Exploring Birmingham Airport And Its Surroundings

what to do around birmingham airport

Birmingham Airport is located just five miles from the city centre, making it an ideal location for travellers to explore the city's sights, including its shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as its vibrant arts scene. The airport itself offers a range of shopping and dining outlets, duty-free shopping, and airport lounges with various amenities. For those looking to explore beyond the airport, Birmingham offers a multitude of attractions, including Cadbury World, the National Sea Life Centre, museums, galleries, and parks. With excellent transport links, travellers can easily access the city's top destinations and experience the unique charm and history that Birmingham has to offer.

Characteristics Values
Location West Midlands, UK
Terminals 2
Distance from city centre 5 miles
Transport options Buses, coaches, taxis, private cars, hire vehicles, trams, trains
Parking Available on-site and in the vicinity
Attractions Sheldon Country Park, National Exhibition Centre, The Vox Conference Centre, The Bear Grylls Adventure, National Motorcycle Museum, Cadbury World, Bullring Shopping Centre, China Town, National Sea Life Centre, Thinktank, IMAX Cinema, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Winterbourne House and Garden, Elmdon Park, Middle England Farm Alpacas
Shopping Duty-free shopping, Boots, Dixons, W. H. Smith, Austin Reed, Tie Rack, Claire's, Spar, Holland and Barrett
Dining Costa Coffee, EstPresso, Soho Coffee Co., Burger King, Upper Crust, Pret a Manger, Pash Deli, Frankie and Benny's, Yates, Wetherspoon

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Explore the city's history at Aston Hall

Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city, has a rich and fascinating history. A great place to start exploring this history is at Aston Hall, a Grade I-listed Jacobean house located in Aston Park. Designed by John Thorpe and built by Sir Thomas Holte between 1618 and 1635, it is considered a "Prodigy House" by architectural historians, referring to the large and extravagant manor houses of the Tudor and Jacobean eras.

The house has a long and interesting history, including being besieged by Parliamentarian forces during the Civil War in 1643, with the great oak staircase still bearing the scars of this bombardment. A cannonball also blasted through the banister during this attack, which can still be seen today. In the early 19th century, the estate fell into disrepair, and this state of neglect was immortalised by American writer Washington Irving in his story Bracebridge Hall, who visited the house in the 1820s.

In 1818, the hall was sold and let to James Watt Junior, the son of engineer James Watt, who lived there until his death in 1848. The house was then purchased by the Aston Hall and Park Company in 1858 and opened to the public, with Queen Victoria performing the opening ceremony, marking one of only two visits she made to Birmingham as Queen. The Birmingham Corporation bought the hall in 1864, and it is now owned by Birmingham City Council and managed by the Birmingham Museums Trust.

Today, Aston Hall is open to the public during the summer months, with tours and events held throughout the winter. Visitors can explore the house and its impressive architecture, as well as the surrounding public gardens, offering a glimpse into Birmingham's past and a peaceful escape from the city.

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Visit the National Motorcycle Museum

If you're looking for something to do near Birmingham Airport, the National Motorcycle Museum is a great option. Conveniently located in the heart of the Midlands Transport Network, the museum is just a five-minute taxi ride from Birmingham International Railway Station and less than two miles from the airport.

The National Motorcycle Museum is recognised as the largest and finest British motorcycle museum in the world. With over 1000 machines on display, it boasts the largest collection of British motorcycles worldwide. The collection includes a comprehensive cross-section of British machines, spanning the "60 Glorious Years" of motorcycle manufacturing in the country. The museum also features award-winning conferencing and event facilities, with 13 purpose-built suites available for conferences, seminars, banquets or functions.

The museum owes its existence to the ambition of Mr WR (Roy) Richards, who first opened its doors in October 1984 with 350 motorcycles on display. Since Roy's passing in 2008, his work has been continued by his widow, Christine, and their sons, Simon and Nick.

In addition to the impressive collection of motorcycles, the National Motorcycle Museum also owns two local hotels: The Manor Hotel at Meriden (the home of the old Triumph works) and The Windmill Village Hotel & Spa in Coventry. Both hotels are conveniently located just minutes away from the museum.

So, if you're a motorcycle enthusiast or simply looking for a unique attraction near Birmingham Airport, the National Motorcycle Museum is definitely worth a visit. With its easy access from the airport and impressive collection of British motorcycles, it's a great way to spend a couple of hours immersing yourself in the history and fascination of these machines.

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Enjoy nature at Sheldon Country Park

Birmingham Airport is conveniently located just five miles from the city centre, making it an excellent gateway to the sights of the city. However, if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Sheldon Country Park is a stone's throw away from the airport. Covering roughly 300 acres, the park offers moments of peace and quiet, with vast areas of grassland, wetland, ancient hedgerows, and mature woodland.

