48 hours by the water in Birmingham

Over the years Birmingham hasn’t exactly attracted a reputation for being the most glamorous of locations. The town was best known for being ugly, uninspiring and dilapidated rather than one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The past couple of decades have been a different story however. Birmingham’s waterscape and the city surrounding it have changed dramatically for the better.

Brindleyplace and Gas Street Basin led the city’s regeneration in the early 90s and the area is now bursting with the most fashionable shops, restaurants, bars, galleries and offices. Far from being in competition with London for the ‘top spot’ Birmingham is defining itself under its own terms with a cosmopolitan blend of the arts, museums, retail experiences and every cuisine you could think of.

With the network of canals traversing the city, and much of the centre being pedestrianised, exploring by foot is a good option. We’ve put together some of our (and our readers’) highlights of the city which are in easy reach of the canals.

What to see and do

National Sealife Centre
The National Sea Life Centre in Brindleyplace is one of the city’s major tourist attractions. The centre’s one-million-litre ocean tank is home to the country’s first hammer head sharks as well as two giant sea turtles and thousands of tropical fish. Children have the opportunity to hold crabs and starfish and watch a 4D movie.

Mailbox and new Cube development
Backing on to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, the Mailbox (previously a Royal Mail sorting office) is Birmingham’s answer to Bond Street. With high end fashion retailers including Harvey Nichols, restaurants and even two hotels, hardcore shopping addicts could spend 48 hours here alone.

If shopping isn’t your thing then head to the BBC Studios housed in the Mailbox. In the Public Space area on the seventh floor you can take a peek into the BBC Asian Network Studios and keep an eye out for presenters and actors. You can also log onto the BBC website in the Café or take a studio tour (it’s free but book in advance).

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Just a short stroll away from the canal is Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Being the largest local authority museum service in the country it’s well worth putting aside a couple of hours to explore. Housing a large collection of pre-Raphaelite art, temporary exhibitions and over 500,000 objects from all over the world it’s a great place to learn about social history, archaeology and ethnography.

Evening entertainment

In addition to a fine selection of bars and clubs, Birmingham also hosts world class entertainment venues such as the NEC, NIA and Hippodrome.

National Indoor Arena
The National Indoor Arena, which sights right on the BCN opposite the Sea Life Centre, plays host to world class music acts, comedy shows and sporting events. From Thai Boxing to Monster Trucks it has plenty to offer.

Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Hippodrome is just a short stroll from Gas Street Basin and is home to the latest hit musicals and theatre productions. Following its £35 million redevelopment in 2001, the theatre attracts over 500,000 visitors each year.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Founded in 1913, the Repertory Theatre stages contemporary British and foreign plays, and over the years has been responsible for launching the careers of many actors and directors. In addition it also stages child-friendly productions on a regular basis. If you find the Hippodrome too ‘mainstream’ for your tastes check out ‘the Rep’.

Where to eat

away2dine
You can’t get any closer to the canal than this floating restaurant, which cruises around the Birmingham Canal Network while diners enjoy a five course meal by candlelight. If you’d rather see the canals by day you can always opt for a three course Sunday lunch.

Mash House Café Bar
The Mash House Café Bar in Brindleyplace is the place to go if you want to sample great British food at very reasonable prices. Sitting right next to the canal in Brindleyplace, it’s a great place to go if you want down to earth food in modern surroundings.

Jimmy Spices Buffetworks
Around the world in 80 dishes has attracted a huge following. Situated on Regency Wharf here you can start your meal in Thailand, treat yourself to Mexican for mains and head to Italy for desert.

Last updated: 14/09/2010