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About Birmingham
Birmingham is a popular city to visit in the United Kingdom after London. The city is growing at a fast pace and is turning into one of the most happening ones, too. It is also where scenes from Jawbone, The Girl With All The Gifts and Kingsman: The Golden Circle were shot. If you are planning a trip to the UK, make sure you add Birmingham to your itinerary as well. You can explore the neighbourhood on a cycle or on a horse, whichever seems like an adventure to you. The lush green surroundings and the old buildings give it the sort of charm that makes it a great vacation destination. The city also has an eclectic dining scene, and it won't disappoint you one bit. The city is also popular for the waterways that were built in the 1760s during the Industrial Revolution. You will also find a lot of pubs and bars in the city that spruce up the nightlife scenes in Birmingham. Not to mention, the people in the city are lovely and friendly. From recommending places to explore to make sure you have had a great party, people here will make your holiday far special.
Best Time to Visit Birmingham
June to October is considered the best months to visit Birmingham. The city experiences summer during these months, and it is also a peak season for tourists. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures ranging from 32 to 34 degree Celsius. You should book your hotel in Birmingham well in advance to avoid any inconveniences. Make sure you also book your flight tickets to Birmingham in advance. The best part about visiting Birmingham in summer is that you can attend the music and film festivals that happen in the city during these months. Planning a trip to Birmingham is the best way to spend your summer holidays. Though you might have to bear with the heat, it is completely worth it. You might even end up making friends and meeting a lot of people from around the world since the city sees a spike in the number of tourists in summer. You can also indulge in a lot of outdoor activities in summer as compared to the other months.
September to November is fall season, and while it is not the most popular time to visit Birmingham, it's not the worst either. There are fewer tourists in the city, and the weather is pleasant. It is better as compared to the hot days of summer. Flight tickets to Birmingham are also comparatively lower than the ones in summer. Hotel prices also drop considerably. However, lesser tourists and the weather do not stop you from exploring the city in its glory. All the sightseeing options and outdoor activities are open during this season for you to explore.
December to February is winter in Birmingham, and it is a low season for the city. You will easily get cheap flight tickets to Birmingham in winter. However, a lot of sightseeing spots and outdoor activities might not be accessible during winter. If you are on a budget, this might be a good season for you to visit Birmingham, but it is not a highly recommended one. March to May is the spring season, and the weather is quite pleasant. It is neither too cold nor too hot. All the tourist attractions that were shut in winter open for tourists in spring. It is right before peak season hits Birmingham and you can avoid the crowds and enjoy exploring the city peacefully during spring.
Places to Visit in Birmingham
Birmingham has a lot of tourist attractions, and you must visit the city at the right time to explore it properly. Winterbourne House and Garden is a popular tourist attraction near the University of Birmingham where you can attend art exhibits, craft workshops, live music and even get a glimpse of how theatre works here. The house was built in 1903, and its rustic feel, large gardens and 19th-century printing presses are what attract tourists to it. The Library of Birmingham is Europe's biggest public library. It has a huge collection of books and so many genres that you will want to spend an entire day at the library if you are an avid reader. You can also take guided tours of the library if you want to know more about its inception. You can also visit the Birmingham Museum and Gallery at Chamberlain Square. If you reach at the right time, you might even get to enjoy some refreshing afternoon tea in the Edwardian Tearooms that look stunning.
You can also head to Cannon Hill Park to explore the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Centre and Mac theatre. The park also hosts Foodies Festival annually that you cannot miss. Thinktank is a science museum and an award-winning one at that. It's a short walk from the Moor Street Station and also showcases a model of the Spitfire plane that was used during World War II. You can also check out the on-site planetarium and take a virtual tour of the universe. A visit to the Cadbury World is mandatory, especially if you love chocolates. Not only do you get a tour of all the action that goes behind preparing your favourite treat, but you can also pack a few to take back home.
Things to do in Birmingham
Whether you love history or architecture or food, Birmingham has a lot in store for you. You can go on a sightseeing tour of the castles and museums. You can also go on a historical tour of the city. Brindleyplace is one of the most happening places in the city. You get a breathtaking view of the canals from in here. You can chill with a bowl of ramen and a cocktail of your choice. The place also hosts events like Birmingham Chilli Festival, Open Air Film Festival and BP Dragonboat Race that you can attend. If you are a book lover, you can just head to the Library of Birmingham. It is one of the largest libraries in Europe, and you can spend an entire day here. Visit the Mac Theatre at Cannon Hill Park. If you are not catching a movie or gulping down a glass of beer, you can sign up for courses in digital media skills, health and wellbeing, visual and performance arts and the list goes on. It also has courses that you can take up with your entire family. Do not miss going to Cadbury World. It is like a paradise for everyone who loves chocolates. Birmingham is a city that celebrates performance arts, music and literature. You will find a lot of events here that showcase the best talents and make sure you sign up for it.
