What to do in Bickenhill

The Bullring is a historic shopping center that befits Birmingham, which is known as the “city of a thousand trades.” Once a market square that ran a busy trade in meat and horses, the Bullring is now a vast retail complex with an ultra-modern design. Admire its sleek architecture, shop in boutiques and enjoy a snack in the food hall.

Visit Warwick Castle to explore towers and a dungeon dating to the 1300s, watch actors in jousting battles and spot eagles and vultures. Danish invaders first built a fortress here in 914 to protect the town of Warwick. William the Conqueror developed the castle in 1068 and it was home to British nobility until 1978, when it became a museum and tourist attraction.

Visit Cadbury World to discover the history of a famous chocolate producer, sample chocolate bars and enjoy chocolate-themed events. This museum and entertainment complex dedicated to the confectionery brand opened in 1990 in Bournville, about 4 miles (6 kilometers) south of Birmingham city center. Today, it attracts over half a million visitors each year.

At The Mailbox you can shop at luxury retail stores, dine on the terrace of a canal-side restaurant, view art exhibitions and go behind the scenes at a television studio. The building was previously a Royal Mail sorting office before opening to the public as a multipurpose complex in 1998.

On the western side of Centenary Square sits the International Convention Centre, a sleek, modern events complex that befits the ambitions of the U.K.’s growing second city. Particularly large for a centrally located conference venue, the ICC boasts internationally renowned facilities that make it a suitable emblem for the city of Birmingham, which has an official motto of “Forward.” Attend a meeting, take in a performance or simply walk around and admire the scale and style of this unique city landmark.