The largest second city in the United Kingdom, Birmingham has a millennium presence in the historic records, but the unwritten records present in architecture and the vestiges go further back, into a time of might and magic. What we now see as a huge industrial and cultural centre, used to be just an Anglo-Saxon farming settlement. First colonized by the Romans who built a fort and several military roads, Birmingham developed independently from the Roman heritage, being first mentioned in the Domesday Book, in the 11th century.
Once, coal and metal were discovered in Birmingham’s surrounding area, the Industrial Revolution was just one step away, as it was in the city’s mineral resources that the amazing outgrowth found its source. It gained further preeminence during Queen Victoria’s reign, when it received city status, given the fact that by now it had the second largest population in Great Britain. It’s plain to see that Birmingham is not just a commercial strong point, but a cultural one as well. All tourists visiting Birmingham will be nothing less than highly satisfied and intrigued.
Let’s take a look around Birmingham and see what’s out there for you to enjoy on a sightseeing tour. Part of the industrial history of the city is to be found and retraced in the many museums spread within the centre of the Old Town, together with art galleries and fine collections of artwork. One big attraction is ThinkTank, a science museum that not only will stimulate your imagination but will simply prove to you the how far mankind has come along, and the sinuous path that lies in front.
ThinkTank displays articles of nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, growing organs and many more. There is even a Future of Space section where visitors enjoy the space station simulation and the Mars Rover. Future may be just a few yards away, hiding in a museum for the moment. Now, let’s move on to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery housing one of the finest art collections in UK. There are ceramics, local history, and the largest collection by Edward Burne-Jones in the world.
It is a tourist rule to go and visit Birmingham back to backs on Hurst Street. Be ready to see the still existing back-to-back houses, built in this unique manner around various courtyards for the sole purposes of meeting the needs of a growing population. What you’ll find most rewarding are the different styles that were used to decorate the houses. They may be looking alike on the exterior, but they are definitely unique once you get inside. The authority responsible for this privileged sight is The Trust Museum.
The most popular area in Birmingham is right at the heart of the city along the pedestrian thoroughfare lying between the Centenary Square and the business quarter of Birmingham. This is the best shopping area in Birmingham where even the most picky customer will feel satisfied. During a shopping trip or a short break, have a cup of coffee at one of the very nice bars in the Paradise Forum. This is a recommended spot for tourists, situated right under the Central Library. Walking, shopping, sightseeing, lots of fun are the expectations of all tourists. The good news is that you will find all of these and more in the city of Birmingham.