Driving through Birmingham with DD

[thewinehasgonetomyhead]

I am driving to Arena Birmingham tomorrow with DD (3 yrs) from just outside Nuneaton. I have checked my route and I believe I avoid the Paradise Circus closure. I’ve looked into the train but don’t fancy a 15-20 minute walk across b’ham with DD. Am I mad? Any pointers?

Driving round Birmingham is fine, even with the roadworks. Even with rush hour traffic I've not anything too hideous.

Ok thank you

Is it the Genting Arena or the NIA?
Both easy to get to via train and car.

It’s Arena Birmingham on King Edwards Rd.

New street is quite far from there, but that said the walk is quite pleasant. You'd go past the new library and through the ICC which brings you out canalside and it's a short walk up the canal to the arena. Alternatively a taxi from the station that the arena wouldn't be expensive.
Driving will
Also be fine but there are so many road works at the minute you need to leave lots of extra time. And if you're parking in the Arena car parks they can be very busy when it comes to leaving depending on the show.

Will you be eating? Brindley Place is on the doorstep of the Arena and is full of restaurants (Pizza express, Wagamama, burger places, cafe rouge, etc)

Thanks twogin, I did consider a taxi but I won’t have a car seat for DD and didn’t think it fair on her to walk a long way before we’ve even got there. She doesn’t use a pushchair anymore. Thank you

It’s not a long way, it’s well under a mile if you want to walk from new street to the arena. And you’d be passing the food places.

I would get the train!

I’d train it too. Driving there can be a pig with some nasty lane crossover sections and one way traffic so if you don’t know your way/lack confidence in driving it can be a challenge. The walk from the station isn’t so far and with a 3 year old I would piggy back them if they really couldn’t manage it.

If you do drive I’m sure it’ll be fine though and parking is generally ok in my experience.

Another one who says train it. I live in Birmingham and haven't driven to central Birmingham since the roadworks as it's so confusing!

Ok thank you all so much. I will look at train again, so the walk from New St station will be ok with a three yr old you think?

Just get Waze on your phone. It's fab. Your journey will be stress free.

Yep DD and I did it often. Plus new st station is lovely, you can eat there or pop into foyles book store which has a nice kids area. If you ask one of the stewards for the "mailbox" exit that's the best way. Walk through the mailbox and you get to the canals which is a lovely walk for kids. Once you get to brindleyplace you're where you need to be. When you're done at the arena take the bridge near the ICC/symphony hall and you can walk to thr new Library of Birmingham, the Art Gallery & Museum, the floozy in the jacuzzi and the Town Hall. Really lovely and short walk back.

Just get Waze on your phone. It's fab.

Agreed. Waze is brilliant.

We're also going tomorrow and will be going on the train. I know Birmingham pretty well but the roadworks are bloody awful!