Five of the best things to do in Birmingham
Looking for things to do in Birmingham? We may have a suggestion… or five. And who better to ask than the city’s favourite pub landlords?
Whether you’re coming with the little ones, looking for a budget-friendly recommendation, seeking adventure, or want to experience the real Brum, we know exactly where to go. And exactly where you should end up afterwards – at one of our pubs.
You share your stories and we’ll share ours. Sounds like a deal? Cool, here’s our top five best things to do in Birmingham.
Whether you’re coming with the little ones, looking for a budget-friendly recommendation, seeking adventure, or want to experience the real Brum, we know exactly where to go. And exactly where you should end up afterwards – at one of our pubs.
You share your stories and we’ll share ours. Sounds like a deal? Cool, here’s our top five best things to do in Birmingham.
1. Cadbury World
If we could put attractions on our fridge like proud parents, Cadbury World would be front and centre (and overflowing in the fridge itself).The home of Cadbury chocolate, it describes itself as ‘a fun day out with the kids’, but really, it’s for anyone who has a sweet tooth.
You’ll learn how Cadbury’s chocolate is made, have a go at tempering or piping your own chocolate, discover the origins of the Cocoa bean, make your own custom creation, experience the 4D Chocolate adventure cinema and loads more. There’s even a classic British Afternoon Tea experience with a chocolatey twist, which is even better than it sounds.
It’s one of the most fun things to do in Birmingham, and if you find you have a sugar crash afterwards, our pub lunches have been known to sort that right out.
2. National SEA LIFE Centre
The National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham is a place of firsts and onlys. It’s home to the UK’s first sea otters, Ozzy and Ola. It has the UK’s only 360° Ocean Tunnel, where you can marvel at sharks, rays and hundreds of tropical fish swimming overhead and underneath.And we’re hoping this never happens again, but it’s also the residence of Mo, a giant green sea turtle, who was rescued at Heathrow Airport from a lady who was trying to smuggle him in via her handbag! He turned 40 in 2016 during the year of the centre’s 20th anniversary and has been in residence since it opened in 1996.
These are just a few of the things that make this attraction so special, but it has dozens more. From its conservation efforts to its aquarium zones and events, it makes for a truly memorable day.
And while we’re on the subject of perks, our pub the Malt House is right down the road – perfect for when you want to fill up on delicious pub food and a couple of expertly brewed beers.
3. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
If you’re on a budget, this one’s for you. Located in the heart of the city centre, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is one of the city’s most adored cultural landmarks and is a great place to visit if you’re interested in the evolution of Birmingham itself.It recently underwent a £5m revamp that included improvements to the Grade II*-listed building’s heating, electrics, lifts and roofing. But it also comes with new exhibitions, including the Made in Birmingham display, which ”explores some of the people, places and things which make the city what it is", the museum said.
Featuring the giant logo from the now-demolished HP Sauce factory, a sign from the Eagle & Tun pub (which featured in UB40’s Red Red Wine music video), and vintage advertising signage from Bird’s Custard, it showcases the very things that make anyone proud to be Brummie.
Plus, admission is completely free, and you can stop by and tell us all about it at the Cat & Fiddle, as this pub’s just down the road. Complement your cultural odyssey with traditional British pub classics, craft beers and more.
4. F1 Arcade Birmingham
Ready for one of the best things to do in Birmingham? F1 Arcade Birmingham is the world’s first official Formula 1 simulator racing experience to put socialising at its core. In other words, “you eat, you drink, you race, you earn.” And it’s epic.The main attraction is obviously the state-of-the-art F1 simulators, which use motion-capture technology, immersive graphics, and live-timing data to create a highly realistic driving experience. The social aspect comes in with you being able to race in teams or against each other, testing your skills on some of the most iconic F1 circuits from around the world.
But there are tons of other things on offer, from in-venue games to world-class food to parties and DJs. The perfect formula for an adrenaline-filled day out.
And if sports are your thing, our pubs in Birmingham are proud to offer live sport. And you can find your nearest sports pub in just a few moments.
5. Library of Birmingham
It might seem weird to put a library in our list of the top five best things to do in Birmingham, but this isn’t your average library.For one, it’s the largest public library in Europe, housing over a million books on its shelves. For another, it holds the second largest Shakespeare collection in the world. And for three more, it has a rooftop garden, outdoor Amphitheatre, and Book Rotunda at its heart – and we haven’t even scratched the surface of its architecture.
But the Library of Birmingham isn’t just a place for reading. It’s also a cultural venue for the community that hosts a wide range of events, including exhibitions, talks, workshops, and performances.
And since opening in 2013, it’s quickly become an emblem of both the city's cultural heritage and its aspirations for the future. A must-visit for anyone in the area. And if you do grab a book, feel free to read it at the Bear Tavern, which is a short drive away.