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Original poster

Birmingham: is this do-able?

35 replies

TomatoSouper · 20/10/2025 13:06

I’m meeting a friend from the airport but will be coming down a bit before. Was thinking of taking the train to Birmingham New Street, staying the night there, then taking a train to the airport next day & staying 1 further night with my friend in the city centre before we head back.

Is that easy enough to do? Are there frequent trains back & forth to the airport and would I find her easily there?

I was looking at hotels - Malmaison or Aloft, or Crown Plaza. Maybe the night where I’m alone somewhere smaller - the Britannia by the station?

OP posts:
caringcarer · 20/10/2025 15:25

StarlightRobot · 20/10/2025 15:19

It sounds like we were very unlucky on our trip. We had a crazy / aggressive person shouting in the station, an unhinged man aggressively swore at us in the street, all the addicts in the station plus paramedics assisting one passed out person and there literally was rubbish all around. I used to live in London and am there most weeks and never experienced this in London or any other UK city. I was on high alert as I had two primary aged kids with me and felt very, very vulnerable. This was December 2024 and I swore I’d never return and haven’t. Maybe things have improved since then as other posters seem to have different experiences.

Edited

Rubbish everywhere probably stems from Birmingham bin men on strike.

Almostwelsh · 20/10/2025 15:32

I stayed at the Premier Inn in New Street a few years back and it was great. Very convenient and the staff were friendly and helpful. There are a few dubious characters in the city centre, but it's generally fine.

Comefromaway · 20/10/2025 15:53

I usually stay at Premier Inn on New Street (on the ramp) or occasionally at the one further up towards the cathedral.

Do not stay at The Brittannia!

Trains between New Street and Birmingham International are quick & easy but can get crowded on event days (I used to work at The NEC.

Danikm151 · 20/10/2025 18:28

Birmingham museum and art gallery is on a phased reopening at the moment so the full space isn’t open but you can still spend a good hour or so. Still free. The tea rooms are nice.

If you’re up by there- plenty of places to eat at Brindley Place.

Original poster
TomatoSouper · 21/10/2025 08:12

Ineedanewsofa · 20/10/2025 14:57

Live close so rarely stay in the city, last time I did was in the hotel in the Burlington Arcade opposite the station. It was very nice, if a little dated.
Trains are super frequent as others have said. There is a hotel in the Resorts World shopping centre by the airport which is very nice, have done a couple of spa afternoons there and would go back.
Birmingham is alright, have a lovely time with your friend 😊

@Ineedanewsofa Thank you! Can you tell me the name of the spa place, please? In the Resorts World shopping centre? Could do with a bit of pampering!

OP posts:
Ineedanewsofa · 21/10/2025 08:17

@TomatoSouper it’s the Genting hotel which is inside the Resorts World shopping centre. The Spa is called Santai I think and is part of the hotel so you can see all the info on their website

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 21/10/2025 09:19

Don't forget the Christmas markets start next weekend. Either to.avoid or as an added incentive.

StripedPillowcase · 21/10/2025 09:28

Don't stay in the Leonardo (ex-Jury's Inn). I was in Birmingham a couple of weeks ago (for work) and a colleague got stuck in the lift in the Leonardo. The alarm didn't work and Reception didn't answer the phone, even though he rang and rang and rang. Ended up having to call 999.

The Museum and Art Gallery is good for an hour or two, and has a lovely tea room. The Christmas Market can be very, very busy, so depends if you're OK with crowds or not.

I parked in the Utilia arena car park (work had a discount code), but you need to check what is on at the arena as there was a big concert there on the Saturday and some of my colleagues had to wait a long time to get out of the car park.

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 21/10/2025 09:37

Agree with what other posters have said re the hotels and trains

There are some lovely restaurants around Colmore Row. I highly recommend the Orelle at the top by Victoria Square.
The best shopping is to be found in Grand Central, the Mailbox and the Bull Ring.

Original poster
TomatoSouper · 22/10/2025 21:22

Me again!
Thanks for suggestions so far.

Any recommendations for hotels near the airport? My friend has a flight back early ish, might make sense to stay 1 night near the airport instead of going back & forth on train.

Looks like there’s a Hilton and also an Ibis and Holiday Inn near the airport. Would make life easier. Have I missed anywhere else?

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