It’s often claimed that Birmingham has more canals than Venice – this is apparently true, but only in terms of total mileage. There’s much more to Birmingham than just this, though. A past associated with the Industrial Revolution, political influence, its contributions to culture, its ease of access, and many more. There’s also been quite a lot of regeneration over recent years, and the city successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Image credit: Tattiewelshie | Getty Images
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
The app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Just search for "TrainSplit" in your app store and download the app today.
Getting to Birmingham
Getting to Birmingham is relatively simple, with many locations across the country having direct trains to the city. Birmingham New Street is one of the busiest stations outside London, and was refurbished in 2015, providing links to London Euston, Liverpool, Manchester, the South West, Wales, Scotland, and more. Birmingham Moor Street is a short walk from New Street, and mainly serves the West Midlands, with some long-distance services to London Marylebone. Moor Street was refurbished in the early 2000s to be in the style seen in the early 1930s, and provides a stark contrast to what can be found at New Street. Birmingham Airport has flights from Europe and further afield, and is connected to Birmingham International station, which has frequent direct trains into Birmingham New Street. The number of different places with direct access to Birmingham can make for some great opportunities when it comes to obtaining cheap train tickets to one of England's largest cities.
Getting around Birmingham
Despite its size, Birmingham city centre is easy to get around, with a multitude of transport options available.
- Walk/cycle - If you’re on a budget, or would like to get some exercise while in the city, then walking is a very viable option. Cycling can also be a good eco-friendly option, with plenty of bike hire schemes available. For further information on both please visit Transport for West Midlands’ website HERE.
- Tram - Birmingham’s tram network is known as the West Midlands Metro. It currently goes from the city centre out towards Wolverhampton, and is also undergoing expansion to connect more areas. Further information can be found on Transport for West Midlands’ website HERE.
- Birmingham International to New Street: For international travellers, Birmingham International station offers frequent trains connecting directly to Birmingham New Street, ensuring a seamless arrival into the heart of the city.
Here are some additional tips for getting around Birmingham:
- Use the Visit Birmingham website: The Birmingham Travel Guide website is a great resource for planning your trip to Birmingham. The website includes information on all of the different transportation options available in the city, as well as maps and directions.
- Use the Transport for West Midlands site: The Transport for Birmingham app is a great way to plan your journeys around the city. The app includes real-time information on bus and train services, as well as journey planning tools.
- Consider buying a day pass: If you are planning on doing a lot of sightseeing in Birmingham, you may want to consider buying a day pass for the bus or train. This can save you money on individual fares. More info on the types of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) tickets here.
Getting the best-value rail tickets possible is something that we at TrainSplit are sure many people want to do. This can include booking in advance, using a Railcard if you have one, travelling outside peak times, and – of course – splitting tickets via our website. If you’d like further information on any of these, please get in touch, and we’ll do what we can to assist you in your quest for cheap train tickets to Birmingham. We do have a comprehensive guide here at TrainSplit on the booking process, which we hope will be very useful, and we’ve covered some of the main points below.
As with any journey, we're certain you’ll want to ensure you have the best-value tickets possible. Our guide on demystifying the booking process can help guide you through this to obtain cheap train tickets, and we’ll cover some of the key points below.
How to slash your travel costs for Birmingham
1. Book Early: The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find a good deal on train tickets. While it may seem somewhat obvious, booking in advance can significantly help you save money compared to the standard fare.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: If you're flexible with your travel dates, you're more likely to find a good deal, and cheap train tickets could be much easier to obtain as a result.
3. Travel Off-Peak: Travelling during busy times, such as rush hours, can inflate prices. Opting for off-peak travel not only usually offers a better deal but also ensures a more peaceful start or end to your break, as trains are generally quieter during these times.
4. Consider Splitting Your Journey: If you're traveling a long distance, you may be able to save money by splitting your journey and taking two or more trains. You can easily do this on TrainSplit, a website that allows you to split your train journey into multiple tickets. This can often be a cheaper way to travel, as you can take advantage of different fares for different parts of your journey. In 2022, one of our customers enjoyed an extraordinary discount of 95.64% off their train journey. Imagine paying only £8.06 for excellent-value tickets that would have cost you £187.70 elsewhere! You could put the savings on your train tickets towards your hotel, a nice meal, or visit one of the city’s many attractions.
To use TrainSplit, simply enter your travel dates, and the website will show you the different options available. You can then choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.
Here are some of the benefits of using TrainSplit:
- You can often save money on your train tickets, making your journey even better value.
- It's a convenient way to book your tickets.
