Local Attractions

• Fantastic shopping – the canal side Mailbox with Harvey Nichols and so much more plus the world famous Bullring – shop ‘til you drop!
• Trendy bars and restaurants; traditional pubs; theatres; clubs – Birmingham has it all
• ICC, NIA, NEC, Symphony Hall, Edgbaston Cricket Club, Aston Villa FC, Birmingham City FC, Millenium Point, Birmingham
• University – all within just a few miles, or less, from The Apollo Leisure guests will find Stratford Upon Avon, Warwick, The Black Country and Telford all less than one hour’s drive.

Birmingham City Centre

More canals than Venice, more trees than Paris and some of the best shopping in the country.  This coupled with internationally renowned  venues such as Sypmphony Hall (widely acclaimed as Europe’s best and home of CBSO);  Birmingham Royal Ballet;  cinemas and theatres littered across the city; the National Indoor Arena and the NEC bringing some of the best shows and exhibitions to the city, family attractions galore including the Sea Life Centre; Millenium Point; walking trails around the city incorporating architecture and the historic and regenerated canal system with it’s vibrant bars; restaurants and shops.  And so much more.   Birmingham - we bet you don’t know half of it! 

Estimated travel time from hotel: 3 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 1 mile

Warwick Castle

As Britain’s greatest mediaeval experience Warwick Castle promises a great day out for all the family.  The history of the castle stretches back almost 1,100 years and is bursting to the towers with action and adventure including the world’s biggest siege machine, thrilling jousting tournaments, breathtaking birds of prey, daredevil knights and an entire castle full of colourful characters. 

Preferential family packages rates to include entrance to Warwick Castle.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 4 minutes
Estimated distance from hotel: 1.5 miles

Stratford Upon Avon and The Royal Shakespeare Company

Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK.  Visit Ann Hathaway’s cottage; Mary Arden’s house and savour the delights of a beautiful town with amazing historical architecture set out as a new town in 1196, on a medieval grid system.

The RSC in Stratford offers three theatres providing an elaborate range of drama, ancient and modern, classic and contemporary. Here we find the finest actors and directors working on great plays in some of the best theatre spaces in the world.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 50 minutes
Estimated Distance from hotel: 30 miles

Barber Institute of Fine Arts
“one of the finest small art galleries in Europe” 
- The Observer

Monet, Manet, and Magritte; Renoir, Rubens, Rossetti and Rodin; Degas, Delacroix and van Dyck —
not to mention Turner, Gainsborough, Gauguin, van Gogh, Picasso, Kokoschka…

You can see major works by all these great artists in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, at the University of Birmingham. There’s also a stunning coin gallery and an exciting programme of exhibitions, concerts, lectures, gallery talks, workshops and family activities.

The Barber is also home to the University of Birmingham's departments of History of Art and Music, as well as the Barber Fine Art and Music libraries.

Admission FREE

Estimated travel time from hotel: 5 minutes
Estimated distance from hotel:  2 miles

Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses

The Birmingham Hippodrome

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre is one of the City's most exciting and vibrant theatres, with a dramatic tradition that spans over one hundred years.

Home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet and DanceXchange, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre is one of the City's most exciting and vibrant theatres, with a dramatic tradition that spans over one hundred years. Thanks to a major £30m redevelopment programme, Birmingham Hippodrome is no longer simply a theatre - albeit with one of the largest stages in the country and a seating capacity of 1850 - but a theatre complex, offering conference and event facilities, meeting rooms, a large restaurant overlooking the Piazza with an award winning in-house catering team, a coffee bar, four large studios, spacious foyers with lifts to all levels and a new flexible studio, the Patrick Centre, with 200 seats.

With a reputation for staging some of the country's best musicals, ballets, operas and pantomimes, Birmingham Hippodrome is an events venue with a difference, offering facilities that are second to none. From product launches to business lunches, from conferences to corporate hospitality, from exhibitions to live events, Birmingham Hippodrome has the capability to turn any event into a memorable experience. Centrally located, close to car parks, stations, hotels, restaurants and shopping centres, delegates are assured of easy access, while a team of experienced staff are on hand to help you create a unique event they will never forget.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 4 minutes
Estimated distance from hotel: 1.5 miles

Thinktank-Birmingham Science Museum

Thinktank is Birmingham's science museum where the emphasis is firmly on hands on exhibits and interactive fun.

Ten themed galleries of interactive, informative exhibits make up Thinktank, Birmingham's science museum. It's a truly modern museum where you can investigate everything from locomotvives and aircraft to intestines and taste buds! Combining science and entertainment in spectacular fashion there's something at Thinktank for everyone. Birmingham's very own digital planetarium - powered by Digistar 3, the world's most advanced digital planetarium projection system.

