10 things that Birmingham is famous for

Birmingham is the second city of the UK. The accent is well known up and down the country, and its university is one of the top too. If that isn’t enough for you to go on, here are 10 things that Birmingham is famous for.

1. Cadbury World 

Cadbury’s is the top-tier chocolate brand in the UK. Started by a Quaker in Birmingham way back in 1824, the chocolate company are now world-famous. But they haven’t forgotten their roots, with the national attraction Cadbury’s World still standing in Birmingham. The attraction opened in 1990, and you get to see the chocolate being made, as well as try a handful of freebies!

2. Peaky Blinders

This BBC show has shown the country (and the world, for that matter) the rich history of Birmingham. The show follows a real gang from early 20th century Birmingham. Not only does the show have a great storyline, but huge stars like Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy.

3. The canals

Birmingham actually has more canals than Venice… the city that is famous for its canals. It has an extensive network of waterways which helped the city to become the manufacturing giant that it is today. However, the canals are rarely used as manufacturing transport aids now and are a much more peaceful place with barges and waterside bars.

4. Music

Not only does Birmingham have the O2 Academy, O2 Institute, Barclaycard Arena and the Sunflower Lounge, but it is also the birthplace of Ozzy Osbourne, and the founding city of Duran Duran, UB40, Electric Light Orchestra, and even The Streets.

5. Birmingham Bullring 

What is now a huge shopping centre used to be an outdoor arena for bull-baiting! This is how the Birmingham Bullring got its name. The shopping centre is home to Selfridges, and other big names in fashion and cosmetics, as well as an excellent food court.

6. Digbeth 

Named the coolest neighbourhood in the UK back in 2018, Digbeth is the hipster and young people’s part of Birmingham. Here you’ll find independent cafes, music venues, and perfect hangout spots, as well as The Old Crown which is one of the oldest pubs in Britain.

7. Biggest library in Europe

This library opened in 2013, and is a huge monument on the Birmingham skyline. It is connected to the Birmingham Rep Theatre and has the UK’s most important collection of Shakespeare’s works, as well as a Shakespeare Memorial Room.

8. The curry capital

If you’re a fan of the spice, then you’ll be pleased to know that Birmingham has plenty of curries to offer. Most importantly, it is the home of the Balti, invented in the city by Pakistani chefs in the 1970s. Birmingham is renowned for its diversity in culture, and that is shown in part through the huge range of great food available throughout the city.

9. Largest UK Christmas market

Thousands of tourists visit Birmingham every single year for the largest Christmas market in the UK. The market is the biggest German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria (it’s actually bigger than the one in Berlin!).

10. The Gay Village

The Gay Village – our Gaybourhood – is one of the most famous gay communities in the UK. It hosts Birmingham pride and is host to clubs, sports bars, cocktail bars, cabaret bars, shops, live music, dancing and best of all – Drag Queens. It started from one club in the 1980s and is now a huge part of the Chinese Quarter in Birmingham.