Food and Restaurants in Birmingham
Since the city is known for its food, you will find a lot of restaurants that serve traditional and culturally rich food here but also restaurants that serve other types of cuisine. For a contemporary dining experience, you can head to Purnell's. It has a Victorian-style feel to it from the outside and is quite modern and chic inside. You can also order your favourite cocktails or coffee with your meal. Turners is one of the most popular restaurants that are just outside the city centre, in the village of Harborne. It has been nominated and won several awards. You will also find a lot of Michelin-starred restaurants here like Adams, Carters of Moseley and Simpsons. You will also find a lot of food joints and restaurants that are cheaper and serve delicious food. Peach Garden is another popular restaurant and makes sure you try the 'three rice roast' here or pack some so you can eat in your hotel room. Otto is a pizza joint that is quite popular in the city. If you are craving Indian food, you can head over to The Indian Streatery. They have a separate menu for lunch and a different one during the evenings. You will definitely want to come back here.
How to reach Birmingham (Transportation)
Birmingham International Airport is only about 13 km away from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Birmingham from India is excellent. There are no direct flights to Birmingham, and most flights have a layover of a couple of hours in their base city. Lufthansa, Air France and Turkish Airlines are few airlines that frequently fly to Birmingham with layovers at Munich, Frankfurt, Paris and Istanbul. If you book in advance, you will come across decent flight deals to Birmingham online. You might even get cheap flight tickets to Birmingham. The airport has almost everything that would make things easier for the passengers. There are lounges, restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, smoking areas and restrooms at the airport. It is also quite easy to get a taxi from the airport to your hotel. If you haven't pre-booked your airport transfer, you can just get a cab outside the airport itself.
About Leeds
Located in the northern English county of Yorkshire is the quaint and lovely city of Leeds. It is snuggled up on the banks of the Aire River and is recognised highly to be one of the fast-paced economies. The city also has some famous food and the third busiest railway station in the country.
Best time to visit Leeds
As a city that is predominantly known to be cold, the summers automatically become the best season to visit. Even in summer, Leeds is not really hot to be specific as the temperatures stand at 21 degree Celsius during the days. Now, this could also vary depending on the erratic changes in the temperatures. Mainly, it ranges from 13 degree Celsius to 21 degree Celsius. June to August is considered to witness the best of summers in Leeds as the temperatures are extremely favourable, especially if you come from a hot country and do not wish to see extremely cold temperatures. July and August's months see a proper summer in Leeds. It is undoubtedly the best time to visit Leeds and also comes with some surge in the tourism industry. The hotel reservations are severe as many people from around the country and world flock over to witness the Leeds summer. This results in a massive spike when booking hotels in Leeds. Even flight tickets to Leeds are expensive during their summers. Hence, you should make prior bookings and avoid the excess surge in rates.
No matter what happens, though, avoid winters. The temperature can get quite low, and the air would be very dreary. The city continues to keep the morale up by hosting festivals and events, including ringing in the alluring Christmas and New Year's. However, the brisk cold breeze and temperatures could be bad for you. Not to mention how it could also lead to frostbites and other health conundrums that accompany cold weathers. Leeds is also known to face the typical English weather with monsoon showers taking over amid summers and winters. The fickle nature of the rain often might disrupt with your touristy plans. But do not let it bring your spirit down as the city's spring and summer do have a pleasant vibe. The best thing about spring in Leeds is it comes with a slash in hotel prices. You can actually book hotels in Leeds for cheap during spring. In fact, the earlier you book your rooms and flight tickets, the better it is. You might even be able to snag some lovely online deals that would enable you to save up and spend more pounds on other activities in the city.
Places to visit Leeds
Leeds is home to some interesting attractions that would further add to the tourist fun. You can start your excursion by visiting the Harewood House. It is located in West Yorkshire and spans over 1,000 acres. The estate is known to be a member of the Treasure Houses of England. An interesting location that would engage you is the National Coal Mining Museum for England. You can actually learn more about the industry and its relevance to the Leeds economy. Temple Newsam is actually one of the popular sites and part of the Leeds Museum and & Galleries. The estate does have an interesting brown building with green expanses making the place's vibe serene. You should also check out the intriguing ruins of the Cistercian monastery called the Kirkstall Abbey. The picturesque ruins paint quite a picture and have been attracting photographers and artists. The National Science and Media Museum is the perfect place to explore more of Leeds' exhibitions of animation, photography, video games, television and everything related to media and science.
Things to do in Leeds
You have got to visit the Roundhay Park, which is one of the most extensive gardens in the city. The popular tourist attraction does accommodate a huge crowd and is perfect for picnics and other fun activities. There are lakes, woodlands, gardens and parklands that easily manage to attract the tourists. RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a public garden which has waterfalls and exquisite flowers and other plants. It recently merged with the Northern Horticulture Society. The place also has coffee shops which serve amazing food and beverages. If you are interested in art, then you should directly check out the Leeds Art Gallery. It has been recognised to be of national importance by the British government. The structure is also quite Victorian and has a fantastic architecture that would marvel you. You should also visit The Hepworth Wakefield to check out some of the best works of artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth. You should also check out the Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. While you're at it, do not miss Senado Square and A-Ma Temple in the city.
Food and restaurants in Leeds
Leeds is touted to be one of the culinary gifts of the United Kingdom. The city, with its impressive array of restaurants and quality kitchen, takes food rather seriously. You will be thoroughly amazed to find the diversity in Leeds' restaurant culture. Do not be surprised by the plenty of curry houses in the city as they do have a slew of Indian restaurants. From basic budget restaurants to upscale Michelin-starred establishments, you will find food for all kinds of mood in Leeds. From Italian trattorias to Thai restaurants, you will find them all, and you will fall in love with them too. You can start your food expedition in the city from Aagrah. The best thing about this place is it raves Kashmiri dishes and also has room for the famous Hyderabadi-style food. It is quite famous among the Yorkshire locals. To engage in a more elegant setting with wood-cooked food, you can try OX Club. As stated, wood-fired cooking is phenomenal, and the barbeque grills just bring forth a beautiful smokey flavour. It's especially perfect as you relish the lovely spring weather in Leeds.
