Fun Things To Do In Birmingham

• Location: 13 Temple Street, Birmingham City Centre, B2 5BN
• Price: frrom £33 per person
• Best for: getting competitive over a boozy game of darts
• Activity type: competitive, boozy, group
• Why we recommend: this brunch special is heaps of fun when booking for a stag or hen do, date activity, or simply a weekend get together with your friends. It's just the right amount of competitive, and the pizza is delicious too 

If you're on the hunt for things to do in Birmingham city centre, Flight Club's Brunch Social is a brilliant shout. While getting competitive over a few rounds of darts (which is an extra high-tech version of the sport thanks to fun mini-games, electronic scoring and action replays), you'll get to chow down on unlimited wood-fired pizzas while washing down a whole bottle of fizz (all to yourself).

So, gather your mates and book your spot for a Saturday or Sunday from £33 per person. Or if you fancy something a little more casual, you can book by the hour at any other time of the week, minus the drinks.

• Location: New Street, Birmingham City Centre, B2 4PX (starting point)
• Price: from £19.99 for a group of two
• Best for: exploring the city while working as a team
• Activity type: group, outdoor, challenge
• Why we recommend: we think that this is a brilliant way to explore the city on foot while learning about its history along the way. It makes for a great team building acitivty when the weather's playing ball

For a unique take on walking tours, check out The Great Game Treasure Hunt. While exploring through various iconic landmarks and solving clues, you'll uncover the hidden history and fun little titbits about the iconic city.

It's the perfect immersive outdoor activity to do with friends or family. What's more, you'll be rewarded 20% off your total food and drink bill at the 'treasure spot' (also known as, the pub) for completing the challenge.

• Location: Unit MK9, Grand Central, Birmingham City Centre, B2 4BQ
• Price: from £27.95 per person
• Best for: learning a new culinary skill
• Activity type: food, masterclass
• Why we recommend: it's a brilliant alternative to a standard dinner date; this masterclass leaves you with full stomachs and a brand-new kitchen skill to show off at home

YO! Sushi School is coming up trumps when it comes to fun team-building activities and quirky date nights. You'll get to learn about the history of sushi while practising your knife-cutting skills and creating a few California rolls yourself.

Plus, you can snack on gyozas and edamame throughout the cracking experience, as well as an arrival drink of choice, all of which you'll find at the Grand Central location in Birmingham. 

• Location: multiple venues 
• Price: tickets often from £19.80 per person
• Best for: bottomless brunches and lively performances
• Activity type: boozy, events, musical
• Why we recommend: if you're looking for a quiet sit-down brunch, then you've come to the wrong place with these guys, as they're all about five-hour daylight raves packed with incredible crowds

Taste + Liquor is teaming up with several different venues across Birmingham to bring you a series of R&B, Garage, Afrobeats, 00s and 90s brunches.

Throw shapes to five hours of chart-topping tunes from your chosen genre, with one hour of bottomless rum punch (if you get there as soon as it starts) included in your ticket price as well, which is around £19.80 per person. So, prepare to sing along to all your favourites from Faith Adams to Beyonce and more.

• Location: Birmingham Bullring, Upper Mall West, Birmingham City Centre, B5 4BG
• Price: from £13 per adult, for one course
• Best for: quirky golfing in a colourful venue
• Activity type: competitive, group, couples
• Why we recommend: open until 10pm and completely undercover, it's a fantastic, stress-free spot to start a night out or keep the kids entertained during a shopping trip

Treetop Adventure Golf is a fantastic shout when it comes to activities for families or friends. Grab the gang and work your way through this quirky 18-hole miniature course that's jungle-themed (and don't forget about the 19th bonus hole either).

Follow this up with a visit to The Market, where you can fill up on pizzas and garlic bread from Cabana. And at the Jungle Buzz Café, you'll find cocktails like the monkey mojito and the Stoli vanilla vodka-based Bamboo Cooler.

