Birmingham

During the past 1,000 years Birmingham has grown from a small Anglo-Saxon farming community into a major industrial and commercial city. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a small village, the name Birmingham is derived from “Beorma ingas ham”, meaning “home of the people of Beorma”. In the 12th century Birmingham was granted the rights to hold a market in the centre of town, which became known as the Bull Ring – still the site of the city’s main shopping mall. Later, I the 16th century, the city established itself as one of the main players in the metalworking industry as a result of easy access to iron ore and coal. This has developed into lucrative arms manufacturing, located in the area that became known as the Gun Quarter. During the Industrial Revolution Birmingham developed further into a major industrial centre. During this period the massive network of canals was built which went from economic necessity to chic canal-side living areas. In recent years, Birmingham has been transformed, with the construction of new squares, the restoration of old streets, buildings and canals, the removal of the pedestrian subways, and the redevelopment of the Bull Ring shopping centre.

Birmingham is a vibrant city with excellent shopping opportunities: the Bull Ring and Centenary Square in particular. At night the city comes alive; whilst famous for its Indian restaurants (you can’t miss the Balti Triangle on Ladypool Road, Moseley Road, Stoney Lane and Stratford Road) , virtually any other cuisine is available, and the bars and clubs are second to none! Visit Gas Street Basin where several canals meet and many bars, cafes and restaurants are located.

Sights not to be missed are Aston Hall (Built around 1618, this was the last conventional Jacobean house erected in England, which today features fine 17th-century architectural detail including plasterwork, woodwork and chimneypieces.), St Philip’s cathedral, the Iron Man, the Ironbridge Gorge museums (these museums are located in a picturesque area often used by filmmakers for the uniquely 18th century setting, and show Britain’s industrial heritage – the world’s first iron bridge is located here also), Cadbury World (see and taste handmade chocolate), and the Victoria Law Courts.

Airport information

Birmingham International Airport is located 8 miles (13kms) east of Birmingham city centre.

By car
The airport is signposted from motorways and major roads, and can be reached via junction 6 on the M42. This junction has connections to the M1, M5, M6, M6 Toll and M40.

By train
The airport train station is located on the West Coast Mainline, and is connected to the passenger terminals by Air-Rail Link. This free service operates between 05.15hrs and 02.00hrs, running every two minutes. The journey time is less than two minutes.

From Birmingham International train station frequent services operate to Birmingham New Street station in the city centre. Journey time is approximately 15 minutes.

By coach
Local buses link the airport to surrounding districts. These services are provided by a number of operators. All buses stop opposite Terminal 2 at the Bus and Coach Terminus. The main services, routes 900 and 966, operate from early in the morning to late at night but there are no overnight services.

By taxi
Black cabs provide a 24/7 service from the rank outside the Passenger Terminals. Fares for journeys in the Birmingham and Solihull metered zone are displayed on the meter and are set by the local authority. Fares are per vehicle but there are small surcharges (10p) for additional passengers and for items of luggage not carried in the seating area. The typical fare to Birmingham City Centre is approximately £16.00. For longer journeys the price should be agreed before the start of the journey – a price guide to major destinations is displayed at the rank.

Hotels
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