The Birmingham Christmas Markets are highly regarded and often featured on social media. When planning a meetup with my university friend, we chose Birmingham due to its central location between Manchester and Cardiff. To my surprise, Birmingham was busier and rainier than Manchester, known for its bustling atmosphere and frequent rain.
The train journey itself was packed, with people crowded in the aisles, almost sitting on top of each other. The continuous rain during our visit made browsing the market stalls challenging, and the city was exceptionally crowded, reminiscent of London.
The markets, although charming and festive, were difficult to enjoy fully due to the overwhelming crowds. Finding a place to eat was a struggle, with long queues even at popular establishments like Bill’s. Despite trying a Bratwurst for the first time and not enjoying it, the day was spent dealing with the rain and navigating through the throngs of people.
The inclement weather led to soaked clothes and leaking dye from shoes, resulting in a less-than-pleasant experience. Despite the challenges, spending time with my friend made the day enjoyable. However, the chaotic traffic and delays experienced while leaving Birmingham emphasized the need for better planning on future visits.