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Looking to add some excitement to your city life? Birmingham has got you covered with its incredible lineup of events and attractions that are sure to sweep the floor off your feet. This vibrant and diverse city, often dubbed the “Second City” of the UK, welcomes over 45 million visitors annually to indulge in its rich history, thriving arts scene, and dynamic culinary landscape, making your Europe Tour Packages unforgettable.
From the adrenaline rush of the F1 Arcade to the charm of retro arcades perfect for dates, and the lively quiz nights at the oldest boozers in the city, Birmingham offers an array of activities for all interests.
Why Visit: These 15-acre gardens offer a lush retreat from the urban hustle. The gardens are home to four unique glasshouses that transport you through different climates, from the tropical rainforest to the Mediterranean.
Wander through the Japanese garden, home to bonsai trees and tranquil ponds, or relax on the expansive lawns. The gardens also host events and workshops throughout the year, making it a lively yet peaceful spots, making it one of the best places to visit in Birmingham.
Why Visit: Located in the picturesque village of Bournville, Cadbury World offers a delightful journey through the history of one of the world’s most beloved chocolate brands. Visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process, enjoy interactive exhibits, and indulge in free samples, making it one of the best activities to do in Birmingham.
Explore the fascinating origins of the cocoa bean, take a ride on the enchanting Cadabra ride, and meet the legendary Cadbury drumming gorilla!
But that’s not all – join Freddo and a lively cast of Cadbury characters as they take you on an exhilarating journey in the 4D Chocolate Adventure cinema experience with motion seats! Immerse yourself in a pool of liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk, thrill your senses on the Crunchie Rollercoaster, and soar through the skies in a Cadbury Creme Egg airship piloted by the Caramel Bunny. Visiting the Cadbury World is among the best things to do in Birmingham for adults and kids alike.
Why Visit: A short drive from Birmingham, Drayton Manor is one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, offering a mix of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and a well-maintained zoo. Highlights include the heart-pounding Shockwave roller coaster, the immersive Thomas Land for younger visitors, and the Dino Trail, where you can step back into the prehistoric era.
The park is a full-day experience, with plenty of dining options and seasonal events like fireworks displays and Christmas festivities. Visiting this place is one of the most fun things to do in Birmingham.
Why Visit: Aston Hall is a magnificent Jacobean mansion, one of the last great houses built in the Jacobean style, and among the historical Birmingham tourist attractions offering a siege during the English Civil War, and today, visitors can explore its beautifully restored interiors, which offer a glimpse into 17th-century life. The house is surrounded by lovely gardens and parkland, perfect for a relaxing stroll, making it one of the best activities in Birmingham.
Throughout the year, Aston Hall hosts various events, including ghost tours, historical reenactments, and family-friendly activities. Visiting this place with your family is one of the fun things to do in Birmingham.
Why Visit: The Birmingham Hippodrome is the city’s leading theatre, offering a diverse program that includes West End musicals, opera, ballet, and comedy. The venue is renowned for hosting touring productions, such as and , as well as performances by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, making it one of the top activities to do in Birmingham.
The theatre’s opulent interior adds to the experience, making it a top destination for an unforgettable night out. Visiting this place with your families is one of the fun things to do in Birmingham.
Why Visit: Visiting the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham is one of the most famous and fun things to do in Birmingham. It is an underwater wonderland, which is home to over 2,000 creatures, including sharks, turtles, and penguins, the centre provides an immersive experience for all ages.
The highlight is the 360-degree ocean tunnel, where you can walk through an underwater world surrounded by marine life. The centre is also involved in conservation efforts, offering educational talks and interactive exhibits that teach visitors about marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting our oceans, making it one of the best activities in Birmingham.
Why Visit: Thinktank is an award-winning science museum that brings science and technology to life through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Highlights include the Spitfire Gallery, which celebrates Birmingham’s role in producing this iconic aircraft, and the Science Garden, an outdoor space filled with giant exhibits demonstrating engineering principles. The museum also features a planetarium, where you can journey through space and time, making it a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
8. Edgbaston Cricket Ground
Entry Fee: Varies by event
Why Visit: Edgbaston Cricket Ground is one of the UK’s most famous cricket venues, hosting international matches, including Test matches, One Day Internationals, and T20s. The ground is also home to Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Whether you’re a cricket fan or just curious about the sport, attending a match at Edgbaston is an exhilarating experience.
