Birmingham: A City of Surprises and Experiences
If you’re craving a city break that’s packed with variety, England’s second city (don’t tell Manchester!) is brimming with vibrant destinations, rich culture, world-class entertainment and wide open green spaces in every direction. From museums and markets to adventures and paintball, Birmingham is packed with fun things to do, whatever your age and interests.
At just over two hours down the M6 from Southport, Birmingham and its many delights are close enough to be easy, but far enough away to feel like a proper break. It’s a city that caters to families, friends and solo explorers alike – so let’s discover why…
Explore the City’s Cultural Gems
Birmingham has no shortage of fascinating spots for curious minds. Start with the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, home to everything from Renaissance masterpieces to a large collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Science lovers should head to the award-winning Thinktank, where hands-on exhibits bring everything from space travel to steam engines to life.
For striking architecture and unique exhibitions, the Library of Birmingham is a must-visit, including its significant Shakespeare collection. Together, these venues offer a glimpse into the city’s proud industrial roots, artistic flair and ongoing evolution. As far as fun activities in Birmingham go, you may need a day each just for these three places!
Enjoy the Outdoors
If you want to stretch your legs with a little light exercise or soak up some fresh air, Birmingham has green escapes in abundance. Cannon Hill Park is a favourite for family activities in Birmingham, with boating lakes, mini golf and its renowned conservation park. A little northwest is Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which offers a more peaceful pace, with its four stunning glasshouses and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Prefer a scenic stroll? The city’s historic canal network winds through both urban hotspots and quiet corners alike. And if you fancy venturing further out, the Lickey Hills and other local beauty spots make for a great little day trip.
Discover Unique Experiences
Looking for something a little different? Birmingham is chock-full of high-energy experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions. Escape rooms are dotted throughout the city, offering everything from cryptic crime capers to sci-fi simulations – a great way to test your wits and work as a team.
If virtual worlds are more your thing, several places across the city centre and beyond offer cutting-edge VR experiences where you can race, explore or battle in immersive digital environments. It’s certainly one of the most fun activities in Birmingham.
Up for something truly action-packed? Paintball in Birmingham is a must, and Paintball Park in the Midlands is a top-notch choice for outdoor fun, just a short drive from the city centre. The well-equipped venue is ideal for everything from solo-player skirmishes to stag and hen parties and even as a corporate team building activity in Birmingham. It’s a brilliant option for paintball for businesses looking to plan one of the most exciting outdoor corporate events the UK has to offer. Expect big laughs, thrilling engagements and unforgettable memories.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Birmingham is bustling with kid-friendly activities that grown-ups will love too. The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is a dream for younger and older brickthusiasts alike, with rides, soft play, building challenges and a mini LEGO city too. When you’re done here, you’re just one short walk across a canal bridge from Sea Life Birmingham, which provides a breathtaking underwater adventure, complete with sharks, rays and the never-beaten 360° ocean tunnel.
For casual family activities in Birmingham, there are loads of mini golf courses, arcades, bowling alleys and soft play venues all around the city, so whatever the weather, you’ll never be bored.
Food and Markets To Explore
You will NEVER be hungry on a visit to Birmingham! As well as grub hubs inside the Grand Central and Bull Ring shopping centres, there are plentiful cafés, cosy eateries and street food hubs wherever you cast your eyes, with a variety in cuisine to rival some of the world’s biggest capitals.
Why not try the Digbeth Dining Club while you’re in town, either at one of their venues or at one of the many events they cater for each year? Whatever you crave, you’ll be glad you sought them out.
Things To Do in Birmingham: Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a frequent Brum explorer or are visiting for the first time, this wonderful city offers something for everyone. From world-class museums and lush parks to hands-on adventures and unforgettable food, it’s a city that never runs out of ways to surprise you.
And with so much to see and do and so many family activities in Birmingham, there’s never been a better time to make the short trip from Southport and plan your next day out or short break.
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