Shopping Center is also a spot loved by locals for their shopping.
*** Great Western Arcade is another shopping area worth visiting.
*** Martineau Place, Piccadilly Arcade, Grand Central Shopping Centre, Arcadian and The Fort Shopping Park are some places where you will be pleasantly surprised with your shopping options.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike or by bus.
CITIES NEAR BIRMINGHAM
Major cities close to Birmingham are Wolverhampton (19km), Coventry (35km), Derby (67km), Leicester (69km), Stoke–on–Trent (72km), Nottingham (82km), Milton Keynes (112km), Oxford (123km), Manchester (138km), Sheffield (146km), Swindon (149km), Liverpool (159km), Cambridge (161km), London (188km).
