Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the undercroft of the cathedral is a visitor center, the Walkway of Holograms,
where the otherwise plain walls are accented with 3-D images of the Stations of the
Cross, created with reflective light. One of the most evocative objects here is a
charred cross wired together by local workmen from burning timbers that crashed to
the cathedral's floor during the Nazi bombing. Located in the ruins next door, the
Blitz Experience Museum contains five 1940s' room reconstructions commemorating
the destruction of the city (additional £2.50).
The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday noon to
3:45pm; the tower is open during summer months when staff availability permits.
Admission to the cathedral is £7 for adults; £5 for seniors, students, and children 12
to 18; free for children 11 and under; and £20 for a family ticket. Tower admission is
£2.50 adults, £1 children. Sundays are free.
Stagecoach buses X17 and 16 connect Warwick, Leamington Spa, and Coventry.
Virgin Trains runs every half-hour from London's Euston Station to Coventry (trip
time: 1 1 4 hr.). From Stratford-upon-Avon, four National Express buses, with a trip
time of 45 minutes, travel to Pool Meadow bus station, at Fairfax Street in Coventry.
A single-day round-trip ticket costs £5.20.
12
BIRMINGHAM
120 miles NW of London; 25 miles N of Stratford-upon-Avon
England's second-largest city, Birmingham has undergone something of a renais-
sance in recent decades, transforming itself from a dreary industrial conurbation to a
vibrant cultural and education center. While it still bears some of the scars of indus-
trial excess, an energetic building boom, revitalized canals, new areas of green space,
and the cultivation of a first-rate symphony and ballet company, as well as art galleries
and museums, have all made Birmingham far more appealing.
Birmingham city center is a rich trove of grand Victorian buildings, including the
Museum and Art Gallery and its precious collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings.
The city's other showstoppers lie on the outskirts: The Black Country Living
Museum commemorates the region's industrial heritage while Cadbury World
celebrates Britain's favorite chocolate.
Shopping in Birmingham doesn't quite match London, but there are some real
highlights. The iconic Selfridges building is worth visiting as much for the architec-
ture as for the plush department store inside, while the Jewellery Quarter is home
to numerous artisan jewelry makers.
Birmingham's culinary scene is led by a trio of acclaimed restaurants famous
throughout the country—at Purnell's, Simpsons, and Turners expect the very best of
English contemporary cuisine. In stark contrast, the Balti Triangle is one of the top
places in the country to try Indian and Pakistani food.
As befits the home of Ozzy Osbourne, UB40, '80s' pop idols Duran Duran, and,
more recently, The Streets (aka local boy Mike Skinner), Birmingham nightlife is
eclectic and extremely lively. Choose from ancient pubs like the Old Crown, hip
bars such as Revolution, live music venues such as 02 Academy, megaclubs like
Gatecrasher Birmingham, and stand-up comedy joints like Glee Club.
Essentials
GETTING THERE Major international carriers operate transatlantic flights with
direct service to Birmingham International Airport (BHX; &   0844/576-6000;
 
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