Birmingham for a day

[Mudflaps]

I'll be visiting Birmingham on Saturday (tomorrow), flying in arriving approx 9am, hotel in city centre, no plans for sat but going to Autosport International Show in the NEC on Sunday. I have not been in Birmingham previously so I'd appreciate any suggestions on what to do Saturday, obviously I'll have a half day before I can check in to hotel (don't know which one dh booked and forgot to ask, he's at work now), also any tips on transport, restaurants etc. I wouldn't normally go to Auto shows with him but I've been stuck at home ill for months so needed a break from the house. Flying from Ireland so any suggestions for shops we don't have here would be good alongside tourist type stuff.

Presumably you’ll be able to offload your luggage at the hotel prior to check in time? (And are you sure you can’t pay for early check in?)

It’s a while since I was last there but for me the two outstanding things Birmingham has are art and music.

This is unmissable:

https://barber.org.uk

And this is on, if you can get tickets:

https://cbso.co.uk/events/cbso-explores-love-and-war

The concert is connected to another, smaller gallery in the city centre, also worth a visit if you have time, but not as outstanding as The Barber.

The Selfridges in Birmingham is notable for its architecture:

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/features/info/stores/birmingham/

There are a few decent restaurants - others may be able to advise.

i only live about 15 miles away but I must admit I don’t know Birmingham city centre very well.
Some things you could consider though are Birmingham Library which is supposed to be well worth a visit, the floozie in the jacuzzi fountain if you’re near it or can tack it on to going somewhere else, the Ikon gallery, Brindleyplace for eateries on the canal, the Mailbox for shopping, the Lego Discovery Centre or the Sealife Centre. Then there’s the Jewellery Quarter which is easy to get to by public transport.
Trains are frequent from the airport to the city centre.

The Bullring also has a good range of shops.
If you’re coming into New Street Station check out Ozzy, the Birmingham Bull which was created for the Commonwealth Games.

The NEC is right next to the airport.

www.coffinworks.org/

penmuseum.org.uk/
Slightly more unusual, but great if you like industrial history

The jewellery quarter is worth a visit.

The library is well worth a visit.
The art gallery was amazing but has been closed for a while ( local government funding problem).
Jewellery Quarter is worth a visit.
Lots of places to eat.
It’s -6degc at the moment so make sure you pack a big coat.

Another vote for the jewellery quarter.

A self guided tour? You can stop and explore any time you want.

https://visitbirmingham.com/event/birmingham%3a-self-guided-city-walk-%26-interactive-treasure-hunt/164178101/

Bullring and grand central for shopping.

Take a trip on a tram to somewhere near by.

The Sea Life centre in Birmingham is a good one. Especially in this weather. Plenty of adults enjoying it without children when I was last there alongside families.

I believe the museum has been reopened.

Presumably you mean Birmingham Art Gallery as opposed to The Barber Institute?

No doubt the OP will let us know how her weekend goes!

What sort of things do you like doing? There's lovely places to eat, there's a spa in LUSH, there's shops, there's the art gallery and mornx

I just came on to say the Coffin museum! There’s a police museum too.

The city centre is pretty horrible now, especially on a Saturday, unless you want specific shops.

Yes to the library and you could easily stroll to the canal and then to the JQ.

Lunch in Damascena in the JQ. Or Land in Great Western arcade if you want gorgeous fine dining at not too crazy a price.

Tamatanga near the train station for casual but great Indian street food.

Rudy’s for good pizza.

If you find out where you’re staying, I’ll have a think if any restaurants/pubs nearby.

Birmingham is one of those places you can just take a wander in and find loads to do without much planning. The canal is nice for restaurants.

Following as I have a day in Birmingham next week

Shops worth a mooch;
Selfridges
Cos
Arket
Muji
Big Waterstones
The Apple shop is in an old bank, more interesting architecturally than for shopping
Theres a big new Sephora, but I refuse to queue to go into a shop!

I very much enjoyed a spa treatment at LUSH

I didn’t know that Lush do treatments. Going to investigate!

Shame the OP hasn’t come back.

Ain’t it just …

Reviving an old thread for the same topic.

Has anyone tried the axe throwing experience or the crazy golf? Would either be ok for older teens or are they more for younger kids? Teenagers can be a tough bloody audience!

Go to soho road

The art gallery was amazing but has been closed for a while ( local government funding problem).

The gallery was closed for renovation, not due to any funding issues. Its open now and looks gorgeous.

Worth checking if the Barber is open cos that too was closed for renovation.