Attractions and Places To See around Birmingham - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Birmingham include a diverse range of notable landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. The city is known for its extensive canal network, often compared to Venice, and its significant industrial heritage. Visitors can explore a mix of urban parks, historic buildings, and museums that reflect its rich past and modern development.
Best attractions and places to see around Birmingham
- The most popular attractions is Little Bracebridge Pond, Sutton Park, a viewpoint that offers a vast natural space with trails and lakes. It is known for its tranquil setting, making it feel distant from the city, and is home to wildlife.
- Another must-see spot is Birmingham Canal Navigations, a network of waterways. Visitors can explore over 100 miles of navigable canals, featuring redeveloped areas with restaurants and bars, as well as quieter spots for wildlife.
- Visitors also love Banners Gate Trails, Sutton Park, a forest area within a large urban park. It offers numerous trails for exploration, providing varied terrain and natural scenery.
- Birmingham is known for its historical sites, extensive canal system, and large urban parks. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from industrial heritage to natural landscapes.
- The attractions around Birmingham are appreciated by the komoot community, with 145 highlights, 48 photos, and 187 upvotes.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Birmingham Canal Navigations
Highlight • Cycleway
Many areas along the canal have been redeveloped into lively restaurants and bars, whilst quieter spots are still a haven for wildlife.
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Little Bracebridge Pond, Sutton Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Banners Gate Trails, Sutton Park
Highlight • Forest
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Kings Norton Junction
Highlight • Bridge
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Selly Manor Museum
Highlight • Historical Site
The house has functioned as a museum since 1916 showcasing Bourneville's history. You can visit Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm (it's open everyday during July and August). Tickets cost £4 per adult. You can find more information here: sellymanormuseum.org.uk
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The River Fountain (Floozie in the Jacuzzi), Victoria Square
Highlight • Monument
In 1993, Victoria Square was pedestrianised and remodelled. This included the installation of a massive water feature.
Around the rim of the upper pool is a quotation from Burnt Norton, one of the Four Quartets by TS Eliot:
"And the pool was filled with water out of sunlight,
And the lotos rose, quietly, quietly,
The surface glittered out of heart of light,
And they were behind us, reflected in the pool.
Then a cloud passed, and the pool was empty."
In and around the fountain are four works by Dhruva Mistry:
The River
Sat in the upper pool, is a monumental female figure representing the life force. The figure has been nicknamed 'The Floozie in the Jacuzzi' and weighs 1.75 tonnes. 'The River' is also a fountain - one of the largest in Europe - with a flow of 3,000 gallons per minute.
Youth
At the bottom of the fountain feature are two smaller figures representing youth, also by Mistry.
The Guardians
These are two Sphinx-like animals made from the same Darley Dale stone as the Council House. They were carved by the carving workshop in Cambridge.
Two abstract pillars, with lamps, complete Mistry's design. He has declined to comment on their meaning.
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King Edward VII Statue
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
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Bournville Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Digbeth Branch Canal Graffiti Murals
Highlight (Segment) • River
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Gas Street Basin
Highlight • River
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Tips from the Community
In 1910, the Birmingham Mail launched an appeal to erect a statue to Edward VII in order to commemorate his reign. Over £5,000 were quickly raised, and an area within Birmingham Children's Hospital was allocated for its location (then located on Ladywood Road near Five Ways). Albert Toft was commissioned to craft the statue, but the project immediately ran into problems. The statue was to be over six feet tall, making it difficult to find a large enough piece of Carrara marble for its construction. This problem was overcome and the project was well underway through 1912.[1] The statue was unveiled in Victoria Square on St George's Day, 23 April 1913 by Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll. It stood next to a statue of Queen Victoria. However, soon afterwards these statues were criticized as being of "ill matched designs".[2] The statue of Edward VII was moved to Highgate Park when Victoria Square was remodeled in 1951.[1] The statue was the subject of theft in the 1970s and 1980s, beginning with the Saint George's lance and then the three bronze groups in 1985 and 1986, none of which have been recovered. Following successful lobbying by the Victorian Society, Birmingham City Council agreed to restore the statue and re-site it back in the city center. On 12 June 2007, the Society launched an appeal fund to contribute towards the program of works which raised almost £12,000, more than 10% of the final cost of restoration. Work by Cliveden Conservation in Bath began in 2009. A new scepter and orb capital and the three bronzes (representing, respectively, Peace, Education and Progress, and St George slaying the dragon beneath a stylized crown) were re-made, and the monument reassembled on its original plinth. King Edward VII statue was finally placed in its new location outside Baskerville House in Centenary Square in 2013, near other Toft sculptures in the Hall of Memory.[
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The River (the Floozie) In 1993, Victoria Square was pedestrianised and remodelled. This included the installation of a massive water feature. Around the rim of the upper pool is a quotation from Burnt Norton, one of the Four Quartets by TS Eliot: "And the pool was filled with water out of sunlight, And the lotos rose, quietly, quietly, The surface glittered out of heart of light, And they were behind us, reflected in the pool. Then a cloud passed, and the pool was empty." In and around the fountain are four works by Dhruva Mistry: The River Sat in the upper pool, is a monumental female figure representing the life force. The figure has been nicknamed 'The Floozie in the Jacuzzi' and weighs 1.75 tonnes. 'The River' is also a fountain - one of the largest in Europe - with a flow of 3,000 gallons per minute. Youth At the bottom of the fountain feature are two smaller figures representing youth, also by Mistry. The Guardians These are two Sphinx-like animals made from the same Darley Dale stone as the Council House. They were carved by the carving workshop in Cambridge. Two abstract pillars, with lamps, complete Mistry's design. He has declined to comment on their meaning.
