Explore Birmingham
As the host city of CALPHAD 2027, Birmingham offers delegates the perfect opportunity to experience one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse destinations. Renowned for its rich industrial heritage, world-class cultural attractions, thriving food scene and extensive canal network, Birmingham combines history with innovation at every turn.
Whether you're looking to explore iconic landmarks, enjoy award-winning restaurants, or venture into the beautiful surrounding countryside of the West Midlands, there's something for every visitor. We invite you to make the most of your time in Birmingham and discover everything the city and its surrounding region have to offer.
To help you plan your visit, we've outlined some of our suggested things to see and do while you're here.
Birmingham City Centre
BrindleyPlace
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat and drink, head to BrindleyPlace, one of Birmingham’s most vibrant destinations.
Just a 10-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station, BrindleyPlace offers
a variety of international restaurants, cafés, and bars, set among attractive
tree-lined squares with picturesque canal-side views.
Victoria & Chamberlain Square
Victoria and Chamberlain Squares are at the heart of Birmingham’s cultural and civic quarter. Together, they showcase some of the city’s most iconic landmarks,
including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which houses world-class art collections, as well as the impressive Council House and historic Town Hall.
Birmingham Library
The award-winning Library of Birmingham is one of Europe’s largest regional libraries
and a landmark building at the heart of the city’s redevelopment. Visitors can
explore its extensive collections, enjoy a coffee, and take in spectacular
panoramic views of Birmingham from the rooftop terraces.
Cadbury World
Located just two miles from campus, Bournville is home to the famous Cadbury World attraction. A visit offers a fun-filled
chocolate experience, making it a popular day out and one of the UK’s favourite
family attractions.
Digbeth
Digbeth is one of Birmingham’s most distinctive and creative neighbourhoods, located less than a 10-minute walk from Bullring & Grand Central. Named the ‘Coolest Neighbourhood in Britain’ by
the Sunday Times, Digbeth is renowned for its vibrant independent scene,
including the Custard Factory’s cafés, shops, cinemas, and arts venues. The
area is also home to historic pubs, street art.
Sea Life Centre
Located close to Brindleyplace, the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham offers a unique underwater experience, including the UK’s only 360° Ocean Tunnel. Walk through the ocean as sharks, a giant turtle, rays, and hundreds of tropical fish swim all around you, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
Located just one mile from campus, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to a fascinating collection of animals
from around the world. Visitors can discover a variety of species, including
red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, otters, reptiles, birds, wallabies, and monkeys,
making it a great destination for animal lovers of all ages.
Outside Birmingham City Centre
Stratford-upon-Avon
A charming medieval market town in the heart of England’s West Midlands, Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the birthplace of world-renowned playwright William Shakespeare and is a must-visit destination. Step back into the 16th century as you explore the house where Shakespeare was born and raised, and discover the story of his family life. Visit Anne Hathaway’s picturesque cottage or explore New Place, where Shakespeare and his family lived during the height of his success. To complete your visit, enjoy a performance at one of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s three theatres.
Warwick Castle
Experience over 1,100 years of history at Warwick Castle, where the impressive stone buildings seen today date back to the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. The site’s history stretches even further, with records showing that a motte-and-bailey castle was first built here in 1068. History
enthusiasts can explore the castle’s remarkable scale, engaging exhibitions,
and extensive grounds, landscaped by the renowned designer Capability Brown.
With a year-round programme of live entertainment, including jousting, birds of
prey displays, and seasonal events, Warwick Castle offers an unforgettable
experience for visitors of all ages.
Black Country Living Museum
Just outside Birmingham, the Black
Country Living Museum is an award-winning open-air museum that brings the story of one of Britain’s first industrialised landscapes to life. Step back in time as you explore recreated shops, homes, and industrial workshops set within a historic
canalside village and high streets. Experience the sights, sounds, smells, and
tastes of the Black Country through immersive exhibits, demonstrations, and
stories from the past.
Oxford
This historic university city is a must-visit destination for academic visitors to
the UK. Home to the world-renowned University of Oxford, the city’s 38 colleges
are set among beautiful Cotswold stone buildings, picturesque courtyards, and
winding medieval streets. Explore the peaceful deer park at Magdalen College, visit Christ Church Cathedral, or take a guided tour of the Bodleian Library to discover Duke Humfrey’s magnificent
15th-century library. Enjoy a relaxing punt along the River Thames (known
locally as the Isis) for views of Oxford’s iconic ‘dreaming spires’, then visit
the historic Eagle and Child pub, where the literary group known as the
‘Inklings’ - including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien - once shared their work.
Still looking for more to do, or places to go? Find more at www.visitBirmingham.com
Email: academic.conferences@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Conference Venue: Teaching and Learning Building, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT