16 Best Things To Do In Birmingham – Attractions, Tours & Sights

(Last Updated On: January 19, 2023)

Birmingham is the second largest city in the United Kingdom.

The city is located in the West Midlands region of England and is known for its multiculturalism, history and industry.

Birmingham was founded in the 11th century and has since become a major centre for trade, commerce and industry.

The city is home to two universities, multiple museums and art galleries, and a host of other attractions.

It’s also home to a network of Birmingham canals, many of which are lined with trendy cafes and bars.

Birmingham is a popular tourist destination, with visitors attracted by its many shopping opportunities, nightlife and cultural events.

Things To Do In Birmingham

1. Cadbury World

Cadbury World

Cadbury World is located in Bournville, in South Birmingham.

This is a great family day out where visitors can discover a world of chocolate and enjoy a fun-packed day.

Cadbury World runs a self-guided exhibition tour.

You can discover the origins of the cocoa bean and then jump on board the magical Cadabra ride.

Visit the 4D Chocolate Adventure zone, a 4D cinema experience featuring Cadbury’s most popular characters.

From seeing how your favourite chocolate is made to learning about the fascinating story of Cadbury chocolate, this attraction is a fantastic interactive journey through the history of Cadbury chocolate.

Cadbury World also has a shop onsite that is full of exciting items, gifts and chocolate.

Address: Cadbury World, 69 Linden Rd, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR

2. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Birmingham.

The museum has a wide collection of artefacts and fine arts from different periods and cultures.

It also houses a library, research centre and tea room.

The museum was founded in 1885 and has been through many changes throughout the years.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with free admission.

Address: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3DH

3. National Motorcycle Museum

National Motorcycle Museum

If you’re looking for things to do in Birmingham, you’ll find plenty of options at the National Motorcycle Museum.

This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of motorcycles and their riders, and there are plenty of exhibits and activities to keep you entertained.

You can learn about the evolution of the motorcycle, see classic and vintage bikes, and even take a ride on one of the museum’s bikes.

There’s also a cafe on site, so you can refuel after a day of exploring.

Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or just looking for something to do in Birmingham, the National Motorcycle Museum is worth a visit.

Address: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ

4. Symphony Hall

Symphony Hall

Symphony Hall is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Birmingham.

It is a world-renowned concert hall that hosts some of the most famous orchestras and performers in the world.

If you are looking for things to do in Birmingham, then a visit to Symphony Hall should definitely be on your list.

Symphony Hall is located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, just a few blocks away from the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Visitors can also go behind the scenes with a tour of Symphony Hall.

Address: Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA

5. Library of Birmingham

library of birmingham cloudy

If you’re looking for things to do in Birmingham, look no further than the Library of Birmingham.

This world-class library offers a wide range of activities and resources for all ages, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two.

One of the first things you’ll notice upon entering the Library of Birmingham is the stunning architecture.

The building was designed by world-renowned architect Mecanoo and features a sweeping, curved façade that’s sure to impress.

Once inside, be sure to explore all four floors of the library – each one has something different to offer.

On the ground floor, you’ll find the Children’s Library, which is full of interactive games and activities designed to spark young imaginations.

Address: Library of Birmingham, Centenary Sq, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA

6. Villa Park Stadium Tour

Villa Park Stadium Tour

Villa Park Stadium is home to the Aston Villa Football Club, one of the most successful teams in England.

A visit to Villa Park Stadium is a must for any football fan, as it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of a professional football club.

The tour includes a visit to the players’ dressing room, the press box, and the pitch itself.

You’ll also learn about the history of Aston Villa Football Club and see some of the team’s trophies up close.

Address: Villa Park Stadium, Trinity Rd, Birmingham, B6 6HE

7. Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to a variety of animals, including red pandas, lemurs, reptiles, meerkats, otters, birds and a large collection of monkeys.

You can also find a number of smaller animals like reptiles and amphibians.

The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as animal feedings and educational programs.

Visitors can take a walk through the park to see the animals up close.

Address: Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, Pershore Rd, Birmingham B5 7RL

8. National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham is a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life.

This state-of-the-art aquarium is home to a wide variety of sea creatures, including sharks, rays, and seahorses.

The National SEA LIFE Centre is home to over 2000 marine creatures and has an amazing 360 ocean tunnel to observe them.

You can learn about the different species of fish and their habitats, and you can even get up close and personal with some of the animals during feeding times.

The National SEA LIFE Centre is great for families and anyone interested in marine life.

Address: National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, Eleven Brindley Place, The Water’s Edge, Birmingham B1 2HL

9. Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses

Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses

Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses feature over 10,000 different plant species, as well as a butterfly house, a tropical house, and an arboretum.

This 15-acre site has glorious landscaped gardens.

The glasshouses are also home to a variety exotic and unusual plants.

Visitors can take part in guided tours of the gardens, or simply explore on their own.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses is the perfect place to spend a day exploring nature.

Address: Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses, Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR

10. Winterbourne House and Garden

Winterbourne House was built in the early 1800s by John Nettlefold, a wealthy industrialist.

The house was designed in the Gothic Revival style and is filled with beautiful period features.

