Honeymoon in Birmingham
In today's financial market people may decide to spend more of their well earned cash on the wedding and save a little on the honeymoon. Some newlyweds
may also be taking their children with them on honeymoon to double up as a family holiday and just because the budget won't stretch to some far off
exotic destination does not mean that a more 'close to home' honeymoon won't be just as romantic, fun, adventurous, relaxing and memorable, for both
couples and families.
Take Birmingham for instance, the geographical capital and second largest City of England that started life as a sixth-century Anglo-Saxon village and today is a modern, cosmopolitan city with terrific shopping and lively nightlife.
The city centre is a paradise for shoppers, with designer shops and independent boutique's. The Mailbox and newly built Bullring Shopping Centre ensure that all your shopping desires are fulfilled. The city also boasts cutting edge museums, galleries and theatres that are within walking distance of the city centre.
Broad Street is Birmingham's busiest and most popular entertainment and business destination offering attractions such as The National Sea Life Centre, the Ikon Gallery, The Crescent and Birmingham Repertory Theatres, Symphony Hall and the National Indoor Arena to name but a few.
Walk along the canal, enjoy the architecture, see a movie, eat fantastic food in one of the many cosmopolitan restaurants, take a ride on the big wheel (seasonal), window shop or simply sit and relax while having a drink in one of the bars and watch the world go by. You could spend loads of time exploring Broad Street and never get bored, but Birmingham has so much more to offer.
Places to Visit in Birmingham
Cadbury World - Just four miles south of the city centre is the famous Cadbury World; a real treat for chocolate lovers of all ages. Enjoy the journey of learning the history of chocolate, how chocolate is made, taste the chocolate and see some of the weird and wonderful things that people have done with chocolate. Of course don't forget to visit the shop on the way out! Further information can be obtained here
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Greenhouses - Located two miles from the city centre the gardens opened in 1832 and now covers over 15 acres. There are the main gardens with its bandstand, somewhere to stroll and relax or have a picnic while enjoying the sun. Attractions such as tropical glasshouses, a tea room and a children's playground along with a study centre and so much more are a delight for any green fingered gardening fanatic or those looking for peace and tranquillity while surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. For prices and details visit their website
The Black Country Living Museum - Nine miles from the city centre this fantastic urban heritage park is situated in the heart of the Black Country. Houses and historical buildings from around the Black Country and other parts of England have been moved brick by brick and rebuilt at the 'open air museum'. Be transported back in time and see how people lived and worked in industrial Britain. Go down into the underground mine, visit the blacksmith, glass worker or other craftsmen at work. Why not have a spot of lunch from the fish and chip shop which traditionally serves them in newspaper and then visit the sweet shop next door where you can see them being hand-made just as they were in days of old.
Ironbridge Gorge Museum - Situated twenty six miles from Birmingham's City Centre, the Ironbridge Gorge was awarded World Heritage status in 1986. Ironbridge was the centre of the Industrial Revolution and was, at the end of the 18th Century the most technologically advanced area in the world. There are ten award winning museums all delightfully situated along the wild and beautiful River Severn, which is still spanned by the world's first Iron Bridge.
Time for Romance - Why not enjoy an evening of fantastic views inside the big wheel on Broad Street or enjoy a day or evening boat ride along the canal. Visit one of the many theatres, see a ballet, listen to an orchestra or see a show. Have a
romantic dinner in one of the many fine award winning restaurants where you can find a splendid range of cuisine ranging from Tapas, Chinese, Mexican,
French, Greek and Italian; and of course we can't forget the legendary Birmingham Balti. You could always take your chances in one of the Casino's,
visit a comedy club or enjoy the endless choices of pubs and clubs to dance the night way or listen to live music.
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Fair - Birmingham's partner city is Frankfurt and Birmingham is host to the famous annual German Market. 2009 dates are from 12th November to Wednesday 23rd December (Craft Fair from 19 November). It is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. Enjoy sampling traditional German food such as currywurst (scrumptious curried sausage), sauerkraut (pickled cabbage, which, according to some improves libido!) and many more tantilising options, along with traditional German beers or a steaming cup of hot glühwein which is a spicy mulled wine. Also see German crafts such as wooden toys made and purchase while enjoying the fun German Christmas atmosphere.
Sarehole Mill - The 200 year old mill is a beautiful attraction in its own right with its Waterwheel, mill pool, bake house, cobbled courtyard and beautiful surrounding woodland and Shire Country Park which is a haven for wildlife. Tolkien lovers will know that this is where Tolkien visited as a child and got his inspiration to write the famous Lord of the Rings novels. The Tolkien Trail follows the author's childhood footsteps and shows you points of inspiration and you may even recognise some from their descriptions in the books!
Hagley Hall - This beautiful Hall was completed in 1760 and once belonged to George the First. It is a wonderful example of 18th Century architecture and has 350 acres of parkland complete with its own deer herds and church. The Hall is a beautiful place to visit, to enjoy the Van Dyke paintings, plasterwork and exquisite art or just stroll in the grounds enjoying the peace and tranquility. This historical building is owned by Lord and Lady Cobham who are in residence and use the Hall as their family home. The Hall also caters for conferences and Weddings!
Where to Stay in Birmingham
There is accommodation for all budgets, from the honeymooners who want to splash out and stay in the Hyatt on Broad Street, to bed and breakfast accommodation within the city centre limits. All of which will also offer family rooms. Prices vary according to budgets and it is worth using the internet as a resource tool to find accommodation best suited to your needs.
How to get around Birmingham
Birmingham has a very good rail system via New Street Station and Snow Hill Station which has links throughout the city and wider areas. Rail information can be obtained from nationalrail.co.uk
There is a very comprehensive bus service that can get you anywhere around the city and single or family day tickets are available and well worth the money if you intend to be popping on and off buses sight-seeing.
Birmingham also has the famous Spaghetti Junction which is the intersection of the M6, A38 (M) Motorways and the A38 road. All the attractions above are within easy driving distance of the city centre.
Birmingham most definitely lives up to its reputation for being a cultured, cosmopolitan and lively city. It has everything you could want, from nightlife to relaxing tranquillity. There are so many more places to visit, sights to see and adventures to be had but to name them all would take forever. You have the opportunity to custom design your dream honeymoon, to make it as memorable, enjoyable and as perfect a honeymoon destination to rival any other. Enjoy your honeymoon, enjoy each other, and enjoy Birmingham!
