Location: Birmingham
Top Things to do in Birmingham
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Birmingham That You Shouldn't Miss
The geographical heart of England, Birmingham started life as a sixth- century Anglo-Saxon village. Today, much of this city of over a million dates back to post-WWII redevelopment in the 1950s and 60s. Cutting edge museums and galleries, innovative theaters and excellent shopping have contributed to Birmingham's appeal as a weekend break destination. Don't miss the hopping bars and cafes of Gas Street Basin or the fascinating creatures at the National Sea Life Centre.
Restaurants in Birmingham
1. Hall Green Little Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By sonamk739 - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Delighted to have discovered this local and low-key theatre run by locals. Have watched two shows here and enjoyed both. The cast's performance was superb and the small cosy nature added to the intimant and pleasant experience. Definitely reccomend a visit!
2. Birmingham Back to Backs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,664 reviews
Reviewed By lesh244 - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Finally got around to booking (essential) in for the tour and was not disappointed, the rooms are so small that only a few people can be accommodated on each tour! Our guide was well informed and gave a very humourous guided tour During the 90 minute tour there are lots of narrow doorways and steep stairs, both up and down, to negotiate so you do need to be able bodied You are introduced to the ever changing history of the properties and its occupants with fascinating description of their lives and businesses There are lots of objects to see and handle to help you get a fuller picture of life in the back to back housing of the times There is a small museum to view and a visit to the sweet shop on the corner is an absolute must Please make sure to book so as not to be dissapointed when you are turned away, as all tours are fully booked, if you turn up on spec!
3. Birmingham Oratory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By stephencU9837NC - Mount Pleasant, United States
After having attended the Canonization Mass for St. John Henry Newman (and 4 other new saints) in St. Peter's Square, Rome, I had the great pleasure to attend a Pontifical Solemn High Mass in thanksgiving for the founder's Canonization a few days previous. Everything was in Latin, with beautiful music (both Gregorian chant and polyphony) with the congregation joining with the choir for some parts of the Mass. The church was standing room only with many civic leaders present in preferred seating. It was stunning visually and otherwise totally inspiring.
4. Flatout Factory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 233 reviews
The Flatout Factory drift team runs a drift academy based in Birmingham Wheels Park. Here you can come down and take an exciting passenger ride around the track with a professional drift driver in a competition drift car or even book lessons to learn yourself!!
Reviewed By J_H1905 - Worcester, United Kingdom
As a Christmas present, my brother and I were given a voucher for the Pro-drift academy 3hr taster session. What great fun! The staff were very friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Driving time in the cars was just about right for the session and facilities good. Would recommend to anyone interested in a taster for motorsport or group activities.
5. Blue Orange Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
The Blue Orange Theatre is a 110 seat theatre situated within the historically beautiful Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. There is a Bar for drinks and snacks before and after the show and an onsite rehearsal studio available for hire. Plays, musicals, pantomime, comedy and music are all on offer with theatre hire also available too. Managed by JW Theatres from September 2019. Please get in touch with our team if you have an enquiry as they would be happy to help.
Reviewed By Quest11049617092
We visited the Blue Orange Theatre to see "The house of the Baskervilles". (which I might add was a very funny production and I highly recommend it). The theatre itself is a lovely place to go. There is a little area at the front where you are able to get a drink, or coffee if preferred. The auditorium is great with seats gently staggered so that every one is able to view the stage. It is refreshing to visit the "smaller" theatre's. It is a lot friendlier with people a lot more inclined to interact with one another. I very much enjoyed my visit there and will definitely be going again. Well worth a visit.
