Things to do in Birmingham: Based on NeemTime research from most popular to just popular.
Bullring & Grand Central, Birmingham
Overview: Bullring & Grand Central is a major shopping and entertainment complex in the heart of Birmingham.
History: The Bullring has been a market hub for centuries, while the Grand Central part was added in 2015, enhancing the retail experience.
Since When: The original Bullring dates back to the 12th century, though it was modernized in 2003 with further developments in 2015.
Review: Popular for its vast array of shops, restaurants, and modern facilities, it’s a vibrant place to spend a day.
When to Go: Ideal for year-round shopping, with holiday seasons offering special events and sales.
How to Go: Located in the city center, easily accessible via public transport, car, or walking.
What to Do: Shop at the stores, dine at the restaurants, or visit the nearby attractions like St. Martin’s Church.
Free or Paid: Free to enter; costs depend on purchases and dining.
West Midlands Safari Park, Birmingham
Overview: West Midlands Safari Park is a family-friendly wildlife park featuring exotic animals, rides, and attractions.
History: Opened in 1973, it has grown to include a variety of animal exhibits and an adventure park.
Since When: It has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 1973.
Review: A fun destination for animal lovers, offering an interactive safari experience.
When to Go: Best visited in spring and summer when the animals are most active.
How to Go: Located in Bewdley, approximately 15 miles from Birmingham, accessible by car or public transport.
What to Do: Drive through the safari, visit the animal enclosures, and enjoy the rides and attractions.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with additional charges for rides and special experiences.
Cadbury World, Birmingham
Overview: Cadbury World is an interactive visitor center dedicated to all things chocolate, offering an immersive experience for all ages.
History: Established in 1990 as a theme park, it is operated by the Cadbury brand, one of the world’s largest chocolate companies.
Since When: Opened in 1990, it has been a major attraction in Birmingham since its inception.
Review: Loved by families, Cadbury World combines education and fun with a delicious twist.
When to Go: Best visited during off-peak times to avoid crowds, although it’s open year-round.
How to Go: Located in Bournville, accessible by car or public transport from Birmingham city center.
What to Do: Explore the chocolate-themed attractions, watch interactive shows, and indulge in Cadbury treats.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with options for various themed experiences.
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, Birmingham
Overview: The National SEA LIFE Centre offers a fascinating look into marine life, featuring a variety of aquatic species in immersive displays.
History: Opened in 1996, it has become one of the city’s premier attractions, offering education and entertainment about the ocean.
Since When: It has been a major family destination since its opening in 1996.
Review: A wonderful way to experience marine life up close, with interactive exhibits and educational displays.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekdays or outside of school holidays to avoid crowds.
How to Go: Located in the city center near Brindleyplace, easily accessible by public transport or car.
What to Do: Explore the aquarium, see the sharks, and enjoy the feeding sessions and other activities.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with discounts for families and online booking.
Black Country Living Museum, Birmingham
Overview: The Black Country Living Museum is an open-air museum that brings the region’s industrial past to life.
History: Opened in 1978, the museum preserves and showcases the history of the Black Country’s industrial heritage, with historic buildings and vehicles.
Since When: It has been educating visitors about industrial life since its opening in 1978.
Review: A fascinating experience for history lovers, with hands-on exhibits and demonstrations.
When to Go: Ideal to visit during the spring and summer months when the outdoor exhibits are fully operational.
How to Go: Located in Dudley, a short drive from Birmingham city center, easily accessible by car or public transport.
What to Do: Explore the period buildings, interact with reenactors, and enjoy the working steam engines.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with family tickets and discounts available.
StarCity, Birmingham
Overview: StarCity is a large entertainment complex in Birmingham, offering a range of activities from cinemas to bowling.
History: Opened in 2001, StarCity has been a popular destination for entertainment in Birmingham.
Since When: It has been a key leisure destination since its opening in 2001.
Review: A great place for families and groups, offering a variety of indoor entertainment options under one roof.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekdays or outside of peak times to avoid crowds.
How to Go: Located near Nechells, easily accessible by car, bus, or train from Birmingham city center.
What to Do: Enjoy movies at the cinema, go bowling, visit the laser tag, or try the indoor adventure activities.
Free or Paid: Paid entry for attractions, but free to enter and walk around.
Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
Overview: Cannon Hill Park is a large public park offering green spaces, a boating lake, and various recreational activities.
History: Established in 1873, the park has been a beloved green space for Birmingham residents for over a century.
Since When: It has been a public park since 1873.
Review: A perfect location for a peaceful day outdoors with plenty of open space, play areas, and events throughout the year.
When to Go: Great to visit year-round, especially in spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom.
How to Go: Located just south of the city center, accessible by public transport, car, or walking from nearby areas.
What to Do: Walk around the park, enjoy the boating lake, visit the play areas, or attend seasonal events.
Free or Paid: Free entry to the park; additional charges for boat rentals and some events.
Sutton Park, Birmingham
Overview: Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in the UK, offering lakes, woodlands, and plenty of space for outdoor activities.
History: Dating back to the 16th century, the park has a long history and has been a protected area since 1906.
Since When: It has been a public park since 1906, although its history dates back further.
Review: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with many paths for walking, cycling, and even horseback riding.
When to Go: Visit during spring and summer for the best weather, though the park is open year-round.
How to Go: Located in the northern part of Birmingham, accessible by bus, car, or bike.
What to Do: Walk, cycle, or picnic by the lakes, explore the woodlands, or enjoy sports and events.
Free or Paid: Free entry, with parking charges in certain areas.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham
Overview: Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater offering world-class performances, including musicals, ballet, and opera.
History: Opened in 1902, the Hippodrome is one of Birmingham’s most iconic venues for the performing arts.
Since When: It has been a cultural staple since its opening in 1902.
Review: A fantastic venue for live performances, offering a diverse range of shows for all tastes.
When to Go: Best to visit when there is a performance that interests you; shows run year-round.
How to Go: Located in the city center, easily accessible by public transport or on foot from Birmingham New Street Station.
What to Do: Attend a theater production, enjoy a concert, or take part in family-friendly events.
Free or Paid: Paid entry for performances, with varying prices depending on the show.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham
Overview: The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of fine art, ceramics, and local history exhibits.
History: Opened in 1885, the museum has long been a cultural treasure for the city, showcasing a diverse range of art and artifacts.
Since When: It has been a major institution since 1885.
Review: A must-visit for art lovers and history enthusiasts, offering an impressive collection in a beautiful building.
When to Go: Ideal to visit year-round, but especially during special exhibitions or events.
How to Go: Located in the city center, easily accessible by public transport or on foot.
What to Do: Explore the art galleries, enjoy the temporary exhibits, and learn about Birmingham’s history.
Free or Paid: Free entry to the permanent collections, with paid tickets for special exhibitions.
Escape Live – Birmingham, Birmingham
Overview: Escape Live is an interactive escape room experience offering thrilling puzzle challenges for friends and family.
History: It was established in 2016 as part of a popular UK escape room chain, quickly gaining popularity for its immersive experiences.
Since When: Escape Live has been operating in Birmingham since 2016.
Review: Highly rated for its engaging and fun escape room themes, offering something for both beginners and experienced players.
When to Go: Best to visit during evenings or weekends, though it’s advisable to book in advance.
How to Go: Located in the city center, accessible by car or public transport, including a short walk from New Street Station.
What to Do: Choose from various escape room themes, solve puzzles, and race against the clock to escape the room.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with pricing depending on the group size and escape room chosen.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham
Overview: The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a tranquil 15-acre garden featuring beautiful plants, glasshouses, and wildlife.
History: Established in 1832, the gardens have been a haven for nature lovers and a site of botanical education.
Since When: The gardens have been a public attraction since 1832.
Review: A peaceful retreat in the city, offering beautiful landscapes, diverse plant collections, and family-friendly activities.
When to Go: Best to visit during spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom.
How to Go: Located in Edgbaston, easily accessible by bus, car, or a short walk from Birmingham city center.
What to Do: Explore the themed gardens, visit the glasshouses, and attend workshops or seasonal events.
Free or Paid: Paid entry to the gardens, with discounted rates for children and students.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, Birmingham
Overview: Thinktank is a family-friendly science museum with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and an exciting planetarium.
History: Opened in 2001, Thinktank has become a key attraction in Birmingham, offering a fun learning experience about science and technology.
Since When: It has been entertaining and educating visitors since its opening in 2001.
