Sunil Johal, Director at Argent and proud Brummie with his suggestion for '48 hours in Birmingham'

Our Summer run of '48 Hours in Birmingham' continues with this great contribution from Sunil and he should know as project director at Argent.

View full post to see Sunil's '48 hours in Birmingham' suggestion - well worth a read!

For other '48 hours in Birmingham' posts and suggestions, select View More.

Boy have I been looking forward to giving you guys an insight into the wonderful things you can do in the FIRST city - where to start ....

Friday night.

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Photo by Chris Fletcher

After being greeted by our new and vibrant New St train station and checking into your hotel (assuming you are staying over), your first night has to be at one of our prized theatres. There will certainly a leading production on in Birmingham.

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Birmingham theatres.

But before you do, you must go over to Digbeth and visit the famous Digbeth dining club.

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View to Digbeth from Selfridges. Photo by Mac McCreery.

You will be exposed to some of the best alternative food on offer in the UK. The scene is mixed with music and entertainment, and is the perfect place to grab a light snack before you stroll back through the city to enjoy the show.

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Beautiful sunset at Eastside, Birmingham. Photo by Mac McCreery.

Saturday Morning

Early rise, you’re going to need the energy. A small train journey out of the city centre and you’re in the beautiful Royal town of Sutton Coldfield, grab a great breakfast at the Window Box (Wylde Green), before heading for a stroll around the 2,400 acre National Nature Reserve – Sutton Park.

Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, you’ll have a blast!

The park has open heathland, woodlands, seven lakes, wetlands, and marshes - each with its own rich variety of plants and wildlife, some rarely seen in the region. Cattle and wild ponies graze on the land.

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Wild Ponies at Sutton Park. Photo by My Biking Adventure.

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Cattle grazing in Sutton Park. Photo by My Biking Adventure.

Saturday afternoon

You’ve worked up an appetite now, head back to the city centre, freshen up and venture out for some afternoon tea at the quirky Edgbaston boutique hotel, you will not be disappointed.

Head back to the city centre, and take in the array of development which is happening, where cranes take over the Birmingham skyline, showing just how the city is thriving.

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Westside skyline in Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

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Cranes over Chamberlain Square, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

You will be able to fly through the new Central Library, you’ll certainly have an opinion on the architecture.

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Library of Birmingham. Photo by Tammie Naughton.

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Library of Birmingham. Photo by Tammie Naughton.

Saturday evening

You will be spoilt for choice with the variety of restaurants Birmingham has to offer. There are great spots around St Paul’s Square, personal favourites include Anderson’s, Lasan or Asha’s.

Check out one of our quirky gin bars – 40 St Paul’s whilst you’re there. 

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St. Paul's Church & Square, Birmingham. Photo by Tammie Naughton.

Another option is to head to the Jewellery Quarter, lots of local bars and restaurants which are independent, quirky and full of character, look into - The Wilderness, The Button Factory or 1000 Trades.

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Chamberlain Clock in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Photo by Daniel Sturley.

If you want to up your game – then you could always opt to go for one of four Michelin star restaurants...let’s just say if you’re a foodie like me, you are simply spoilt for choice.

Sunday morning

I know I know, you’re sad that it's your last day...So there is no better way to start your Sunday morning by experiencing the selection of shops within the City Centre (Bullring and Mailbox) – Selfridges, John Lewis, you name it we've got it....

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Selfridges, Birmingham.  Photo by Chris Fletcher.

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Mailbox, Birmingham. Photo by Damien Walmsley.

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Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham. Creative photo by Imran Ali Bashir.

Whilst you enjoy the retail vibe in Birmingham​, you will see lot’s of opportunity to grab a quick coffee at one of great coffee establishments – check out 200 degrees, The Faculty or Java Lounge...

Sunday afternoon

You may have noticed large footprints in and around the city centre whilst you have wandered round the streets of Birmingham, and I can feel your curiosity...Yes! You have guessed it, Dippy the dinosaur has decided to join us for the Summer.

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'Dippy'. Photo by Birmingham Museum.

The British icon is on a mission to inspire five million natural history adventures, encouraging families to explore nature on their doorstep. You can see the exhibition and many other interesting artefacts at our world class museum in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

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Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Photo by Daniel Sturley. 

Nearly home time...but before you head back ....fix a date for your return, as I can guarantee your next weekend in Birmingham will be even more fun.

 

This '48 hours in Birmingham' suggestion has been written by Sunil Johal and produced by BirminghamWeAre.

For more '48 hours in Birmingham' posts and suggestions, click HERE.