Using state-of-the-art digital technology to present breathtaking images onto a 360° domed ceiling, the recently opened Planetarium at Thinktank places the audience right in the centre of the action - a totally immersive science experience. With a vibrant daily programme of entertaining shows, astronomy classes, activities and lectures, we will take you on an inspiring exploration of the night sky, our galaxy and beyond.

Facilities include: Gift shop, LEGO lab, Fully accessible for people with mobility difficulties, COrporate functions available (Thinkbusiness 0121 202 2333).

Estimated travel time from hotel: 6 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 2 miles

Black Country Living Museum

A warm welcome awaits you at Britain's friendliest open-air museum. Wander around original shops and houses, ride on fair attractions, take a look down the underground coalmine.

A warm welcome awaits you at Britain's friendliest open-air museum. Discover a fascinating and different world where an old-fashioned village has been created by the canal. Wander around original shops and houses, ride on a tramcar or fairground swingboat, chat by the coal-fired kitchen ranges, go down the mine or just soak up the atmosphere.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 20 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 7 miles

Cadbury World

Story of Cadbury's chocolate includes chocolate-making demonstration and attractions for all ages, with free samples, free parking, shop and restaurant. Phone to check availability and reserve admission. Closed 23-26 Dec, 31 Dec and 1 Jan.

There’s never been a better time to visit Cadbury World in Bournville, Birmingham. Come and experience the magic, making and history of Cadbury chocolate. In the new Essence, discover the secret of Cadbury Dairy Milk and create your own unique product combining liquid chocolate with different taste sensations from popcorn to jelly babies. In Purple Planet chase a Cadbury Creme Egg, grow your own cocoa beans and see yourself moulded in chocolate. With the world’s largest Cadbury shop, Cadabra ride, and much more, you couldn’t ask for a more scrumptious day out. Open all year but always phone to check availability and reserve admission. Closed 23-26 Dec, 31 Dec and 1 Jan.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 15 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 4 miles

The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

The story of jewellery making in Birmingham with a visit around a 'time capsule' jewellery factory.

A 'time capsule' jewellery factory, little changed from 1914 and left undisturbed after closure is brought back to life. Meet our team of guides who take you through the factory and help you to discover the skills involved in jewellery manufacture. A purpose-built visitor centre tells the 200-year history of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter and provides information and full access for disabled visitors. Tearoom, shop (selling an excellent selection of Birmingham-made contemporary jewellery), changing temporary exhibitions and a lively events progamme.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 10 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 2 miles

National Exhibition Centre

The NEC is the UK's largest exhibition space and Europe's busiest exhibition venue with over 20 halls playing host to 200 exhibitions and more than 4 million attendees each year.

The NEC is the UK's largest exhibition space and Europe's busiest exhibition venue with over 20 halls playing host to 200 exhibitions and more than 4 million attendees each year. Events like Crufts, The BBC Good Food Show and the National Boat and Caravan Show return year after year. The NEC is located at Junction 6 of the M42. There is a railway station on site (Birmingham International) and free minibus link between the two. Birmingham International Airport is one mile away and there is a mono-rail from the NEC to the Airport which takes 90 seconds. The venue has 20 exhibition halls and a range of purpose-built conference suites and meeting rooms.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 30 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 12 miles

Lapworth Museum of Geology

Minerals, rocks, fossils and stone implements from the UK and around the world.

The Lapworth Museum of Geology is one of the oldest specialist geological museums in the UK, dating back to 1880. It has the finest and most extensive collections of fossils, minerals and rocks in the Midlands region.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 10 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 2.5 miles

Birmingham Cathedral (St. Philips)

A beautiful historic building at the heart of the city, Birmingham Cathedral contains four famous Pre-Raphaelite windows by Burne-Jones, surrounded by restored churchyard.

Birmingham Cathedral is a fine English Baroque parish church designed by Thomas Archer. Completed in 1725, it is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city centre. The Cathedral contains four famous Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones. The popular churchyard, now beautifully restored, has a perimeter of cast-iron railings, with a double row of plane trees.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 10 minutes
Estimated distance from hotel: 2.5 miles

National Sea Life Centre

Marvel at over 3000 sea creatures displayed in a magical underwater world, complete with the world's first 360 degree transparent, tubular underwater walk-through tunnel. Amazonia exhibition.