6. J. W. Evans Silver Factory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By PurpleHogwarts
I would say that J W Evans is for certain an unknown gem and an historical site like no other. In fact the moment you walk through the front door into what looks like an unassuming, normal a Victorian house from street there is nothing to prepare you for what is inside. Very similar to what other reviewers have said this place is a time capsule to the past silver and metal industry that was prominent in the industrial heyday of Birmingham and the Jewellery Quarter. It is preserved as a unique time capsule due to how the Evans family sold the factory to English Heritage. Speaking of English Heritage our tour group was given a lovely warm welcome by both staff and volunteers alike and it is truly the volunteer guides that brought the empty factory back to life for us through their knowledge. Yes you can only visit this place by booking a tour, but once you visit you can understand why! Through touring we were shown the science behind the process of how their products were made and how the J W Evans brand got established which in turn gave us the history of family and the workers who made it all possible. To book a guided tour which is the only way to do it and to find out touring dates the J W Evans page on the English Heritage website is pretty easy. The tour took around 1 and half hours, but time soon flew for us! I also recommend doing what we did and pairing it with the Coffin Works museum, which is also located in the Jewellery Quarter, as the two museums and their history with silver work meant the two complimented each other.
7. Escape Live - Birmingham
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,313 reviews
Escape Live is Birmingham's premier live escape game for groups of 2-6 people. You have 60 minutes to complete a mountain of puzzles and mysteries. The aim is simple: get out... before it's too late.
Reviewed By Rsturbo1976
Just came back from this, first escape room that me and my party had done. Had great fun, staff very friendly and enthusiastic nice to see a old building being put to good use, big thanks to Liv very friendly bubbly character excellent all round, We shall return for time machine.
8. Brum Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 759 reviews
With expert historian and raconteur Dr Carl Chinn overseeing our guides, you'll know that you will be in for an entertaining and informative ride on a BrumTour. All kinds of tours of Birmingham are available for you and your family - kids included - to get the most out of this fantastic city. Whatever it is you're interested in, you're sure to be able to find the tour that's right for you. From tours that fascinate such as the Jewellery Quarter tour to tours that keep you fit as well as informed such as the Broad Street Walking tour, BrumTours are in the process of creating the most comprehensive list of tours to showcase this amazing city that we're all so proud of. Watch this space to see the ever-growing list of tours that are being pulled together using Dr Carl Chinn's unparalleled knowledge of the city and its history. From history and literary tours to canal tours, you will be able to get under the skin of the city to see what makes it tick and what makes people talk.
9. Clue HQ - The Live Escape Game
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,048 reviews
Clue HQ Birmingham is a Escape Game/Entertainment Centre. We have 9 great live escape games to breakout from. Cell Block C, A-I-9, The Betrayal of Cluetankhamun, The Hellevator, Captain Riddle's Forgotten Fortune, The Legend of Miyalock: Forbidden Magic and Core: Reactor A,B &C, which are three identical games perfect for racing against another team! Each room has their own storyline which is explained to you on entry. After being locked in the room we put 60 minutes on the clock. You try to escape the room solving a set of puzzles, clues, finding keys as a team of up to 6 players. Will you get out in time?
Reviewed By Destination108207
Went to the escape rooms on a hen party. We split into 3 teams, two teams were successful one not but all said they really enjoyed it and would return. Have to give a special shout out to the staff who were really friendly and helpful, especially with clues!! Would definitely recommend it's great fun and that hour goes so quickly! Thanks ClueHQ we will return.
10. Real Birmingham - Free Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 115 reviews
Discover the unique history and culture of England's second city on a fun, friendly and free walking tour. From the birth of heavy metal to the city's rise as the 'workshop of the world' - get an unrivalled insight into one of the UK's most misunderstood cities. MEETING POINT - Queen Victoria Statue, Victoria Square MEETING TIME - 10:30am DATES - Selected Saturday DURATION - 2 Hours Check our website for dates! NO NEED TO BOOK - JUST TURN UP! Look for the orange sweatshirts! WHO ARE WE? REAL BIRMINGHAM is an exciting, new and not for profit organisation. We rely solely on your kind tips and donations to achieve two aims: * To raise money for local charities * To give visitors a great experience of Birmingham
