Packed full of culture, energy, and diversity, Britain’s second-largest city has a real buzz. There is plenty to discover in Birmingham, with numerous landmarks and attractions, world-class entertainment, and inspiring museums and galleries that sit alongside an explosion of gourmet restaurants. No matter what you’re visiting Birmingham for, you’ll be sure to find something to fall in love with.
Train tickets to Birmingham
Being in the heart of England, there are plenty of trains to Birmingham that are easily accessible from all over the UK. Birmingham New Street places you right in the middle of the city, giving you access to everything the city has to offer as soon as you step off the train.
Birmingham is an amazing place to spend a day, a weekend, or even longer, so book your train to Birmingham and lose yourself in the many districts that make up this vibrant city. Make sure you book your tickets in advance with CrossCountry in order to get the best savings for your train to Birmingham. You can make even more savings when adding your Railcard, making the journey even sweeter.
Popular routes to Birmingham
There are countless things to do in Birmingham, making it a popular destination. Many people choose to travel to Birmingham by train, with CrossCountry offering direct routes from all over the UK. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our most popular routes.
FAQs
There are three main stations in Birmingham city centre that provide frequent services to and from stations all over the UK:
Birmingham International station also provides quick and easy access to Birmingham Airport and is a short journey from the city centre.
All three stations are centrally located, providing a gateway to the city. Birmingham New Street Station and Moor Street are very close to each other and are located right in the heart of the city. Snow Hill is located slightly further north but still in close proximity to countless amenities. All three stations offer the perfect place to kick start your adventures in Birmingham.
There is a direct train service from New Street Station that takes you to Birmingham International in as little as 8-minutes. There are also bus options available, as well as taxis and airport transfers.
There are plenty of ways to get cheap tickets to Birmingham. We recommend booking in advance where possible, but there are other options that mean you can save money on your tickets. Getting cheap ticket alerts, investing in a railcard or looking at student options (if eligible) can help you purchase a ticket for a fraction of the price. Take a look at our cheap tickets page for more helpful tips.
For further information about stations in Birmingham, check out our station guide.
Experience Birmingham
Places to eat in Birmingham
Some of the best culinary hotspots in the UK can be found in Birmingham. With its rich history of international cuisines, this city is well known for its great food. Tattu is hugely popular with the locals has become a go-to destination for modern Chinese cuisine, and the luxurious décor make it a perfect date night spot in Birmingham.
The Original Patty Men offer up some of the most sought-after burgers in the country, ranging from a classic cheeseburger to a hot buffalo chicken burger. With delectable sides too, you will see why hungry diners are queuing out of the door.
Zindiya ‘streatery’ has all the Indian treats you could wish for all under one roof. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat and you’re looking for something small, you can try their tasty aubergine fritters or masala chips. You can also try out their bigger dishes such as a traditional daal makhani or chana masala. With so many options to sample, there is something for everyone – whether you’re travelling with your partner or little ones, discover delightful flavours in Birmingham.
Places to stay in Birmingham
There are a plenty of hotels that suit all kinds of budgets too in Birmingham. If you’re looking for something a little extra special, the Grand Hotel Birmingham is sure to make your stay in the city even more memorable. This iconic grade II listed building opened back in 1879, so guests will be surrounded by a rich history around every corner. Some rooms have spectacular views of nearby St Philips’s Cathedral, only adding to the character of the hotel. Downstairs you will find a glamourous bar which also serves a classic Afternoon tea, perfect to cap off a day out shopping or to even kick start your night out.
The Birmingham Centre Ibis provides a perfect solution for any guest who wants to be right in the heart of Birmingham. The industrial-inspired design of this hotel is in keeping of the history of the city whilst also providing guests with a modern suite, giving them the best of both worlds. The location adds to the hotels charm, with the iconic Bullring Shopping Centre being within walking distance, perfect for any guest looking for the ultimate shopping experience.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Heritage & culture in Birmingham
An absolute must when exploring the culture in Birmingham is the museum and art gallery, just off of Chamberlain Square. Another beautiful Grade II listed building in the centre of the city, the museum and art gallery has a consistent rotation of exclusive exhibitions, a Victorian tearoom, plus plenty of fun activities for the kids. The museum is a popular place for tourists and locals alike and is one of the best free things to do in Birmingham.
If you’re looking for more things to do with the family, the ThinkTank Science Museum is the perfect space filled with numerous activities to keep the whole family entertained. With various exhibits on display, visitors of all ages can understand more about the world of science. An outdoor garden space with even more hands-on exhibits awaits any curious little minds.
If you’re visiting for a few days and fancy a good laugh, Birmingham is home to the Glee Club, one of the UK’s favourite comedy clubs. Showcasing some of the UK’s biggest comics as well as rising stars in the comedy circuit, the Glee Club is the perfect place for an evening’s entertainment. While you might be able to get tickets on the door, we recommend booking in advance when you know your travel plans to secure seats for the best acts.
Shopping in Birmingham
It is impossible to mention shopping in Birmingham without talking about the renowned Bullring Shopping Centre. People from all over the UK travel to experience this iconic selection of shops. The Bullring Shopping Centre has helped turn Birmingham into a retail haven. All your high-street favourites can be found here, including one of only four Selfridges stores in the world.
As well as a fantastic shopping centre, Birmingham has a bustling high street to browse. Situated just next to the Bullring, this high street includes popular brands such as Boots, Holland & Barrett, and the world’s largest Primark! Birmingham really is shopping heaven and visitors won’t struggle to find what they’re looking for.