Another upscale establishment is The Man Behind the Curtain. The setting of the place is rather compelling, not to mention how the food that borders pretence works well for them. It is undoubtedly an experience worth engaging in. The city also indulges in South American cuisine as they have the Brazilian steakhouse, Fazenda, as its jewel. The establishment is the kind which doesn't just offer exquisite skewered meat but also falls in the budget. Sukhothai is a cute mid-range restaurant which boasts classic Thai food. It actually has many branches within the city and offers authentic dishes from the South-East Asian kitchen. If you do miss home and wish to indulge in some Gujarati vegetarian food, you can find that here as well. Hansa's is a popular restaurant in Leeds that has often earned many accolades in the culinary world of Leeds for being the best vegetarian restaurant hub. The Gujarati thalis, especially, are a rage. You can further check out places like Roots and Fruits, Tharavadu, Nation of Shopkeepers and Prashad.
How to reach Leeds
There is no direct way to reach Leeds from India and flights is the only way out. Sadly though, there are no nonstop flights that fly to Leeds from Indian cities. Even though the demand to visit Leeds is quite a lot in the country, there are no dedicated flights from any of the Indian airlines. Luckily though, the flight connectivity to Leeds is impeccable as there are many international airlines that have regular services to the city. Airlines such as KLM Royal Dutch, Air France, Swiss, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, to name a few, have excellent services and connectivity to Leeds. The most popular route to reach Leeds is via Amsterdam and London. Many flights often connect to KLM Royal Dutch to fly to Leeds. Aside from Amsterdam, London and Paris are other famous international routes chosen to fly to Leeds. Since European cities are considered to be the best way to reach Leeds, a Schengen transit visa is required. You will have to apply for a transit visa for flight connectivity. This can be done online or by visiting the embassy.
The duration of flights varies from 13 hours to 15 hours, depending on the layover, change of flights and weather in Leeds. The UK weather is famed for its eccentric and untimely monsoon. Hence, this often disrupts with the flight behaviour and causes delays too. The flight tickets to Leeds are actually quite reasonable. As long as you make prior bookings of flights to Leeds, you will be able to avail some of the benefits. There is a slew of online flight deals to Leeds that can be availed, provided you make prior bookings. Even though the flights are cheap and affordable to Leeds, it would be better to get more discounts from the rates. The pounds saved can be instead spent on luxury accommodation. Speaking of, you can also make your hotel bookings in Leeds. Once again, prior booking of hotels in Leeds would help you as you will be able to get some discounts and online deals. You can opt for some budget rooms or even luxe hotels in the city. The best way to save money would be to book flights and hotels in Leeds together.
About Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic which follows a trading name of Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited and Virgin Atlantic International Limited, is a British-owned airline that has its headquarters in Crawley, England. The airline was founded in 1984 under the name British Atlantic Airways, by Randolph Fields and Alan Hellary with flight connectivity between London and the Falkland Islands. However, the name was changed to Virgin Atlantic Airways as Fields sold his shares in the company. A disagreement between Fields and Sir Richard Branson regarding the management of the company resulted in Fields walking out of the airline. In the same year since its establishment, the airline had its first flight from Gatwick Airport in London to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Virgin Atlantic is owned and operated under the holding company Virgin Atlantic Limited. The same holding company also controls Virgin Holidays. The holding company has 51 percent ownership of the Virgin Group while the remaining 49 per cent is owned by Delta Air Lines, a major airline of the United States of America.
Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited and Virgin Atlantic International Limited have both received the Civil Aviation Authority Type A Operating Licenses. The said licence permits both the airlines to accommodate passengers, cargo and mail on aircraft that comprises 20 seats or more. Virgin Atlantic's fleet is mixed with wide-body aircraft of Airbus and Boeing. The airline majorly has its operations in North American, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Its main base is at London-Heathrow Airport while its secondary hub is at Manchester in the United Kingdom. Virgin Atlantic also has seasonal flight operations from Glasgow and Belfast. The airline consists of three types of cabin, namely Economy, Premium (premium economy) and Upper Class (business class). In 2017, Virgin Atlantic expressed its intention to form a joint venture with Europe's Air France - KLM. However, in 2019, it was announced that the venture would not involve a stake in the British airline. Virgin Atlantic has witnessed tremendous losses over the years and has had to cut down operations to various international destinations, owing to the growing debts and losses.
In 2019, as part of its expansion plans, Virgin Atlantic announced that it had plans to go all out and hopefully create a second flag carrier in the United Kingdom, provided slot reforms were being considered in the airline's favour at the Heathrow Airport. With this, the airline planned to serve about 103 destinations in total with many domestic routes and international routes. They wished to add about 84 new destinations to their list of services, of which 12 catered to the domestic route while 37 are European and the remaining 35 being international routes. The 35 international destinations in Virgin Atlantic's list include Austin, Buenos Aires, Addis Ababa, Karachi, Tokyo, Cape Town, Beijing, Singapore, Bogota, Mexico City and Sydney. While the airline has already functioned in international routes catering to Cape Town, Vancouver, Sydney, Karachi and Tokyo, the remaining long-haul destinations that the airline plans to add would be completely new for them. It was reported that Flybe, UK's largest low-cost carrier regional airline, was supposed to join hands with Virgin Atlantic. However, the plans fell through as Flybe ceased operations in 2020.