- You can be sure that you're getting the best deal through our website, which ensures that you get great-value cheap train tickets for your journey.
5. Railcard discounts: If you don’t have a Railcard, it’s worth looking into getting one. There are many different types, and most will offer about a third off the price of most fares. If you’re planning on making a lot of journeys or are traveling a long way, then it’s definitely worth investigating – it may not take much effort for the Railcard to pay for itself through making your tickets even cheaper.
6. Look for discounted group fares: Take a look at GroupSave train tickets – these are a great way to get discounted train fares for groups of between 3 and 9 people traveling on cheap train tickets purchased through our website.
7. Consider an alternative route: Sometimes, the cheapest way to travel is not the most direct route. For example, if you're traveling from London to Birmingham, you might be able to save money by traveling via Oxford or Banbury. At TrainSplit, we do present alternative routes to customers if they’re available and cheaper than the more direct alternative.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering an alternative route:
- The total travel time may be longer.
- You may need to change trains at one or more stations.
- The alternative route and timings may not be as convenient.
However, if you're on a tight budget, it's worth considering an alternative route to save money and get a great deal on cheap train tickets.
TrainSplit is the only site that finds you cheaper alternative journeys not shown on other sites. It's a great way to save money on your train travel, especially if you're flexible with your travel dates and times. To use TrainSplit, simply enter your travel details, and it will show you a list of alternative routes with the cheapest prices.
8. Claim Delay Repay compensation for any delays on your journey. If you experience delays, you may be entitled to compensation through Delay Repay on your train tickets.
By incorporating these tips and using TrainSplit's unique journey planner to find the best train ticket deals, now is the perfect time to explore new destinations.
So what is there to do in Birmingham? Read on to find out some of our recommendations.
Cadbury World
Nearest train station: Bournville
If you like chocolate, then chances are you’ll enjoy Cadbury World, located 15 minutes’ walk from Bournville station – it’s frequently served by trains from Birmingham New Street. Learn about the Cadbury story, find out about the manufacturing process, discover how different Cadbury products are made, and you can even have a go at some traditional chocolate-making techniques. There’s also, of course, the Cadbury World shop. Visiting Cadbury World is something that the whole family can enjoy. Bournville itself is a model village which was built by the Cadbury family for employees at the factory in the late 1800s, and may be of interest for any visitors to Cadbury World.
Birmingham Canals
Image credit: Bas van der Horst | Unsplash
Birmingham is known as the "City of a Thousand Canals," and for good reason. The city has a network of canals that is over 130 miles long. The canals were built in the 18th and 19th centuries to transport goods around the city. Today, the canals are a popular tourist destination, and they offer a unique way to see the city.
Shopping
Image credit: Saraf Doffman | Unsplash
Big cities often have a wide variety of shopping options, and Birmingham is no exception. With the recent redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station came Grand Central, which has a variety of restaurants and shops. It’s closely linked to the nearby Bull Ring Shopping Centre, which has a wide variety of stores to suit many individual needs. Clothes, jewellery, toys, cosmetics, electronics, and many more.
Image credit: Mihai-Bogdan Lazar
Culture
Birmingham’s cultural history is one that cannot be ignored. Renowned venues for musical performances (and, of course, others) include the Symphony Hall, the O2 Academy, Utilita Arena Birmingham, and Resorts World Arena – all of which have good transport options nearby. Some of the UK’s most well-known musical groups hail from Birmingham, including Black Sabbath, Duran Duran, and Dexys Midnight Runners. There have also been influences from the Indian diaspora in the city with the rise of modern bhangra. It’s not just music, though. JRR Tolkien grew up in the city, and the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah was born in nearby Handsworth. There are also contributions from the world of theatre, comedy, and visual arts, among more.
Image credit: trabantos | Shutterstock
Days out
Given its central location in England, Birmingham can be a good place to base yourself for any day trips out - don't forget to use our website to find some great deals on cheap train tickets if you want to take a day trip somewhere from Birmingham.
One popular place to visit is Stratford-upon-Avon, most famous for being the birthplace of renowned playwright William Shakespeare. Trains depart from Birmingham Moor Street.
If theme parks are your thing, then Drayton Manor in nearby Tamworth is worth considering. This can be accessed by the 110 bus from Birmingham. Alternatively, you can take the train to Tamworth and either get the 110 bus from Corporation Street in the town centre or book a taxi. Home to Thomas Land, and with a variety of attractions, it’s a good option for all the family.
Image credit: Annie Spratt | Unsplash
If you fancy visiting a smaller city, nearby Lichfield is easily accessible by train from Birmingham New Street, with its Gothic cathedral being a highlight. The city is also known for being the birthplace of Samuel Johnson, who is frequently credited with writing the first-ever English dictionary, which was published back in 1755.