Review: An exciting, interactive museum, perfect for children and adults alike, with engaging exhibits that make learning about science fun.
When to Go: Best to visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially during school holidays.
How to Go: Located in the city center, it is easily accessible by public transport, car, or a short walk from the train stations.
What to Do: Explore science exhibits, enjoy hands-on experiments, and watch shows in the planetarium.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with discounts available for families, students, and groups.
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, Birmingham
Overview: The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to a variety of endangered species, offering visitors a chance to learn about wildlife conservation.
History: Founded in 1987, it has grown into an important conservation center dedicated to protecting endangered species.
Since When: It has been operating since 1987.
Review: A small yet delightful zoo, perfect for families, with a strong focus on conservation and animal education.
When to Go: Ideal to visit during weekends or holidays, though quieter during weekdays.
How to Go: Located near the city center, easily accessible by bus, car, or public transport.
What to Do: Visit the animals, learn about wildlife conservation efforts, and attend feeding or animal care demonstrations.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with family tickets available for discounted rates.
Birmingham Back To Backs, Birmingham
Overview: Birmingham Back to Backs is a historic site that showcases life in the city’s 19th-century working-class homes.
History: The site has been preserved to demonstrate how families lived in the industrial era, originally built in the 1840s.
Since When: The Back to Backs has been a museum since the 1980s, preserving its history for future generations.
Review: A fascinating and educational experience offering a glimpse into Birmingham’s social history and heritage.
When to Go: Best to visit during weekdays to avoid the crowd, especially if interested in a guided tour.
How to Go: Located in the city center, it’s accessible by public transport, including buses and a short walk from New Street Station.
What to Do: Take a guided tour through the preserved homes, explore the history, and learn about life in the 19th century.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with guided tours available for an additional fee.
The National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham
Overview: The National Motorcycle Museum showcases the largest collection of British motorcycles in the world, offering a fascinating look at the history of motorcycling.
History: Founded in 1984, the museum has been dedicated to preserving the legacy of motorcycle manufacturing in the UK, especially British-made bikes.
Since When: The museum has been open since 1984.
Review: A must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts, with an impressive collection and well-curated exhibitions that appeal to visitors of all ages.
When to Go: Best visited on weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially during special events or school holidays.
How to Go: Located in Solihull, just outside Birmingham, accessible by car or a short taxi ride from the city center.
What to Do: Explore the exhibits, learn about the history of motorcycles, and view iconic models from brands like BSA, Norton, and Triumph.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with discounts available for children and groups.
Escape Hunt Birmingham Central, Birmingham
Overview: Escape Hunt Birmingham Central offers an immersive escape room experience where participants solve puzzles and mysteries within themed rooms.
History: Launched as part of a larger international chain of escape rooms, Escape Hunt Birmingham has provided thrilling experiences since its opening.
Since When: Escape Hunt has been operating in Birmingham since 2015.
Review: Known for its challenging puzzles and immersive experiences, it’s a great activity for groups or families looking for an exciting adventure.
When to Go: Best to visit during weekdays or off-peak times to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.
How to Go: Located in Birmingham city center, easily accessible by public transport, or a short walk from New Street Station.
What to Do: Choose from various themed escape room challenges, solve puzzles, and race against the clock.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with different pricing options based on group size and room selection.
Library of Birmingham, Birmingham
Overview: The Library of Birmingham is a striking, modern architectural landmark, offering a vast collection of books, archives, and cultural exhibitions.
History: Opened in 2013, it replaced the old Birmingham Central Library and quickly became one of the city’s iconic buildings.
Since When: The library has been open since 2013.
Review: A stunning architectural feat, the library offers not only books but also a variety of cultural and educational activities, making it a favorite among locals and tourists.
When to Go: Best to visit during weekdays for a quieter experience, though weekends are ideal for exploring exhibitions and events.
How to Go: Located in the city center, it’s easily accessible by public transport, including bus and train services.
What to Do: Explore the library’s extensive collections, visit the rooftop garden, and enjoy the rotating exhibitions.
Free or Paid: Free entry to the library, though some events and exhibitions may require a ticket.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & LEGO Store Birmingham, Birmingham
Overview: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham is an indoor attraction with themed Lego builds, interactive play zones, and fun family activities.
History: Opened in 2018, it is part of the LEGOLAND brand and offers a smaller, indoor experience for younger Lego fans.