Sheldon Country Park is one of the larger country parks within Birmingham, established in 1986. The park boasts diverse habitats that support a wide range of plant and animal species. Two watercourses, Westley Brook and Hatchford Brook, flow through the park, teeming with aquatic life. Keep your eyes peeled for herons and kingfishers hunting for fish along the banks. The park also has a dedicated team of Park Rangers available onsite to offer help and assistance during your visit.

The most popular attraction within the park is Old Rectory Farm, a thriving demonstration farm with a rich history dating back to the 17th century as a dairy farm. Today, the farm is home to a variety of large animals, including Jersey cattle, ponies, pigs, sheep, donkeys, and chickens. Visitors have a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these animals and learn about traditional agricultural methods.

Broad paths have been cut throughout the park to improve accessibility, and a hard-surfaced nature trail can be accessed from the main car park. The Friends of Sheldon Country Park work tirelessly to promote and preserve the park for the benefit of the community. They also fundraise to support the constant upkeep and improvement of the site for future generations.

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Check out the shops and restaurants at Resorts World Birmingham

Birmingham Airport is conveniently located just five miles from the city centre, making it an excellent gateway to the sights of the UK's second-largest city. While you're in the area, you can easily spend some time checking out the shops and restaurants at Resorts World Birmingham, located just 1.2 miles from the airport.

Resorts World Birmingham is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, so you can indulge in some retail therapy or enjoy a delicious meal. Start by exploring the fashion and accessory options at stores like Austin Reed and Tie Rack. If you're looking for last-minute travel essentials, head to Boots or W.H. Smith. You can also browse the grocery selections at Spar and Holland and Barrett, offering specialist foods to tantalise your taste buds.

When it comes to dining, Resorts World Birmingham provides a range of options to suit your preferences. For a quick bite or a coffee fix, you'll find familiar names like Costa Coffee, Soho Coffee Co., and Pret a Manger. If you're craving a burger, Burger King has got you covered. Alternatively, Frankie and Benny's, Yates, and Wetherspoon provide full-service dining experiences.

In addition to shopping and dining, Resorts World Birmingham also offers entertainment options. You can try your luck at the casino or catch the latest films at the cinema. If you're travelling with family, the Escape Hunt experience adds an exciting twist to your visit. With so much to offer, Resorts World Birmingham is a versatile destination for anyone looking to kill time before a flight or seeking a fun-filled day trip.

With its proximity to Birmingham Airport, Resorts World Birmingham is easily accessible, and you can take advantage of the excellent transport connections in the area. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape, a bite to eat, or some last-minute shopping, Resorts World Birmingham has something for everyone.

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Indulge in chocolate at Cadbury World

Birmingham Airport is a great gateway to the UK's second-largest city, with its vibrant arts scene, first-class shopping, dining and entertainment. One of the top attractions in the region is Cadbury World, a chocolate lover's paradise.

If you're a chocoholic, Cadbury World is the place for you. Located in Bournville, just 13-14 miles from Birmingham Airport, it's a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. The journey from the airport takes around 25 minutes by car or taxi, or you can opt for a 52-minute train or bus ride if you prefer public transportation.

Cadbury World offers a self-guided tour where you can explore and interact with exhibits at your own pace. As you make your way through, you'll be handed chocolate bars at various sections, with the first one greeting you at the entrance. The 4D cinema is a popular attraction, providing a unique sensory experience. You can also witness the art of chocolate tempering and indulge in delicious hot chocolates.

For those arriving by boat, Cadbury World is a 15-minute walk from the Birmingham and Worcester canal moorings at Bournville Station. Follow the fingerposts and wall signs to navigate through the Cadbury grounds. If you're driving, be mindful of Birmingham's Clean Air Zone, which covers the roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road. A non-compliant vehicle will need to pay a daily charge to enter the zone.

Whether you're travelling with family or friends, Cadbury World promises a sweet escape. So, go ahead and satisfy your chocolate cravings at this unique destination, conveniently located just a short distance from Birmingham Airport.

Frequently asked questions

There are plenty of fun things to do near Birmingham Airport, including:

- Visiting the National Motorcycle Museum, which is just 2.5 miles from the airport.

- Exploring Sheldon Country Park, a stone's throw away from the airport, where you can wander around 300 acres of grassland, woodland and hedgerows.

- Checking out Cadbury World, a chocolate-themed park where you can learn about the history of British chocolate brand Cadbury.

- Going shopping at the famous Bullring Shopping Centre, which has over 140 shops.

- Visiting the National Sea Life Centre.

Birmingham Airport is well-connected to the city centre, with buses, coaches, taxis, private cars and hire vehicles all easily accessible. The highways are in excellent condition and there is also a tram and train system.

Frankie and Benny's, Yates and Wetherspoon all offer full-service dining near the airport.

Yes, in addition to the National Motorcycle Museum, you can visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and Aston Hall, which is recommended for history buffs.

The Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport is just 2 miles from the airport and has exclusive leisure facilities.

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