What to Do in Birmingham This Summer
The summer holidays are just around the corner, and you’ll undoubtedly be keen to get exploring more of what’s on offer in the UK’s second city, Birmingham.
If you’re questioning what to do in Birmingham this summer, be assured that there is lots to see and do.
We’ve compiled a list of our most recommended activities to enjoy as a student in the West Midlands.
1. The National Sea Life Centre
The National Sea Life Centre is incredible, and will easily capture your imagination, making you into a big kid full of wonder and awe.
In a corridor with a glass ceiling, pass below the giant tanks which contain jellyfish, nurse sharks, octopi and Black Tip Reef sharks.
Then move onto the Antarctic landscape feature and meet the cheeky Gentoo penguins. If you pay a VIP fee, you can get to feed them, and you’ll get collectables and photo packs as souvenirs of the experience.
2. Beer Gardens in Birmingham
It’s not often that we in the UK get enough sunshine to be able to sit outside in the open air on a terrace with a cold beer in hand. But when the opportunity arises, we certainly take advantage!
One of the best that we know of is the Red Lion in the scenic Jewellery Quarter. Not only does it have all the usual pub stuff - wooden tables, pub grub, local draft ales, and plush leather seats. It also boasts contemporary art pieces by Banksy and Nick Walker to name just two.
In the back there’s a secluded beer garden with a quaint atmosphere where you can enjoy the football, local ales and international beers.
3. Peaky Blinders Escape Room
If you’re a fan of Peaky Blinders then you will absolutely love this experience!
Viewers will know that the super popular TV series is set in Birmingham, so what better way to make memories here than by immersing yourself in the world of the Shelbys?
There are two options for escape room themes. You’ll either get to help Tommy Shelby to thwart his enemies by looking for evidence of treachery, or by hiding incriminating evidence before his foes arrive at the scene.
A great way to spend the day with friends on a showery summers’ day.
4. Go to the Secret Beach
On a hot summer’s day there’s nothing better than heading down to the beach and soaking up the sun.
Well, would you believe that that is possible in Birmingham?
Believe it!
There’s a secret beach - the Blue Lagoon Beach -that opened up at Bosworth Water Park, near Birmingham!
It’s existed since 2015 and boasts that it is ‘bringing the seaside inland’.
With golden sands and clear waters, it gives the costa del sol a run for its money!
So if you’re not sure what to do in Birmingham this summer, fear not. There’s plenty of activities to participate in here if you want to mix it up a bit. You can play crazy golf, go kayaking, sailing, fishing, ride a pedalo, and indulge in an ice cream!
5. Villa Park stadium tour
Football fans should know what to do in Birmingham this summer - take a tour of the Villa Park stadium, of course!!
While away a couple of hours visiting the dressing rooms of the Aston Villa team, or stepping out onto hallowed turf.
A mere 2 miles outside Birmingham city centre, and one of English football’s most historic venues, this tour perfectly showcases the minor and major details of the club’s proud history.
You can walk through the players’ tunnel and emerge onto the pitch, sit in the manager’s seat on the bench, and soak up the electric atmosphere of the 42,640 capacity stadium.
Led by extremely informative tour guides, you’ll get access to areas that are normally restricted to players and officials.
6. Take the Shakespeare Express
Birmingham is not far away from the birthplace of the bard, and what better way to celebrate his legacy to Britain than by boarding another great British institution, the steam train, to his home?
These days only a handful of steam railways still exist, and this one is one of the most famous and beautiful that exist.
You can take the train on Sundays from Birmingham Snow Hill to Stratford Upon Avon, Shakespeare country, set in the gorgeous Warwickshire countryside.
Your jaw will drop as you take in working farms, quaint villages, stations and waterways while savouring either a full English breakfast or a traditional roast dinner (depending on the time of day, of course).
They also serve high tea in the afternoon as well as wine, soft drinks and alcohol.
On the way home you’ll be living a Midsummer Night’s Dream!
7. Open Air Cinema
Make the most of the warm summer nights by taking a trip to the Open Air Cinema in Birmingham Botanical gardens.
In the 15 acre Edgbaston attraction you can watch a range of films from old classics to more recent award winning films.
There’s a big screen on the lawn of the gardens, where you can revel in the beautiful surroundings with its stunning glasshouses and dazzling flower displays.
Many people bring along their own food in the form of a picnic, snacks and drinks, but if you don’t fancy that there’s a bar stocked with prosecco, craft beers and popcorn, as well as hot and cold food.
There’s even premium seating options, double deckchairs, and a giant sofa.
8. Cadbury World
Calling all chocoholics!
Cadbury is the most famous producer of British chocolate, so a day out at Cadbury World is the perfect place to pay homage to these great British confectioners.
The day is a total adventure, starting with a 4D cinema experience where you’ll dive into a bowl of liquid chocolate milk, brave the Crunchie rollercoaster and fly in a creme egg airship with the caramel bunny as pilot!
You’ll learn about what goes into the art of making Cadbury chocolate so delicious, you’ll go all the way to the Aztec jungle to discover the origins of the cocoa bean, and you’ll take a live tour guided by an actor playing John Cadbury, the Victorian founder of Cadbury.
On the way out you’ll surely be tempted to buy some yummy treats from the Cadbury World cafe and the world’s biggest Cadbury shop!
9. Cannon Hill Park
Not sure what to do in Birmingham this summer on the sunnier days?
There are several options if you fancy a day out in nature.
One great option is Cannon Hill Park. This recreational park has become a tourist attraction for its beauty. It was specifically designed for recreational purposes, unlike most other large public parks.
Covering 80 acres of parkland, it’s surrounded by 120 acres of woodland and conservation areas where you can spot frogs and hedgehogs.
There are pedalo boats on the lake in the summer, and tea rooms where you can take refuge if a summer shower suddenly springs up.
10. Sheldon Country Park
Alternatively, if you fancy going for a longer walk, then check out Sheldon Country Park.
The park consists of 300 acres of open grasslands and wetlands surrounded by old woodland and hedgerows.
There are numerous rambling trails, of varying lengths designed to suit different needs and levels of fitness.
Stop by the 17th century Old Rectory Farm at the entrance of the park, where you’ll be able to see the demonstration farm which teaches visitors about traditional farming methods.
You’ll also see Jersey cattle, ponies, goats, pigs, ducks and chickens.
It makes for a lovely day out!
There you have it. Now you know what to do in Birmingham this summer! You’ll surely come home to your Yugo student residence in Birmingham brimming with anecdotes, memories and a phone full of gorgeous photos to make you the envy of all your friends!