Since When: The attraction has been open since 2018.
Review: A fun-filled experience, especially for young children, with interactive Lego-themed activities and creative play areas.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekdays or early weekends to avoid the busiest times.
How to Go: Located in the Birmingham city center, it is easily accessible by public transport, with the nearest bus and train stations nearby.
What to Do: Explore the Lego-themed attractions, build with Lego bricks, and enjoy the 4D cinema and various interactive zones.
Free or Paid: Paid entry with discounted rates for children and family passes available.
Escape Hunt Birmingham Resorts World, Birmingham
Overview: Escape Hunt at Resorts World Birmingham offers an immersive escape room experience where players solve mysteries and puzzles in creative themed settings.
History: The resort opened its Escape Hunt branch as part of its entertainment offerings, providing a unique challenge for visitors.
Since When: Escape Hunt has been operating at Resorts World Birmingham since 2015.
Review: Known for its challenging puzzles and highly interactive experiences, this is a great destination for friends or corporate team-building events.
When to Go: Best to go during weekdays for fewer crowds or during off-peak hours to avoid long waiting times.
How to Go: Located at Resorts World Birmingham, which is easily reachable by car, taxi, or public transport from the city center.
What to Do: Solve puzzles, uncover mysteries, and race against the clock in themed escape rooms.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with prices varying depending on group size and chosen escape room theme.
Escape Hunt Birmingham, Birmingham
Overview: Escape Hunt Birmingham offers an immersive escape room experience where players solve puzzles and mysteries in themed rooms.
History: Part of an international chain, Escape Hunt Birmingham brings the thrill of escape rooms to the city, offering an exciting adventure for groups.
Since When: The venue has been operating since 2015.
Review: A fun and engaging experience for groups of friends, families, or colleagues, with creative and challenging escape room scenarios.
When to Go: Ideal for weekdays or early weekends to avoid large crowds, particularly during school holidays or weekends.
How to Go: Located in the city center, easily accessible by public transport, such as bus and train services.
What to Do: Solve mysteries and puzzles in themed rooms and race against the clock.
Free or Paid: Paid entry, with group rates available for larger parties.
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Overview: Symphony Hall is a renowned concert venue known for its world-class acoustics and a diverse range of performances, from classical to contemporary music.
History: Opened in 1991, Symphony Hall is part of the International Convention Centre and has hosted numerous prestigious performances.
Since When: The hall has been open since 1991.
Review: Known for its exceptional acoustics and vibrant cultural programming, it is a must-visit for music lovers.
When to Go: Best visited during performance seasons, especially for classical concerts, but also hosts a variety of music events year-round.
How to Go: Located in the city center, Symphony Hall is easily accessible by public transport, including bus and train.
What to Do: Enjoy concerts and performances in classical music, jazz, and other genres.
Free or Paid: Paid entry for most events, with ticket prices varying depending on the performance.
Birmingham Central Mosque, Birmingham
Overview: Birmingham Central Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the UK, serving as a place of worship and community for Muslims in Birmingham.
History: Established in 1975, it has since become an important cultural and religious center for the Muslim community.
Since When: The mosque has been open since 1975.
Review: A key spiritual hub in Birmingham, offering a peaceful atmosphere for worshippers and visitors interested in learning more about Islam.
When to Go: Best visited during prayer times, or for special events and open days.
How to Go: Located in the city center, easily accessible by bus, train, or car.
What to Do: Participate in prayers, attend events, or explore the mosque’s educational resources.
Free or Paid: Free entry, though donations are welcome.
Handsworth Park, Birmingham
Overview: Handsworth Park is a large public park in Birmingham, offering scenic walking paths, lakes, and a variety of recreational facilities.
History: Opened in 1884, it has been a popular park for locals to enjoy nature, leisure activities, and community events for over a century.
Since When: The park has been open since 1884.
Review: A peaceful park with beautiful green spaces, ideal for picnics, walking, or a day out with family and friends.
When to Go: Best visited in spring or summer for pleasant weather and outdoor activities, but open year-round.
How to Go: Accessible by public transport, including bus and train, or a short drive from the city center.
What to Do: Enjoy walking trails, boating on the lake, or attending outdoor events during the summer.
Free or Paid: Free entry to the park, though some activities may charge a fee (e.g., boating).
