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Bullring
The Bullring is one of the largest shopping districts in the whole of the UK and occupies a large part of Birmingham city centre.
A cluster of large shopping centres, including Selfridges with its famous futuristic building, is situated around the historic ‘Bull Ring’ area, where markets were held as far back as the Middle Ages.
The Bullring is currently the most visited shopping centre in Britain.
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From the Corn Market to a modern neighbourhood
As early as the 12th century, maize markets were held on the site where St Martin’s Church stands today. The area gradually became the main commercial centre for the whole of the West Midlands.
It enjoyed its heyday during the 17th and 18th centuries, when bull-baits were held here, preceded by a bloody spectacle known as ‘bull-baiting’.
In this ‘sport’, a bull was pitted against several dogs, whose aim was to kill it before the actual slaughter.
Although this cruel and controversial form of entertainment was abandoned as early as the 19th century, it still holds a place in Birmingham’s history to this day.
Today, however, bulls hold the opposite and entirely privileged position in Birmingham’s symbolism and are viewed positively and with respect.
The Bullring today
A shopping district has sprung up around the historic market place, on which stands the Anglican Church of St Martin, built in 1855.
The Bullring is now effectively linked to the shopping centre at New Street railway station to form one large complex:the Bullring & Grand Central.
In total, you’ll find more than 150 shops of various kinds and over 40 restaurants across several food courts.
A complete list of all shops and restaurants can be found on the official website atbullring.co.uk/shop.
Hotels near the Bullring
Many travellers head to Birmingham primarily for shopping, and in this case it makes strategic sense to stay right in the Bullring area.
Within a 3-minute walk of the shopping centres, you’ll find hotels such as these:
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