I am thinking way ahead, as always, but I just learend last night that we will be invited to a wedding in Birmingham in April 2006. Of course our main focus will be the wedding festivities, but can anyone tell me of tourist things to do there? I checked my guidebook and found nothing on Birmingham. Thanks.

I'm no expert on Birmingham but my 1997 Michelin lists Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Museum of Science & Industry and the Canal Walk.

I have visited Ironbridge, Coventry, Warwick and Stratford from Birmingham.

There is also the Black Country Museum and the National Motorcycle Museum close by though I haven't visited.

besides the museums jsmaith mentions, there is some really good shopping in B'ham.

If you will have a car there is a LOT to see w/i reasonable drives - Coventry Cathedral, Sulgrave Manor, Stratford, Warwick, Kenilworth, Worcester, the Severn Valley, etc.

If are are chocoholics, you could visit Bourneville
http://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/

Birmingham has a wonderful symphony orchestra! Also, you should go to Litchfield, it has the only three spired cathedral in the UK and it's a pretty little city. Great for walking around and shopping. When we were there we also went to the Black Country Museum which was well worth the trip from b'ham. I think under an hour. It's a small coal mining living museum. Very interesting. And we went down the coal mine! it was amazing! There are many things to do in the area. Enjoy!

OH! I forgot! We did Coventry, Banbury, Stratford and Warwick from B'Ham! duh!!!

Thanks everyone, very helpful. Since this trip is a year away I hadn't given any thought yet as to whether or not to get a car, but it's sounding like a good idea. I appreciate all of your input.