A Guide to Birmingham's Art, Culture and Leisure Scene

With an impressive host of cultural landmarks, from art galleries to historic shopping districts, theatres, and world-class restaurants, you’ll always have something new to discover. 

Many of these prestigious attractions are also within walking distance from Snow Hill Wharf, located in the heart of the city.

We will take a closer look at the rich culture that Birmingham has to offer and how residing at Snow Hill Wharf puts you in a prime position to explore and enjoy one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities. 

Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, is a unique blend of history, heritage, and urban regeneration.

Steeped in Heritage

Birmingham has a rich history as the centre of Britain’s manufacturing industry during the 20th century.  To this day, this legacy continues to be celebrated throughout the city.

The Gun Quarter

Snow Hill Wharf is located north of the city centre, in the historic Gun Quarter district. Back in the 18th century, the town had established itself as a thriving gun manufacturing district. By the 19th century, the British government relied heavily on the skilled gun manufacturers of the area. Although demand declined in the 20th century, it is a heritage that is still remembered to this day.

The Jewellery Quarter

To the Northwest area of Birmingham lies the Jewellery Quarter, home to some of the UK’s finest jewellers, goldsmiths, and diamond traders, and regarded as Europe’s largest concentration of jewellery makers and retailers. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter opens periodically for guided tours and jewellery-making workshops to highlight the importance of this incredible craftsmanship.

Museums

Birmingham has been famous for its leadership in various manufacturing industries over the years. Across the city, you can visit a range of museums showcasing their history.

At the Coffin Works, you can learn all about the Newman brothers, who established themselves as some of the finest coffin furniture makers of the 19th century. While at the Pen Museum, you can discover how Birmingham became renowned as one of the world’s finest producers of steel pen nibs and quills.

World-Class Leisure and Dining Facilities

Shopping

Whether you love designer boutiques or independents, there is plenty of shopping destinations to choose from in Birmingham. For designer and high street brands, head to the iconic Mailbox or the Bullring & Grand Central. For more independent and unusual outlets, head to the Grade II listed Great Western Arcade, just a 9-minute walk from Snow Hill Wharf.  

Bars and Restaurants 

Living at Snow Hill Wharf, you are perfectly positioned near some of the UK’s finest dining establishments. 

Less than a mile from Snow Hill Wharf, you’ll discover a selection of exquisite restaurants, such as The Ivy Temple Row, Tattu, and The Wilderness, as well as Michelin Star food at Purnell’s, Opheem, and Adam’s Restaurant. 

For cool bars and eateries, head to the Jewellery Quarter or Brindley Place for a large selection of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Entertainment

Birmingham has plenty of options for entertainment. For football fans, Villa Park offers the chance to watch Premier League side Aston Villa in action, while Alexander Stadium is iconic for hosting the athletics and opening and closing ceremonies of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

If you’d rather catch a show, the Utilita Arena Birmingham regularly hosts critically acclaimed artists, such as Lewis Capaldi and Elton John. Or head to the Resorts World Arena for the likes of comedy genius Peter Kay and spectacular shows such as Disney on Ice.

Thriving Arts and Culture Scene

Whether you love watching the ballet or prefer a day strolling around an art gallery, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Birmingham.

Theatres and Music Halls

Birmingham is home to Symphony Hall, long considered to be one of the finest concert halls in the world. Here, you can enjoy the classical delights of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, as well as a range of international folk, jazz, and country musicians.

The city is also home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet, one of the UK’s three major ballet companies. Head to Birmingham Hippodrome to witness one of their first-class ballet shows live on stage.

For theatre shows, musicals, and comedy, head to the Old Rep Theatre on Station Street, Birmingham’s Repertory Theatre in Centenary Square, or the recently refurbished Alexandra Theatre. 

Galleries

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on Victoria Square is currently closed for essential maintenance; however it continues to be one of the UK’s foremost galleries and has one of the largest collections of Pre-Raphaelite art. 

For contemporary art, head to one of the many exhibitions at the Ikon Gallery, or for fine art, visit the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, which is often regarded as one of the best of its kind in the UK.

Although not technically a gallery, the Library of Birmingham is worth a visit for its striking architecture alone. Spread over an impressive ten levels, this library has a rooftop viewing deck and is renowned as one of Europe’s largest public libraries.

Versatile Spaces

Centenary Square, located in the heart of the city centre, is known as the central hub for cultural events. The outdoor Amphitheatre provides ample performing space for local artists and is host to ArtsFest, the largest free annual arts festival in the UK.

The city is also bursting with newly regenerated office and events spaces to help young professionals connect, collaborate, and grow. Prime office space is available at the Grade II listed Baskerville House and the upcoming Paradise development.

Modern Living at Snow Hill Wharf

Living at Snow Hill Wharf means you are well connected to all that Birmingham has to offer, with many attractions being in walking distance of the development, you’ll also have state-of-the-art amenities to enjoy at home. 

You’ll have access to exclusive resident-only facilities, including a 24-hour concierge, a round-the-clock gym with sauna and steam room, resident’s lounge, and private cinema room. There are also landscape podium gardens, colourful flower beds, and tree-lined pathways to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Each of these exquisite two, and three bed apartments in Birmingham have been expertly crafted and designed for your ultimate comfort and enhanced wellbeing.

If you want to make the UK’s second largest city your home so you can enjoy what it has to offer all year round, Berkeley Group can help you find your dream property in Birmingham.

Take a look at the latest opportunities available at Snow Hill Wharf and all our West Midlands developments, here.