The TrainSplit app is more than just a way to save money on train travel. It's a great way to explore new places and meet new people.
Get the app
History
If you’re interested in history, then the Black Country Living Museum in nearby Dudley (nearest stations are Tipton and Dudley Port) might be for you. There are a number of buildings telling the history of the area, including shops, houses, and other industrial buildings, alongside a collection of transport vehicles. The museum has also been a filming location for several productions, including the hit BBC TV series Peaky Blinders. Birmingham itself has a long history dating back many years, and during the Industrial Revolution, the city was home to improvements that James Watt made to his steam engine alongside Matthew Boulton.
The city is also home to the aptly-named ‘Jewellery Quarter’, where a sizeable amount of jewellery in the UK is still made. Many of the buildings keep their 19th Century appearance to this day, and there are also a number of art galleries. Birmingham is also where Lloyds Bank was initially founded, and its roots can be traced back to 1765.
There’s more to Birmingham than we’ve been able to cover here. The city has a thriving food scene, with a wide variety of cuisines, and the balti – a dish based on Indian cuisine – is said to have originated in the city in 1977.
Sport
Villa Park Stadium | Image credit: Trung Tran | Unsplash
Birmingham’s sporting history is rich, boasting two football teams (Aston Villa and Birmingham City), along with West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers not too far away. Stadium tours are available for each ground, providing a deep dive into each club’s history.
| Club | Ground | Nearest Station |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | Villa Park | Witton |
| Birmingham City | St Andrew’s | Bordesley |
| West Bromwich Albion | The Hawthorns | The Hawthorns |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | Molineux | Wolverhampton |
In addition to football, Birmingham is well-known for cricket, with Edgbaston Cricket Ground (nearest station is University; buses are available between Birmingham New Street and the ground on match days) being the city's cricket hub. The stadium has been the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club since 1894 and has hosted Ashes series Test matches since 1902. As is the case with major football grounds, you can take a tour of Edgbaston Cricket Ground if you wish.
Other sports in the city include athletics, based at the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr (nearest station is Perry Barr) – the stadium was the centerpiece of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Birmingham hosts various other sports, including rugby union, speedway, hockey, and more.
Are you a Sports Fan? TrainSplit has partnered with Pledgeball, a grassroots charity that rallies fellow fans to take action to protect where we play, making changes that improve our air and our green spaces. It can be as simple as swapping to reusable water bottles or taking the train to a match instead of driving. Fans, players, clubs, grassroots teams – the impact we can have together is game-changing.
Dining recommendations in Birmingham for all budgets
Image credit: Pablo Merchán Montes | Unsplash
££££ (Fine Dining)
- The Wilderness - 27 Warstone Lane, Birmingham, B18 6JQ
££££ European, British, Vegetarian Friendly
For a truly unique dining experience, book a table at The Wilderness. This innovative restaurant offers an ever-changing menu that highlights seasonal and foraged ingredients in unexpected and delightful ways. - Adam's Restaurant - New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo St, Birmingham, B2 5UG
££££ European, British, Vegetarian Friendly
Located a short walk from the Town Hall tram stop on the West Midlands Metro, Adam’s is known for being one of a number of restaurants in Birmingham with a Michelin star, with it first being granted in 2014. The restaurant specialises in British fine dining alongside an extensive wine list. There are two tasting menus, both of which can have additional wine pairings to enhance the experience. The menu itself changes frequently, but there are sample dishes mentioned to demonstrate what may be on the menu. These include: line-caught mackerel with gooseberry, eel, and potato; rabbit with farro, artichoke, and ginger; Anjou squab with cherry, beetroot, and leek; pineapple with tajin, mint, and tequila; and many more. There is also a lunch menu which may suit those who are a bit more budget-conscious, and also an à la carte menu if this is what you may desire instead." - Lasan - 3-4 Dakota Buildings, James St, St Paul's Square, Birmingham, B3 1SD
££££ Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly
Experience the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist at Lasan. This upscale restaurant offers an extensive menu of dishes that showcase the diversity and complexity of Indian cooking. - Harborne Kitchen - 175 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9QE
££££ European, British, Vegetarian Friendly