Clue HQ Birmingham – The Live Escape Game, Birmingham
Overview: Clue HQ Birmingham offers an interactive escape room experience where teams must solve puzzles and escape within a set time limit.
History: Clue HQ is part of a popular UK-wide escape room franchise, bringing thrilling puzzle-solving adventures to Birmingham.
Since When: The location has been operating since 2017.
Review: A great place for a group activity, with fun and challenging escape room scenarios suitable for friends, families, or corporate groups.
When to Go: Best to book in advance, particularly on weekends or during busy holiday seasons, to secure your preferred time.
How to Go: Located in central Birmingham, easily reachable by public transport, including trains and buses.
What to Do: Solve puzzles, uncover clues, and work as a team to escape from a themed room.
Free or Paid: Paid entry with different pricing options depending on group size and room theme.
Woodgate Valley Country Park, Birmingham
Overview: Woodgate Valley Country Park is a large, green space offering a mix of nature trails, wildlife, and recreational activities.
History: Established in the early 1990s, the park has served as a community hub for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Since When: The park has been open since the early 1990s.
Review: A tranquil retreat within the city, perfect for family outings, nature walks, and birdwatching.
When to Go: Best visited in spring and summer for pleasant weather, though the park is open year-round.
How to Go: Easily accessible by bus or car, with parking available on-site.
What to Do: Enjoy walking trails, nature exploration, and picnicking.
Free or Paid: Free entry, with some activities such as events or guided tours potentially requiring a fee.
Small Heath Park, Birmingham
Overview: Small Heath Park is a public park in Birmingham, featuring open spaces, sports facilities, and playgrounds for all ages.
History: Opened in the late 19th century, the park has long been a community space for sports and leisure.
Since When: The park has been open since the late 1800s.
Review: A great spot for sports, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the fresh air, with well-maintained facilities.
When to Go: Best visited in the warmer months when outdoor activities are in full swing.
How to Go: Easily reachable by bus, with the park located in a central area of Birmingham.
What to Do: Play sports, enjoy the playground, or relax in the green open space.
Free or Paid: Free entry, with paid facilities for specific activities (e.g., tennis courts).
Birmingham Cathedral, Birmingham
Overview: Birmingham Cathedral is an iconic church known for its beautiful architecture and impressive interior.
History: Founded in 1715, the cathedral was designed by architect William Haywood and has served as a place of worship for centuries.
Since When: The cathedral has been a place of worship since 1715.
Review: A stunning example of English Baroque architecture, offering a serene and peaceful environment for reflection and exploration.
When to Go: Best to visit during weekdays when it’s less crowded, though special services and events are held year-round.
How to Go: Located in the city center, it’s easily accessible by bus, train, or on foot.
What to Do: Explore the historic cathedral, attend services, or view the stunning artwork and stained-glass windows.
Free or Paid: Free entry, though donations are encouraged.
Lightwoods Park and House, Birmingham
Overview: Lightwoods Park and House is a charming public park offering beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and recreational areas.
History: Established in the 19th century, the park is home to Lightwoods House, a grand mansion now used for community activities.
Since When: The park has been open since the early 1900s.
Review: A peaceful space with lovely gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family day out, especially with the restored mansion.
When to Go: Ideal in spring and summer, especially for those interested in the park’s gardens and outdoor events.
How to Go: Easily accessible by bus, with ample parking nearby.
What to Do: Visit the park, relax in the gardens, explore the house, or enjoy outdoor activities in the green spaces.
Free or Paid: Free entry to the park, with some events or house activities possibly requiring a fee.
The Bear Grylls Adventure, Birmingham
Overview: The Bear Grylls Adventure is an adrenaline-packed experience center offering outdoor activities like rock climbing, zip lining, and more.
History: Opened in 2018, it brings Bear Grylls’ spirit of adventure to Birmingham, with exciting challenges for visitors of all ages.
Since When: The center has been open since 2018.
Review: An exhilarating destination for adventure lovers, offering a wide range of activities in a unique, fun environment.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during school holidays or weekends.
How to Go: Located at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), it is easily accessible by car, bus, or train.
What to Do: Take part in adventure activities, such as rock climbing, zip-lining, or the high ropes course, as well as various team challenges.
Free or Paid: Paid entry for all activities, with different pricing based on the chosen experiences.