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Great Western Arcade isn’t just a shopping passageway—it’s a living museum of Victorian charm! Arched glass ceilings bathe the space in golden light, while intricate storefronts line both sides, making every step feel like stepping into a period film. Whether hunting for a unique trinket or sipping coffee in a cozy nook, this place wraps you in timeless warmth.
This Birmingham gem is perfect for both business and leisure! Just minutes from University of Birmingham and Broad Street, it offers free WiFi and a serene terrace garden. With a conference center and 14 meeting rooms, it's ideal for work trips, while wedding services and pet-friendly policies add charm. Unwind at the bar or enjoy in-room dining. The 172 cozy rooms are fully equipped, and free parking is the cherry on top!
This hotel boasts a prime central location, directly connected to the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall. Explore nearby museums, shopping hotspots, and family-friendly attractions like Broad Street and Bullring Shopping Centre, just 10 minutes by train from the airport and exhibition centre. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with city or canal views, luxurious marble bathrooms, and 24-hour room service. Unwind at the Amala Spa with a 16m indoor pool, gym, and Turkish bath. With diverse dining options at the restaurant and bar, it’s perfect for both business and leisure!
Everything you need to know about Great Western Arcade
The Bull Hotel is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Great Western Arcade. This historic boutique hotel blends Victorian-era architecture with modern comforts, offering elegant rooms and free Wi-Fi. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the arcade's shops, local cafés, and nearby attractions like St Philip’s Church and Birmingham Square. The hotel also provides personalized service and curated local experience guides for visitors seeking authentic urban charm.
Yes, Great Western Arcade is exceptionally well-connected. It’s within a 10-minute walk of Birmingham New Street Station, the UK’s busiest railway hub, providing direct trains across the country. Additionally, the Birmingham City Centre Metro Station is just a short stroll away, serving the West Midlands Metro light rail system. Whether arriving by train, tram, or bus, access to the arcade is seamless, making it convenient for both tourists and locals alike.
The arcade itself is a living museum of industrial heritage, now housing art exhibitions, craft markets, and independent design studios. Visitors can attend weekend artisan fairs featuring handmade goods from local creators. Nearby, Birmingham Art Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions on contemporary and historical British art. The area also features street art installations and pop-up performances, reflecting Birmingham’s vibrant creative scene. Don’t miss a traditional afternoon tea at a heritage café inside the arcade—perfect for soaking in local culture.
Great Western Arcade is a photographer’s dream, with its cast-iron dome, arched glass roof, and intricate Victorian detailing. Capture stunning shots during golden hour when sunlight streams through the skylights. Nearby Birmingham Square offers a fountain and sculpture garden ideal for urban portraits. The façade of St Philip’s Church, with its ornate stonework, complements the arcade’s architectural style. Wear a classic British hat or long coat and pose in the arcade’s central courtyard for timeless, story-rich images.
Start your day at Great Western Arcade, exploring its historic interiors and artisan stalls. Enjoy lunch at The Old Market Café inside the arcade. In the afternoon, visit the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to discover the city’s rich history and artistic evolution. Head to Birmingham Square in the evening to see the arcade illuminated at night. End your day with a drink at The Bull Hotel’s rooftop terrace. If time allows, take a quick tram ride to the Ice Factory for winter fun—perfect for combining culture, history, and leisure.
Yes, The Bull Hotel offers complimentary city guidebooks and optional historical walking tours led by local experts, revealing the hidden stories behind the arcade’s industrial past. They also partner with the Birmingham Cultural Society to host monthly events like ‘Arcade Nights’, featuring live music, vintage photo exhibitions, and tea gatherings. Some room packages include a discount card for exclusive shopping at local boutiques within the arcade, enhancing your cultural immersion and travel value.
The Grand Hotel Birmingham is a top choice just a 3-minute walk from Great Western Arcade. This elegant hotel blends Victorian architecture with modern comforts, offering rooms with soundproof windows and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy access to an on-site Spa Lounge for rejuvenating treatments after exploring the arcade’s historic shops and cafés. The hotel also provides local guided tours and is within 500 meters of Birmingham New Street Station, making it ideal for travelers seeking both convenience and charm. Its central location ensures easy access to museums, theatres, and the vibrant city centre.
Near Great Western Arcade, families will love visiting the Birmingham Museum of Science, featuring interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and hands-on science labs perfect for children. Just a 5-minute walk away is Birmingham City Park, offering playgrounds, scenic lakeside paths, and summer outdoor performances—ideal for relaxed family outings. Weekends often host artisan markets and workshops led by local creators, such as pottery-making and fabric painting, providing authentic cultural engagement. The arcade itself also hosts themed events like vintage markets and live jazz nights, adding lively charm to your visit.
