The UK's second city has many redeeming features which are often overlooked. Birmingham has more miles of waterway than Venice. It has a world class venue for classical music, in the form of the Royal Symphony Hall. In recent years, the Bull Ring has been transformed, anchored by a space age Selfridges store.
Its central location makes the city an attractive conference venue. Attached to the Birmingham Symphony Hall is the International Conference Centre. A little further afield is the National Exhibition Centre, close to Birmingham International Airport on the outskirts of Solihull. Both venues have entertained the good and the great, from orators to orchestras. The NEC has hosted numerous concerts and has, since 1991, played host to Crufts' dog show.
For smaller events, Birmingham has a wealth of hotels in and around its city centre. Outlying areas such as Edgbaston is a short train journey or drive away. Besides hotels, more athletically minded delegates may prefer alternative conference venues. Villa Park, St. Andrews and Edgbaston fulfil this need. The Edgbaston Experience enables you to enjoy County Cricket, or a Test Match in stylish surroundings. Why not see Aston Villa or Birmingham City in style? If you go to St. Andrews, why not book a conference in the Jasper Carrott suite?
Post conference, why not let your hair down, or partake in a bit of retail therapy? As well as famous name store chains, Brindleyplace is a good canalside spot for wining and dining. The Postbox offers upmarket shopping facilities. The newly opened Central Library is a good place for reflection. Other attractions include the National Sea Life Centre and Think Tank.
If you prefer to go a little further, there are numerous attractions a short drive away. To the north west, visit The Black Country Living Museum in Tipton where you can visit a drift mine, ride on trolleybuses or enjoy fish and chips. To the south west, the Severn Valley Railway in Kidderminster is unmissable. As are the Clent Hills and the Malvern Hills if walking's more your scene, with magnificent views. Tamworth Castle and Lichfield Cathedral are a short drive north of Birmingham.
As a conference venue, the UK's second city is worthy of your consideration. A certain property guru says 'location location location'. By road, rail and air, truly applicable to Birmingham.
The city of Birmingham is well and truly in the centre of the UK's road and rail networks, with the M5, M6, M6 Toll, M42 and A38(M) motorways close by. Its main station, Birmingham New Street has a wealth of inter-city and cross-country services along with local trains (some of which also available from Moor Street and Snow Hill stations). Digbeth Coach Station is the epicentre of National Express' coach services, and the city is well served by local bus routes. Additionally, the Midland Metro light rail system offers an alternative route to Birmingham from Wolverhampton.
