When does a hidden gem no longer count as a ‘hidden’ gem and become just a gem? It’s a debate that will rage on long after you’ve finished reading this article, so isn’t worth arguing about too much. What we will say is this: Birmingham has more than its fair share of unique spots that STILL don’t get the recognition they deserve.
It seems many agree with us too. A new study by the tour operator software provider, Bókun (which is part of the Tripadvisor family) has uncovered the real local ‘hidden gem’ locations worldwide, as recommended by tourists. Using Tripadvisor reviews containing the phrase ‘hidden gem’, it’s revealed the best places to visit for underappreciated attractions.
Seven spots in Birmingham were highlighted, making it the best city in the UK to discover ‘hidden gems’ after London (with 29 places in the capital). Surprisingly (although I guess that’s the point) Birmingham’s top hidden gem is Lapworth Museum of Geology. Out of 125 reviews, 12.80% called the science museum a local wonder.
Home to hundreds of rocks, fossils, minerals and even dinosaurs, the free museum contains one of the UK’s most extensive geological collections exploring the past 3.5 billion years. It’s also one of the oldest, dating back to 1880, and features a range of activities and exhibitions that all ages can enjoy. It’s not the only hidden gem in Birmingham though.
Coming in a tight second- and third-place, 11.94% of Soho House’s 377 reviews called it a ‘hidden gem’, while 11.53% of 720 reviews of Barber Institute of Fine Arts referenced the phrase. The former was once the meeting pad of the legendary Lunar Society that met every full moon to discuss ideas and inventions, and carry out scientific experiments. The gallery, meanwhile, contains a huge world-class art collection.
But many places in Birmingham have left a positive impact on visitors. In fourth place was the Edwardian-era Winterbourne House and Garden (which you can skip the queue for by getting tickets here). According to the data, it seems ‘gardens’ are what tourists are on the lookout for too – gardens make up 14% of the world’s hidden gems.
This was then followed by two Jewellery Quarter locations, the Pen Museum and Coffin Works, and finally Birmingham Back to Backs – you can learn more about this hidden gem here. Birmingham should be proud of its hidden gems, in fact, so should the whole country. According to the data, England is the country with the most hidden gems, claiming over 33% of the world’s hidden wonders – with the world’s top hidden gem being Manchester’s St Mary’s Church.
Hidden Gems in Birmingham
- Lapworth Museum of Geology (12.80% of 125 reviews)
- Soho House (11.94% of 377 reviews)
- Barber Institute of Fine Arts (11.53% of 720 reviews)
- Winterbourne House and Garden (9.54% of 1,205 reviews)
- Pen Museum (4.52% of 752 reviews)
- Coffin Works (3.46% of 983 reviews)
- Birmingham Back to Backs (1.78% of 73 reviews)
To read more about this study head here.