What are the top things to do in Birmingham? Discover the best attractions near Aston, Birmingham, recommended by the self-storage experts at The Self Storage Company. From Cadbury World to the historic Jewellery Quarter, you’ll find fun things to do in the West Midlands, whatever your age!

Uncover City Centre Gems

Birmingham’s city centre is a dynamic hub offering shopping, dining, and culture! Birmingham boasts over a thousand shops, from high-end fashion to unique local boutiques, museums and art galleries to explore. 

Bullring & Grand Central

Nestled above New Street railway station, Grand Central is a shopper’s paradise and a gourmet’s delight. With a plethora of high street brands, diverse dining options, and a prime location that marries transport with shopping and dining, it’s a must-visit spot on any Birmingham city tour.

Colmore Business District

Moving from shopping to business, let’s step into the Colmore Business District. This district is a unique blend of Victorian and modern architecture, housing professional and financial services firms. But it’s not all work here. The district is also a foodie’s delight, offering everything from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, including the stunning views from Orelle.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

No visit to Birmingham city centre would be complete without a stop at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, one of the must-see Birmingham museums. Boasting the world’s largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings, this museum is a treasure trove of historical and artistic gems from the 13th century to contemporary works. Don’t miss the Shakespeare Memorial Room while you’re there. Don’t forget to grab a piece of cake at the Edwardian Tea Room after exploring the engaging exhibits.

Birmingham Royal Ballet

The Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the foremost ballet companies in the UK. The UK’s premiere ballet company continues to produce innovative performances of both classical and contemporary works, touring extensively while maintaining its home at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Embrace Nature at Birmingham’s Parks

As well as busy city streets, Birmingham has plenty of outdoor space and nature attractions. From the serene Birmingham Botanical Gardens to the ancient trees that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Shire’ in ‘The Lord of the Rings’, these green spaces are perfect for a relaxing retreat. 

Cannon Hill Park

At Cannon Hill Park, recreational activities abound. Whether you fancy sailing on the lake with pedalo boats in the summer, playing a game of tennis on the floodlit courts, or enjoying a round of mini-golf, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. The park also boasts two playgrounds, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, and a mini fun fair for the little ones.

Sutton Park

Next up is Sutton Park, an oasis of outdoor activities. With a variety of paths and bridleways perfect for jogging, walking, cycling, and horse riding, water-based activities like sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing at Powell’s Pool and Blackroot Pool, and amenities offering food and refreshments, it’s the perfect spot for a family day out.

Moseley Bog

For a tranquil retreat, make your way to Moseley Bog and Joy’s Wood. This nature reserve, once the childhood playground of famed author J.R.R. Tolkien offers ancient trees and fantastic displays of bluebells in the spring.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Spanning 15 acres, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful urban oasis. Wander curving pathways past streams, rock gardens, and thousands of plant species from around the world clustered in themed gardens like the Japanese Garden. Don’t miss the Tropical House, home to exotic butterflies and tropical trees and flowers that bloom even in the cold West Midlands winters.

Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Attractions

Keen on enjoying delightful family-friendly activities? There are loads of fun things to do in Birmingham. From the chocolatey delights to the enchanting butterfly house at the Botanical Gardens, there’s something for everyone.

Cadbury World

Who doesn’t love chocolate? At Cadbury World, you can journey through the history of cocoa and chocolate-making, experience a 4D chocolate adventure, and even browse the world’s biggest Cadbury store. It’s a sweet treat for the whole family.

Legoland Discovery Centre

From sweet treats to Lego bricks, the fun continues at the Legoland Discovery Centre. Offering eight family attractions including Merlin’s Apprentice and the interactive Kingdom Quest ride adventure, it’s a place where imaginations can run wild.

National Sea Life Centre 

Next, dive into an underwater world at the National Sea Life Centre. With a 360° Ocean Tunnel allowing you to marvel at sharks, a giant turtle, and other marine life, and interactive experiences like a shark dive, it’s an aquatic adventure you won’t want to miss.

Explore The Rich History of Birmingham

Having experienced all that amusement, let’s now journey into the city’s intriguing past. From the elegance of Aston Hall to the unique Back-to-Back Houses and the historic Jewellery Quarter, the city’s past is as fascinating as its present.

Jewellery Quarter

Start your historic journey in the Jewellery Quarter, a district with a history dating back over 250 years. Today, it remains the largest concentration of jewellery businesses in Europe, and its museums and independent boutiques offer a glimpse into the past and present of this important industry.

Back-to-Back Houses

Next, step into the Birmingham Back to Backs. These unique houses, built quickly and cheaply in the 1830s, offer a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life of local residents over two centuries. It’s a journey back in time you won’t forget.

Black Country Living Museum (Dudley, West Midlands)

Finally, make your way to the Black Country Living Museum. A testament to the region’s industrial past, it offers a unique insight into life in the West Midlands during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. With its ongoing preservation efforts, it’s a living piece of history in the heart of Birmingham. Don’t forget to also visit the National Motorcycle Museum, another fascinating attraction in the area.

Get Active: Outdoor Adventures and Sports

There’s also plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventures and sports in Birmingham and the West Midlands. 

Edgbaston Cricket Ground

The first stop is Edgbaston Cricket Ground, home to the Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Known for hosting world-class cricket matches, it offers a behind-the-scenes tour that lets you delve into the sport and explore the iconic venue. It’s a must-visit for cricket enthusiasts.

Bear Grylls Adventure

Next, challenge yourself at the Bear Grylls Adventure. Offering eleven unique experiences designed to challenge you physically and mentally, it’s a place where you can push your boundaries and overcome your fears.

Running Tours

Finally, why not explore Birmingham on the run? With guided city tours offering distances from 5km to 11km, it’s a unique way to see the sights and get a workout at the same time. And if you prefer a more leisurely pace, the city’s attractions are just a short walk away.

Artistic Expression: Birmingham’s Creative Spaces

Eager to ignite your artistic spirit? Birmingham is buzzing with artistic spaces, from creative hubs to contemporary art spaces and the vibrant street art scene. Discover these cultural things to do in Birmingham! 

Custard Factory

Step into a central hub for creatives and independent businesses. With a variety of galleries and studios to explore, it’s a place where art comes to life.

Ikon Gallery

Next, visit the Ikon Gallery, located near the National Exhibition Centre. Showcasing contemporary art from around the world, it offers free admission and educational opportunities, making contemporary art accessible to all.

Pen Museum

Finally, make a stop at the Pen Museum. Celebrating Birmingham’s industrial heritage, it offers a unique insight into the city’s significant role in pen manufacturing. With interactive activities, it’s not just a museum, but a hands-on learning experience.

The Self Storage Company in Aston, Birmingham

So whether you’re a history buff, foodie, art enthusiast, or outdoor adventurer, there are plenty of things to do in Birmingham. The West Midlands is also home to The Self Storage Company, a self-storage facility in Aston, Birmingham. We offer industry-leading self-storage services at competitive prices. Contact our team of self-storage experts for a home or business storage solution, today!