England’s second-largest city, Birmingham began as a seventh-century hamlet on the banks of the River Rea, later flourishing during the Industrial Revolution to become a hub for trade and industry and is still one of the country’s most thriving metropolises to this day.
Although the city suffered major damage during World War II, it was redeveloped in the decades that followed and the recent construction of attractive and modern public spaces such as Centenary Square and Millennium Place, as well as the pedestrianisation of much of Birmingham’s centre, have transformed the city and given it a new lease of life. In doing so, many visitors arrive on cheap flights to Birmingham each year.
Today’s Birmingham buzzes with nightlife and culture. The city hosts many international events and exhibitions and is home to the world class performing arts scene which includes the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Royal Ballet, as well as offering shopping possibilities second only to the capital.
