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To the Beat of the Brum: Touring Highlights for Birmingham and the West Midlands

Heading back to the UK now the borders are open? Looking for a new destination to reignite your travel mojo? Why not visit Birmingham and the West Midlands on your travels? Not only the heart of the UK; it’s also the home of Shakespeare and a stellar line-up of festivals and events including the upcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Heading back to the UK now the borders are open? Looking for a new destination to reignite your travel mojo? Why not visit Birmingham and the West Midlands on your travels? Not only the heart of the UK; it’s also the home of Shakespeare and a stellar line-up of festivals and events including the upcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

While we would happily travel 15,000km to visit Cadbury’s, one of the world’s biggest chocolate emporiums (it’s how we roll) it’s not the region’s only drawcard. 

There are numerous other reasons – whether you travel for outdoor adventures, arts and culture, buzzing cities or festivals and events, add Birmingham and the West Midlands to your UK bucket list.  

We reveal all. Read on.

Best of Brummie: 3-night Birmingham City Stay

Birmingham City ©Visit Britain/Pete Goding
Birmingham City ©Visit Britain/Pete Goding

If you’re looking to add a fascinating mini-break to your UK or Europe itinerary, Viva Holidays Birmingham City Stay gains you access to the Magic City. The package includes tours that showcase Birmingham’s historical, cultural, and most intriguing sides.

This city stay tour is a perfect addition if you’re travelling to Birmingham for one of their many festivals or attending the Commonwealth Games from 28 July to 8 August 2022.

  • Enjoy 3 nights at the ★★ Hilton Garden Inn Brindley Place, with brekkie
  • See Birmingham’s cultural highlights on a 2-hour guided walking tour
  • Discover Birmingham’s historically-significant canals on a luxury narrowboat trip. You’ll learn how these quiet canals were the start of the first industrial revolution over two hundred years ago
  • From $435* per person, twin share
  • Find out more here

Show Stopper: 4-night London & West Midlands

Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire ©Visit Britain/Verity E. Milligan
Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire ©Visit Britain/Verity E. Milligan

While you may not know it (yet), the West Midlands has significantly culturally contributed to the world. From Shakespeare to Black Sabbath, being the heart of the UK has motivated and inspired its residents across the region and across history.

Merging both London and the West Midlands together on this 4-night tour just works. You get an introduction to lively London, contrasted by historical sites like medieval Warwick Castle, 12th-century Oxford, and Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.

  • Spend a relaxing 4 nights at the ★★★★ Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid, with breakfast
  • Hop aboard a London vintage bus on a panoramic tour, followed by a Thames river cruise
  • Discover London’s key attractions with ease on a 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour
  • Experience Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace) and an Oxford walking tour on a full-day excursion
  • From $849* per person twin share
  • Find out more here

Rail Tales: 6-night Tale of Two Cities Rail Journey

Great Western Arcade, Birmingham. ©VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury
Great Western Arcade, Birmingham. ©VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

When travelling between two historically significant cities like London and Birmingham, the UK train network offers great convenience. On this 6-night tour, experience London’s highlights, followed by a fascinating exploration of Brum (Birmingham). All tour inclusions reveal the rich history, iconic natural sights, and quirky attractions of both destinations. Urban foodies are in for a treat in Birmingham, too!

  • Snooze for 3 nights at the Phoenix Hotel, followed by 3 nights at the Hilton Garden Inn Brindley Place^ (both stays include breakfast)
  • Hop-on hop-off your way around London with a sightseeing pass
  • Take in Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and explore Oxford on foot on a comprehensive full-day tour
  • Get to grips with the real Peaky Blinder gangs of Birmingham on a 3.5-hour guided walking tour
  • Explore Birmingham’s heritage on the Sherborne Wharf Boat Cruise. The City Heritage Route tours you though the city’s history and culture, and includes passing along the original James Brindley Canal
  • Your tour transport includes return private airport transfers from Heathrow, as well as standard class train travel between London Euston and Birmingham New Street stations
  • From $1,839* per person twin share
  • Find out more here

Road Trip Ready: 7-night South to North Self-Drive Discovery

Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Gardens, Stratford ©VisitBritain/Nemorin
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens, Stratford ©VisitBritain/Nemorin

This wow-worthy self-drive journey sets you up to experience the best of the West Midlands at your own pace. Thanks to travelling by rental car, iconic heritage sites, lush landscapes and waterways, and the freedom to be spontaneous await.

  • Overnight at the Premier Inn Slough Central Hotel in Windsor, snooze a night at the Best Western Limpley Stoke Hotel, followed by 2 nights at the Hotel Indigo in Stratford-upon-Avon. Plus, enjoy 2 nights at the Holiday Inn Express in Birmingham City and a night at the Premier Inn Manchester City Centre^. All stays include breakfast
  • Relish the freedom to tour England your way with eight days in an automatic Enterprise Ford Focus
  • Enjoy admission at Windsor Castle, Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge for self-guided tours
  • Explore the Roman Baths, Warwick Castle, Shakespeare’s New Place, Mary Arden’s Farm, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and Hall’s Croft, too
  • Scope an alternative view of the city from the Sherborne Wharf Canal Cruise. This scenic, peaceful tour includes picturesque Oozells Street and the Gas Street Basin
  • Experience the lush Birmingham Botanical Gardens
  • From $2,569* per person twin share
  • Find out more here

Heart of Gold: 5-night Heart of England Escorted Tour

Oxford ©Getty images/Stephen Zeigler
Oxford ©Getty images/Stephen Zeigler

For a heartfelt exploration around the heart of England, join this comprehensive Heart of England escorted tour. Jam-packed with historical and cultural highlights, this is an effortless way to experience the UK’s finest cities.

  • Kick start your escorted tour with a night and welcome dinner at London’s ★★★ Wellington by Blue Orchid Hotel. This is followed by 2 nights at the Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Hotel. In Bath, 2 nights at the Abbey Hotel and a farewell dinner conclude your escorted tour. Breakfast is included with all^.
  • Tour Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
  • Experience Oxford’s highlights on a guided walking tour
  • Discover the rich history with entry to Laycock Abbey, the Roman Baths, No.1 Royal Crescent, Longleat House, and Stonehenge
  • An expert English-speaking tour guide leads all touring, and travel is by a deluxe air-conditioned coach
  • From $2,729* per person twin share
  • Find out more here

The Deets

To book your Birmingham and West Midlands tour, call Viva Holidays on 1300 TRAVEL, visit Viva Holidays or see your preferred travel agent.

^Accommodation at specified property or similar. Prices may change if surcharges, fees, taxes, or currency rates are affected. +#^For booking conditions please refer to individual package terms.

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