England is packed with fields, farms, and flowers; however, there is another side to it: the bright lights, modern buildings, and crowded streets of Birmingham, a local city that I recently visited by train.

The train pulling into the station.

Upon the cold October morning, the train thankfully approached the station on time.  Luckily I quickly grabbed a seat and for five or so minutes I watched flashes of green grass, red brick tunnels, and houses speed by.

Arriving at Leicester platform, I got off and took the next train to Birmingham, which for others and myself living right in the centre of England, is probably the most local and good city.  My next train was ten minutes away so I stopped at the little café for a hot chocolate.  It was delicious.

Fresh hot chocolate.

When I turned to my right, I happened to notice a cargo train passing.  I took a photograph, because coming from a family who take a great interest in trains, I seem to also share this passion and I felt this passing train stood out a little,  because of how out of place it looked.  Normally at train stations I see modern fast moving trains, filled with passengers.  It’s rare to see a cargo train in the day when on a train station platform.

Interesting cargo trains.

The train arrived on time in Birmingham and the short walk across the street took no time.  Currently there are big posters on the railings proposing new futuristic looking plans for how the area should look in a few years.  Personally, I think the plans do look rather spectacular, although incredibly modern! 

Once I arrived inside the Bull Ring Shopping Centre, the architecture and the glossy shop fronts amazed me. 

Tall panes of glass looked down on me.

The first part of the Bullring shopping centre is separate from the other half.  Once outside, you are faced with a crowded street, a statue, and a cathedral.  People rushed past me in all kinds of directions as I stood and took in all of the nearby sights.

Busy street in between the two centres.

Statue of Horatio Nelson, funnily enough Trafalgar day (21st October) was a couple of days before I visited.

A bronze statue sits in the middle of the street representing the time when Horatio Nelson first visited Birmingham in 1802.  Later on in his life he fought in the battle of Trafalgar.  This statue has not always been here; it was moved to this spot a few decades ago.

Time was moving on, so I stopped for lunch with my Mum, where we decided to go to YO! Sushi: one of our favourite restaurants.  As expected, the queue was a little long, so if you decide to go, make sure to expect a short wait.  Although, as soon as you sit down and fix your eyes on the Japanese sushi, it is definitely worth it.

YO! Sushi’s signature dish- The YO! Roll.

The Selfridges store in the shopping centre also has many other places to eat, ranging in different cuisines and prices - almost one to fit your every mood and budget!

A few hours passed by and my train was arriving at the station in about fifteen minutes.  So, I took a walk over to the train station and began my journey home.  If you’re ever nearby, I definitely recommend you take a look at the wonders Birmingham has to offer.  Or, explore your local city - there can be much more behind a few shops!

Harriet Willis is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program.

All photos courtesy and copyright Harriet Willis