• Location: Unit 12, The Burlington, Birmingham City Centre, B2 4BL
• Price: from around £39 per person (for bottomless brunches)
• Best for: drag brunches complete with iconic tunes
• Activity type: boozy, group, events
• Why we recommend: dedicated to Josephine de Beauharnais (the original 19th-century party girl), it's Birmingham's most unashamedly pink cocktail bar, and with its unapologetic pink aesthetic and fiercely fun atmosphere, it is the ultimate destination for hen parties and birthday celebrations.

Along with pretty interiors and quirky cocktails, Tonight Josephine is also jam-packed with a mix of girl power events to match the pink-tastic interiors. We're talking bottomless brunches with everything from burlesque to drag queens and pop icons or Mamma Mia themes - topped off by 90 minutes of unlimited drinks to fuel the fun.

And on the menu? Dig into the likes of buttermilk chicken Caesar salads, buttermilk chicken burgers and buns filled with roast sweet potato and grilled halloumi, all accompanied by fizz and porn star martinis. 

• Location: Unit 25A Grand Central Shopping Centre, Stephenson Place, Birmingham City Centre, B2 4BF
• Price: from £25 per person
• Best for: entering a whole new virtual world
• Activity type: VR, group, team building
• Why we recommend: it's easy to get lost in the adventures here, as it's a Hollywood-grade, full-body experience complete with haptic suits that let you actually feel the action

Sandbox VR is home to plenty of things to do in Birmingham today, for example, a casual bit of alternate universe jumping. You can explore eight different virtual worlds created by EA, Sony, and Ubisoft at this venue, where you will be fully immersed in free-roam virtual reality via Hollywood motion capture cameras, 3D precision body trackers and haptic suits.

Book for your group of friends, or hire out the venue for larger events. What's more, you can also grab a cocktail from the robot bartender - yes, really. 

• Location: Two Chamberlain Square, Birmingham City Centre, B3 3AX
• Price: from £15.95 per person (off-peak)
• Best for: zipping around a virtual racetrack in an immersive driving experience
• Activity type: competitive, gaming
• Why we recommend: featuring official, bespoke motion-simulators, it delivers all the glamour and excitement of a real Grand Prix weekend. We think it's really fun visiting as a group of mates to race each other and enjoy delicious snacks in the process 

The world's first official Formula One racing simulator is a great shout for competitive socialising, complete with cutting-edge technology and mouthwatering menus. This city centre venue boasts 53 full-motion simulators to feel like a real racer, giving you the choice of different skill levels to compete individually or as a team.

You can follow up your gaming session with cocktails and a sophisticated meal, featuring fried halloumi, loaded flatbreads, juicy burgers and much more - paired with refreshing cocktails.

• Location: Arcadian, Hurst Street, Gay Village, B5 4TD
• Price: shows from £17.50 per person
• Best for: hearing some hilarious jokes
• Activity type: events, comedy
• Why we recommend: as the UK's first dedicated comedy club outside of London, it remains the gold standard for live stand-up in the Midlands

One of the best things to do in Birmingham, Glee Club is a prime feature of the country's comedy circuit in a few cities across the UK - and here is no exception. Headline TV acts frequent the stage here, alongside up-and-coming comedians, to tickle your funny bones.

Over the years, the brightly lit stage has seen the likes of Michael McIntyre and Jack Dee show off their sets to an intimate audience of 600. 

• Location: High Street, Birmingham City Centre, B4 7SL (starting point)
• Price: from £15 per person
• Best for: adventuring around the city with friends or family
• Activity type: outdoor, group, challenge
• Why we recommend: we love the fact that it turns the streets of Birmingham into a massive, interactive escape room, making it the perfect way to see the city in a new light

Perfect for playing in pairs or as a group, CityDays Birmingham is the ideal experience for those who are keen adventurers as well as those who are curious. Figure out the cryptic clues sent to your phone as you explore the streets of Brum across these self-guided city tours, uncovering hidden gems, plaques and statues along the way before you reach your destination.