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Selly Manor is a timber-framed building in Bournville, that was moved to its current site in 1916 by chocolate manufacturer and philanthropist George Cadbur
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Beautiful recreational area with numerous opportunities to spend the day
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The statue commemorates the reign of Edward VII, who was very popular with the people due to his unstable lifestyle and easygoing manners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and parks can I explore in Birmingham?
Birmingham offers a variety of natural spaces. Little Bracebridge Pond, Sutton Park, is a vast natural space with trails and lakes, known for its tranquil setting and wildlife. Sutton Park itself is one of Europe's largest urban parks, featuring woodlands, wetlands, and various activities. Other notable parks include Cannon Hill Park, a popular family destination, and Lickey Hills Country Park, known for its views and woodland trails. You can also visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for exotic flora or Moseley Bog, a local nature reserve.
Are there good hiking or walking trails near Birmingham's attractions?
Yes, there are many options for walking and hiking. Banners Gate Trails, Sutton Park, offers numerous trails with varied terrain. The city's extensive canal network, particularly around Birmingham Canal Navigations and Gas Street Basin, provides picturesque walking routes. For more structured options, you can explore easy hikes like the 'Sutton Park 5km Walk' or the 'Birmingham Waterside loop' found in the Easy hikes around Birmingham guide.
What historical sites offer a glimpse into Birmingham's past?
Birmingham is rich in history. You can visit Selly Manor Museum to step into Tudor life. Other significant historical sites include Aston Hall, a magnificent 17th-century Jacobean mansion, and the Birmingham Back to Backs, preserved 19th-century courtyard houses. The Jewellery Quarter also offers a unique insight into the city's industrial heritage with its historic workshops.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Birmingham?
Absolutely! Many attractions cater to families. Cannon Hill Park is a popular choice with fairground rides and playgrounds. Cadbury World offers an interactive journey through the history of chocolate, while Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum provides engaging exhibits for all ages. Selly Manor Museum also offers a family-friendly look into historical life.
Where can I learn about Birmingham's industrial heritage?
To delve into Birmingham's industrial past, visit the Black Country Living Museum, an open-air museum where you can experience life during the Industrial Revolution. The Jewellery Quarter, with its well-preserved workshops, also highlights the city's manufacturing legacy. Additionally, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, though currently closed for maintenance, houses extensive collections detailing this period.
What are some notable architectural landmarks in the city center?
Birmingham boasts several impressive architectural landmarks. The Library of Birmingham is an architectural marvel with a stunning modern design and a rooftop garden offering panoramic city views. The Birmingham Town Hall, a Grade I listed building, features Roman temple-inspired architecture. The iconic, futuristic Selfridges building at The Bullring is also a recognizable symbol of modern Birmingham.
Can I explore Birmingham's famous canal network?
Yes, Birmingham's canal network is a major attraction. Often compared to Venice, the city has more miles of canals. You can explore over 100 miles of navigable waterways, particularly around Gas Street Basin and Brindleyplace, which offer lively waterside areas. Quieter spots along the Birmingham Canal Navigations are also havens for wildlife. Cycling through the canals and into the city is a popular and easy ride.
Are there any art galleries or cultural venues worth visiting?
Birmingham has a vibrant cultural scene. The Ikon Gallery, housed in a former neo-gothic school in Brindleyplace, showcases contemporary art. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, located on the University of Birmingham campus, is renowned for its fine art collection. For performing arts, Symphony Hall is considered one of the finest concert halls globally, and the Birmingham Hippodrome hosts a range of performances, including ballet.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. The extensive canal network is excellent for cycling, with routes like the 'Birmingham Waterside loop'. For mountain biking, guides like MTB Trails around Birmingham offer options such as the 'Blackroot Pool – Powell's Pool, Sutton Park loop'. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the 'Rea Valley Route – Edgbaston Tunnel loop' available in the Gravel biking around Birmingham guide.
Are there any attractions that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, several attractions and areas in Birmingham offer wheelchair accessibility. Little Bracebridge Pond, Sutton Park, is noted as wheelchair accessible. Additionally, central public spaces like Victoria Square, home to The River Fountain (Floozie in the Jacuzzi), and landmarks like King Edward VII Statue are generally accessible.
What do visitors enjoy most about Birmingham's attractions?
Visitors particularly enjoy the diversity of Birmingham's attractions. The extensive canal network is a favorite for its scenic views and lively redeveloped areas, as well as quieter spots for wildlife. Natural spaces like Sutton Park are appreciated for feeling distant from the city despite their urban location, offering many trails and lakes. The blend of historical sites, modern architecture, and green spaces provides a rich and varied experience for all.
Most popular routes around Birmingham
Most popular attractions around Birmingham
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