pap Posted 20 May, 2012 Share Posted 20 May, 2012 Ms pap and juvenile unit #1 needed transport to the NEC this weekend. Travel is something that is a little out of the missus's comfort zone, so decided to tag along and get some quality time with juvenile unit #2. As a consequence, got to explore Birmingham for the first time. I've been to the NEC before, but only the exhibition centre - which is something of a bubble. I've also spent hours in the underbelly of Birmingham New Street waiting for train connections, which doesn't really count as it's just a dirty tunnel. Today, we spent around six hours exploring the centre of the second city today. Overall, I'm pretty impressed. Negatives? Far too many chain shops, and far too frequently occurring. Like many city centres, Brum is awash with chain stores. It's always disappointing to walk down a new street full of the same things. They also had signs directing tourists like ourselves to a new Thinktank science museum. Juvenile unit #2 enjoys museums, but she's been to most of the Liverpool ones several times over. Bit crap when we got there and found a building site (advanced state of completion, but still). City centre was an odd mashup of grime and futuristic stuff. The Bullring is really impressive, an architecturally pleasing construction. It's only just dawned on thickie here that it's called the Bullring because it's shaped like one Really liked how cosmopolitan the place was, and am planning a return visit. Will probably time it with a concert I'm interested in, but otherwise, want to spread my wings and see a bit more of the city. What's worth doing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suewhistle Posted 20 May, 2012 Share Posted 20 May, 2012 Is the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra still going? I've got the Brahms symphonies from them from some years ago, and good performances too. The jewellery quarter is interesting and went to a great hen night at some gay/lesbian night clubs, but I think you'd better wait for some more local knowledge! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shroppie Posted 20 May, 2012 Share Posted 20 May, 2012 Is the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra still going? I've got the Brahms symphonies from them from some years ago, and good performances too. The jewellery quarter is interesting and went to a great hen night at some gay/lesbian night clubs, but I think you'd better wait for some more local knowledge! Very much so and excellent they are too. The Wellington on Bennet's Hill off New Street is as good a real ale pub as you'll find anywhere. Take a stroll round the canal footpaths too. Brum has more miles of canal than Venice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 21 May, 2012 Share Posted 21 May, 2012 Very much so and excellent they are too. The Wellington on Bennet's Hill off New Street is as good a real ale pub as you'll find anywhere. Take a stroll round the canal footpaths too. Brum has more miles of canal than Venice. Gas Street Basin is (or was) very nice if you like canal boats. Years ago, we cruised underneath Spaghetti Junction - bit bizzarre! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shroppie Posted 21 May, 2012 Share Posted 21 May, 2012 Gas Street Basin is (or was) very nice if you like canal boats. Years ago, we cruised underneath Spaghetti Junction - bit bizzarre! I did that too - as the junction was being built! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camdijk Posted 21 May, 2012 Share Posted 21 May, 2012 Spaghetti Junction is interesting, spent many hours going round. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now