This event is perfect for families or if you're looking to plan a work day out and get to know the city a little bit better with a well-earned drink involved. 

• Location: 7 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham City Centre, B2 5ST
• Price: free entry and brunch from £30 per person
• Best for: glamorous late-night drinks and sophisticated birthday celebrations
• Activity type: boozy, stylish, bottomless brunch
• Why we recommend: with its bespoke geometric lighting, plush booths, and legendary extended happy hours, it's a sleek destination built for a fun night out

For those who like their brunch with a side of sparkle, Dirty Martini Birmingham delivers a high-gloss take on daytime indulgence.

Set against neon-lit interiors and sleek, contemporary design, this city-centre hotspot swaps traditional plates for elegant birdcage sharers, like artfully presented bites made for grazing while the martinis keep flowing. With 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails, prosecco or beer, it's a chic, sociable affair.

• Location: 11 St Martin's Walk, Birmingham City Centre, B5 4BU
• Price: from £27.50 per person 
• Best for: a dazzling evening of cheeky, vintage variety performance
• Activity type: theatrical, cheeky, nighttime entertainment
• Why we recommend: hosted by the brilliant Stage Door Johnny, this spectacular showcases the absolute finest artists in the cabaret world inside a beautifully intimate setting

Gather your friends and head to Bottoms Up, where every show delivers intimate, up-close performances, risqué humour, and glamorous acts. From provocative striptease to comedic cabaret and witty musical interludes, the evening is designed to keep you laughing, cheering, and fully entertained.

The cosy, secluded theatre setting makes you feel part of the action, while the performers' charisma ensures there's never a dull moment. 

• Location: venues across Birmingham, wristband Collection is from Hotel du Vin, 25 Church Street, Birmingham City Centre, B3 2NR
• Price: from £14.30 per person
• Best for: embarking on a city-wide cocktail safari with your mates
• Activity type: boozy, social, exploratory
• Why we recommend: it's the ultimate excuse to discover new favourite bars while enjoying exclusive, top-shelf creations at an absolute steal

Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or just looking for a weekend of fun, Birmingham Cocktail Weekend offers a packed itinerary of drinks, food, and city exploration.

With £6 signature cocktails across 30 to 40 venues, exclusive tastings, hotel discounts, and immersive events, festival-goers can sip, snack, and wander across Birmingham at their own pace. From Summer Edition in July to Winter Edition in October, it's an interactive, social, and delicious way to experience the city like a local, one cocktail at a time.

• Location: 11 St Martin's Walk, Birmingham City Centre, B5 4BU
• Price: from £12.50 per person
• Best for: proving your skills on the pitch without getting muddy
• Activity type: highly competitive, high-tech, group
• Why we recommend: as the Midlands' first interactive football and dining bar, the production of sports gaming is great, and they mix activites well with top-tier food and drinks

Located within the Bullring, TOCA Social is a great shout for group nights out or a quirky date idea. Their immersive gaming experience boasts large simulation screens to play football on, competing against your friends at all kinds of fun challenges.

You can also watch all the biggest sporting events on their large screens in the bar, with a lively atmosphere guaranteed. Plus, the kitchen is whipping up tasty plates like beef birria tacos, smash burgers topped with smoky onions and steamed jackfruit bao buns.

• Location: 4 Temple Row West, Birmingham City Centre, B2 5NY
• Price: tickets from free
• Best for: catching up-and-coming new acts
• Activity type: events, comedy, drag
• Why we recommend: hidden inside a stunning Victorian bank building, it's one of the UK's most unique independent studio theatres. Upstairs houses an intimate, 100-seat fringe theatre that showcases a stellar lineup and we always find something brilliant to enjoy

Hosting some of the best performances in the Midlands, Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre is Birmingham's premier fringe venue - with many shows here either coming from or on their way to Edinburgh Fringe.

