Midlands
IN AND AROUND BIRMINGHAM
Part of the canal network which once provided transport links into the heart of the city centre
The attractions on these pages have recently been updated with the exception of Birmingham Nature Centre and until this attraction has been re-visited we strongly advise you to check with their own website for more current information.
Birmingham is a busy and diverse city offering many different kinds of tourist attractions and is a great place to shop. The majority of the city centre streets and public places are wheelchair friendly and on-street parking is free for blue badge holders.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is situated in the heart of the city centre and the wheelchair accessible entrance is located in Edmund Street where there is also on-street designated parking bays. There is a good sized lift up to the second floor reception and a larger second lift takes visitors up to the top floor galleries.
The galleries are light and airy and house a large number of artifacts and paintings. General access throughout the building is good and seating is available. A recent addition to the Gallery is a series of audio visual points which enhance visitor experience by highlighting the relationship between disability and a series of paintings ranging from the sixteenth century to the present day.This innovative concept was created with the collaboration of six artists who also have a disability.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Birmingham Cathedral
St. Philips Cathedral
The Cathedral was built between 1709 and 1715 however, not as a cathedral, originally it was the parish church of the "New Town". The building was designed by Thomas Archer in the baroque style and the Burne-Jones windows are particularly beautiful.
An internal view showing one of the windows
There is a small refreshments area and shop open from 10.30am – 3.30pm every week day. Entrance is free but donations are welcomed. The Cathedral grounds which are planted with trees have a pleasant seating area.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
National Sealife Centre Birmingham
National Sea Life Centre
The National Sealife Centre in Birmingham is located adjacent to the canal network in the city centre and houses a wide variety of creatures ranging from two giant turtles to small brightly coloured tree frogs.
The Centre has a sea horse breeding programme
General access within the centre is good with a series of ramps leading visitors up to the top of the building and two lifts back down to the ground floor. Visitors can view the marine life at close quarters within the underwater tunnel and there is a 4D video theatre and a touch pool where it is possible to handle creatures such as crabs and sea anemones.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses
Early flowering Rhododendrons at the Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical gardens were first opened in 1832 and as well as linked gardens areas include a series of glasshouses containing rare plants from different climatic zones of the world. There is also a Victorian aviary containing exotic birds and a promenade terrace and central lawn. One of the smaller gardens is devoted to the senses and contains plants to touch and smell, so is particularly suitable for visitors with visual impairment. It is important to note that the gardens are set on a sloping site and some of the paths are quite steep but motorised scooters can be loaned from reception.
The trees underplanted with carpets of Cyclamen Coum in the rock gardens in early March
Also on site is a restaurant, shop and plant sales area and there is a regular programme of conducted tours of different areas of the gardens. This is a surprisingly beautiful tranquil place to visit especially considering that it is located only one mile from the city centre.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Edgbaston Reservoir
Sailing on the reservoir
Edgbaston Reservoir is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation that is situated close to the city centre Of Birmingham. It was built in 1827 by Thomas Telford to enable the Birmingham canal system to be topped up and is still used for that purpose today. There is a one and three quarter mile level 1 circular trail around the perimetre of the reservoir.
On site Map showing the trail
The site covers 70 acres and is mainly open water that supports a variety of birdlife. It is also a valuable city site for animals such as newts and bats. A belt of woodland and grassland encircles the reservoir providing an oasis of natural beauty in an urban setting.
For more detailed accessibility information and contact details for the Rangers Office please click here.
Birmingham Nature Centre
A Wild Flower Meadow in Birmingham Nature Centre
The Nature Centre (that covers six and a half acres) is situated in Pershore Road not too far from the city centre and on the site of the original Pebble Mill. It is fully wheelchair accessible and is home to over one hundred and fifty different species of animals. The centre has been landscaped to demonstrate a wide range of British habitats such as woodland and the meadow shown in the photograph above. There is a disabled toilet and cafe on site.
Cadbury World
Our researchers enjoying Cadbury World
Cadbury World is situated at Bourneville about fifteen minutes south west from the city centre. Apart from a small part of the packaging plant it is fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility there is even an especially adapted wheelchair accessible car on the Cadabra ride.
The shop has lots of chocolate delicacies to purchase
This attraction will appeal to people of all ages but it is particularly enjoyable for children. There is free parking, disabled toilets, a shop and a restaurant.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Thinktank
On the eastern side of the city is Thinktank which is an interactive museum of science and discovery located over four floors of the Millenium Point Building. There is wheelchair access via two lifts to all floors and a designated changing place located on the first floor.
Many of the exhibits have a sensory element and include such a diverse range of subjects that there is plenty of interest for all visitors.
For more detailed information on accessibility and a link to their own website please click here.
The Imax Theatre
The Imax Cinema
Millennium Point also contains The Imax Cinema which has a screen four storeys high and twenty metres wide and offers visitors a unique cinema experience. There is a lift up from the cafe to a large balcony viewing area at the back of the cinema with access for groups of up to 8 wheelchair users to enjoy the theatres wide programme of events.
For more detailed accessibility information please click here.