When choosing your next city break destination, Birmingham may be the unassuming gem you're after.
The second biggest city in the UK, it's best known for its industrial background and hard work ethics, but this city also has a thriving cultural side buzzing with music, entertainment, food and arts.
If you're looking for a bustling city to explore, this is where you wanna be. We've picked our top 'must see' spots and believe us, there is a lot to see.
Birmingham Library
Let's kick the day off with a bit of culture!
Birmingham boasts some pretty awesome buildings and its library is certainly one of them. Described as the largest public library in the UK, this amazing building will take your breath away.
Located on the west side of the city at Centenary Square, the library's design is a nod to the famous jewellery quarter in the city. Hundreds of interlocking metal rings cover gold, silver and glass facades and cast impressive silhouettes once inside the building.
Walking into the library is pretty impressive - looking up, you realise you're inside a massive round tower that climbs its way up 9 stories to a glass roof, framed with thousands of books along the way.
Our favourite part? The building is made up of a stack of four rectangular shapes that stagger upwards to create canopies and roof terraces with an epic view of the city. Your Insta feed will be on fire!
The Bullring
You've explored some of the culture now onto the good stuff- shopping!
The Bull Ring is the main commercial area of central Birmingham and has been a very important feature in the city since the Middle Ages, when the first market was held. It's come a long way!
Being one of the biggest shopping centres in the UK, The Bullring is a recognisable structure with over 200 stores so you can shop to your hearts content before popping into one of the 25 restaurants to refuel. Nom.
The Hippodrome
If you've not had enough of the city just yet, why not see a show?
At this time of year, we love nothing more than a great show and as The Hippodrome is one of the largest and most popular touring theatres in the UK, you're in for a treat!
No matter what your reason is for visiting the city, this theatre has so much for offer; comedy shows, ballet, opera, musicals and the family favourite, panto! Take a look at what they have to offer and book ahead.
The Ivy
You've spent the day walking the streets of Birmingham, dropped the shopping bags back to the hotel and you're starting to feel a little peckish, right?
The Ivy is an ideal spot to enjoy foodie classics all day, everyday. Serving breakfasts fit for a king (or queen), elevenses, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea... can you see where we're going with this? All in all, this place has something for everyone.
They even offer private dining, perfect for a family weekend or great for a weekend away with your mates. Check out their impressive menus.
Colmore Row
Having explored the city, it's time for a well deserved rest and perhaps a cocktail (or two!) and you'll find some of the most famous bars in the city centre, in the Colmore Business District.
The Alchemist will serve up 'Pornstar Martinis', a Harry Potter inspired 'Butter Beer' and a personal fave, the 'Pot O' Gold' with rhubarb gin, pink grapefruit and pineapple booze jelly. Eh, yes please!
With plenty more bars right on the doorstep, you can't go wrong with Colmore Row.
Clayton Hotels are located in 12 excellent destinations across UK and Ireland – perfect for city breaks and exploring. The hotels are renowned for offering a unique personality with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and superior service.At Clayton Hotels, every moment matters. Whether it's a weekend away, a family break or an important business meeting, every detail will be handled with care and consideration.
