Discover Birmingham with megabus

Take a coach to Birmingham – or Brum to the locals – and experience a city that mixes old and new. Britain’s second biggest city has had a facelift in recent years, and it’s packed with museums and theatres plus a state-of-the-art library. Explore the areas that inspired Tolkien’s novels then wander through the Jewellery Quarter. Or just spend the day shopping before heading to one of Birmingham’s best clubs. With Birmingham coach travel, it’s up to you.

Birmingham: top 3 things to do

1. Dive into the National SEA LIFE Centre

Get up close and personal with over 2,000 aquatic creatures from around the world. National Sea Life Birmingham plays host to the likes of giant sea turtles, reef sharks and stingrays. And you’re guaranteed a first-class view of the weird and wonderful marine life thanks to UK's only 360° underwater tunnel.

2. Visit the Botanical Gardens

Fancy seeing the city in bloom? Take a bus to Birmingham on a warm day and head straight to the city’s historic Botanical Gardens, which are teeming with tropical plants, bonsai trees and exotic birds. Pack a picnic and make the most of 15 acres’ worth of beautiful landscaped gardens.

3. Discover the Custard Factory

A cluster of restored Victorian factories including the original home of Bird’s Custard, the Custard Factory is now Birmingham’s hub of independent shops, creative studios and art galleries. Alas, there’s no custard produced on the premises these days, but Cadbury World is only a few miles outside the city centre if you need to indulge your sweet tooth.

Birmingham: getting around

A coach to Birmingham is nice and easy with megabus, with extra touches like free WiFi* and a 20kg luggage allowance included. And once you arrive, getting around the city couldn’t be easier.

For starters, Birmingham has a fantastic bus network that’ll get you anywhere in the city, and you can sightsee at the same time. If you’re heading further afield, Midland Metro’s tram line will whisk you to Wolverhampton from the city centre.

Or, take things a little slower. Stroll through one of Birmingham’s pedestrianised areas and stop off for a quick bite or a drink on the way. For a different perspective, step back in time on Birmingham’s canals and watch the world drift by on a narrowboat. Rush hour? What rush hour?

Birmingham: best for nightlife

Birmingham certainly knows how to party. People travel from far and wide to sample its diverse after-hours scene, including oh-so-stylish waterside bars at The Mailbox and comedy clubs on popular Broad Street. For a more sedate evening, head to Symphony Hall to catch a show or the Electric Cinema – the UK’s oldest working cinema – for the latest flick. If you fancy a curry, there’s only one place to get your tikka masala fix. That would be the Balti Triangle, which is home to more than 50 Asian restaurants.

Birmingham: best for shopping

One word: Bullring. Once a market in the Middle Ages, the Bullring has now evolved into a world-renowned shopping centre that’s home to over 160 big-name stores. To bag a bargain, hone your haggling skills at the Rag Market, open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Or, if you’re in the market for some bling, make a beeline for the Jewellery Quarter, where 40% of British jewellery is made. You’ll be glad of that 20kg luggage allowance…

Birmingham for free: our top 3

1. Explore Tolkien’s ‘Middle Earth’

J.R.R. Tolkien spent his early years in Birmingham, and places like Sarehole and Moseley later inspired his famous books. Make like a Hobbit and discover where the Two Towers of Gondor from The Lord of the Rings originated by trying a walking tour.

2. Be on TV at BBC Birmingham

Telly addicts are in for a treat at the BBC Visitor Centre at the Mailbox. It’s open seven days a week and free of charge, so you can pose behind the Strictly Come Dancing desk, take a selfie next to Doctor Who’s TARDIS and try your hand at presenting the news and weather.

Or try your hand at your own TV and film location tour, using our Showstoppers guide.

3. Mooch around the Museum & Art Gallery

Pre-Raphaelite art and Ancient Egyptian artefacts are just some of the fascinating items on display at this world-famous gallery. Eavesdrop on Albert Einstein, step inside a 17th-century painting and marvel at the works of Constable and Renoir. It won’t cost you a penny.

To book cheap travel to Birmingham, use our journey planner at the top of the page.

We serve Birmingham from over 10 routes including:

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