Birmingham's unique flagship National Sea Life Centre takes visitors on a spectacular undersea voyage with over 60 displays of freshwater and marine life, creating a wonderland for visitors of all ages. Built on four levels the centre takes visitor son a landscaped journey from a rivers source through to the depths of the Pacific Ocean to discover the magical tropical underwater world.
The attraction boasts an enormous one million litre ocean tank. Complete with the world's first 360 degree transparent tubular underwater walk-through tunnel, it houses giant green sea turtles, black tip reef sharks and tropical reef fish.
Voted Aquarium of the Year & Warwickshire Family Attraction of the Year by the Good Britain Guide 2004, Birmingham's unique National Sealife Centre has the world's first 360 degree transparent tubular underwater walk through tunnel. See the giant green sea turtles, black tip reef sharks, troprical reef fish and the special Seahorse Breeding and Conservation Centre containing 11 different displays. Amazonia exhibition.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 5 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 1.5 miles

Ruskin Glass Centre

Glass and design studios for traditional and contemporary makers including glassblowing, glass cutting and antique glass repairs. Glasshouse studio theatre with full cultural programme throughout the year.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 30 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 13 miles

National Motorcycle Museum

Museum with a collection of 650 British machines from 1898-1993, housed in a new high architectural standard building.

The National Motorcycle Museum is recognised as the finest and largest motorcycle museum in the world., with five exhibition halls containing some 800 machines covering the 60 golden years of British motorcycle manufacturing., there is a comprehensive cross-section of machines from the late 1800's to the present day, with more being added to the collection on a daily basis.
It is a place where 'Legends Live On' and it is tribute to and a living development of the motorcycle from its earlier days to the golden years of the 1930's - 60s, when British motorcycles 'ruled the world'.

The National Motorcycle Museum is located on Junction 6 of the M42, directly opposite the National Exhibition Centre. Birmingham International Airport and Railway Station are approximately one mile (1.6km) away.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 30 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 13 miles

Sutton Park National Reserve

Sutton Park covers 2,400 acres of natural conuntryside. Look out for the wild Exmoor ponies! The visitor centre has excellent displays of the park's wildlife. Children's activities, Play area and a small amusement park (Summer Only) and

Sutton Park covers 2,400 acres of natural conuntryside. Look out for the wild Exmoor ponies! The visitor centre has excellent displays of the park's wildlife. Children's activities, Play area and a small amusement park (Summer Only) and our visitors centre open daily.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 30 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 11 miles

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery situated in Chamberlain Square is an appropriate setting for some of the world's finest examples of Pre-Raphaelite art. 

Opened in 1885, the museum houses prehistoric collections, birds and wildlife section, paintings and drawings, precious stones and jewellery, costumes, pottery and a varied collection of archaelogical material.

Very much a socially orientated museum the displays illustrate the ethnic make up of the City of Birmingham and citizens are invited to contribute their ideas and thoughts to the collection.

The museum is very pro active in its exhibitions and displays. The nearby Gas Hall has an impressive programme of events. 

A visit to the Edwardian Tea Room is a must and the museum has its own shop which is operated by the National Trust. This is a wonderful museum and not to be rushed. Put aside plenty of time to browse round the galleries. 

There is no entrance charge though donations are accepted to assist in the upkeep of the museum. The museum has over a million visitors a year.

If you are looking for fine Art, the Barber Institute at the Birmingham University will be an important entry on your list of places to see.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 5 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 2 miles

Cannon Hill Park

This is the pride of Birmingham Parks. Birmingham claims to have over 200 parks, more than any other European city in fact. This is the flagship and the most varied and attractive. The park has two lakes, rowing boat facilities, tennis, fishing and a host of activities particularly during the summer months. 

This park is very much used as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is popular and busy and yet takes it all in its stride.

The Midlands Arts Centre is also based here and provides refreshments and regular exhibitions as well as cinema and theatre productions. The Nature Centre is also close by and there are two childrens play areas.

A striking war memorial has the following inscription 'To the glorious memory of the SONS OF BIRMINGHAM who fell in South Africa 1890-1902 and to perpetuate the example of all who served in the war. This memorial is erected by their fellow citizens'

Estimated travel time from hotel: 10 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 3.5 miles

Oratory Hagley Road

Pretty unimpressive building which is harldy noticed as you drive down the Hagley road towards the city. However, don't be fooled. From the car park behind the oratory all is revealed. The photographs here show you what the building looks like. Inside the atmosphere is typically Roman Catholic and it's architecture and splendour is revealed to you.

John Henry Newman is regarded by Catholics as the greatest Englishmen of the 19th century. One of the intellectuals of his time his personal belief and spiritual influence on parishioners was inspirational. Newman was born in London but his association with the city of Birmingham stems from his formation of the Oratorian Congregation of Birmingham in 1848. After several oratory locations in the city the current location in Edgbaston commenced in 1852. Initially a temporary church it was soon followed by a Catholic School.

In 1879 Pope Leo XIII appointed Newman a Cardinal for his devotion and efforts. He died on August 11th 1890.