The gardens were created at the same time and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Victorian gardening in England.

Today, Winterbourne House and Garden is open to the public as a museum.

Address: Winterbourne House and Garden, 58 Edgbaston Park Rd, Birmingham B15 2RT

11. Sheldon Country Park

Sheldon Country Park

Sheldon Country Park is located near the east side of Birmingham and covers an area of over 300 acres.

Full of grassland, wetland, hedgerows and mature woodland, Sheldon Country Park has a hard-surfaced nature trail that can be accessed from the main car park.

There is also a small dairy farm dating from the 17th century called the Old Rectory that is located near the main entrance.

Great for family fun, the dairy has ponies, pigs, goats and more.

The park is free to visit and is open every day throughout the year.

Address: Sheldon Country Park, Ragley Dr, Church Rd, Birmingham B26 3TU

12. Aston Hall

Aston Hall

Aston Hall is located in a public park on the north side of Birmingham.

The building is one of England’s finest Jacobean mansions.

It was built by Sir Thomas Holte, a Warwickshire landowner, between 1618-1635.

Aston Hall has over 30 rooms to explore including the King Charles’ Chamber, the ornate Great Stairs, and the stunning long gallery.

Visitors can also explore the servants’ quarters at the very top of the house, and the Butler’s Pantry and Servants Hall on the ground floor.

Aston Hall is open Wednesday to Sunday, and makes a great visit for anyone interested in history, architecture and interiors.

The gardens at Aston Hall are free to visit during the normal opening hours.

Address: Aston Hall, Trinity Rd, Birmingham B6 6JD

13. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is situated in a former jewellery factory and located just outside the city centre.

The museum tells the story of the people who worked in the factory, as well as the history of the Birmingham jewellery industry.

The museum is open to the public and offers a variety of interactive exhibits.

Visitors can watch jewellers at work, try on replica jewellery, and learn about the different techniques used to make jewellery.

Address: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, 75-80 Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18 6HA

14. West Midlands Police Museum

West Midlands Police Museum

The Police Museum tells the story of the W Midlands Police, as well as the history of policing in the region.

The museum is open to the public and offers a variety of interactive exhibits.

Visitors can learn about the different roles of police officers, try on replica police uniforms, and see police vehicles.

The museum also has a collection of police records and artefacts.

Address: West Midlands Police Museum, The Lock-up, 40 Steelhouse Ln, Birmingham B4 6BJ

15. Gas Street Basin

Gas Street Basin

Gas Street Basin is a canal basin located on the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

It connects the Worcester and Birmingham Canal to the Main Line of the Grand Union Canal.

The basin is used by leisure boats and is also home to a number of businesses.

There are a number of restaurants, pubs and bars located around the basin, as well as a number of shops.

Gas Street Basin is also home to the Birmingham Boat Museum, which tells the story of the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

Address: Gas Street Basin, 42A Gas St, Birmingham B1 2JT

16. Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park is a public park located in Birmingham.

Cannon Hill Park is made up of formal parkland and woodland.

The park covers an area of 250 acres and is home to a number of attractions, including the Mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park Railway, and the Birmingham Nature Centre.

The park also has a number of sporting facilities, including tennis courts, a golf course, and a swimming pool.

Cannon Hill Park is also home to a number of events and festivals throughout the year.

Address: Cannon Hill Park, Russell Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8RD

FAQ

What is there to do in Birmingham City Centre?

Birmingham City Centre has so much to do.

Visitors can do some shopping at the Bullring and Grand Centre shopping Centre with a great mix of shops from from fashion, health and beauty, jewellery, technology, toy stores and plenty of places to eat.

There is also the Birmingham museum and art gallery, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Birmingham Town Hall and New Street Station.

Where is Lickey Hills Country Park Birmingham?

Lickey Hills Country Park is located just 10 miles south west of Birmingham and covers 524 acres.

Great for the whole family, there are a number of walking trails, a modern visitor centre, circular walk, sculpture trail, tri-golf fun course and children’s play park.

Which ballet company is based in Birmingham?

Birmingham Royal Ballet is based in Birmingham and is one of the UK’s leading touring classical ballet companys.

Does Birmingham have street art?

The streets of Birmingham have had street art for decades.

Recently there have been many festivals showcasing ‘Street art’ in Birmingham.

Visitors can also take a street art and graffiti guided tour around the city.

Where are there some independent shops and businesses in Birmingham?

Great Western Arcade is full of thriving independent retailers in the city.

Great Western Arcade is a historic arcade that champions independent businesses.

How cold does it get in Birmingham UK?

The coldest month is normally January, that has a low of 26 F and an average temperature of 39 F.

It does occasionally snow in Birmingham during the winter months.

Author

  • Tamara M

    Hey there! My name is Tamara, welcome to my little world! I’m a 20-something-year-old from Toronto, Canada (though I’m rarely there) and I’m super passionate about exploring the world, photography, and cooking delicious plant-based recipes. I created this blog to share my favorite places, adventures, restaurants, accommodations, and travel tips with all of you and keep a bit of a travel diary for myself.

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