Birmingham

Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city, lies at the heart of the English Midlands. A former industrial powerhouse, it retains more miles of canals than Venice, now redeveloped with pedestrian towpaths and cafés around areas like Brindleyplace and Gas Street Basin. The Jewellery Quarter reflects its manufacturing heritage, while the Bullring shopping centre showcases the city's modern retail scene. Birmingham is home to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, notable for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, and the striking Library of Birmingham, a symbol of the city's regeneration. Music lovers can visit Symphony Hall, renowned for its acoustics. The Balti Triangle district is well known for its Indian cuisine, a reflection of the city's diverse communities. Each winter, a German-style Christmas market, one of the largest outside Germany and Austria, brings activity to the city centre. Well connected by rail and international airport, Birmingham serves as a convenient base for exploring the Midlands, combining industrial heritage, culture and a varied food scene.