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At Unifresher, we understand student life because our guides are written by students, for students. From nightlife and local advice to saving money and finding hidden gems, every article is designed to make your university experience unforgettable.

Table of Contents

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 World 
Source: Cadbury World Instagram
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

PEaky Blinders things birmingham is famous for
Source: Wikmedia
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

The canals
Source: Marek Ślusarczyk, Wikipedia
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

ozzy osbourne birmingham
Source: Wikimedia
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 

Birmingham Bullring
Source: Bullring and Grand Central Instagram
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 

Digbeth Birmingham
Source: 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

birmingham library
Source: Wikipedia
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

10 things that Birmingham is famous for
Source: Pexels
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

Largest UK Christmas market
Source: Wikipedia
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

Gay Village Birmingham
Source: Wikipedia
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.

Frequently asked questions

Connor Steele
Connor Steele – University of Sussex
Topic expertise: Student Cities, Cost of Living, Nightlife, Wellbeing, Accommodation

FAQs on outdoor activities in Birmingham for students

Canal walks, park picnics and free outdoor events make easy wins. Add cycling routes and outdoor fitness areas for a budget-friendly day in the fresh air with friends.

Yes — look for free running groups, outdoor courts and uni society meet-ups. Many parks offer regular sessions that are beginner-friendly and low cost or free.

Stick to canals, lakes and larger parks for longer loops. Plan circular routes and add a coffee stop to keep morale high if you’re out for a few hours.

Check the forecast, wear layers and bring a waterproof. Pack snacks, water and a portable charger so navigation and payments work all day long.

Often, yes — from community sport to pop-up markets and outdoor cinema. Follow local pages and university societies for up-to-date listings and discounts.

Last Updated on August 16, 2025

Published on February 23, 2021

Authors

  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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