Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK after the capital, has a fascinating rags-to-riches story. Just a small settlement in the midst of a thick forest in 1086, this city in the West Midlands of Britain grew to become the country’s manufacturing hub in the 20th century.
The catalyst for its exponential expansion was its diversity as an industrial base during the Industrial Revolution. Whether it was metal works in the form of buckles and buttons, jewellery, corkscrews or sporting and military guns, this English city was the place to source everything. It is this part of its history that earned it the title of ‘City of a Thousand Trades.’
Today, Birmingham has become a portal into the past, with its numerous historical sites making it a haven for history enthusiasts. The best way to explore these is by car rental in Birmingham from Dollar Car Rental.
Here are seven places to visit in Birmingham for the history buff in you.
Aston Hall
Built between 1618 and 1635, Aston Hall stands as one of the few remaining Jacobean houses and is one of the top Birmingham tourist attractions. This historic site boasts a rich history, from Queen Victoria presiding over its opening ceremony to enduring a siege during the English Civil War.
Things to see and do in Birmingham’s Aston Hall include a stroll in its sprawling gardens and a walk through its impressive Jacobean architecture. Inside, you’ll find remnants of the Civil War, like a cannonball hole that pierced through the Withdrawing room and crashed down the staircase. Beyond its architectural marvels, Aston Hall is often regarded as one of the most haunted buildings in the UK due to its rich and tragic history.
Blakesley Hall
The next place to visit in Birmingham is this timber-framed Tudor house, which is located a short distance from the city centre. Standing for over 430 years, this Elizabethan marvel ranks among the city’s oldest structures.
Once a private residence, this historic gem was converted into a museum in the 20th century. Since then, the iconic site has been open to visitors seeking a glimpse of the bygone era. Visitors seeking things to do in Birmingham with family can also enjoy the lush greenery here.
Birmingham Back to Backs
A set of working-class houses built in the 1800s, the Back to Backs were unique urban dwellings designed with shared courtyards, toilets, and laundry facilities. They provided affordable housing for the lower classes and immigrants. Originally one-room accommodations, these houses became home to tight-knit communities, often likened to mini Roscommons or mini Warsaws in certain areas.
Today, only a handful of Back to Backs remain, nestled on Inge Street and Hurst Street. These are best explored through guided tours and are one of the top places to visit in Birmingham.
Soho House
The next on our list of Birmingham’s things to see is this Georgian home. Restored and maintained artfully, this historical site offers a peek into the late Georgian period. Once the residence of industrialist Matthew Boulton, famed for his collaboration with James Watt in developing the steam engine, Soho House provides invaluable insights into Boulton’s personal life.
Further, Soho House also holds a special place in the annals of intellectual history as the preferred meeting spot for the Lunar Society. This renowned enlightenment group, which included luminaries, such as Boulton and Watt, convened here to conduct experiments and engage in philosophical discourse. Today, the house boasts a permanent exhibition dedicated to the influential Lunar Society, ensuring its legacy lives on for future generations to appreciate.
Birmingham Town Hall
Birmingham’s Town Hall dates back to 1834 and has evolved into one of the city’s most iconic landmarks over the years. It has witnessed significant moments in history, including Charles Dickens delivering the first public reading of his beloved novel “A Christmas Carol” in 1853 and Queen Victoria’s visit in 1858. Throughout its existence, the town hall has adapted to changing musical tastes, transitioning from hosting classical music performances to embracing jazz and rock and roll concerts.
The stage of this historic hall has welcomed legendary artists like The Rolling Stones and Black Sabbath, cementing its status as a cultural hub and reinforcing its key place in Birmingham’s vibrant music scene.
Gas Street Basin
Located in the heart of the city, the Gas Street Basin is a picturesque gem within Birmingham’s extensive 35-mile canal network. This Birmingham city attraction owes its origins to an 18th-century industrial dispute between two canals: the Birmingham Canal and the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. The latter offered factories a faster and cheaper way to trade their goods, threatening the existence of the former. To resolve the conflict, a unique solution was implemented: the Worcester Bar, a barrier seven feet wide and 84 yards long, was constructed at the junction now known as Gas Street Basin.
Today, the basin is a vibrant area lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Strolling along the canal, you can enjoy the unique mix of contemporary and industrial infrastructure that defines this captivating Birmingham tourist attraction.
Birmingham Cathedral
The city’s Anglican Cathedral- the Church of St Philip’s, is one of Birmingham’s things to see that you cannot miss. Erected in 1715 and affectionately known as the church ‘on the hill’, this Cathedral grants visitors a rare opportunity to marvel at world-renowned English Baroque architecture up close.
Despite being one of the city’s oldest structures, the church has remained a focal point of worship for over 300 years. Among its many draws are its spectacular stained-glass windows, crafted by the native artist Edward Burne-Jones. Renowned for his works like The Golden Stairs, The Beguiling of Merlin, and The Doom Fulfilled, Burne-Jones’s contributions add an additional layer of allure to this already captivating site.
Final Thoughts
Explore Birmingham’s tourist attractions, from a historic town hall that has hosted global pop stars to a stunning Cathedral showcasing British Baroque architecture. To fully immerse yourself in Birmingham’s charm, consider exploring the city with the ease of a rental car.
Dollar Car Rental provides a diverse selection of vehicles, from electric to automatic, all at attractive rates and available at multiple locations across Europe. With our cars, you can explore Birmingham’s tourist spots at your own pace, enjoying the freedom and convenience of having your own vehicle.
Rent with us and make the most of your Birmingham adventure!
