The Holiday Inn Express Birmingham NEC hotel is within a short distance of the chief UK motorways, (M6, M5, M40 and M42), and only a short distance from Birmingham City Centre, and is the perfect place to meet and stay while investigating the many sights of Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
As the second largest city in England, Birmingham is largely known for its industrial heritage. In fact, thanks to the genius of James Watt, who patented the steam engine, the Industrial Revolution began here in the mid-eighteenth century. But the city is far more diverse than many realise. With a number of fine museums, art galleries, and a division of the Royal Ballet, Birmingham is one of England's top cultural centres, second only to London. And with the new Birmingham NEC (National Exhibition Centre), the city is now a big draw for convention goers.
Leisure visitors should visit the Jewellery Quarter, which produces a third of England's jewellery; as well as the famous Cadbury World, which began making chocolate in 1824. Also check out the historic Bull Ring market; and Victoria Square, home to one of the largest fountains in Europe.
Our highlights:-
Cadbury World -Birmingham's very own chocolate paradise, a unique place to indulge all of your senses
National Sea Life Centre -Situated in the city centre Birminghams Sea Life centre is a must for all the family
Think tank -Thinktank, Birmingham’s museum of science - a place where science and history come alive.
Botanical Gardens -Four glasshouses take visitors from tropical rainforest to arid desert conditions with insectivorous plants, giant ‘cacti’, tree ferns and cycads, orchids, sugar cane, bananas & citrus fruits.
Dudley Zoo & Castle -From lions and tigers to snakes and spiders Dudley Zoo is a great day out for all the family. Animals aside there are many more attractions to entertain visitors. From food to face painting, transport to talks, gifts to ghosts and lots more.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery -The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery situated in Chamberlain Square is an appropriate setting for some of the world's finest examples of Pre-Raphaelite art. Opened in 1885, the museum houses prehistoric collections, birds and wildlife section, paintings and drawings, precious stones and jewellery, costumes, pottery and a varied collection of archaelogical material.
Drayton Manor -Amusement park with over 100 rides and attractions set in 250 acres of parkland.
Birmingham Ghost & Graveyard Walks -All walks follow a similar format - a guided walk with actors and/or guides giving audiences an insight to the history of Birmingham, in a chatty and humorous style.
The Barber Institute of Fine Art -The Barber Institute of Fine Arts contains one of the finest small collections of European art in the UK.
Birmingham NEC - The onsite National Exhibition Centre hosts many conventions as well as many music events, comedians, theatre productions etc. View a list of the Birmingham NEC events.
