Birmingham

The vibrant heart of the West Midlands is brimming with culture, nightlife, shopping and great food for every budget.

Numerous conference and exhibitions are hosted in the city every year, unleashing the massive possibilities created by bringing great minds together. Birmingham is the definition of a modern and connected international city, and Birmingham Airport is one of the most accessible airports in Europe. The city also lies at the centre of the UK’s motorway network, enabling easy access to the rest of the UK.

Birmingham is a strong academic city with four major universities. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, associated with University of Birmingham, is one of the largest in the UK. As such, the city provides an excellent environment for academic research, allowing for interdisciplinary collaborations between research groups in the many institutions. The entrepreneurial and fast-growing business community paves the way for the translation and application of academic research.

On campus, the university offers a wide range of attractions for you to enjoy during your stay, all of which boast great history and culture. Restored to its Edwardian Arts and Craft splendour, Winterbourne House & Garden is a unique heritage attraction set within seven acres of beautiful botanic gardens. Winterbourne is a hidden gem, home to beautiful antiques and over 6,000 plant species from around the world. Wander along the woodland walk, stroll through the hazelnut tunnel, cross the 1930’s Japanese Bridge or simply soak up the tranquillity of this perfectly English Edwardian home. Located on Edgbaston Park Road, a few minutes’ walk from Edgbaston Park Hotel.

Opening Times: daily from 10:30am – 5.30pm, Biomag delegates are entitled to a 50% discount on the admission fee. The discounted price is £4.10, please show your Biomag delegate badge when paying your entry fee.

Enabling visitors to explore life over the past 3.5 billion years, the Lapworth Museum of Geology showcases exceptional objects from one of the UK’s most outstanding geological collections, with state-of-the-art galleries and a range of innovative and interactive exhibits – all completely free of charge. From rocks and fossils to volcanoes, earthquakes, and even dinosaurs, the Museum captures the imagination of all ages.

Located within the Aston Webb A Block building – the building is marked as R4 on the campus map. Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday: 12 noon – 5pm, Admission is Free.

We also have the University of Birmingham Blue Plaque and Sculpture Trails. There have been many influential achievements by brilliant men and women who have worked at the University of Birmingham since its earliest days. Scientific discoveries, artistic creations and inventions of international significance have taken place here. Some of those responsible have been appropriately honoured with national and international awards including the Nobel Prize. The Blue Plaques highlight these special achievements and celebrate those who have helped to shape our heritage as a research university.

The Campus Sculpture trail allows you to explore the range of styles, subjects and shapes of sculpture on the University’s Edgbaston campus. The Faraday Bronze Sculpture was commissioned to mark the centenary of the University of Birmingham’s Royal Charter, this is located near the train station.

For more cultural activities, pop over to Birmingham city centre to see the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, or step back into the past at the National Trust’s Back to Backs. For something a little different, head over to the National Sea Life Centre to encounter some amazing sea creatures.

For foodies, there’s the Balti triangle, home to fantastic Indian restaurants and South Asian shopping outlets. The more adventurous should try the Digbeth Dining Club, where you can find a selection of street food stalls. Cadbury World will get you the best chocolate fix, only a 5-minute train ride away from University station.

With more miles of canal than Venice, there are also plenty of beautiful views, stunning modern developments like the Cube, and restored industrial-era buildings to enjoy during a peaceful boat journey through the city.