Located south-west of the city centre (nearest station is University), Harborne Kitchen is one of the city’s best-rated fine dining restaurants. There are three available menus to choose from, with the tasting menu available on all days, and the remaining two available on some evenings and afternoons. Each menu also has a choice of two wine pairings. The ‘5 for 55’ menu is aimed at those who may want a more casual option and includes the option of two main courses (corn-fed chicken with smoked bacon and English peas or Cornish plaice with Tenderstem broccoli and white beans). The ‘Chosen’ menu is a smaller version of the tasting menu and includes salt-aged duck (confit duck leg with carrot and orange) and malloreddus with summer truffle and 30-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano. The signature tasting menu contains delights such as 21-day-aged beef tartare, fillet of cod with wild mushrooms and sea herbs, and Baron Bigod with burnt apple and amaranth. The wine list is substantial, with bottles from across the globe, and also a number of signature cocktails. - Orpheem - 65 Summer Row Birmingham B3 1JJ
££££ Indian, International, Asian
Birmingham Central Library, which is next to the Library tram stop on the West Midlands Metro. The restaurant’s focus is on fine Indian dining, offering two tasting menus and a lunch/à la carte menu. The tasting menus consist of either five or ten courses, and each menu has an optional wine flight. Specific items on the menu can change daily depending on the availability of ingredients and any new creations from the kitchen. However, the menus currently include a variety of dishes, such as gajar (heritage carrot, lentil pakora, mint, coriander), allepy (day boat fish, seasonal greens, raw mango, coconut), dopiaza (roasted mutton, leek, blackened onion, bhuna), rasmalai (white chocolate, crème anglaise, pistachio, almond), and many more. The wine list is substantial, featuring bottles from across the world, including some from countries not ordinarily associated with wine.
££- £££ (Mid-Range):
-
The Original Patty Men - 9 Shaws Passage, Digbeth, Birmingham, B55JG
££ - £££ American, British
If you're a burger lover, don't miss this place. The Original Patty Men serve up mouthwatering gourmet burgers with creative toppings and perfectly cooked patties. Their homemade sauces and sides are also delightful. -
Baked in Brick - The Custard Factory, Gibb Street The Custard Factory, Birmingham B9 4AA
££ - £££ Pizza, Street Food, Vegetarian Friendly
Another fantastic choice for street food lovers, Baked in Brick is renowned for their wood-fired pizzas and mouthwatering gourmet BBQ dishes. Their converted Mini Cooper pizza oven is a sight to behold. -
Purecraft Bar & Kitchen - 30 Waterloo St, Birmingham, B2 5TJ
££ - £££ Bar, British, Contemporary
Craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate Purecraft's extensive selection of local and international brews. Pair your drinks with their delectable modern British dishes for a satisfying meal. - Cherry Reds Café Bar - 88-92 John Bright St, Birmingham, B1 1BN
££ - £££ Quick Bites, Bar, Cafe
This quirky café is a favorite among locals for its cozy atmosphere and hearty comfort food. From all-day breakfasts to delicious vegan options, Cherry Reds has something for everyone. - Dishoom - 1 Chamberlain Square Birmingham B3 3AX
££ - £££ Indian, Middle Eastern, Persian
For fans of Indian cuisine seeking something unique, Dishoom is a great choice. Located a short walk from the Town Hall stop on the West Midlands Metro, Dishoom is designed to evoke the atmosphere of old Irani cafés and the flavors of Bombay. An interesting twist is that Dishoom serves dishes as they are ready, creating a unique dining experience. The breakfast menu is surprisingly extensive, featuring options like a Parsi omelette, a bacon Naan roll, and a creative take on the traditional English breakfast. The main menu offers a wide variety of small plates, including samosas, chili cheese toast, and prawn koliwada. Standout dishes from the mains include the excellent mutton pepper fry, and highlights from the grills menu such as gunpowder potatoes and spicy lamb chops. Breads and rice are ordered separately and are exceptional, with the breads being made by hand and baked to order. -
Cucina Rustica Address: 24 Ludgate Hill, Birmingham, B3 1DX
££ - £££ Italian, Mediterranean, European
Situated on Ludgate Hill and a short walk from Birmingham Snow Hill station, Cucina Rustica offers a charming setting for a romantic Italian meal. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing fresh fish and vegetables daily from the local market. Start your meal with one of the antipasti sharing boards, featuring a variety of seafood or cured Italian meats, salami, and cheeses. Other tempting starters include burrata, arancini, and melanzane alla parmigiana. The pasta menu includes classics like lasagne, spaghetti carbonara, and penne arrabbiata. For pizza lovers, options range from the classic margherita to the flavorful prosciutto. Additional mains feature dishes such as crispy duck leg with Chianti sauce, chicken breast with spicy sausage, and slow-roasted lamb shank. The dessert menu boasts treats like Italian apple cake, classic tiramisu, and an Italian cheeseboard. A diverse wine list includes bottles from regions across Italy. -
Gas Street Social - The Mailbox, 166-168 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RL
££ - £££ Bar, European, British
For those who enjoy pub food with a touch of sophistication, Gas Street Social near the Mailbox (closest station: Birmingham New Street) is an excellent choice. The menu offers classic breakfast dishes, variations on Eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles, and unique sandwiches, including a twist on the classic club sandwich. Shareable options for groups include wings, nachos, mac & cheese bites, and cajun fried shrimp. The menu also features various burgers, peanut butter noodles, Caesar salad, slow-cooked beef shin tacos, and more. Explore the cocktail menu, which includes local twists on classics and original recipes. Don't miss the bottomless brunch, available every day.
