The second largest city in Britain, Birmingham is a modern city with historical roots. Birmingham boasts more miles of canals than Venice, more trees than Paris and more parks than any other European City. From large shopping centres, to a vibrant nightlife, there is always something fun to do.
The city of Birmingham has more students than any other UK city outside of London.
Aston University hosts the Astonbury Festival, an annual event known as “Aston’s biggest party ever!” Lasting an entire day, this exciting music festival begins with a day time summer fairground festival theme, followed by an evening open air music festival. Aston is also home to a variety of student clubs, from the theatre club to RockSoc (alternative music) and from Pub Quiz to People & Planet (environmental campaigning and human rights). For more information on university societies at Aston and to read about other fun activities and events occurring at the university, check out the Aston Students’ Guild.
University of Birmingham offers a wide variety of clubs and societies, from rock music appreciation to hang gliding, as well as volunteer opportunities and student-run media, including the radio station BURN. The university is also known for its beautiful campus, including the Winterbourne Botanic Garden, popular with both students and visitors. UB is also home to the Shakespeare Institute, which was established in 1951 to push the boundaries of Shakespeare research. UB is also known for its academic excellence, ranked 66 in Times Higher Education - QS World University Rankings.
Birmingham City University is another university in town, offering a wide variety of classes and activities for students. From the Birmingham City Dam Weekender trip—a student trip to Amsterdam that is sponsored by the Students’ Union—to student political campaigns and the go-karting club, there are always new activities for students. For those interested in the arts, be sure to check out BCU’s wide selection of classes including Acting: the British Tradition, Animation, music courses, Textile Design, or even Watercolour Painting. For international students, the Student Union has created an advice website where you can learn more about studying at BCU.
- Early Roman military roads passed through the region, and Anglo-Saxon tribes began settling in Birmingham as early as 700 A.D., forming a village in the early 1000’s.
- In 1166 Peter de Birmingham bought the right to hold a weekly market in his castle; the market was a success, laying the foundations of the city.
- In the 1300's, the town grew to be the third largest in Warwickshire.
- In 1634, the construction of the first large manor in the region was complete. Aston Hall was built for the wealthy Holte family.
- In the 1600’s, Birmingham became a big iron exporter.
- 1776: The first two Watt engines were produced, and Birmingham became a centre for the industrial revolution.
- 1791: The religiously-motivated Priestley riots broke out.
- In 1839 a railroad was completed, connecting Birmingham to London.
- In 1878 John Cadbury and his sons began the Cadbury chocolate factory.
- During World War I, Birmingham was a centre for arms production and crucial to the war efforts.
- In World War II, the city maintained its critical position as an arms producer and also became a centre of production for planes, vehicles and other military mechanicals parts. As a result, the Germans targeted Birmingham with air raids, and many buildings were destroyed and many people were killed.
Stratford upon Avon is near Birmingham, and was home to William Shakespeare. Visitors can take a tour of the house or see the beautiful gardens at Anne Hathaway's Cottage. You can also spend the afternoon boating, visiting the butterfly garden, or walking through the beautiful countryside surrounding the town.
Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien is a Birmingham native, and many locations around the city served as inspiration for his book series. Literature fans can follow a trail of sights, from the “Two Towers” of Edgbaston—Perrott's Folly and Edgbaston Waterworks—to Sarehole Mill, inspiration for the The Hobbit’s Great Mill.
There are plenty of parks and gardens in the city where students can relax and spend an afternoon reading or doing homework outside. Students can take a walk through the Walsall Arboretum, or spend an afternoon with the animals at the Dudley Zoo.
Spend an evening watching the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Electric Cinema is the oldest working cinema in the UK. The historic 1909 landmark shows a variety of films, from cinema classics like The Godfather to contemporary block busters such as the upcoming New Moon.
Birmingham hosts a number of festivals, including the Birmingham Book Festival and Arts Fest. For information on upcoming festivals, click here.
Visit the 18th century Soho House, former home of Matthew Boulton and the Lunar Society’s meeting place. Formed in the late 1700’s, the Lunar Society was a group of intellectuals who gathered together to discuss the issues of the day. Members included Erasmus Darwin and James Watt, and the society lay part of the foundation for the Industrial Revolution.
More tickets are sold at the Birmingham Hippodrome than by any other British theatre each year, West End of London included. The city is also home to Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
Popular sports include cricket at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground, football, golf and rugby. Moseley Rugby is Birmingham’s leading rugby club.
Birmingham is known for its wide variety of quality shopping. Bullring market includes 160 shops and is considered England’s best mall. The Mailbox provides another afternoon of shopping indulgence, with a wide array of luxury brand stores, restaurants bars and cafes.
Birmingham offers an array of themed night clubs. At Oceana you can take a trip around the world, making a stop in the Aspen Ski Lodge room or the Reykjavik Icehouse. The posh Mechu lounge offers VIP treatment to all its guests.
Live music is also popular in Birmingham. The National Indoor Arena and the LG Arena host large scale entertainment and sporting events. For a more intimate entertaining experience, check out the O2 Academy, where musicians from The Editors to Regina Spektor have performed. Birmingham is also home to Symphony Hall, one of the finest concert halls in Europe.
Neville Chamberlain – British Prime Minister under King George VI
J.R.R. Tolkien – Author of the Lord of the Rings series
Led Zeppelin - Band
Duran Duran – Band
Ozzy Osbourne - Musician
James Watt - Inventor
Matthew Boulton – Manufacturer, Creator of The Lunar Society
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