Birmingham (map), in the West Midlands, approximately 100 miles (160 km) from Central London, is Britain’s second-largest city. Known in the Victorian era as the “City of a Thousand Trades” and the “Workshop of the World“.

Since the 1990s, Birmingham has been undergoing a radical change and many of the post war buildings have been replaced. The majority of the city centre is now pedestrianised, and the canals cleaned up to make for attractive walkways.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Attractions • Festivals & Events • Maps & Brochures

The very central point of Birmingham is Victoria Square (map). The main railway hub is New Street station (map), next to the huge Bullring (map) shopping centre.

Core City Centre (map) – extends northwestwards of the New Street station, inside the confines of the A38 and includes much of the surviving pre-war historic buildings of Birmingham, a number of important institutions and the historically prime addresses such as New Street or Colmore Row.

Southside – the part southeast of New Street station retains a more traditional ambiance with small buildings along narrow streets. Parts of it are occupied by Birmingham’s Gay Village (map) and Chinese Quarter (map).

Jewellery Quarter (map) – true to its name, workshops in the quarter still produce 40% of the UK’s jewellery. As such, it retained its 19th-century appearance lost by other industrial parts of Birmingham and became a tourist attraction itself.

Moseley (map) is a suburb. Much of Moseley Village dates from Victorian times and is a conservation area.

Farmer’s Market (Moseley, map). 4th Saturday of every month. There is a selection of farm produce, but many stalls selling all manner of local foodstuffs (pies, jam, deli foods, etc.). It was a finalist in the best farmer’s market in the UK competition.

Broad Street (map), the No 1 party street of Birmingham, has a large range of clubs, bars and pubs. This is a good location for a decent English Friday night.

Bus, train and Metro all come under the authority of Network West Midlands / TFWM (Part of Centro, the PTE of Birmingham and surrounding area), their website is the best source for all information required on public transport in the region.

TRAVELINE – Provides online travel planner services for all public transportation across Great Britain. They also have separate planners dedicated to specific regions.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Getting around Birmingham (visitbirmingham.com) • Transport information (birmingham.gov.uk) • Getting around Britain (visitbritain.com).

BUS: All areas of Birmingham are well-served by bus routes, operated almost exclusively by National Express West Midlands (NXWM) with some competition from smaller providers, notably Diamond Buses.

TRAIN: The essential source for rail travel information in Great Britain is the National Rail website. It includes an extremely useful journey planner, ticket prices and detailed information about every railway station in the country.

AIRPORT: airportguides.co.uk. The most important airports are London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester Airport.

FERRY: There are many ferry routes into the UK from continental Europe. (*Ferry routes to Great Britain)

Birmingham City Council produces an excellent cycling and walking map of the area. You can pick one up from any local library, tourist information office, leisure centre or bike shop. (onyourbike.com)

A city beating at the heart of the country with a quiet confidence like no other. We’re a hotbed of culture that’s rich and diverse.

Our identity is grounded in a history of can-doers and enriched by the innovators of today. We’re a welcoming home to new visitors and old, a down-to-earth bunch with our story ingrained in the spirit of our people, our heritage and our evolving skyline.

⇒ video source: West Midlands – The heart of England / youtube.com /

Ways to visit the UK. Visit for tourism, business or a short stay (up to 6 months), airport transit visas. + Visa & Entry (visitbritain.com)

Our article about the city of London. Information about the city’s attractions, culture, events, and activities. Public transport.

We can help you making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.