£ (Inexpensive):
- Indian Brewery - Arch 16 Queensway Arches 214 Livery Street, Birmingham B3 1EU England
£ Quick Bites, Indian, Bar
For a unique fusion experience, head to Indian Brewery, where you can enjoy delicious Indian street food alongside craft beers. The combination of traditional flavors with a modern twist is a treat for your taste buds. - Grand Central Kitchen Birmingham - 7 Stephenson Street Birmingham B2 4BL
£ Cafe, European, British
Discover a delightful and friendly independent restaurant offering a twist on the famed "Full English Breakfast" and a diverse menu featuring baguettes, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and more, accompanied by a delightful range of hot and cold drinks. Excite your taste buds and enjoy a culinary adventure in this charming eatery! - The Beeches Hungry Horse - 116 Thornbridge Avenue, Great Barr The Beeches, Birmingham B42 2AE
£ Quick Bites, Bar, British
Indulge in a hearty dining experience at The Beeches Hungry Horse in Birmingham. This lively establishment offers a diverse menu of delicious pub classics, savory burgers, and refreshing drinks, all served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. -
Tiger Bites Pig - 34 Stephenson Street, Birmingham, B2 4BH
£ - Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
For enthusiasts of street food and Chinese cuisine, Tiger Bites Pig, just around the corner from Birmingham New Street, is a must-visit. Although the menu is compact, the offerings are anything but ordinary. Sample items include a variety of bao buns featuring options like chilli & black vinegar braised beef shin with oyster mushrooms, cured egg yolk, and crispy shallots; white-cut chicken with ginger, spring onion, Sichuan chilli oil, sesame paste, and crispy chicken crackle; and sesame & chilli tofu with crispy tofu crackle, ginger, and spring onion. Rice bowls are also available, featuring choices such as red braised pork belly, mapo tofu & woodland mushroom, and salt & pepper tofu. -
The Meat Shack - 17 Thorp Street, Birmingham, B5 4AT
£ - American, Bar, British
Burgers have gained immense popularity in the UK, and The Meat Shack, a short walk south of Birmingham New Street, offers a diverse array of burger options. Catering to various tastes, their menu includes chicken burgers, vegetarian alternatives, and more. Elevate your fries with tempting options like the Nakatomi (hoisin, sriracha, lime mayo, coriander, red chilli, sesame seeds). Additionally, indulge in chicken or cauliflower bites paired with a variety of delectable dips.
Birmingham's food scene is continuously evolving, so don't hesitate to explore new places and hidden gems. Bon appétit!
Use Birmingham as a base for a few days, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy exploring the city and surrounding area to see what it has to offer.
Looking to extend your stay? Click here to explore the variety of accommodations for an overnight break.
Make sure you get an excellent deal on cheap rail tickets by using TrainSplit. We are on hand to help if you have any queries regarding your rail tickets.
Popular Train Journeys in the UK
- Trains to Aberdeen
- Trains to Aberystwyth
- Trains to Bath
- Trains to Birmingham
- Trains to Blackpool
- Trains to Brighton
- Trains to Bristol
- Trains to Cardiff
- Trains to Cheltenham
- Trains to Cornwall
- Trains to Durham
- Trains to Edinburgh
- Trains to Exeter
- Trains to Glasgow
- Trains to the Lake District
- Trains to Leeds
- Trains to Leicester
- Trains to Liverpool
- Trains to Manchester
- Trains to Newcastle
- Trains to Nottingham
- Trains to Oxford
- Trains to Portsmouth
- Trains to Salisbury
- Trains to Sheffield
- Trains to York
Check out our other blog posts
Frequently Asked Questions
Remember, if you have any questions about train travel or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan a memorable journey with cheap train tickets to help you get even more value out of your break.
Take your journeys with you
Copyright © 2023 TrainSplit® Inc. All rights reserved.