Fleet size of Virgin Atlantic
As of 2020, Virgin Atlantic's fleet size stands at 35 aircraft. 22 aircraft are expected to join the fleet. The fleet comprises 17 Boeing 787-9s, 10 Airbus A330-300s and four Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A350-1000s respectively. All the aircraft operated by Virgin Atlantic are wide-body type. The airline accommodates a mixed fleet that comprises Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft. The Airbus A330-200s of the airline operate from London's Gatwick International Airport as well as Manchester Airport and connect to international routes of the United States and the Caribbean. There are seasonal routes connecting to Orlando International Airport in Florida, which is offered from Glasgow and Belfast International Airport. Much recently, the airline retired its Boeing 747s which catered to the seasonal flight operations to Florida. Virgin Atlantic's aircraft Airbus A330-300s, A350-1000s and Boeing 787-9s are used interchangeably on routes that fly from London's Heathrow Airport. In 2002, the airline became the first in the world to operate the Airbus A340-600.
Virgin Atlantic was supposed to add six Airbus A380-800s to its fleet, which they had ordered for in 2001. However, the order had to be cancelled for good. Instead, in 2019, at the Paris Air Show, the airline signed a deal to accommodate 20 Airbus A330-900neos to its fleet. With this move, the airline became the first United Kingdom customer for the aircraft. The airline does plan to replace its older Airbus A330-200s and -300s from the fleet with deliveries of newer models that will be joining the fleet between 2021 to 2024. Much recently, the airline retired its long-running A340-600 with its last service taking place between Lagos to London Heathrow. Simultaneously, the airline has also retired seven of its Boeing 747-400 aircraft from the fleet.
Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance on Virgin Atlantic depends on the destination the passenger is travelling to and from as well as the ticket type. Economy class tickets allow one checked bag which should not weigh more than 23 kg and should be within the dimension of 90 x 75 x 43cm. Premium cabin class tickets' baggage allowance on Virgin Atlantic enables two pieces of baggage which cannot exceed 23 kg and should be within the dimension as mentioned in the economy class. The Upper class or business class tickets have a baggage allowance of up to three pieces of bags that should not weigh more than 32 kg. The dimensions of all the baggage should be 90 x 75 x 43cm and not more than the stated measurement. Interestingly, the airline recently made some changes to its baggage allowance policy for passengers travelling to and from Indian cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. They have allowed a free bag allowance which means passengers can carry two bags weighing 32 kg each for Upper Class. However, two pieces of bags are allowed for passengers travelling from premium class with a weight allocation of 23 kg. As for the economy class tickets, the airline has enabled two pieces of bags allowed with a weight permit of not more than 23 kg. These new rules are as opposed to the earlier ones which allowed more baggage allocation by Virgin Atlantic.
In-flight services
In-flight services experienced on Virgin Atlantic are quite exceptional. The airline brings forth some of the best seating accommodation. They have enhanced the seats with better leather and equipment such as a personal lamp, entertainment system, better overhead bin space and seats that recline with better legroom too. Depending on the cabin class chosen by the passenger, the facilities do change. However, the comfort measure remains constant in all the cabins. Virgin Atlantic's in-flight services also include in-flight meals which are inspired by global cuisine.
Popular routes and top cities for Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic caters to a handful of domestic routes and international routes. In fact, in terms of domestic routes, the airline doesn't have a strong game as it only caters to London and Manchester. Barring these two hubs, the airline doesn't have any destination flying within the United Kingdom. As for international routes, it is well-connected with North America and parts of Asian destinations. The airline doesn't have a magnanimous presence in a lot of destinations internationally. They have also terminated services with a slew of cities owing to the loss-making management structure. As of 2020, the airline caters to cities such as Antigua, Shanghai, Havana, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Delhi, Tel Aviv, Lagos, Johannesburg, Tobago, London, Belfast, Manchester, Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC. While the airline did have hopes to acquire more recognition and presence in the domestic market by tying up with Flybe, the deal didn't take off, and neither did Virgin Atlantic's plans to make a bigger UK reach.
Why travel by Virgin Atlantic?
Virgin Atlantic has been facing significant losses and important issues over the years. However, the airline is known and recognised for offering quality service and hospitality. Virgin Atlantic has grown into a favourable airline for passengers who wish to travel to destinations in the United States of America from London and the United Kingdom. The airline has also worked on improving much of its in-flight services and facilities that further enhance the experience of travellers. On the airline's official website, they have enabled booking a Virgin Atlantic flight without any conundrums. Following the same, the airline has also made web check-ins possible with up to date details concerning the flight status of the passengers. Virgin Atlantic's flight schedules are also added on the website along with constant updates. These facilities actually help passengers make the airline a viable option. Virgin Atlantic's flyer clubs also have some of the best amenities in the airport lounge as well as while booking the flight tickets.
