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Things to Do in Birmingham

Things to Do in Birmingham

Birmingham England, UK Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Birmingham and its immediate outskirts offer several channels for outdoor activities.

Hiking & Cycling Routes

Canal Walks

Easy, flat, and extensive paths within the city, offering an unique perspective on Birmingham's factory legacy.

Lickey Hills Country Park

On the city's southern outskirts, offers trails of moderate challenge with inclines and panoramic views of the city and countryside.

Sutton Park & Canal Towpaths

Sutton Features of the park designated bike paths. Canal towpaths are flat, traffic-free paths popular for city cycling.

Water Sports & Adventure

  • Canal Boat Trips: Leisure cruises on the canals from Gas Street Basin. Book via GetYourGuide.
  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding: Regional providers have rentals or guided sessions on the canals for active exploration.
  • Indoor Climbing: Hubs such as Creation Climbing Centre offer bouldering and climbing walls for all abilities.
  • Go-Karting/Indoor Skydiving: Facilities near the airport provide high-adrenaline experiences.

Clent Hills

  • Just outside Birmingham.
  • Medium-difficulty paths with scenic walks.
  • Open heathland for exploration.
  • Ideal for an excursion.

Wildlife Encounters

  • RSPB Sandwell Valley: Excellent for birdwatching.
  • Hides and trails available.
  • Sutton Park: Observe deer and numerous types of birds.
  • A specific National Nature Reserve.

Mountain Biking

  • Lickey Hills offer challenging terrain.
  • Cannock Chase (further out) has extensive trails.
  • Suitable for experienced riders.
  • Helmets and protective gear are essential.

Safety Precautions for Outdoor Activities

Always check weather conditions prior to leaving, wear appropriate gear and footwear, carry water, and inform someone of your route if venturing into less-trafficked areas.

Cultural Immersion

Birmingham offers opportunities to dive deep into its the local culture through workshops, performances, and festivals.

Workshops & Classes

  • Jewellery Quarter Workshops: Try making your own silver ring or other crafts with individual jewellers.
  • Art Classes: Various community centers and private studios offer art lessons in different mediums.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn local cuisine and techniques, often focusing on Indian cuisine.
  • Language Learning: For longer stays, universities and private language educational institutions provide English classes to learn a language.

Cultural Performances

Major Performance Venues

Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hippodrome, and The Rep host live music (classical, jazz, pop), theatre, and dance.

Intimate Live Music

Numerous smaller places and pubs have live music, from jazz and blues to indie and folk. Check local listings.

Community-Based Tourism

The National Trust's Back to Backs offer a guided insight into working-class life, providing a community-focused historical experience.

Dance Festival

Birmingham International Dance Festival: A biennial festival showcasing dance from around the world.

Literature Festival

Birmingham Literature Festival: Celebrates reading, writing, and storytelling with a variety of events.

Music Festivals

Numerous music festivals covering various genres take place, specifically during the summer months (e.g., Moseley Folk Festival).

Relaxation & Wellness

For those seeking to unwind, Birmingham has choices for relaxation and personal well-being.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Wellness Centers at hotels: Many luxury hotels (Hyatt Regency, Malmaison, The Grand Hotel) feature on-site spas, gyms, and various treatments.
  • Independent Spas: Bannatyne Health Club & Spa provides comprehensive facilities for wellness.
  • Yoga Studios: Numerous studios across the city offer drop-in classes for various styles and levels.
  • Public Swimming Pools: Birmingham has a number of public swimming pools and leisure centers for aquatic exercise.

Healing & Retreats

Traditional Healing Practices

Various complementary health practitioners offer services like acupuncture, massage therapy, and other holistic treatments.

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Dedicated retreats are typically located outside the city in more countryside settings, offering immersion.

No Hot Springs or Beach Clubs

Birmingham does not have natural spa springs or beach/lido clubs as it is a city not on the coast.

Wellness Insights

Mindfulness

Look for regional workshops or groups focusing on mindfulness and meditation for mental well-being.

Outdoor Serenity

Utilize the city's parks and botanical gardens for tranquil walks and moments of peace.

Healthy Dining

Birmingham's diverse culinary scene provides many options for healthy and nourishing meals.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Birmingham boasts a lively entertainment and nightlife scene, with different ways to every taste, from live music to dancing.

Live Music & Performance

  • Major Venues: O2 Academy Birmingham and Utilita Arena host major touring bands and painters and sculptors.
  • Symphony Hall: World-class classical, jazz, and folk performances.
  • Smaller Venues: The Night Owl (Northern Soul), Hare & Hounds (indie), Jam House (jazz/blues).
  • Theater: Birmingham Hippodrome (musicals, ballet), The Rep (drama), Alexandra Theatre (touring plays).

Nightclubs & Bars

Broad Street

A concentrated district of nightclubs and bars, popular for dancing and late-night entertainment.

Digbeth

Offers a more independent and alternative club scene, having venues such As lab11 and Mama Roux's known for electronic music and themed nights.

Brindleyplace & Jewellery Quarter

Brindleyplace features canalside taverns for a sophisticated atmosphere; Jewellery Quarter has independent pubs and craft beer bars.

Bar Districts

  • Broad Street: Mainstream nightlife.
  • Brindleyplace: Sophisticated canalside bars.
  • Jewellery Quarter: Independent pubs, craft beer.
  • Digbeth: Thriving craft beer scene, creative edge.

Late-Night Fun

  • Casinos: Gaming and entertainment late.
  • Late-Night Bars: Many open until early hours.
  • Comedy Clubs: The Glee Club for stand-up.
  • Live music venues may extend hours.

Event Calendar

  • Check local listings for special occasions.
  • Concerts, DJ nights, special performances.
  • Seasonal parties and cultural celebrations.
  • Book tickets in advance for popular shows.

Safety & Transport Tips

Nightlife Safety
  • Stay on well-lit-lit and populated areas.
  • Travel with friends or in groups if possible.
  • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt) for transport.
Late-Night Transport
  • Check late-night bus schedules if counting on public transport.
  • Pre-book taxis or use official taxi ranks.
  • Have contact numbers for trusted transportation companies readily available.

Booking Ahead

For major concerts, theater productions, or popular club nights, booking tickets far in advance is strongly recommended to book your place.

Shopping & Markets

Shopping Areas

  • Bullring & Grand Central: Main destination for major high street and luxury brands.
  • Jewellery Quarter: Independent jewellers, workshops, and artisan studios for unique, handcrafted pieces.
  • Custard Factory (Digbeth): Independent boutiques, art galleries, and craft shops featuring local talent.
  • Great Western Arcade: Beautifully preserved Victorian shopping arcade with autonomous boutiques and specialty shops.

Market Highlights

  • Bullring Indoor Market: Historic market offering fresh produce, meat, fish, and household goods.
  • Birmingham Christmas Market: (November-December) One of the largest authentic German Christmas markets outside Germany.
  • Digbeth Dining Club: While primarily food, many vendors offer artisanal items and crafts in a market-like setting.
  • Suggestions For souvenirs: Handcrafted jewellery, Cadbury chocolates, "Peaky Blinders" merchandise, local craft beer/gin, Birmingham-themed artwork.