You can expect hilarious comedies and stand-up shows, as well as gripping dramas or burlesque and drag. And if that wasn't enough? Check out their bingo events and open mic nights as well.

• Location: multiple locations
• Price: from free
• Best for: sports fans
• Activity type: sports, events
• Why we recommend: one of the most classic Birmingham city things to do is to discover all the ways you can watch sports. Whether you want to catch the rugby, Wimbledon, and Birmingham City or Aston Villa's football feats, there's a pub or bar to head to when you don't get in-person tickets

Editor's picks: 

• Box Brindleyplace - this canalside venue is the ultimate place to enjoy sports, with several HD screens showing sports. We like heading here for some top bar snacks and a good view of Formula One from everywhere in the venue 
• D.J. Quinn's - there are big screens all over the shop at D.J. Quinn's, and they're masters of serving you a creamy pint of Guinness to go alongside your match day viewing antics 
• Hennessey's - if you're looking for a beer garden that's showing the football outside, then you'll want to head on over to Hennessey's. It has a really upbeat atmosphere when the rugby's on 

• Location: multiple locations
• Price: varies
• Best for: date night or group dining
• Activity type: food, couples, group
• Why we recommend: whether you're after Michelin-starred and Guide-mentioned restaurants or stunning Argentinian steakhouses and the finest street food destinations, our list of the best places to eat across the city is a must-read

Editor's pick: 

• Tattu - a modern Chinese restaurant with a theatrical flair- Tattu is a must-book for a birthday or special occasion. The cherry blossom decor is an Instagrammer's dream, and the food is moreish. We really love the Szechuan rock shrimp and lobster dumplings
• Opheem - this Michelin-starred restaurant by chef-owner Aktar Islam is an essential for those who adore gorgeous Indian cuisine with finesse. The interiors are swish, and the food is meticulously presented
• Rudy's - you can count on Rudy's to serve fantastically airy Neapolitan pizzas with fresh toppings. We love this group of restaurants because they're affordable and use high-quality ingredients

For a fun day out in Birmingham with family or friends, try this highly rated Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt. Combining puzzles, problem-solving and exploration, it's an engaging way to see the city while stepping into the shoes of a private investigator.

Inspired by the intrigue of the 1920s, the adventure begins with the death of Chester Monte. As clues lead you deeper into the case, you'll uncover hidden secrets and shocking twists while exploring Birmingham at your own pace. The experience takes around two hours and can be played whenever you like.

• Location: 110 -112 Floodgate Street, Digbeth, B5 5SR
• Price: from £36 per person
• Best for: showing off your baking skills
• Activity type: competitive, food, couples
• Why we recommend: it's the ultimate baking experience brought to life, making it a fantastic choice for competitive couples or lively team days out. With all ingredients provided and a professional pastry chef on hand to judge the results, there's no need to fret about prep

You need to be in it to win it with this one. The Big Birmingham Bake promises a killer competition and the chance to be crowned the ultimate baking champion. You'll have 90 mins on the clock to create a sweet treat, using provided utensils, ingredients, instructions and your very own kitchen station.

There's a new theme all the time, so keep your eyes peeled, and with tickets starting from £36 per person, it makes a fantastic birthday or group activity to do with all your friends. So, what are you waiting for? Strap on your apron, forget the trauma of food tech and get mixing up some mischief (and treats, of course). 

• Location: Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth, B9 4AG
• Price: brunches start from £31.90 per person (some events are free)
• Best for: bottomless brunches and lively performances
• Activity type: boozy, events
• Why we recommend: this massive outdoor arena is the undisputed king of Digbeth's nightlife, throwing the wildest bottomless brunches and tribute events in the city.
  Named after the lunar society, it has a non-stop party atmosphere

Whether you need some outdoor activities or things to do at night, Digbeth's Luna Springs is coming in hot with its epic lineup of happenings. We're talking everything from themed bottomless brunches, with performances from stars seen in the hit musical Mamma Mia, to karaoke. 