About Birmingham
Birmingham is a popular city to visit in the United Kingdom after London. The city is growing at a fast pace and is turning into one of the most happening ones, too. It is also where scenes from Jawbone, The Girl With All The Gifts and Kingsman: The Golden Circle were shot. If you are planning a trip to the UK, make sure you add Birmingham to your itinerary as well. You can explore the neighbourhood on a cycle or on a horse, whichever seems like an adventure to you. The lush green surroundings and the old buildings give it the sort of charm that makes it a great vacation destination. The city also has an eclectic dining scene, and it won't disappoint you one bit. The city is also popular for the waterways that were built in the 1760s during the Industrial Revolution. You will also find a lot of pubs and bars in the city that spruce up the nightlife scenes in Birmingham. Not to mention, the people in the city are lovely and friendly. From recommending places to explore to make sure you have had a great party, people here will make your holiday far special.
Best Time to Visit Birmingham
June to October is considered the best months to visit Birmingham. The city experiences summer during these months, and it is also a peak season for tourists. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures ranging from 32 to 34 degree Celsius. You should book your hotel in Birmingham well in advance to avoid any inconveniences. Make sure you also book your flight tickets to Birmingham in advance. The best part about visiting Birmingham in summer is that you can attend the music and film festivals that happen in the city during these months. Planning a trip to Birmingham is the best way to spend your summer holidays. Though you might have to bear with the heat, it is completely worth it. You might even end up making friends and meeting a lot of people from around the world since the city sees a spike in the number of tourists in summer. You can also indulge in a lot of outdoor activities in summer as compared to the other months.
September to November is fall season, and while it is not the most popular time to visit Birmingham, it's not the worst either. There are fewer tourists in the city, and the weather is pleasant. It is better as compared to the hot days of summer. Flight tickets to Birmingham are also comparatively lower than the ones in summer. Hotel prices also drop considerably. However, lesser tourists and the weather do not stop you from exploring the city in its glory. All the sightseeing options and outdoor activities are open during this season for you to explore.
December to February is winter in Birmingham, and it is a low season for the city. You will easily get cheap flight tickets to Birmingham in winter. However, a lot of sightseeing spots and outdoor activities might not be accessible during winter. If you are on a budget, this might be a good season for you to visit Birmingham, but it is not a highly recommended one. March to May is the spring season, and the weather is quite pleasant. It is neither too cold nor too hot. All the tourist attractions that were shut in winter open for tourists in spring. It is right before peak season hits Birmingham and you can avoid the crowds and enjoy exploring the city peacefully during spring.
Places to Visit in Birmingham
Birmingham has a lot of tourist attractions, and you must visit the city at the right time to explore it properly. Winterbourne House and Garden is a popular tourist attraction near the University of Birmingham where you can attend art exhibits, craft workshops, live music and even get a glimpse of how theatre works here. The house was built in 1903, and its rustic feel, large gardens and 19th-century printing presses are what attract tourists to it. The Library of Birmingham is Europe's biggest public library. It has a huge collection of books and so many genres that you will want to spend an entire day at the library if you are an avid reader. You can also take guided tours of the library if you want to know more about its inception. You can also visit the Birmingham Museum and Gallery at Chamberlain Square. If you reach at the right time, you might even get to enjoy some refreshing afternoon tea in the Edwardian Tearooms that look stunning.
You can also head to Cannon Hill Park to explore the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Centre and Mac theatre. The park also hosts Foodies Festival annually that you cannot miss. Thinktank is a science museum and an award-winning one at that. It's a short walk from the Moor Street Station and also showcases a model of the Spitfire plane that was used during World War II. You can also check out the on-site planetarium and take a virtual tour of the universe. A visit to the Cadbury World is mandatory, especially if you love chocolates. Not only do you get a tour of all the action that goes behind preparing your favourite treat, but you can also pack a few to take back home.
Things to do in Birmingham
Whether you love history or architecture or food, Birmingham has a lot in store for you. You can go on a sightseeing tour of the castles and museums. You can also go on a historical tour of the city. Brindleyplace is one of the most happening places in the city. You get a breathtaking view of the canals from in here. You can chill with a bowl of ramen and a cocktail of your choice. The place also hosts events like Birmingham Chilli Festival, Open Air Film Festival and BP Dragonboat Race that you can attend. If you are a book lover, you can just head to the Library of Birmingham. It is one of the largest libraries in Europe, and you can spend an entire day here. Visit the Mac Theatre at Cannon Hill Park. If you are not catching a movie or gulping down a glass of beer, you can sign up for courses in digital media skills, health and wellbeing, visual and performance arts and the list goes on. It also has courses that you can take up with your entire family. Do not miss going to Cadbury World. It is like a paradise for everyone who loves chocolates. Birmingham is a city that celebrates performance arts, music and literature. You will find a lot of events here that showcase the best talents and make sure you sign up for it.
