Birmingham

๐Ÿข

Shopping Centres

Large indoor malls and complexes offering a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.

Sections

1. Bullring & Grand Central

  • Location: Birmingham City Centre, B5 4BU
  • Overview: The Bullring & Grand Central is Birminghamโ€™s most iconic shopping destination, combining two interconnected shopping centres. It is known for its modern architecture, including the famous Selfridges building with its futuristic, bubble-like faรงade.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM โ€“ 8:00 PM
    • Sunday: 11:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM
  • Types of Stores:
    • Over 200 stores, including high-street brands (Zara, H&M, Primark), luxury retailers (Selfridges, Hugo Boss), and specialty shops.
  • Dining Facilities:
    • A wide range of restaurants and cafes, including Five Guys, Wagamama, Nandoโ€™s, and local favourites like The Balcony in Selfridges.
  • Entertainment Options:
    • Occasional pop-up events, seasonal markets, and art installations.
  • Parking:
    • Multiple car parks available, including Moor Street and Edgbaston Street car parks. Parking costs range from ยฃ3โ€“ยฃ5 per hour.
  • Public Transport Access:
    • Directly connected to Birmingham New Street Station (Grand Central).
    • Bus stops and tram services are nearby.
  • Average Costs:
    • Mid-range to high-end, depending on the stores and dining choices.
  • Local Tips:
    • Visit early on weekends to avoid crowds.
    • Donโ€™t miss the panoramic views of the city from the top floor of Selfridges.
    • Look out for seasonal sales and events, especially around Christmas.

2. The Mailbox

  • Location: 7 Commercial Street, Birmingham, B1 1RS
  • Overview: The Mailbox is a luxury shopping and lifestyle destination, offering high-end fashion, fine dining, and entertainment in a sophisticated setting.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM โ€“ 7:00 PM
    • Sunday: 11:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM
  • Types of Stores:
    • Designer brands like Harvey Nichols, Emporio Armani, and Paul Smith.
    • Home and lifestyle stores such as Healโ€™s and Made.com.
  • Dining Facilities:
    • Upscale restaurants and bars, including Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Gas Street Social, and Aluna.
  • Entertainment Options:
    • Everyman Cinema, offering a boutique movie experience with plush seating and food service.
  • Parking:
    • On-site secure parking available; costs approximately ยฃ3.50 per hour.
  • Public Transport Access:
    • A 10-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station.
    • Accessible via local bus routes.
  • Average Costs:
    • High-end; expect to spend more on luxury items and fine dining.
  • Local Tips:
    • Perfect for a more relaxed, upscale shopping experience.
    • Book cinema tickets in advance for popular films.
    • Enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace of Marco Pierre White for stunning views of the city.

3. Resorts World Birmingham

  • Location: Pendigo Way, Birmingham, B40 1PU (near Birmingham Airport and NEC)
  • Overview: Resorts World is a unique shopping and entertainment complex that combines outlet shopping with leisure activities, dining, and a casino.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM โ€“ 8:00 PM
    • Sunday: 11:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM
  • Types of Stores:
    • Outlet stores offering discounts on brands like Nike, Leviโ€™s, and Kurt Geiger.
  • Dining Facilities:
    • A variety of restaurants, including TGI Fridays, Las Iguanas, and Miller & Carter.
    • A food court with quick-service options.
  • Entertainment Options:
    • Cineworld Cinema with IMAX.
    • Genting Casino for adults.
    • Escape rooms and virtual reality experiences.
  • Parking:
    • Ample parking available; costs start at ยฃ2 for up to 2 hours.
  • Public Transport Access:
    • Accessible via Birmingham International Station (10-minute walk).
    • Shuttle buses available from the NEC.
  • Average Costs:
    • Affordable to mid-range, especially for outlet shopping.
  • Local Tips:
    • Ideal for a day out combining shopping and entertainment.
    • Check for special offers at the casino and cinema.
    • Great for families, with activities for all ages.

4. The Fort Shopping Park

  • Location: 20 Fort Parkway, Birmingham, B24 9FP
  • Overview: The Fort is an open-air shopping park offering a mix of high-street stores and casual dining options.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM โ€“ 8:00 PM
    • Sunday: 11:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM
  • Types of Stores:
    • Popular brands like Next, Boots, JD Sports, and River Island.
  • Dining Facilities:
    • Casual eateries such as McDonaldโ€™s, Frankie & Bennyโ€™s, and Starbucks.
  • Entertainment Options:
    • Limited entertainment options; primarily focused on shopping.
  • Parking:
    • Free parking available for up to 4 hours.
  • Public Transport Access:
    • Bus routes connect The Fort to Birmingham City Centre.
  • Average Costs:
    • Affordable, with frequent sales and discounts.
  • Local Tips:
    • Ideal for quick shopping trips.
    • Arrive early to secure parking during busy periods.

5. Touchwood Shopping Centre (Solihull)

  • Location: Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3GJ (approximately 20 minutes from Birmingham City Centre)
  • Overview: Touchwood is a stylish shopping centre located in the nearby town of Solihull, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM โ€“ 6:00 PM
    • Sunday: 11:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM
  • Types of Stores:
    • High-street favourites like John Lewis, Apple, and Lush.
  • Dining Facilities:
    • Restaurants and cafes, including Yo! Sushi, TGI Fridays, and Caffรจ Nero.
  • Entertainment Options:
    • Cineworld Cinema.
  • Parking:
    • On-site parking available; costs start at ยฃ1.50 per hour.
  • Public Transport Access:
    • Solihull Train Station is a 10-minute walk away.
    • Bus services connect to Birmingham City Centre.
  • Average Costs:
    • Mid-range, with options for all budgets.
  • Local Tips:
    • Combine your visit with a stroll through Solihullโ€™s charming town centre.
    • Check out the events calendar for family-friendly activities.

General Tips for Shopping in Birmingham:

  1. Peak Times: Weekends and holidays can be very busy, especially in Bullring & Grand Central. Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience.
  2. Payment Methods: Most stores accept credit/debit cards, but itโ€™s always good to carry some cash for smaller vendors or markets.
  3. Seasonal Sales: Look out for Boxing Day (26th December) and summer sales for significant discounts.
  4. Accessibility: All major shopping centres are wheelchair accessible, with lifts and ramps available.
  5. Local Customs: Politeness is appreciated; say โ€œpleaseโ€ and โ€œthank youโ€ when interacting with staff.

Birminghamโ€™s shopping centres offer something for everyone, whether youโ€™re looking for luxury, bargains, or a fun day out. Enjoy your visit!