The ground also offers tours, where you can explore behind the scenes, including the players’ dressing rooms and media centre. Visiting this ground is one of the best things to do in Birmingham.
Why Visit: Sarehole Mill is a working water mill with literary significance, as it inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s depiction of the Shire in . The mill is one of only two surviving water mills in Birmingham and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rural past. Visitors can see the mill in action, explore the surrounding woodlands, and learn about its history through interactive exhibits. The mill also hosts events such as baking workshops and craft fairs. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Birmingham.
Why Visit: The Birmingham Back to Backs are a rare surviving example of 19th-century working-class housing. These small, tightly packed houses were once common in Birmingham but have largely disappeared. Now preserved by the National Trust, the Back to Backs offer a fascinating insight into the lives of the city’s industrial workers. Guided tours take you through the restored houses, each decorated to reflect a different period in history, from the 1840s to the 1970s.
Why Visit: Symphony Hall is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and is one of the UK’s premier concert venues. It hosts a wide range of performances, from classical music and jazz to pop and rock concerts. The hall is home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, which performs regularly throughout the year. The venue itself is a marvel of modern design, with a grand auditorium and state-of-the-art facilities, making any visit a memorable experience. Visiting this place is one of the top things to do in Birmingham.
Why Visit: Winterbourne House and Garden is a beautifully preserved Edwardian house set within seven acres of tranquil gardens. The house is a rare example of an early 20th-century suburban villa, and its interiors have been lovingly restored to reflect the period. The gardens are a delight to explore, with winding paths, colourful flower beds, and a picturesque pond. Winterbourne also hosts a variety of events, including plant fairs, craft workshops, and guided tours.
Why Visit: The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is the UK’s largest events venue, hosting everything from trade shows and exhibitions to concerts and sporting events.
The NEC is located near Birmingham Airport, making it easily accessible from across the country. Events at the NEC range from popular consumer shows, such as the BBC Good Food Show and Crufts, to major music concerts. The venue’s size and versatility make it a key destination for large-scale events.
Why Visit: Soho House was the home of industrialist and entrepreneur Matthew Boulton, one of the most influential figures of the Industrial Revolution. The house is now a museum that explores Boulton’s life and work, as well as the social and political circles he was part of. It is among the top things to do in Birmingham for adults.
The house is beautifully preserved, with period furnishings and exhibits that bring the 18th century to life. The museum also features a gallery dedicated to the Lunar Society, a group of prominent thinkers and inventors who met at Soho House.There are plenty of museums in Birmingham that you can explore.
Entry Fee: Free (special exhibitions may have a fee)
Why Visit: Visiting the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) is one of the most famous and top things to do in Birmingham. The museum features exhibits on Birmingham’s industrial history, ancient artefacts, and decorative arts. The grandeur of the Victorian architecture and the richness of the exhibits make it a must-visit. Don’t miss the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
Why Visit: The Jewellery Quarter is one of Birmingham’s most historic districts, producing 40% of the UK’s jewellery. This area is steeped in tradition, with over 200 listed buildings and a thriving arts scene. Visit the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter to see how jewellery was made in the 19th century, or explore the many workshops and galleries that showcase modern designs.
The quarter is also home to several unique cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon. If you’re planning to spend the night out, consider staying at BLOC, which is close to the popular JQ nightclub. You can also check out Jam House for a lively atmosphere. For those looking for something even later and more energetic, the Actress & Bishop is where the energetic crowd gathers around 1am, with no plans for a quiet night. A visit to this place is one of the most famous things to do in Birmingham.
Why Visit: The Library of Birmingham is not just a repository of books; it’s an architectural icon. Opened in 2013, its striking design features a façade of interlocking circles, symbolising the city’s industrial past and future. Inside, you’ll find state-of-the-art facilities, including a massive Shakespeare Memorial Room, a rooftop garden with panoramic views of the city, and a spacious children’s library.
The library regularly hosts literary events, making it a cultural hub in the city. Going to this place is one of the best free things to do in Birmingham.
Why Visit: The Bullring & Grand Central is Birmingham’s premier shopping destination, known for its futuristic architecture and the iconic bronze Bull statue. With over 200 shops, including high-street names like Selfridges, Zara, and Apple, it’s a shopper’s paradise.
Grand Central, located above New Street Station, adds another layer of luxury shopping and dining options. Beyond shopping, the Bullring also features an array of restaurants and cafes, making it a great spot to relax after a day of retail therapy.
