Travel UK

Birmingham, England!

This weekend was our anniversary so Sam and I went to Birmingham to celebrate. It’s only 45 minutes from Stratford by train, but staying in a hotel, even for a night and exploring a new place us always so exciting! Our time was filled with lots and lots of food, sightseeing, swimming and window shopping.
 
From the train, it looked very industrial, but as we got towards the town centre we were surrounded by beautiful architecture.
 
birmingham, england
Lovely domed ceiling details outside a vintage cocktail bar/restaurant.
birmingham, england
jumping for joy in birmingham england
Jumping for joy!
birmingham england
 
birmingham, england
 Black and white detail.
statue in victoria square birmingham england
Fountain in Victoria Square.
birmingham england
I loved these gold guys!
 
After some nice walks and lovely sightseeing, we checked into our hotel and immediately went for a swim. In England, I never get the opportunity to go swimming ever. So I always, always love the chance. We even got up early the next morning to go for another swim before check-out.
 
swimming at the hyatt, birmingham england
 The Gremlin loves swimming too!
hyatt birmingham england
 The view from the 14th floor onto city centre.
 
After swimming, we quickly got ready to head off for a delicious curry. Baltis are pretty much the city dish of Birmingham, so how could we not?! We had a lovely canal side stroll on the way to dinner.
 
canals in birmingham england
 Canal and canal side pub behind our hotel.
canal tunnel birmingham england
My favourite guy.
 
The next day (after our swim), we went to the Mailbox, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and followed lastly by the epic Bullring. The Bullring is a MASSIVE shopping mall in Birmingham, that even blew away my jaded American mind!
 
heart statues birmingham england
This part of town was filled with awesome heart men and women. I also become a hunchback over the weekend.

My favourite part of Birmingham was the time we spent in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. It has an incredible, extensive lovely collection of art and antiquities. Plus a great interactive, hands-on gallery. But my favourite bit was the special exhibit called “A Squash and a Squeeze” devoted to the stories and art of Julia Donaldson. (The author of “The Gruffalo” and “Room on a Broom” to name many!) The special exhibit had about a dozen amazing rooms aimed at children which Sam and I thoroughly enjoyed.

"a squash and a squeeze" exhibit birmingham england
The dress like a prince or princess corner. Of course I partook in the costumes.
"a squash and a squeeze" exhibit birmingham england
Sam and a piggy. I adore this photo!
 
Things I’d recommend in Birmingham:
 
Go for a curry.
Go shopping at the Bullring.
See an exhibit at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Go shopping at the Mailbox.
Take a stroll through the Jewellery Quarter.
See where Cadbury is made!
Have a pint canal side.

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