Chamberlain Square
Birmingham, West Midlands
Sandwiched between some of Birmingham’s most impressive buildings, including the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the Birmingham Town Hall, Chamberlain Square is among the city's main public plazas. It's a good place to linger and people-watch, though many people just zip through quickly, stopping only to take a photo of the Gothic-style Chamberlain Memorial.
The basics
Chamberlain Square is among the more popular meeting points in Birmingham, and if you plan to take a walking tour of the city, chances are good that it may start, end, or at least pass through the square. Tours focusing on Birmingham's history and architecture are a great choice for first-time visitors who want to get familiar with the city; you can also book an outing with a more specific itinerary, such as a guided walk around the historic Jewellery Quarter or a tour themed around the hit TV show Peaky Blinders.
Things to know before you go
- Chamberlain Square is a must-see for first-time visitors to Birmingham.
- Most of the square is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly.
- There aren't many benches in the square, but there are plenty of steps and perches where you can sit and take in the atmosphere.
How to get there
Chamberlain Square is in the heart of Birmingham’s city center, less than a 10-minute walk from the city's main train station, Birmingham New Street. Though plenty of city buses stop nearby, the easiest way to get to the square is by taking the single-line West Midlands Metro tram to the Town Hall stop on the south end of the square.
When to get there
Chamberlain Square is a year-round, 24/7 attraction, but the best time to visit is during the summer. Not only is the weather in Birmingham at its most pleasant this time of year, but it’s also when the week-long Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival takes place—right at the square. There’s also a craft fair held at the square just before Christmas.
A Visit to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Overlooking Chamberlain Square, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is one of the most popular attractions in Birmingham for art lovers, offering two floors of galleries plus a tea room and gift shop. Here you'll find a mix of temporary exhibit spaces and permanent galleries, plus exhibits focused on everything from Birmingham's industrial history to the pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. As a bonus, admission is free.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!