Alabama Holidays

Located in the heart of the Deep South, Alabama is famous for its warm welcomes and friendly Southern hospitality. With its rich history, diverse culture and beautiful landscapes it has been called the physical heart and cultural soul of Southern USA.

With music legends such as Nat King Cole, W.C. Handy and Hank Williams all hailing from Alabama and world renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones heading to Muscle Shoals to record; it is no surprise that the home-grown music scene is well and truly kicking. Alabama is also home to some truly unforgettable flavours so whether you fancy some slow-cooked southern BBQ or decide to try the catch of the day, fresh from the Gulf, you will be spoilt for choice when dining out.

Experience centuries of history in cities like Montgomery and Birmingham, where pivotal moments in both the American Civil War and Civil Rights Movements were lived out; or visit one of the beautiful antebellum mansions.

Essential Information
Things To Do

Time Zone

GMT -6 hours

Flight Time

Approx 12 hours; flights are indirect via a US hub like Atlanta or Chicago

Currency

USD - US Dollar

Visa Information

British passport holders require an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to visit Memphis. You can obtain an ESTA from www.cbp.gov/esta

Language

English

Health Information

No vaccinations are required for travel to Alabama. All travellers should be up to date with routine immunisations. It’s important to contact your GP to check for the latest recommendations.

Alabama has so much to offer visitors from vibrant cities with a rich history to serene natural landscapes and a booming food and brewery scene. Get close to nature on the Alabama Scenic River Trail winding along 631 miles of rivers and creeks or stop at one of the many state parks and national forests to spot wildlife. Learn about Alabama’s Civil Rights legacy with a visit to the Rosa Parks museum in Montgomery, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, or explore the Alabama Civil Rights Trail. Experience the unforgettable music across the state, from live music in downtown Mobile to the many fantastic museums and historic site such as FAME Studio, the W.C. Handy Birthplace, Hank Williams Museum and Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

The Shoals

The musical cities of Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Sheffield and Florence come together to form a region known as ‘The Shoals’. This unique part of Alabama has had an impressive impact on American music. From legendary blues courtesy of Florence born W.C. Handy to the hit making machine that was FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals.
U.S. Space and Rocket Center

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville is the Alabama’s number one ticketed attraction. Enjoy the incredible interactive exhibits, visit the Saturn V moon rocket, only one of three on display in the world, experience G-forces on the space travel simulator and enjoy inspiring movies in the IMAX® and Digital Theatres.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Take a step back in time at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute where richly detailed exhibits showcase slices of black and white life in Alabama from the late 1800s to the present day. A highlight of the institute is the powerful Movement Gallery which offers a picture of the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1963.