The 2019 FIT Show is fast approaching (21-23 May) and the Smart-Builder team is excited to be heading back to Birmingham for what we're sure will be another fantastic trade show. Read on for our ideas on where to go and how to get around while you're in Birmingham.
Black Country Living Museum
If you want a taste of history while you're in Birmingham, Black Country Living Museum is an open-air museum with shops, houses and workshops that have been reconstructed to create a 19th-century historical village. There's plenty to do and see — take a tram ride, explore the underground mines, watch the chain maker forge a link or head to the Fairground for fun and games.
Drive time from NEC: 1 hour | Visit the website
Great Western Arcade
For a spot of shopping, head to the Great Western Arcade. The boutique stores are have a lot of unique goods so it's a great place to find something different. If shopping isn't your thing, the Victorian-era architecture is still worth checking out. There's plenty of history too — the roof was reconstructed after the original was bombed in the blitz.
Drive time from NEC: 30 minutes | Visit the website
Cadbury World
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Cadbury World and learn about the process and history of chocolate making.
Drive time from NEC: 40 minutes | Visit the website
Aston Hall
There are plenty of beautiful historic buildings you could visit in Birmingham but Aston Hall is particularly nice. It's a 17th century, Jacobean mansion set in a beautiful park. You can tour both the grounds and the interior of the house.
Drive time from NEC: 25 minutes | Visit the website
Or use Birmingham as a starting point for your explorations
The NEC, where FIT Show is held, is located on the outskirts of the city which makes it a breeze to get and from London:
By car: 1 hour 30 minutes on the M40 from Heathrow
By train: 1 hour 30 minutes departing Euston Station in London
And the number one thing you should do while you're in Birmingham for FIT Show...
Visit the Smart-Builder team! David Brennan, Paul Needham and Dave Thom from Smart-Builder will be at stand I45 throughout the FIT Show. Stop by and say hello, we have chocolate!