What's more, if you're seeking free things to do in Birmingham, tickets to some of these goings-on in the city's biggest event space cost nothing if you show up before 6pm. And if you're just plain hungry during the day, you'll find a huge selection of street food vendors whipping up the likes of burgers and pizza, all waiting to be washed down with some craft beer. 

• Location: The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4BG
• Price: varies depending on the game
• Best for: a sense of nostalgia and retro fun
• Activity type: competitive, couples, gaming
• Why we recommend: this neon, graffiti-splattered cave is a dream destination for arcade lovers and casual drinkers alike. It takes you on a trip down memory lane, combining a gritty, glow-in-the-dark aesthetic with a massive collection of vintage arcade games and classic consoles

Grab your sweetheart and bring them to NQ64, as it's one of the top things to do in Birmingham for couples. Featuring quirky, neon interiors, this Digbeth den has various arcade games to play with tokens bought at the bar, such as Space Invaders and Tekken, alongside retro consoles that are totally free to use.

Gaming-inspired cocktails also make up the quirky drinks being shaken up by the bar. We recommend the rum-based Mad Max.

• Location: 188 High Street, Digbeth, B12 0LD
• Price: tickets from £5.50 per person (quiz nights) 
• Best for: testing your knowledge and boogieing to live music
• Activity type: quiz, group, events
• Why we recommend: as Birmingham's oldest traditional pub, it beautifully blends rich heritage with a modern, events-led community spirit. It's worth visiting for a refreshing drink and a fun evening of entertainment - we love the quizzes 

The Old Crown is well and truly famous around our parts, and has been since its opening in 1368. The Grade II-listed, Tudor-style building is instantly recognisable in Digbeth, while inside you'll find just as much fun, ranging from quizzes, with past themes including It's Always Sunny and The Office (to name just a few), as well as disco nights or sports viewing parties with live music.

And if you're looking for a bite to eat while you get stuck into testing your general knowledge, you'll find a range of pub classics from fish and chips to sharer boards filled with nachos. 

• Location: Unit 7, Five Ways Broad Street, Westside, B15 1DA
• Price: bundles from £27.50, games from £7 per person
• Best for:  competitive date nights or group outings
• Activity type: team building, couples, group
• Why we recommend: with an incredible array of games you won't find anywhere else, it's a one-stop shop for group fun. Our advice? Pair the gaming action with a selection of street food and their signature theatrical cocktails

Touting a plethora of cool activities, add Boom Battle Bar on Broad Street to your list of things to do in Birmingham this weekend. The venue showcases everything from augmented reality axe-throwing to beer or prosecco pong; there are private karaoke booths for you and your mates to sing your hearts out in.

Then, after, load up on scrumptious 'Boom Bites' like chicken wings, fully loaded bacon parmesan fries, and cauliflower burgers paired with lip-smacking signature cocktails, such as Honey It's Time To Party, made using Cazcabel honey tequila and pink cotton candy.

• Location: 260 Broad Street, Gas Street Basin, B1 2HF
• Price: from £33 per person
• Best for: a Nashville-inspired boozy brunch
• Activity type: boozy, events
• Why we recommend: we love the fact that you can expect the famous Coyotes to host interactive games, teach you some choreography, and invite you to dance right up on the bar top

There's no denying that Coyote Ugly on Broad Street is one of Birmingham's wildest, most unique bars. And every day? They host a brilliant Nashville Hoedown Bottomless Brunch. Tickets range from £33 to £38.50 and include 90 minutes of bottomless pizza. Yes, you read that right. And to wash it all down, you'll also bag unlimited bubbles and pints.

This quirky event takes place every single day, although if you mosey down on a Saturday, you'll also be able to have a crack at line dancing with help from the bar's famous Coyotes.