The fastest way is taking the Midland Metro tram, which stops directly at "Great Western Arcade" station—just a 10-minute ride from the city centre. The stop is located right outside the arcade entrance, allowing instant access. Alternatively, bus routes 20 or 47 serve nearby stops like "New Street Station" or "Victoria Square," followed by an 8-minute walk. For eco-friendly travel, electric bike-sharing stations are available across the city centre. Use the Birmingham Travel App to check real-time schedules and optimize your route for maximum efficiency.
Built in 1893 as a commercial branch of the Great Western Railway, the arcade once stood as Birmingham’s most bustling retail hub. Its ornate cast-iron dome and marble colonnades remain intact, showcasing Victorian engineering artistry. In the 1960s, it faced demolition, but public outcry led to its preservation as one of the UK’s first protected historic arcades under heritage law. Today, it houses several century-old shops, including Birmingham Cake Shop, whose recipe dates back to 1880. Each autumn, the Arcade Light Festival uses projection mapping to recreate 19th-century street scenes, offering visitors a vivid journey through time.
See what other travelers say about Great Western Arcade
This hotel is perfect for parents sending their kids to study at the University of Birmingham. It's just a short walk or quick transit ride away from the Mason Vale Village dormitory area, making it easy to visit and check on your student. The location is safe and quiet, which gives peace of mind—especially during late-night visits or early morning drop-offs. The breakfast spread is fantastic: fresh, varied, and full of options—from classic English fare to continental choices. Staff are warm, attentive, and always ready to help with any request. Overall, it’s an excellent balance of comfort, convenience, and value. If you're looking for a reliable place to stay while your child starts university life, this is a top pick.
Staying here for two nights was a perfect choice! The location is unbeatable—just a 10-minute walk to the train station, and everything else you’d want is within easy reach. I loved strolling along the riverside bar street in the evenings—it’s lively but not overwhelming, with great vibes and plenty of dining options nearby. The city center is only a 5-minute walk away, making it ideal for business travelers or anyone wanting to explore the heart of Birmingham. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. It’s rare to find such a convenient, stylish, and welcoming hotel in the middle of it all. Highly recommend this stay for both leisure and work trips!
We recently stayed at the Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre and were thoroughly impressed from arrival to checkout ⭐. The location is unbeatable 📍—right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from New Street Station, the Bullring shopping centre, The Mailbox, and a wide range of restaurants and bars. Getting around Birmingham was effortless, which meant we could focus on enjoying our time instead of worrying about transport 🚆🛍️. Our room was spotless 🧼 and well-maintained, with everything we needed for a relaxing stay. The bed was incredibly comfortable 🛏️, the modern décor added a touch of elegance, and the in-room amenities—including tea and coffee ☕, a safe, and quality toiletries—were thoughtfully chosen. Little details made the space feel welcoming and practical for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel’s facilities were excellent. We spent some time in the bar and lounge area 🍹, where the atmosphere was relaxed and the staff friendly. Breakfast was a highlight 🍳🥐—fresh, abundant, and delicious, with a great mix of hot and cold options to suit every taste. Even during peak hours, everything was well-stocked, and the team remained attentive without being intrusive 😊. Overall, our stay was seamless, comfortable, and enjoyable. With its prime location, clean and stylish rooms, top-notch amenities, and outstanding breakfast, this hotel stands out as a fantastic choice for visiting Birmingham 🌆. We’d happily return and would confidently recommend it to anyone planning a trip to the city 👍
We stayed at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Birmingham in Five Ways while dropping off our child for school, and it turned out to be an absolute blessing. The hotel is just a short walk from the University of Birmingham, with a Morrisons supermarket right next door—perfect for daily essentials. On our second day, we took a casual stroll around the neighborhood and were pleasantly surprised to find so many schools and educational institutions nearby. This was especially reassuring since we'd been worried about how our child would settle into life in the UK. We stumbled upon Birmingham Guoke Education right near the hotel, and after learning more about their supervision and academic support services, we made the decision on the spot. It felt like fate—this stay wasn’t just about comfort and convenience; it genuinely helped us solve a major concern. A truly memorable experience that exceeded all expectations.
We had a fantastic two-day stay at Aloft Birmingham Eastside with the family to catch an Aston Villa match. The stadium was just a 5-minute Uber ride away, and getting to the train station was equally convenient. We skipped breakfast but enjoyed a great cup of coffee in the morning—perfect for starting the day. The hotel bar has a relaxed, chill vibe that’s ideal for unwinding after a busy day out. The rooms are spacious, and the beds were incredibly comfortable—great for a good night’s sleep. Overall, it’s a top choice for both sports fans and travelers looking for a modern, well-located stay in Birmingham.
