The second-largest city in Great Britain, Birmingham is a major center of culture, industry, and tourism in England’s West Midlands region, located about 100 miles northwest of London.
This vibrant destination has a plethora of attractions for tourists to explore. But it pays to be prepared. Read this guide to learn what you need to know about visiting Birmingham, and why having travel insurance is so important.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers visiting Birmingham – FAQs
Have you considered what would happen if you had to cancel your trip to Birmingham? You’d be disappointed for sure. But what about the financial fallout? You may not have considered that. Luckily, trip cancellation insurance can help.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance before traveling to Birmingham?
When planning a trip to Birmingham, you’re likely going to book your airline tickets and lodging far in advance. However, these charges are almost never fully refundable, leaving you paying for at least a portion of your trip even if you can’t go.
With trip cancellation insurance you won’t have to worry about an unexpected cancellation. It can see to it that you’re reimbursed for the nonrefundable portion of your prepaid trip expenses if you’re forced to cancel for a covered reason.
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for Birmingham?
While trip cancellation coverage is the main component of any travel insurance plan, it’s not the only benefit available. Most plans can also cover:
- Trip interruption
- Travel delay
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Emergency medical care
- The option to cancel for any reason
Birmingham’s Most Popular Activities
With world-class museums, historical landmarks and scenic canals, Birmingham offers several compelling reasons not to limit your UK trip just to London. Some of the most popular activities include:
Exploring the Canals
Yes, canals exist outside of Venice. In fact, they run all over the UK, with some of the best right in Birmingham. You can charter a ride on a traditional British narrowboat or rent your own and spend the day (or several days) exploring at a leisurely pace. The historical canal locks must be operated by hand, and there are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can stop, making for a unique experience.
Immersing Yourself in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
One of the largest museums in all of the UK, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a treasure trove of artifacts, artwork, and natural history that includes everything from Egyptian mummies to paintings by Picasso and Van Gogh. Even the building it’s located in is historic.
Walking Through Gas Street Basin
Once a gritty industrial area, today Gas Street Basin is a vibrant shopping district that’s full of restaurants, pubs, cafes, and clubs. It’s a great place to stop on a canal trip, or you can just spend the day or evening here popping in and out of businesses and soaking in the atmosphere.
Getting a Taste of Cadbury World
If you’re familiar with Cadbury chocolate, this is a stop you can’t miss. Explore the interactive visitor’s center, take a factory tour, and learn all about the history of the Cadbury brand. Of course, no trip here would be complete with sampling plenty of delicious chocolate and other treats.
Traveling Back to Backs
Birmingham Back to Backs is an open-air museum, but it feels more like a time machine. The museum recreates the living conditions of working-class families in 19th century Birmingham, back when this region was a hub for manufacturing. You can see just how a house would have been furnished and decorated back in the 1840s, and get a glimpse of the lives of these working class heroes from the past.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Birmingham
Don’t Miss Out On the Food
If you think the UK isn’t a good place for foodies, Birmingham may change your mind. Whether you’re interested in traditional local pub fare or lavish dining at a Michelin starred restaurant, you can find fusions of flavors from all over the world here.
Is Birmingham Safe for Tourists?
Generally yes. Instances of violent crime are quite low in most areas, though pickpocketing and petty theft are possible near the city center. Just take the usual precautions of not walking alone at night, securing all of your valuables, and being aware of your surroundings to stay safe.
Best Time to Visit
Birmingham rarely gets extremely hot or cold, so the best time to visit really depends on your preferences. Summer has the warmest weather obviously, but crowds are the largest as well. Winters are cool but generally dry, with smaller crowds and a festive atmosphere. Spring or fall may be your best bet, as crowds are smaller, yet the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities.
Before You Visit Birmingham – Do This
- Pack waterproof clothing including an umbrella and rain boots. The UK’s reputation for being rainy at times exists for a reason.
- If you enjoy festivals, plan your visit for spring. This is when Birmingham hosts its St Patrick’s Day parade, Food and Drink Festival, and Comedy Festival.
- Protect your health and your finances with travel insurance.