• Location: 3-5 St Paul's Square, Jewellery Quarter, B31QU
• Price: tickets from £5.50 per person
• Best for: live music lovers
• Activity type: events, musical
• Why we recommend: spearheaded by musical legend Jools Holland, this iconic venue is the ultimate spot for live music lovers. You can book a table on the upper balcony restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the stage before heading downstairs to join the buzzing dance floor

The Jam House in the Jewellery Quarter has always been at the forefront of live music nights. It's located in a traditional Georgian building boasting an open-plan dining area and bar, making it easy to see the stage from wherever you're sitting and sipping a fresh pint.

Founded by the iconic Jools Holland and Neil Tibbatt, it's a rite of passage when it comes to hosting unplugged sets and jazz nights. The 600-capacity venue has seen the likes of Ben E King, Heather Small and Jamie Cullum grace its grounds over the years, so don't miss out on who could be next. 

• Location: 50-54 St Paul's Square, Jewellery Quarter, B3 1QS
• Price: £5.50 per person (off-peak)
• Best for: perfecting your throw on an interactive dartboard
• Activity type: competitive, group
• Why we recommend: tucked beneath a beloved local pub, we think that this subterranean playground offers a fantastic, intimate alternative to the busier city centre gaming bars

Situated in St Paul's Square, 180 Club at The Rectory is a top choice of fun activities, whether it's a quirky date night, team building activity or a group outing that you're after. This underground social dart bar features state-of-the-art electronic boards across six lanes, providing space for up to 12 players at once.

What's more, they've got everything from cocktails to craft beer, alongside a mouthwatering menu of hot dogs, chicken wings, burgers and more to tuck into while you play.

• Location: 3-5 St Paul's Square, St Chad's, B31QU
• Price: from £30.74 per person
• Best for: an unforgettable evening of Motown magic
• Activity type: immersive, musical, food
• Why we recommend: it perfectly marries a delicious, upscale dining experience with a live show that will have you dancing between courses. The dress code is smart, so it's a great opportunity to get a little glam with your friends or partner 

Immerse yourself in all the magic of Motown at Soul Supper. After sitting down to a delicious two-course feast, you'll hit the dancefloor to groove to the sounds that shaped American music.

Expect to hear all the hits from the likes of Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Supremes, and many more legendary artists. Tickets to party like it's 1965 start from just £30.74.

• Location: 4 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham City Centre, B16 8AE
• Price: classes from £50 per person
• Best for: gin lovers
• Activity type: boozy, masterclass
• Why we recommend: boasting one of the best and largest outdoor terrace spaces in the city, it's the absolute place to be on a sunny afternoon, and it's a great pick for those who are keen to become gin connoisseurs 

It doesn't get better than The Distillery's Round House gin masterclasses. It's just a short walk from Brindley Place, and you'll get a G&T upon arrival, followed by a guided course on the spirit so you can create your own bottle to take home using their copper pot stills - plus, there's a fresh sourdough pizza to help each participant refuel as well.

Want more? These folks host bottomless brunches too, packed with crispy buffalo cauliflower and hot sauce small plates, eggs Benedict with honey roast ham and their signature tiramisu; snap up two courses for £34 or three for £39.

• Location: Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3TR
• Price: from £10 per person (day ticket)
• Best for: admiring a diverse selection of plants
• Activity type: wholesome, couples, family
• Why we recommend: these historic gardens provide a breathtakingly beautiful, green escape right on the edge of the bustling city centre, and it boasts over 7,000 plants from across the globe

We can't think of a more tranquil and wholesome day out than wandering around the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and taking a peek at the Grade II-listed Victorian glasshouse.

Explore 15 acres of land featuring landscapes inspired by across the world, make your way through meadows and venture over to the Gardens Café on the Loudon Terrace to tuck into a tuna melt panini and a cup of tea as a halfway point. 