Food and Restaurants in Birmingham
Since the city is known for its food, you will find a lot of restaurants that serve traditional and culturally rich food here but also restaurants that serve other types of cuisine. For a contemporary dining experience, you can head to Purnell's. It has a Victorian-style feel to it from the outside and is quite modern and chic inside. You can also order your favourite cocktails or coffee with your meal. Turners is one of the most popular restaurants that are just outside the city centre, in the village of Harborne. It has been nominated and won several awards. You will also find a lot of Michelin-starred restaurants here like Adams, Carters of Moseley and Simpsons. You will also find a lot of food joints and restaurants that are cheaper and serve delicious food. Peach Garden is another popular restaurant and makes sure you try the 'three rice roast' here or pack some so you can eat in your hotel room. Otto is a pizza joint that is quite popular in the city. If you are craving Indian food, you can head over to The Indian Streatery. They have a separate menu for lunch and a different one during the evenings. You will definitely want to come back here.
How to reach Birmingham (Transportation)
Birmingham International Airport is only about 13 km away from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Birmingham from India is excellent. There are no direct flights to Birmingham, and most flights have a layover of a couple of hours in their base city. Lufthansa, Air France and Turkish Airlines are few airlines that frequently fly to Birmingham with layovers at Munich, Frankfurt, Paris and Istanbul. If you book in advance, you will come across decent flight deals to Birmingham online. You might even get cheap flight tickets to Birmingham. The airport has almost everything that would make things easier for the passengers. There are lounges, restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, smoking areas and restrooms at the airport. It is also quite easy to get a taxi from the airport to your hotel. If you haven't pre-booked your airport transfer, you can just get a cab outside the airport itself.
About Leeds
Located in the northern English county of Yorkshire is the quaint and lovely city of Leeds. It is snuggled up on the banks of the Aire River and is recognised highly to be one of the fast-paced economies. The city also has some famous food and the third busiest railway station in the country.
Best time to visit Leeds
As a city that is predominantly known to be cold, the summers automatically become the best season to visit. Even in summer, Leeds is not really hot to be specific as the temperatures stand at 21 degree Celsius during the days. Now, this could also vary depending on the erratic changes in the temperatures. Mainly, it ranges from 13 degree Celsius to 21 degree Celsius. June to August is considered to witness the best of summers in Leeds as the temperatures are extremely favourable, especially if you come from a hot country and do not wish to see extremely cold temperatures. July and August's months see a proper summer in Leeds. It is undoubtedly the best time to visit Leeds and also comes with some surge in the tourism industry. The hotel reservations are severe as many people from around the country and world flock over to witness the Leeds summer. This results in a massive spike when booking hotels in Leeds. Even flight tickets to Leeds are expensive during their summers. Hence, you should make prior bookings and avoid the excess surge in rates.
No matter what happens, though, avoid winters. The temperature can get quite low, and the air would be very dreary. The city continues to keep the morale up by hosting festivals and events, including ringing in the alluring Christmas and New Year's. However, the brisk cold breeze and temperatures could be bad for you. Not to mention how it could also lead to frostbites and other health conundrums that accompany cold weathers. Leeds is also known to face the typical English weather with monsoon showers taking over amid summers and winters. The fickle nature of the rain often might disrupt with your touristy plans. But do not let it bring your spirit down as the city's spring and summer do have a pleasant vibe. The best thing about spring in Leeds is it comes with a slash in hotel prices. You can actually book hotels in Leeds for cheap during spring. In fact, the earlier you book your rooms and flight tickets, the better it is. You might even be able to snag some lovely online deals that would enable you to save up and spend more pounds on other activities in the city.
Places to visit Leeds
Leeds is home to some interesting attractions that would further add to the tourist fun. You can start your excursion by visiting the Harewood House. It is located in West Yorkshire and spans over 1,000 acres. The estate is known to be a member of the Treasure Houses of England. An interesting location that would engage you is the National Coal Mining Museum for England. You can actually learn more about the industry and its relevance to the Leeds economy. Temple Newsam is actually one of the popular sites and part of the Leeds Museum and & Galleries. The estate does have an interesting brown building with green expanses making the place's vibe serene. You should also check out the intriguing ruins of the Cistercian monastery called the Kirkstall Abbey. The picturesque ruins paint quite a picture and have been attracting photographers and artists. The National Science and Media Museum is the perfect place to explore more of Leeds' exhibitions of animation, photography, video games, television and everything related to media and science.
Things to do in Leeds
You have got to visit the Roundhay Park, which is one of the most extensive gardens in the city. The popular tourist attraction does accommodate a huge crowd and is perfect for picnics and other fun activities. There are lakes, woodlands, gardens and parklands that easily manage to attract the tourists. RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a public garden which has waterfalls and exquisite flowers and other plants. It recently merged with the Northern Horticulture Society. The place also has coffee shops which serve amazing food and beverages. If you are interested in art, then you should directly check out the Leeds Art Gallery. It has been recognised to be of national importance by the British government. The structure is also quite Victorian and has a fantastic architecture that would marvel you. You should also visit The Hepworth Wakefield to check out some of the best works of artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth. You should also check out the Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. While you're at it, do not miss Senado Square and A-Ma Temple in the city.
Food and restaurants in Leeds
Leeds is touted to be one of the culinary gifts of the United Kingdom. The city, with its impressive array of restaurants and quality kitchen, takes food rather seriously. You will be thoroughly amazed to find the diversity in Leeds' restaurant culture. Do not be surprised by the plenty of curry houses in the city as they do have a slew of Indian restaurants. From basic budget restaurants to upscale Michelin-starred establishments, you will find food for all kinds of mood in Leeds. From Italian trattorias to Thai restaurants, you will find them all, and you will fall in love with them too. You can start your food expedition in the city from Aagrah. The best thing about this place is it raves Kashmiri dishes and also has room for the famous Hyderabadi-style food. It is quite famous among the Yorkshire locals. To engage in a more elegant setting with wood-cooked food, you can try OX Club. As stated, wood-fired cooking is phenomenal, and the barbeque grills just bring forth a beautiful smokey flavour. It's especially perfect as you relish the lovely spring weather in Leeds.
