Alternative Birmingham

Tired of doing all the typical tourist things? Why not try an activity on this list that is unique to Birmingham?

Cannon Hill Park

Go for a walk at Cannon Hill Park. You can ride the paddle boats, play tennis, have a picnic, or check out the award-winning tulips.

The Mac

Catch an independent movie, performance, art show or exhibit at The Mac Theatre, located at Cannon Hill Park.

Ozzy Osborne’s House

Are you a Black Sabbath or The Osbournes fan? The childhood home of Ozzy Osborne is located in Aston, a ten minute bus ride from Birmingham city centre. Go see where it all began.

City Centre Canal Rides

Interested in seeing Birmingham city centre by water? Did you know Birmingham is home to more canals than anywhere else in the UK, or even Venice, Italy? Trips leave from the wharf on the canal side of the ICC & Symphony Hall.

Charity shopping

Go charity store shopping in Harborne, a great little leafy suburb of Birmingham. The Harborne High Street is filled with charity shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs. The best part is that the money spent at the stores goes back to supporting the local charities.

Greasy Late Night Food

Grab breakfast at Birmingham’s well-known Mr. Egg Café on Hurst Street. A favourite haunt of local Brummies for cheap, tasty food that’s open until late, and perfect for when you are coming home after the pub! Don't forget to look for the giant egg on the ceiling!

The Gay Quarter on Hurst Street

Dance the night away at one of the many exciting dance clubs like The Village or Subway City located in Birmingham’s Gay Quarter. 

Edwardian Swimming Experience

Enjoy a swim in the famous Moseley Road Baths. Housed in one of the city’s best preserved Edwardian buildings. It dates from 1907 and is the only Edwardian public swimming pool still in existence in the UK.

Lord of the Rings Trail

Go on the trail of Lord of the Rings author J.R.R Tolkien, who based many places in his books like the Shire, the Old Forest, Minas Morgul and Minas Tirith, on childhood memories from time spent in Birmingham at places like Sarehole Mill, the Moseley Bogs, and the Waterworks in Edgbaston.

The Electric Cinema

Catch a movie at the UK’s oldest working cinema, The Electric. The experience comes complete with soft sofas, waiter service, and the ability to text in your orders to the bar. This is one of Birmingham’s only independent cinemas and make sure to get your tickets early for the couches because they go fast.

St. Philip’s Cathedral

Eat lunch in a graveyard. St. Philip’s, the Anglican Cathedral of Birmingham, dates from 1715 and dominates the city centre landscape from Colmore Row. It’s a popular spot for enjoying a packed lunch on a sunny day or indulging in a little people-watching.

The Balti Triangle

Birmingham is famous for its balti, a Kashmiri dish cooked over a high flame containing spices, meat and vegetables.  These meals are quite cheap and available at most of its Indian Restaurants. The best place for the full experience, however, is in the Balti Triangle, located in Birmingham's South-East.

Steam Train to Stratford

Enjoy a blast to the past - take the Shakespeare Express, an old-fashioned steam train, to Stratford-upon-Avon. Trips run on summer Sundays and, for a little extra, include a full English breakfast or high tea while onboard.

Sunday Bargains at the Car Boot Sale

Hunt for bargains at the weekly Sunday Car Boot Sale held at the Wholesale Market Precinct on Pershore Road from 6am-to 1pm. This market offers loads of different new and used items for purchase like furniture, dvds, games, books and a whole lot in between.

Bohemian Jukebox in Moseley

Catch an up and coming song writer perform at the popular “Bohemian Jukebox” night at The Bull’s Head in Moseley, Birmingham. Moseley is one of the trendy, artistic areas of Birmingham.

The Old Crown Pub

The Old Crown on the Digbeth High Street is thought to be the oldest surviving building in the city centre. With part of the building dating back to 1368, it has recently been renovated and is a nice place to have a meal and enjoy a quiet pint.

The Custard Factory

Orignally housing the old Bird's Custard Factory, the building was taken over in the early 90's with promises to house creative and media talents. these days the this area filled with galleries, bars, retro shops, and restaurants. And once the day is done it transforms, playing host to The Factory Club, Medicine Bar and Air Nightclub which houses Godskitchen and many famous dj nights.

Teamworks Karting

Home to the fastest indoor go-karts in the UK, Teamworks offers a fun and exciting 750 meter track to race on. They offer a variety of races to participate in, meaning you will get to pick what best suits you. With prices ranging from £22-£55 per person it can be a bit on the expensive side, but it's also a great deal of fun.

Vintage

Go retro shopping at Vintage Clothing store on the Digbeth High Street. Offering the best in vintage resale, get top bargains on major labels at discount prices.

Paint Ball

With nearby sites to choose from in Stafford, Wolverhampton and Redditch, paintball could be right up your alley. Why not book an adventure that you and your friends won't soon forget? The Ministry of Paintball office is around the corner on the Digbeth High Street.

Warstone Lane and Key Hill Cemeteries

Go for a walk amongst the gravestones. Warstones is home to such illustrious personages as John Baskerville, the famous printer, font-founder and athiest (it's quite a story how he ended up there). Key Hill boasts Joseph Chamberlain, the mayor who started the process of turning Birmingham into a modern city and father of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, and Arthur Bird, inventor of eggless custard.

Sunflower Lounge

This venue is a great place to grab a drink and people watch.  With a 1960's mod theme to it and many patrons who dress the part, Sunflower Lounge is the hip place to hang out if you are into rock and indie music. Live bands and a decent selection of drinks make this place worth a visit.