Why Birmingham’s a Gold Medal City

The Gold Coast passed on the baton for The Commonwealth Games and Birmingham is sprinting to the finish line for the 2022 competition. Visitors are going to be in for a big surprise as Britain’s second-largest city has transformed from outsider to medal winner, putting the vibrant city firmly on the international map. 

Brummies are passionate about their home, which has evolved from the centre of the Industrial Revolution to one of the most architecturally-futuristic cities in Britain. But now the rest of us get to see why the locals love it so much. Did you know it boasts more kilometres of canals than Venice? And more trees than Paris? It is home to world-class theatres, museums and the Birmingham Royal Ballet, and even inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth. The birthplace of Cadbury’s is also choc-full of restaurants and bars, with more than 200 eateries from around the world, including five Michelin-starred ones. With its stunning Bullring and Grand Central shopping centre and hip gin bars, it’s a wonder anyone goes anywhere else. 

It’s also slap-bang in the middle of England, surrounded by some of the country’s top destinations – just an hour and half on the train from London and with historic Oxford and the beautiful Cotswolds within easy reach. Get your history fix with neighbouring Stratford-upon-Avon, home to William Shakespeare, and Warwick Castle built by William the Conqueror. Breathe in the great outdoors in the Peak District National Park, or relax with a craft ale in one of the many traditional pubs in the city. Birmingham well and truly busts all its myths. It has, to reference some of its famous former residents, played a Peaky Blinder.  

Discover more reasons to race to Birmingham here. 

Restrictions on travel to and around Britain are in place due to Covid-19. Visitors are encouraged to always check individual websites for the latest information, as details are subject to change.