Staying at the Holiday Inn Birmingham M6, Jct. 7 was an absolutely wonderful experience. The free goodies for the kids—coloring books and a snack voucher—were a delightful surprise and kept my little ones entertained throughout the visit. The room was spotlessly clean, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night's sleep. Breakfast was outstanding: fresh, delicious, and well-rounded with plenty of options. I especially loved the warm pancakes and locally sourced ham. The pool and jacuzzi were perfect for unwinding—clean, inviting, and just the right temperature. The staff went above and beyond with their kindness, respect, and genuine hospitality. They made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. This hotel truly delivers on comfort, service, and value. I’d definitely stay here again—highly recommend!
I always stay here whenever I visit Birmingham—it's become my go-to hotel for a reason. The room is spacious and immaculately clean, with modern decor that feels fresh and inviting. Breakfast is outstanding—huge variety, great quality, and more than enough to fuel a full day of exploring. It’s absolutely worth every penny, and the overall experience justifies the top rating. I’ll definitely be back on my next trip to the city.
Staying at Malmaison Birmingham was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The hotel’s location is unbeatable—just a 4-6 minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station, making it incredibly convenient for both arrivals and departures. The property feels brand new with a modern, stylish design throughout. My room was spacious and offered plenty of room to unpack, which made the stay feel relaxed and comfortable. The bathroom stood out—large, well-lit, and featuring a full-size bathtub, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Everything felt clean, thoughtfully designed, and genuinely welcoming. I’d definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Birmingham, especially if you value comfort, convenience, and a touch of urban charm.
Our stay at Macdonald Burlington Hotel was absolutely delightful. The moment we walked in, we were greeted by the elegant and inviting decor that sets the tone for a truly comfortable experience. The room was spacious, clean, and beautifully designed with attention to detail—especially the plush bedding, which made for a restful night's sleep. Located just minutes from the city center, it’s incredibly convenient for exploring Birmingham on foot or via public transport. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, and their professionalism stood out throughout our visit. With its perfect blend of style, comfort, and location, this hotel is a real gem. We’ll definitely be back—and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Birmingham.
Staying at Hotel du Vin Birmingham was a real highlight of my trip to the city. The hotel exudes charm and character, with a cozy, well-designed atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, especially the bathrooms—large and thoughtfully laid out with high-quality fixtures. The location is fantastic; just a short walk from the city center and surrounded by great restaurants and cafes, perfect for evening strolls. One of the biggest perks? The wine selection in the bar is absolutely outstanding—rich, bold, and perfectly paired with the hotel’s elegant vibe. I couldn’t resist a few glasses after dinner! That said, there were a couple of minor issues. The room temperature was quite high throughout the night, and unfortunately, there was no way to turn off the heating system—something that could definitely be improved. Also, breakfast service felt a bit sluggish. While the food options were decent, the execution wasn’t up to par—some dishes seemed undercooked or lukewarm, as if the kitchen was having an off day. A little more attention to consistency would go a long way. Despite those small hiccups, the overall experience was exceptional. The staff were warm and attentive, and the unique blend of style and comfort made this stay truly memorable. I’d happily return and recommend it to fellow travelers looking for something special.
Stayed at The Aston Tavern while attending a match at Villa Park, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. The moment we arrived, Paul, Michelle, Tony, Stacy, and the whole family made us feel right at home—warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful throughout our entire visit. We were greeted with complimentary tea and coffee, and the next morning enjoyed a delicious breakfast that started with cereal and then offered a wide range of fresh options from the menu, followed by more tea and coffee. The shower was excellent, and the room came with top-notch amenities, including a great selection of teas and coffee. Even after check-out, we were allowed to store our belongings securely, which was super convenient when we ran errands during the day. When we returned before the game, we were treated to free entry plus a hearty bowl of food—then again when we came back before leaving Birmingham. It’s rare to find such genuine hospitality where you truly feel looked after. Plus, the location is unbeatable: just a 2-minute walk to Villa Park, 7 minutes to the local Tesco, 30 minutes to Star City, and both train stations are within 5 and 10 minutes on foot. Everything was perfectly positioned for easy access. This wasn’t just a place to stay—it felt like coming home. I’m already looking forward to my next visit.
We've stayed here before and absolutely loved it, so we booked again—completely worth the repeat! The experience was just as fantastic as our first visit. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm and attentive, and the room was spotless, comfortable, and beautifully designed. The location is ideal—walking distance to the city center, great transport links, and surrounded by cafes and shops. Everything about this hotel feels premium without the premium price tag. If you're looking for a reliable, stylish, and welcoming place to stay in Birmingham, this is it. Definitely coming back!
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