Another upscale establishment is The Man Behind the Curtain. The setting of the place is rather compelling, not to mention how the food that borders pretence works well for them. It is undoubtedly an experience worth engaging in. The city also indulges in South American cuisine as they have the Brazilian steakhouse, Fazenda, as its jewel. The establishment is the kind which doesn't just offer exquisite skewered meat but also falls in the budget. Sukhothai is a cute mid-range restaurant which boasts classic Thai food. It actually has many branches within the city and offers authentic dishes from the South-East Asian kitchen. If you do miss home and wish to indulge in some Gujarati vegetarian food, you can find that here as well. Hansa's is a popular restaurant in Leeds that has often earned many accolades in the culinary world of Leeds for being the best vegetarian restaurant hub. The Gujarati thalis, especially, are a rage. You can further check out places like Roots and Fruits, Tharavadu, Nation of Shopkeepers and Prashad.
How to reach Leeds
There is no direct way to reach Leeds from India and flights is the only way out. Sadly though, there are no nonstop flights that fly to Leeds from Indian cities. Even though the demand to visit Leeds is quite a lot in the country, there are no dedicated flights from any of the Indian airlines. Luckily though, the flight connectivity to Leeds is impeccable as there are many international airlines that have regular services to the city. Airlines such as KLM Royal Dutch, Air France, Swiss, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, to name a few, have excellent services and connectivity to Leeds. The most popular route to reach Leeds is via Amsterdam and London. Many flights often connect to KLM Royal Dutch to fly to Leeds. Aside from Amsterdam, London and Paris are other famous international routes chosen to fly to Leeds. Since European cities are considered to be the best way to reach Leeds, a Schengen transit visa is required. You will have to apply for a transit visa for flight connectivity. This can be done online or by visiting the embassy.
The duration of flights varies from 13 hours to 15 hours, depending on the layover, change of flights and weather in Leeds. The UK weather is famed for its eccentric and untimely monsoon. Hence, this often disrupts with the flight behaviour and causes delays too. The flight tickets to Leeds are actually quite reasonable. As long as you make prior bookings of flights to Leeds, you will be able to avail some of the benefits. There is a slew of online flight deals to Leeds that can be availed, provided you make prior bookings. Even though the flights are cheap and affordable to Leeds, it would be better to get more discounts from the rates. The pounds saved can be instead spent on luxury accommodation. Speaking of, you can also make your hotel bookings in Leeds. Once again, prior booking of hotels in Leeds would help you as you will be able to get some discounts and online deals. You can opt for some budget rooms or even luxe hotels in the city. The best way to save money would be to book flights and hotels in Leeds together.
About Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic which follows a trading name of Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited and Virgin Atlantic International Limited, is a British-owned airline that has its headquarters in Crawley, England. The airline was founded in 1984 under the name British Atlantic Airways, by Randolph Fields and Alan Hellary with flight connectivity between London and the Falkland Islands. However, the name was changed to Virgin Atlantic Airways as Fields sold his shares in the company. A disagreement between Fields and Sir Richard Branson regarding the management of the company resulted in Fields walking out of the airline. In the same year since its establishment, the airline had its first flight from Gatwick Airport in London to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Virgin Atlantic is owned and operated under the holding company Virgin Atlantic Limited. The same holding company also controls Virgin Holidays. The holding company has 51 percent ownership of the Virgin Group while the remaining 49 per cent is owned by Delta Air Lines, a major airline of the United States of America.
Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited and Virgin Atlantic International Limited have both received the Civil Aviation Authority Type A Operating Licenses. The said licence permits both the airlines to accommodate passengers, cargo and mail on aircraft that comprises 20 seats or more. Virgin Atlantic's fleet is mixed with wide-body aircraft of Airbus and Boeing. The airline majorly has its operations in North American, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Its main base is at London-Heathrow Airport while its secondary hub is at Manchester in the United Kingdom. Virgin Atlantic also has seasonal flight operations from Glasgow and Belfast. The airline consists of three types of cabin, namely Economy, Premium (premium economy) and Upper Class (business class). In 2017, Virgin Atlantic expressed its intention to form a joint venture with Europe's Air France - KLM. However, in 2019, it was announced that the venture would not involve a stake in the British airline. Virgin Atlantic has witnessed tremendous losses over the years and has had to cut down operations to various international destinations, owing to the growing debts and losses.
In 2019, as part of its expansion plans, Virgin Atlantic announced that it had plans to go all out and hopefully create a second flag carrier in the United Kingdom, provided slot reforms were being considered in the airline's favour at the Heathrow Airport. With this, the airline planned to serve about 103 destinations in total with many domestic routes and international routes. They wished to add about 84 new destinations to their list of services, of which 12 catered to the domestic route while 37 are European and the remaining 35 being international routes. The 35 international destinations in Virgin Atlantic's list include Austin, Buenos Aires, Addis Ababa, Karachi, Tokyo, Cape Town, Beijing, Singapore, Bogota, Mexico City and Sydney. While the airline has already functioned in international routes catering to Cape Town, Vancouver, Sydney, Karachi and Tokyo, the remaining long-haul destinations that the airline plans to add would be completely new for them. It was reported that Flybe, UK's largest low-cost carrier regional airline, was supposed to join hands with Virgin Atlantic. However, the plans fell through as Flybe ceased operations in 2020.
