The West Midlands in England is home to the city of Birmingham. London is the only British city with a larger population. An unassuming market town initially, Birmingham experienced much growth in the 1700s. The Midlands Enlightenment gave birth to the Industrial Revolution, and Birmingham was on the move. As is to be expected, once the population grew, an international audience was drawn to town as more and more venues were built to accommodate the interest. These destinations are enjoyed by people the world over, and following are some of the best tourist attractions in the city.
Birmingham is a music lover’s paradise. Its musical past includes its distinction as the birthplace of several popular acts such as Electric Light Orchestra and Duran Duran. The largest attraction for music enthusiasts, those particularly interested in jazz, is the International Jazz Festival. Jazz artists from every corner of the globe come to this celebration to play for a worldwide audience. Those interested in orchestra will want to make a stop at Symphony Hall, the home of the city of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Musical acts of all kinds ply their trade in the National Indoor Arena.
Art aficionados are drawn to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. This spectacular venue collects several pieces from the old masters such as Bellini and Rubens. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is not as large, but it still possesses an impressive collection of Western art that comes from as far back as the 13th Century in some cases. Science comes alive in a museum known as the Thinktank. Inside, guests are treated to an IMAX cinema, a planetarium, and the oldest working steam engine in the world.
Tourists with a sweet tooth especially enjoy Birmingham’s Cadbury World. This internationally renowned chocolatier treats guests to a tour of the company’s history as well as an exhibit on the process of making its chocolate. Sarehole Mill is a location that many people may not know by name, but probably recognize in another form. It served as inspiration to a young J. R. R. Tolkien before he began writing his Lord of the Rings books, as his boyhood home of four years is located within 300 yards of the mill. The structure appeared in one form or another in his books years later. A stroll down Broad Street will reveal the Birmingham Walk of Stars, a strip that features star emblems in the pavement that hold the names of entertainers who have performed in the city.
The once humble market town of Birmingham has come a long way since the Industrial Revolution. The expanding population brought fame and fortune to the city, and tourists still travel there to see what the hubbub is all about. The attractions and venues that accompanied the population boom draw a crowd from all over the world.
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