Known as a city of canals, Birmingham had changed dramatically from a mining town into a metropolis that is the center of commerce, trade, arts, and culture. The city is full of Victorian architecture and lots of interesting places to visit.
Edgbaston is an affluent suburb on the outskirts of Birmingham. J.R.R Tolkein, the writer of Lord of the Rings, lived here and took inspiration from many of the attractions in the area for his book as well. There are many hotels in Edgbaston, Birmingham, which allow you to witness the beauty of the area while living in luxury. Edgbaston is known for its rich neighborhood and green, tree-lined vistas. Some of the important places you should visit when in Edgbaston include the following.
Edgbaston Cricket Stadium- Located on the banks of River Rea, the Edgbaston Cricket Stadium is a must-visit spot for all cricket fans. This stadium has been the venue for Test Matches, T20 championships, as well as One-Day matches. The ICC Championship trophy 2013 was also held here.
Edgbaston Archery and Lawn Tennis Society- Being a more affluent neighborhood, Edgbaston has a lot of exclusive clubs. The Edgbaston Archery and Lawn Tennis Society is the oldest Lawn tennis club in the world. It is said that the first game of tennis was played in the area.
St. Augustine’s Church- There are many beautiful churches in Birmingham, including St. Augustine’s Church and St. Bartholomew's Church. Built-in the Baroque style of architecture, the Birmingham Oratory on Hagley Road is a Roman Catholic monument which is a must-visit attraction in the area. The dome of the oratory is a significant part of the skyline.
Arena Birmingham- A huge indoor stadium, the Arena Birmingham is host to many sporting events and music concerts. Take a tour of the arena when you are in the area.
How to reach?
If you are trying to commute by train, Edgbaston has two major railway stations--University Station and Five Ways Railway Station. It is very easy to reach Edgbaston via railway from cities like London, Bristol, Manchester, and Nottingham. The closest airport is Birmingham Airport.
Visitors can also take a National Express or Megabus coach service from these major cities. This is a cheaper alternative than flights and trains. If you have a vehicle, you can drive down via Hagley Road which connects the city center to nearby places like Coventry and Cannock as well as towns which are further away, like Halesowen and Hereford. You can easily commute within the city via local bus services.
Must-try dishes
When in Edgbaston, make sure to visit the Michelin star restaurant, Simpsons, to try the Wiltshire pork belly and the Gilthead Bream. There are also a lot of famous pubs in the area which you should visit, including The Highfield and the Edgbaston. You should try the pickled eggs, pork scratchings, and the faggots in these places.
Best accommodation around Arena Birmingham
Out of the many budget hotels in Edgbaston, the one that is closest to the Arena Birmingham is the OYO Chase Suites. Just a few minutes' drives away from Birmingham city center, these beautiful hotels offer perfect stay options, with rolling countryside, forests, and hiking options nearby. The hotels offer plenty of brilliant amenities like free wifi, kitchen areas, tea and coffee makers, mini-fridges for the room, ACs, and daily housekeeping. OYO Hotels are the perfect place to head to for a relaxed and comfortable vacation in the Birmingham countryside.