How to spend a day in Birmingham

Birmingham has changed so much over the last decade and definitely for the better.  Dilapidated old Victorian shopping areas are now housing quirky boutique shops, crumbling warehouses have been turned into high end apartments, what used to be run down paved areas in the street are now modern hang out areas.  I love a day out in Birmingham, and here is my suggested itinerary for a day.

Yoga, in my opinion is a great way to start and if not at home, in your garden or your hotel room, then why not a class…? 😊 Yoga haven is a great place for beginner and experienced yoga gurus alike.  Check out their schedule to find a class that suits you here.  They are located pretty centrally, opposite Snow Hill train station and with plenty of parking, so easy to get to and a great place to start your day.

Brunch options are plentiful in Birmingham.  My two recommendations are the Warehouse café for tasty organic vegetarian and vegan food and Yorks Bakery café for equally tasty brunches and lunches.

Hire a bike after brunch from one of Birmingham’s bike pods – there is one opposite Snow Hill train station

Bike Hire opposite Birmingham Snow Hill train station

Explore the canals – on a bike you can go much further of course and reach the outskirts of Birmingham.  From the city centre, you will see your surroundings change from old warehouses, new apartments and quirky restaurants, to a more green and natural surrounding if you head towards Selly Oak and the university.  If you have time, hop off the canal and cycle around the jewellery quarter (This area is also within walking distance of the city centre).  It’s a fairly small area and somewhat industrial on the face of it, but look closer and you will notice family jewellers that have been around since the last century, skilled craftsmen at work down alleyways, auction houses and of course jewellers selling new and pre-loved jewellery.  Its an important trade centre for Birmingham and has such an iconic history.

The museum of the jewellery quarter, based on Vyse street will give you a much better idea of the history and the work that these craftsman have done over the years.  They also run jewellery making courses too, so book this in advance for fund few hours.