More about the Oratory can be found at their website:

Estimated travel time from hotel: 1 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 0.5 mile

Town Hall Birmingham

Designed by architect Joseph Hanson ( renowned for the Hansom cab ) but based on Palladio's Books of architecture, the Birmingham Town Hall is an impressive building. 

To look at, you could be forgiven for assuming it's construction to be of stone but like most buildings of the 1830's it is built of brick with stone facing. The brick came from Selly Oak.

The town hall is a Grade I listed building which was purpose built for the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival which was established in 1784 to raise funds for the General Hospital.

Joseph Hanson under estimated the cost of the project when he tendered jointly with Edward Welch stating that construction costs would be around £8,000 for the building, a considerable sum in those days. This caused Hanson to go bankrupt during the construction.

Additional funds were found to complete the building in 1834 and the Music Festival went ahead despite the project not being completely finished.The pipe organ was built by Hill of London at a cost of £6,000. 

The Birmingham Symphony Orchestra were based here until 1991 when they moved to the new purpose built Symphony Hall. 

In 2008 the Town Hall re-opened as a concert hall after extensive refurbishment costing £35 million, with £18.3 million coming from Birmingham City Council and the remainder from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Agency.

Throughout the periods of reburbishment which lasted several years, various giant advertising sheets were used to cover the building. The Town Hall is once again used for classical concerts, a general music venue and a variety of local events and meetings.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 5 min
Estimated distance from hotel: 2 miles

Symphony Hall

Birmingham's Symphony Hall is an impressive 2,262 seat concert hall in the heart of the city. Located in the ICC ( International Convention Centre ) building, it was officially opened by the Queen in 1991.

The Symphony hall has world class acoustics and an impressive auditorium that must place it amongst the finest in the UK. The Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are based here and it is host to numerous international orchestras.

It is also a venue for community events and has a diverse programme which includes all types of music, comedy acts, conferences and graduations. Over 300 events a year take place here with nearly 400,000 people visiting the Symphony Hall each and every year.

At a cost of £30 million it was designed by Russell Johnson of Artec Consultants Inc and features state of the art acoustics and 8 inch ( 200 mm ) thick concrete walls and ceilings with dampening curtains and sound reflection equipment.

Many people are unaware that the Symphony Hall is built just 98 feet ( 30 metres ) from a railway line. To alleviate any interference the railway track is mounted on rubber cushions as is the entire hall.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 5 minutes
Estimated distance from hotel: 1.5 miles

West Midlands Safari Park

Set in 200 acres of beautiful Worcestershire countryside, West Midland Safari Park is one of the leading attractions of the West Midlands and is the only safari park in the UK to host all of the African Big Five.

With acres of highly versatile outdoor space for all types of events from family fun days to product placements, with easy access from the M5 motorway and free parking makes it a perfect location.

You will experience a four mile drive through safari featuring an impressive variety of wild and exotic animals and live shows and with over 30 theme park rides guarantees a truly wild and fun day for all ages

Estimated travel time from hotel: 40 minutes
Estimated distance from hotel: 18 miles

Drayton Manor Theme Park

A favourite theme park, packed with a host of great rides and attractions set in 280 acres of lakes and parkland. Drayton Manor features some of the biggest, wettest and scariest rides around!

Apocalypse is the world's first stand up tower drop. Shockwave is Europe's only stand up rollercoaster. Stormforce 10 is ‘the best water ride in the country' (Daily Express). Maelstrom is the only gyro swing to make you face outwards! Pandemonium turns your world upside down!

The incredible G-Force is like no other rollercoaster you've seen before! This £3 million ride takes terrified thrill seekers through a series of high banked twists and turns at speeds of up to 70 kph at 4.3 G's, whilst hanging by the hip!

There's also an abundance of fantastic family attractions with the new 4D Cinema featuring Curse of Skull Rock, Excalibur- a Dragon's Tale, The Haunting and the Drunken Barrels!

With an array of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, a museum - and much more you will have an amazing fun filled day for the whole family!

Thomas Land

For the first time in Europe, Thomas and his friends will have their very own home at Drayton Manor Park. Families can experience the magic of Sodor and interact with their favourite characters as never before.

Set in 6,000 square metres of beautiful parkland, Thomas Land is a multi-million pound attraction promising fun and adventure for the young and young at heart. It boasts 12 wonderful themed rides, a spectacular indoor play area and a shop filled with fantastic Thomas & Friends merchandise.

It's full steam ahead to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park

Drayton Manor Zoo

15 acres of open plan zoo are home to over one hundred species from all over the world, including 12 rare breeds. Drayton Manor Zoo is a fascinating place to explore big cats, reptiles, eagles, monkeys, owls, parrots, and the children's farm – plus an exotic creature reserve.

Estimated travel time from hotel: 30 minutes
Estimated distance from hotel: 19 miles