Birmingham – 5 reasons why you should visit this stylish city

Birmingham might not be the first place that comes to mind as a stylish city break and is often overlooked despite it being the most populous city outside of London. Personally, I have always found this city to be vibrant, colourful and leaving me with wanting more time to explore all that is has to offer. Like most cities in the UK a lot of redevelopment has happened over the past few years tapping into the mix of cultures in the city making it a paradise for foodies. Street style and fashion has also boomed over the last decade making the city a haven for trendsetters and boutique buyers. Interior design stores have popped up over the city as well as many new stylish flats, hotels and modernised buildings and bigger budgets going into maintaining one of the many parks and green spaces across the city.


I usually find myself in the city around once a year, mainly on day trips although we are planning on a short family night away as historically and culturally there is so much on offer and I thought I would share all the best things to see and do in Birmingham and 5 reasons why you should consider it for your next city break.

1. Outdoor Spaces

Did you know that Sutton Park is the largest urban park in Europe and a National Nature reserve? Birmingham has 571 parks and outdoor spaces, the most in any European city so despite thinking of Birmingham as a brawling densely populated city it in actual fact has over six million trees and plenty of space for children to run wild and free.

2. Stylish Luxury Accommodation 

When deciding on a quick family break we like to combine chic hotel style interiors with the convenience of home of usually opt for a serviced self catering apartment. With so many new building and developments popping up in the city centre it's now easy to book apartments in Birmingham at very reasonable prices and all in city centre locations. 

3. Theatre and music 

When it comes to the performing arts Birmingham is a cauldron of creativity having born bands like Black Sabbath, Ocean Colour Scene and the Moody Blues as well as having a world-class orchestra, ballet and being home to Britain's longest-established producing theatre the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.


4. Transport 

Due to it's central location, Birmingham has always been well-connected and seen as a major transport hub for motorway, rail and canal networks. The central station is the busiest outside of London and has a vast rail networking connecting it to all major cities. With the city being in located the central heart of England it's also very easy to drive to Birmingham and why not roll into the city on a stylish set of wheels with a car on personal lease? I think I would go for a nippy city 4x4 something like a Kia Sportage, perfect fun family car for a city road trip.

Architecture 

Birmingham is really a city of the future, always changing and coming up with innovative and creative landmarks such as the unmistakable Selfidges building in the Bullring Shopping Centre or the refurbishment of the iconic Rotunda building. Of course there are also some stunning period properties dotted around the city such as the Town Hall and Soho House. The students at the popular Birmingham School of Architecture and design should be able to tell you the differences between natural looking laminate flooring and period property exposed wood flooring in one of the many listed properties doted around the city.

What also is on the boom is the cafe, coffee and food culture with lots of pop-up restaurants and food markets happening all the time so even if you just go for 24hrs simply sit back and people watch in the heart of the city you won't be disappointed.

No matter what your interests Birmingham really is a fantastic destination with some much to see and do and also great for those travelling with young children. With an array of outdoor attractions, central accommodation and cultural opportunities this is one city you should put on your staycation bucket list today.

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