23 days in Birmingham & Seoul Itinerary

Britain's second-largest city, Birmingham was known as the City of a Thousand Trades and the Workshop of the World in the Victorian era.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Kenilworth Castle and Sudeley Castle. Get outdoors at Birdland and Rutland Water. Venture out of the city with trips to National Trust - Chirk Castle (in Chirk), Cotswolds Distillery (in Stourton) and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (in Wrexham). The adventure continues: get to know the fascinating history of Gloucester Docks, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Holy Trinity Church, pause for some serene contemplation at Tewkesbury Abbey, and explore the historical opulence of Ludlow Castle.

For maps, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Birmingham online trip itinerary builder.

If you are flying in from United Kingdom, the closest major aiports are Manchester Airport, Birmingham International Airport, East Midlands Airport and RAF Brize Norton. In April, plan for daily highs up to 15°C, and evening lows to 4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Mon) so you can travel to Seoul.

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Explore hidden gems such as National Museum of Korea and Bukhansan National Park. Head to Sinchon and Garosu-gilfor some retail therapy. Explore Seoul's surroundings by going to Hwaseong Fortress (in Suwon), Nami Island (in Chuncheon) and Eulwangni Beach (in Incheon). And it doesn't end there: pause for some photo ops at Gwanghwamun Gate, appreciate the extensive heritage of Cheonggyecheon Stream, look for gifts at Kyobo Book Store Gwanghwamun, and don't miss a visit to Gwanghuimun Gate.

For photos, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, read Seoul trip planner.

Traveling by combination of train and flight from Birmingham to Seoul takes 18 hours. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to Korean Standard Time (KST), which is usually a 9 hour difference. In May, Seoul is somewhat warmer than Birmingham - with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. On the 10th (Fri), you're off to home.