• Location: Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Bickenhill, B40 1PU
• Price: from £21 per person for six players 
• Best for: anyone who loves a challenge
• Activity type: challenge, group, team building
• Why we recommend: we're fans of these games because they offer an incredibly high-production escape experience that lets you step directly inside brilliantly designed, fictional worlds

Offering some of the best things to do in Birmingham with kids or adult-only groups alike, Escape Hunt is making sure you're covered for quirky activities at their Resorts World location. Explore 4D worlds with themes such as Alice in Wonderland, Doctor Who, and Aladdin, as well as some virtual reality adventures.

Plus, you can always make your way over to the Corporation Street location in the city centre, too, which boasts samurai and Blackbeard rooms.

• Location: 327 Highfield Road, Yardly Wood, B28 0BX
• Price: free entry, darts from £7.50 per person
• Best for: proper Irish hospitality, live music, and a flawless pint of stout
• Activity type: traditional, musical, darts
• Why we recommend: it boasts a massive heart and a legendary community spirit, serving up some of the absolute best live music sessions in the region

A traditional Irish pub in Hall Green, D.J. Quinn's is built for all kinds of nights out. Regularly playing host to live music and beaming the sport on the big screen, the energy is high whenever you stop by.

For more hands-on fun, book into its private oches for Double Tops. A high-tech, interactive darts game, it's perfect for work dos, dates and nights out with mates.

• Location: 69 Linden Road, Harborne, B30 1JR
• Price: from £18 per person (in advance) 
• Best for: family days out
• Activity type: food, group, family
• Why we recommend: this is a legendary Midlands attraction that lets you go behind the scenes of the world's most famous chocolate brand. You'll get plenty of free chocolate bars along the way, write your name in melted chocolate, ride the gentle Cadabra car, and experience the thrilling 4D Chocolate Adventure cinema

Back in 1824, a man called John Cadbury opened up a grocer's shop on Birmingham's Bull Street, and the rest is history. Fast forward to today, and everyone's favourite purple bar has its own theme park in the heart of the city where it was first conceived, making for a great choice of family things to do in Birmingham.

Cadbury World makes a super fun-filled day out with its interactive chocolate-making classes, 4D experiences and a totally chocoholic afternoon tea from £29.95 per person. There's even the chance to get to know the origin of the humble cocoa bean by taking a trip to the Aztec jungle, where Emperor Montezuma awaits. 

• Location: multiple locations
• Price: from free
• Best for: getting out and about in the city
• Activity type: outdoor, active
• Why we recommend: Birmingham is one of the greenest cities in Europe, and its sprawling parks offer the perfect antidote to a busy week. If you need a break from the neon lights and cocktail bars, we think that these green spaces are world-class

Editor's pick:

• Birmingham Botanical Gardens - spread across 15 stunning acres of London, you'll find tropical plants, elegant glasshouses, and more. It's a brilliant pick for a daytime adventure aimed at nature enthusiasts 
• Forge Mill Circular Trail - walking is a brilliant, free way of getting in some exercise but also exploring pretty grounds, and this is one of the most scenic walks Birmingham has to offer. There are lovely lakeside views, and we encourage you to head to Forge Mill Farm to pet some animals, too
• Kings Heath Park - you'll find plenty of grassland and ponds here, and, fun fact, it used to be home to ATV's flagship gardening show, Gardening Today. You'll find inspiration for your own green space here 

• Location: Central Event Space (Lower Mall by M&S), Merry Hill, Brierley Hill, Dudley DY5 1SP
• Price: Children £15, Adults £5
• Best for: families, children 
• Activity type: Christmas, meet and greet 
• Why we recommend: Step off the high street and straight into the magic of the North Pole at The Toymakers' Grotto at Merry Hill, a delightfully theatrical Christmas experience built around hands-on storytelling.

The Toymakers' Grotto at Merry Hill offers a playful twist on the traditional Santa visit. Children step straight into the heart of a buzzing elf workshop, joining a small group of fellow young creators to assist with vital festive duties before enjoying a dedicated family visit with Santa.

With atmospheric sets, personal photo opportunities, and a gift included in every child's ticket, it is a heartwarming seasonal pitstop during your Christmas shopping.