Best Landmarks near Digbeth Arena

Rising like a giant silver amoeba in the heart of Birmingham, the Selfridges Building is one of the UK’s most striking modern landmarks. Clad in over 15,000 shimmering aluminium discs, this futuristic department store at Bullring redefines shopping as an architectural spectacle. Inside, it’s a curated world of luxury fashion, beauty, gourmet food, and in-store experiences, all beneath a sculptural roof that has become an icon of 21st-century British design. Whether you’re browsing designer rails or simply admiring its otherworldly form, Selfridges is a must-see in the city.

St Martin in the Bull Ring is Birmingham’s original parish church, a striking Grade II* listed Gothic Victorian building located in the heart of the city’s bustling Bull Ring shopping district. With origins dating back to 1290 and possible Saxon worship before that, the church features an impressive timber hammerbeam roof, intricate stonework, and a rich history intertwined with Birmingham’s urban development.

The Workers Memorial in Birmingham is a solemn historical landmark dedicated to honoring workers who have lost their lives or suffered injury due to workplace accidents or illnesses. It serves as a place of remembrance and reflection, commemorating the sacrifices made by workers in pursuit of safer working conditions. The memorial is a focal point for International Workers Memorial Day events held annually on April 28th, highlighting the ongoing fight for workplace safety and workers' rights.

Birmingham Cathedral, also known as St Philip's Cathedral, is the oldest building in Birmingham city centre still used for its original purpose. Built in 1715 and elevated to cathedral status in 1905, it is a fine example of English Baroque architecture. The cathedral is renowned for its four stunning stained-glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones, restored in 2023, and serves as a spiritual, cultural, and community hub in the city. Entry is free, and it hosts regular services, concerts, and events.

Nestled in Birmingham's Temple Row, this Victorian gem blends a grand pub with an intimate 105-seat theatre. Originally a library and bank from 1862, designed by architect Julius Alfred Chatwin, it features ornate decor, a central glass dome, and classic British fare alongside house ales. Upstairs, the theatre hosts professional productions, new writing, and touring shows in a cosy, atmospheric space perfect for musicals, dramas, and cabaret.

The River is an iconic bronze fountain sculpture located in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Created by sculptor Dhruva Mistry and inaugurated by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1994, it features a monumental reclining female figure symbolizing the life force. Known affectionately as 'The Floozie in the Jacuzzi,' the fountain is one of Europe's largest, with cascading water flowing at 3,000 gallons per minute. Surrounding the main figure are additional sculptures and inscriptions from T.S. Eliot's poetry, blending art, literature, and urban design.

Located in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a Grade II* listed building showcasing an extensive collection of art, including Pre-Raphaelite works, industrial heritage, and family-friendly exhibits. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, it offers free general admission and features galleries such as the Staffordshire Hoard and Wild City, alongside a tearoom and museum shop.

St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham is the first Catholic cathedral built in England since the Reformation, designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin in a striking Gothic Revival style. Consecrated in 1841, it serves as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Birmingham and houses the relics of St Chad. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained glass, intricate interior decorations, and a remarkable history including surviving a WWII bombing.

The Chamberlain Memorial Fountain, erected in 1880 in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, honors Joseph Chamberlain, a key civic leader and statesman. This 20-meter neo-Gothic monument features intricate mosaics by Venetian artisans, a portrait medallion by Thomas Woolner, and a spire reminiscent of the Albert Memorial. It stands as a historic symbol of Birmingham’s civic pride and public service legacy.

The Best of Birmingham Trail is a captivating historical landmark located at 2 Margaret Street in Birmingham city centre. This free trail offers an immersive journey through Birmingham’s rich heritage, connecting 20 key sites including museums, art galleries, churches, and public spaces. It serves as a perfect introduction to the city’s culture, architecture, and ongoing regeneration, inviting visitors to explore the vibrant heart of Birmingham.