Everything you need to know about Birmingham, West Midlands
Birmingham is the second largest city in the United Kingdom, with 1.1 million inhabitants as of 2015. It’s also one of 9 counties that form a metropolitan county called Greater Birmingham, and West Midlands combined, with over 2.3 million people (2011 census). The city is often referred to as “Brum” or “The Second City” due to its association with another significant metropolis: London. For this reason, it was once known as “the workshop of the world”. And for many years, it has been an important manufacturing centre for cars and other goods. Still, now Birmingham’s economy relies more on services than traditional heavy industries like steel-making and vehicle manufacture. Birmingham is also called a ‘green city’, which means it takes care of the environment with its extensive parks and green spaces.
Birmingham is also known as the ‘youngest city’ in Europe due to its youthful population.
View of the Birmingham skyline including the church of St Martin, the Bullring shopping centre and the outdoor market. Birmingham, England, UK, Western Europe
Birmingham has two universities: Birmingham City University and The University of Birmingham, with about 30,000 students. They are both located close to the centre and offer a wide range of courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students, including studies in law and medicine. In addition, Birmingham has three different educational institutions: South and City College, Newman University College, The Birmingham Institute of Art and Design. The city is also home to the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. So if you want to practice any sport or become a fitness expert, there is an institution for you in Birmingham. There are dozens of gyms, fitness centres and swimming pools across the city, including WWE’s wrestling academy and Centre of Sporting Excellence (which trains top athletes for significant sports). Not only that, but there are many parks to explore when you’re not working out, including Cannon Hill Park, which has a 500-acre lake and some beautiful gardens to relax in. The city is also home to the world’s oldest botanical garden: Edgbaston Waterworks (also known as Birmingham Botanical Gardens), which has many plants from all over the world.
1. What the city centre is known for
Birmingham is known for its car-making industry, as it was once a major manufacturing centre. Aston Villa is one of the prominent football clubs in Birmingham, contributing to the city’s rich sports culture.
Birmingham is also known for its green economy. It has the largest free trade zone in Europe. The Birmingham Council House is an architectural landmark, connected to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases important art collections.
The city also has many universities and colleges across Birmingham: Birmingham City University; The University of Birmingham; Newman University College; The Birmingham Institute of Art and Design. The Birmingham Hippodrome is a significant cultural venue, attracting over 520,000 visitors annually and serving as a hub for original theatrical productions.
There are also several gyms, fitness centres and swimming pools if you want to get fit.
2. The economy of Birmingham
Birmingham has a diverse economy with significant sectors, including the service industry, manufacturing and education.
The city is often referred to as “Brum” or “The Second City” due to its association with another significant metropolis: London. Central Birmingham features cultural attractions like the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which boasts a significant collection of art and is located among the city’s architectural landmarks.
For this reason, it was once known as “the workshop of the world”. The city centre has historical significance and has undergone extensive redevelopment efforts over time.
And for many years, it has been an important manufacturing centre for cars and other goods. Still, now Birmingham’s economy relies more on services than traditional heavy industries like steel-making and vehicle manufacture.
Birmingham is also called “the greenest city in Europe”, which means it takes care of the environment.
Birmingham has two universities: Birmingham City University and The University of Birmingham, with about 30,000 students. They are both located close to the centre and offer a wide range of courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students, including studies in law and medicine.
Birmingham has three other educational institutions: South and City College, Newman University College, The Birmingham Institute of Art and Design.
The city is also home to the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. So if you want to practice any sport or become a fitness expert, you have an institution in Birmingham. In addition, there are dozens of gyms, fitness centres and swimming pools across the city, including WWE’s wrestling academy and Centre of Sporting Excellence (which trains top athletes for significant sports).
3. Birmingham Museum and art galleries near Birmingham, England
The most famous museum in Birmingham is the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The Birmingham Council House, an architectural landmark, is connected to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing important art collections. Highlights at this museum include a diverse selection of art from the world’s most influential civilizations, European art from the 14th century to the present day, as well as an extensive collection of World War I posters.
Another popular attraction is the Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham. Here you can see collections from across Europe, including works by da Vinci and Rembrandt.
In addition, there are numerous smaller galleries and museums around Birmingham, such as the Lapworth Museum of Geology within The University of Birmingham. This museum explores the human understanding of its environment through geological concepts, minerals, fossils and rocks.
4. Things to do when you’re not working out or studying at Birmingham City University
Birmingham is billed as the greenest city in Europe, and there are many parks to explore when you’re not working out. Including Cannon Hill Park, which has a 500-acre lake and some beautiful gardens to relax in. The city is also home to the world’s oldest botanical garden: Edgbaston Waterworks (also known as Birmingham Botanical Gardens), which has many plants from all over the world. Sutton Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe, is another must-visit green space in Birmingham.
Birmingham’s extensive green spaces, including Sutton Park, make it the largest urban park outside of a capital city in Europe. The city’s green spaces surpass those of any other European city, positioning Birmingham as a green and environmentally friendly urban centre.
If you prefer to visit art galleries or museums during your time off, Birmingham is an excellent place for that too. The most popular attraction in Birmingham is the Museum and Art Gallery, which contains an international art collection. Another famous museum is the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, part of The University of Birmingham.
The National Sea Life Centre is a great day out for the whole family; it is home to an excellent variety of marine life, including tropical sharks and Komodo dragons!
If you’re looking for something a little less educational, why not head to the Electric Cinema? It was the 1st cinema in Britain designed entirely by a significant architect (Berthold Lubetkin), and it is beautiful. or a quick visit to Aston hall
Enjoy a meal at one of Birmingham’s many restaurants, including everything from Michelin starred dinner clubs to small but perfectly formed bistros.
Birmingham is a beautiful city to live in with lots of amenities and things to do. It’s green, clean and full of people from all over the world who are looking for an exciting new start. Birmingham offers many different opportunities for work or studies, no matter what industry you may be interested in pursuing. If you want more information about this beautiful city that has it all, stop by https://visitbirmingham.com. We can help answer any questions and provide a list of schools if your family members would like to enrol!
