Birmingham for 2 days.... what to do?

There is a what's on section on the tourist information site: http://www.visitbirmingham.com/

If you like art it has a very good gallery, especially if you like the Pre-Raphaelites.

You have to have a curry in Birmingham - it's traditional.

You will be just around the corner from the Transport Museum at Coventry. It's a good day out!
http://www.transport-museum.com/

Coventry Cathedral is a must.

There might be something on at the National Exhibition Centre while you are there.
http://www.thenec.co.uk/

Roger

You're also not too far from Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon - theres the castle in Warwick and Stratford has the whole Shakespeare shtick.

Other than that there are a few things to do in Brum (as its known by the locals). There are some good museums, see http://www.bmag.org.uk/ for details, or theres the Sea Life Centre (http://www.sealife.co.uk/local/index.php). Don't forget that Birmingham is famous for its curries.

I'd avoid Coventry, but then I've lived near by to Coventry for most of the past 20 years and I'm intensely biased against the place...

I was there in July, and we went to Warwick Castle. it was great!! Especially enjoyed their trained eagles show. At first I thought it may be somewhat tacky being owned by the same group that owns Madamme Tussauds Wax Museum and The London Eye, but I was very wrong. Love it. Also enjoyed walking around the little town of Warwick afterwards.

Hire a car or go by bus or train (bus is cheapest option)and go to Stratford on Avon (Shakespeare's birthplace)Stratford is about 25 miles away from Birmingham and you can visit Shakespeare's home and his wife's (Anne Hathaway) home where Shakespeare lived after his marriage to her. Alternatively go to Warwick castle for the day a wonderful medieval castle and well worth a visit. You will struggle to find much other than some very good shops in Birmingham. Train journey to Oxford also possible taking about an hour and the station in Oxford is within 5 minutes walk of the centre of town. In short, get out of Birmingham!

Have you ever ridden a narrowboat? You can do that at Gas Street Basin. Ridden a steam train? Occasional ones from Birmingham Snow Hill Station, daily wonderful ones through the Worcestershire and Shropshire countryside on the Severn Valley Railway out of Kidderminister 40 minutes by train from Birmingham Snow Hill. Ever seen Roman gold artefacts? The new Hoard is on show at the museum. Ever had a Balti? Curries pale into insignificance. There is also a German Wine Festival going on now until the end of the month......