A day out in Birmingham City Centre

Whether you live in or around Birmingham, or are simply visiting for the weekend, there is so much to see and do in the city centre of Birmingham.  With a host of hotels to stay in, you are really spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the best hotels in Birmingham.  From family friendly hotels to small B&B’s, there is a real mix across the whole city!

I feel very lucky to live so close to a vibrant and diverse city.  Often we can take for grated where we live.  As I live on the outskirts of Birmingham, I feel we get the luxury of both suburban and city life.  We also live so close to the countryside too which is wonderful in the summer.

Last week, we decided to have a day trip into Birmingham for a wander and some lunch. As the older two were at school, it was just Matt, Baby K and I.  Our first pit stop was the ever so popular Selfridges located in the Bull Ring.  I could literally spend hours in this department store, however with a toddler in tow, this was out of the question!  However, we did peruse the sweet goods and the food hall and were lucky to grab a morning brew in the newly opened San Carlo Gran cafe.  This is located on the ground floor and is lovely, comfortable and floral!

Anyone for a cuppa? San Carlo Cafe in Selfridges

Baby K enjoying my tea

San Carlo Gran Cafe at Selfridges Birmingham

We wandered around the ever so famous Bull Ring which is full of shops to satisfy all – even the men!  We then headed to Link Street, which links the Bull Ring with Grand Central Station.  Within the Station, there is a continuation of shops and even more restaurants to feast your eyes upon.  We walked past the intriguing Lebanease restaurant  Comptoir Libanais which looked really inviting and full of dining culture!

Grand Central Station Birmingham shops and restaurants

Lebanese restaurant Comptoir Libanais

We took a walk to get some fresh air and ended up at The Library of Birmingham.  We visited the viewing platform to see the sights and spot some of Birmingham’s landmarks, such as The Mailbox.  We also saw the Birmingham Canal which made us want to take a walk and show Baby K some narrow boats on the water.  Near to the canal is Legoland Discovery Centre and The Sealife centre, which are popular attractions with families.  You can also take a canal boat ride which looks lovely.

Outdoor veiwing platform at The Library of Birmingham

Within Birmingham’s Library

Birmingham Canal which runs through the city

Birmigham’s canal

Lunch time was upon us so we decided to visit the quirky but family friendly restaurant The Lost and Found.  Serving seasonal cuisine and offering a decent lunch menu, this restaurant is swanky in its own right.  We enjoyed a bit of a mix from the Lunch menu, including a butternut squash and goats cheese pizza, chicken flatbread, caesar salad and fries.  There was a children’s menu on offer, but Baby K was quite happy with sharing.

The Lost and Found Birmingham menu

Eating my Lunch

Having a sweet tooth (all of us!) we then visited Tim Horton’s for their famous Timbits which delicious and then headed for a Milkshake from No Bull Shakes within the Bull Ring – we were stuffed!

With a little bit of energy left, we swinged by Resorts World Birmingham which is about 20 minutes out of the city.  It is a complex which is right near to NEC and Bear Grylls Adventure.  This is a great place to visit with children as Resorts World is home to the gaming complex, Vortex Gaming.  Here you can ride a family virtual simulator and take part in a variety of ticketed games to win you prizes!  It really is a lot of fun!

What a day!  We drove back home exhausted and full after our day of exploring Birmingham.  It really is a city suitable for couples or families that have a love for culture, fun and great food!

*This is a collaborative post.  I was gifted spending money for our day out.  All words and opinions are my own*