The 10 best attractions in Birmingham

If the National Sea Life Centre’s million-litre underwater tank isn’t impressive enough, it also features more than a thousand creatures – including giant turtles, otters and seahorses – to keep you transfixed. And don’t forget the penguins. Who doesn’t love penguins? Not bad for a city that’s very, very landlocked.

For the best views of Brum’s very own chocolate factory, arrive by train (13 minutes from New Street) and take a deep breath. During our favourite part of the factory’s chocolate production cycle, a sweet haze envelopes the red-brick, old-world Bournville village. Designed and built for the workers of what was the centre of England’s chocolate empire, it’s the main subject of Cadbury World. 

Resplendent yet accessible, the Symphony Hall is the model of the ideal modern concert space – and it’s likely the hundreds of thousands who attend around 320 events there each year agree. If you’re only in Brum for the day, try to catch one of the CBSO’s lunchtime concerts or, for demonstrations and to gain backstage access, join one of the hall’s monthly tours, available through the THSH Box Office.

If retail therapy isn’t your idea of a fun day out, the Bullring is probably best avoided. For everyone else, welcome to Brum’s thriving shopping hub, which has been in its current bedazzling form since 2004. Names such as Michael Kors, Whistles and Kurt Geiger make happy bedfellows with Bullring behemoth Selfridges.

Forget everything you thought you knew about municipal libraries. Well, not quite everything – you can expect a whole heap of books. But forget everything else. Once you’ve decided whether you’re a lover or hater of the Library of Birmingham’s angular exterior, dive in. Take the elevator straight up to the Skyline Viewpoint, which presides over the city from 51 metres above street level and offers those in the know unrivalled panoramic views (the very best of which are at dusk).

Since its major refurbishment a few years back, Mailbox offers even more entertainment than ever for those who like to shop, drink and play. On the retail side, you’ve got a big ol’ Harvey Nichols, and as for food, there’s all sorts to keep you satisfied, from casual tapas to schmancy French.

The Jewellery Quarter’s march toward greatness shows no signs of slowing down, and it’s well worth an afternoon sojourn or an evening spent lapping up its increasingly popular hospitality. By day, arrive at pretty St. Paul’s Square and take in the latest exhibition at the RBSA. Hit archway staple Peel & Stone to refuel, then choose between a guided tour of the Museum of Jewellery or the Pen Museum for your afternoon’s entertainment. 

Just three miles from Brum’s city centre, the Edwardian splendour of Winterbourne House and gardens offers frazzled city dwellers a real escape. Set within seven acres of botanical gardens – including a woodland walk, more than 6,000 species of plants and a Japanese bridge – the house is a treasure trove of trinkets and antiques. 

Once a busy port, Gas Street Basin now attracts locals and tourists alike with its bright canal boats, first-rate wandering territory and laid-back cafés and restaurants. Nothing tops a meandering stroll followed by a generous brunch at neighbourhood favourite Ju Ju’s. If you’ve made it as far as Gas Street Basin, you’re seconds from city stalwart Brindleyplace. We challenge any visitor to fail to find exactly what they fancy in the food department.

If you’re a sports nerd you’ll want to book tickets to see Aston Villa play here. But even if you don’t visit during football season, why not book a tour of the stadium? Take the long walk through the tunnel and muddy your footwear on Aston Villa’s hallowed turf, before trying out the manager’s pitch-side seat.