Why Visit: Cannon Hill Park is one of Birmingham’s largest and most beloved green spaces, renowned as one of the most unique free things to do in Birmingham. The park features boating lakes, a mini-golf course, tennis courts, and extensive walking and cycling paths. For children, there’s the MAC (Midlands Arts Centre), which offers arts and crafts workshops, performances, and a play area. The park also hosts outdoor events, such as music festivals and charity runs, making it a lively spot for both relaxation and recreation.
Why Visit: The Custard Factory, named after its original use as a custard production facility, is now Birmingham’s creative quarter. Located in the heart of Digbeth, this vibrant area is home to independent shops, cafes, galleries, and studios. It’s a hub for the city’s creative community, hosting events ranging from vintage markets and art exhibitions to live performances and street food festivals.
The Custard Factory’s colourful murals and quirky architecture make it a favourite spot for photographers and art lovers. Visiting this spot is undoubtedly one of the most famous things to do in Birmingham.
21. Birmingham Canals
Location: Various access points in Birmingham City Centre
Entry Fee: Free
Why Visit: Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice, and exploring these waterways is one of the best free things to do in Birmingham. You can take a leisurely walk along the towpaths, rent a boat for a self-guided tour, or join a guided canal cruise. The canals pass by many of Birmingham’s historic and modern landmarks, offering a unique perspective of the city. Stop off at Gas Street Basin, a picturesque area with waterside pubs and cafes, perfect for a relaxing break.
Why Visit: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is one of Birmingham’s hidden treasures, located on the University of Birmingham campus. The gallery houses an impressive collection of European art, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Botticelli. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed in the Art Deco style. The institute also hosts regular concerts, lectures, and workshops, making it a cultural hub in the city. Visiting this place is one of the amazing free things to do in Birmingham.
Why Visit: The Ikon Gallery is one of Birmingham’s leading contemporary art spaces, located in a beautifully restored Victorian building. The gallery features innovative exhibitions by artists from around the world, as well as a dynamic program of talks, workshops, and performances. The gallery shop offers a range of unique art books, prints, and gifts, and the on-site café is a great place to relax and reflect on the exhibitions.
Why Visit: The Lapworth Museum of Geology, located on the University of Birmingham campus, is one of the UK’s most outstanding geological museums. The museum’s collections include fossils, minerals, and rocks that tell the story of Earth’s history. Highlights include the remains of prehistoric sea creatures and an extensive collection of fossils from the West Midlands. The museum is both educational and visually stunning, with displays designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Why Visit: Gas Street Basin is the historic heart of Birmingham’s canal network, where old meets new in a picturesque setting. The basin is a vibrant area, with narrowboats moored alongside modern developments. It’s a great place to start a canal walk or simply enjoy the atmosphere at one of the waterside bars or restaurants. The area comes alive in the evening, making it a popular spot for nightlife. Gas Street Basin also hosts events throughout the year, including boat festivals and street food markets.
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Shrutika Parab
★★★★★
24 May 2024
“Thank you Team Wanderon for the amazing Ladakh Experience. Right from the point of making the bookings with Mr. Chakshu to the point of completion of the trip received amicable support.
“I did my first solo trip in India with WanderOn. Initially I was sceptical about their Meghalaya-Kaziranga trip as I didn't have any prior experience with them but the team assured me that it's going to be one of the best experiences of my life.
“In Ladakh, find the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and serenity. December last year I decided that my next trip would be Ladakh but didn’t know how to go about it. I knew I wanted to travel in a group, as I had prior experiences of traveling in a group but wanted an organiser I could trust. Ladakh isn’t like other destinations wherein you need some instructions due to the high altitudes.
“After an amazing trip to Tirthan with WanderOn, I decided to go to Manali-Jispa with them and yet again, the experience was worth every penny. The place was very beautiful and the quality of service was top-notch, the itinerary was very good and the quality of transportation and stays were very good. Had an awesome time there and made some good friends as well. Lastly, our trip captains Priyasha and Rachit managed the entire trip very well and were so fun and made our trip an experience worth remembering.
Birmingham is famous for its rich history and an extensive Canal system that surpasses Venice’s Network, and is also one of the youngest European cities.
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What are the best free things to do in Birmingham?
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What nightlife experiences are popular in Birmingham?
