Our recent family trip to Birmingham with kids was short but filled with variety – food, shopping, sightseeing, and comfortable stays. Since we were travelling with kids, convenience and easy access were important. Birmingham worked perfectly as our base for exploring Nottingham, Alton Towers, and Bakewell, while also giving us plenty to enjoy within the city itself.
How We Travelled from Glasgow to Birmingham with kids
Our original plan was:
- Travel from Glasgow to Birmingham by train
- Visit Nottingham by train
- Collect our car from Nottingham
- Return to Birmingham
- Spend a few days exploring
- Then visit Alton Towers, Bakewell, and finally drive back to Glasgow
We took an Avanti West Coast train from Glasgow Central to Birmingham New Street.
To save money, we:
- Booked tickets early
- Used the Uber app for cashback
- Bought a family ticket
- Reserved seats in advance
The journey was smooth and comfortable, and reaching Birmingham New Street made the trip very convenient.
Where We Stayed at Birmingham with kids
We stayed in two different hotels during our trip.
Night 1: City Centre Hotel
Since we arrived by train, our first night was spent in a hotel just a short walk from Birmingham New Street.
It made it easy to grab dinner, explore the city centre, and settle in after the journey.
We got a room on the 16th floor, and the views were amazing — a great way to end the day after a delicious dinner at a popular Indian restaurant nearby.
Next 3 Nights: Family-Friendly Suite
From the next day onward, we moved to a more spacious, family-friendly hotel.
The highlights:
- A large suite with separate dining and sitting rooms perfect for families
- Still close to the city centre
- Parking included, which was extremely helpful once we had our car
It gave us plenty of space to relax, prepare for day trips, and enjoy relaxed mornings before heading out.
What We Did in Birmingham with kids
Even though Birmingham served as our base, we still explored several spots around the city.
Shopping at Bullring & Grand Central
We visited the famous Bullring & Grand Central, one of Birmingham’s most iconic malls.
Reasons we loved it:
- Huge variety of shops
- Great food options
- Lively atmosphere
- Easy parking
It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon browsing and relaxing.
Cadbury World
A big hit with the kids!
Cadbury World had:
- Fun activities
- Lots of chocolate
- Family-friendly experiences
Our younger daughter especially loved it.
Tip: Book tickets in advance and check opening times on their official website to avoid disappointment.
Shopping & Food on Soho Road
Soho Road was colourful, lively, and felt like a little slice of home.
We enjoyed:
- Jewellery shops
- Indian street food
- Busy marketplaces
- Authentic snacks
Eating fuchka/pani puri and kulfi ice cream after so long made the visit extra special.
Family-Friendly Tips
- Choose a hotel with breakfast and parking included – it saves both time and money.
- Bullring Mall gets very busy on weekends, so visit early if possible.
- Soho Road is excellent for affordable food and quick shopping, good for Asian foods.
- Birmingham is a great base for day trips to Nottingham, Alton Towers, and the whole of Derbyshire.