Fleet size of Virgin Atlantic
As of 2020, Virgin Atlantic's fleet size stands at 35 aircraft. 22 aircraft are expected to join the fleet. The fleet comprises 17 Boeing 787-9s, 10 Airbus A330-300s and four Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A350-1000s respectively. All the aircraft operated by Virgin Atlantic are wide-body type. The airline accommodates a mixed fleet that comprises Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft. The Airbus A330-200s of the airline operate from London's Gatwick International Airport as well as Manchester Airport and connect to international routes of the United States and the Caribbean. There are seasonal routes connecting to Orlando International Airport in Florida, which is offered from Glasgow and Belfast International Airport. Much recently, the airline retired its Boeing 747s which catered to the seasonal flight operations to Florida. Virgin Atlantic's aircraft Airbus A330-300s, A350-1000s and Boeing 787-9s are used interchangeably on routes that fly from London's Heathrow Airport. In 2002, the airline became the first in the world to operate the Airbus A340-600.
Virgin Atlantic was supposed to add six Airbus A380-800s to its fleet, which they had ordered for in 2001. However, the order had to be cancelled for good. Instead, in 2019, at the Paris Air Show, the airline signed a deal to accommodate 20 Airbus A330-900neos to its fleet. With this move, the airline became the first United Kingdom customer for the aircraft. The airline does plan to replace its older Airbus A330-200s and -300s from the fleet with deliveries of newer models that will be joining the fleet between 2021 to 2024. Much recently, the airline retired its long-running A340-600 with its last service taking place between Lagos to London Heathrow. Simultaneously, the airline has also retired seven of its Boeing 747-400 aircraft from the fleet.
Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance on Virgin Atlantic depends on the destination the passenger is travelling to and from as well as the ticket type. Economy class tickets allow one checked bag which should not weigh more than 23 kg and should be within the dimension of 90 x 75 x 43cm. Premium cabin class tickets' baggage allowance on Virgin Atlantic enables two pieces of baggage which cannot exceed 23 kg and should be within the dimension as mentioned in the economy class. The Upper class or business class tickets have a baggage allowance of up to three pieces of bags that should not weigh more than 32 kg. The dimensions of all the baggage should be 90 x 75 x 43cm and not more than the stated measurement. Interestingly, the airline recently made some changes to its baggage allowance policy for passengers travelling to and from Indian cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. They have allowed a free bag allowance which means passengers can carry two bags weighing 32 kg each for Upper Class. However, two pieces of bags are allowed for passengers travelling from premium class with a weight allocation of 23 kg. As for the economy class tickets, the airline has enabled two pieces of bags allowed with a weight permit of not more than 23 kg. These new rules are as opposed to the earlier ones which allowed more baggage allocation by Virgin Atlantic.
In-flight services
In-flight services experienced on Virgin Atlantic are quite exceptional. The airline brings forth some of the best seating accommodation. They have enhanced the seats with better leather and equipment such as a personal lamp, entertainment system, better overhead bin space and seats that recline with better legroom too. Depending on the cabin class chosen by the passenger, the facilities do change. However, the comfort measure remains constant in all the cabins. Virgin Atlantic's in-flight services also include in-flight meals which are inspired by global cuisine.
Popular routes and top cities for Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic caters to a handful of domestic routes and international routes. In fact, in terms of domestic routes, the airline doesn't have a strong game as it only caters to London and Manchester. Barring these two hubs, the airline doesn't have any destination flying within the United Kingdom. As for international routes, it is well-connected with North America and parts of Asian destinations. The airline doesn't have a magnanimous presence in a lot of destinations internationally. They have also terminated services with a slew of cities owing to the loss-making management structure. As of 2020, the airline caters to cities such as Antigua, Shanghai, Havana, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Delhi, Tel Aviv, Lagos, Johannesburg, Tobago, London, Belfast, Manchester, Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC. While the airline did have hopes to acquire more recognition and presence in the domestic market by tying up with Flybe, the deal didn't take off, and neither did Virgin Atlantic's plans to make a bigger UK reach.
Why travel by Virgin Atlantic?
Virgin Atlantic has been facing significant losses and important issues over the years. However, the airline is known and recognised for offering quality service and hospitality. Virgin Atlantic has grown into a favourable airline for passengers who wish to travel to destinations in the United States of America from London and the United Kingdom. The airline has also worked on improving much of its in-flight services and facilities that further enhance the experience of travellers. On the airline's official website, they have enabled booking a Virgin Atlantic flight without any conundrums. Following the same, the airline has also made web check-ins possible with up to date details concerning the flight status of the passengers. Virgin Atlantic's flight schedules are also added on the website along with constant updates. These facilities actually help passengers make the airline a viable option. Virgin Atlantic's flyer clubs also have some of the best amenities in the airport lounge as well as while booking the flight tickets.
