If you are looking for things to do in Birmingham Moor Street, you’ll have plenty of options. Whether you want to take a walking tour of the city’s quirky street art scene or indulge in local food in Five Points South.
Alternatively, go shopping at the Bullring and Grand Central malls or learn something new at the Thinktank Science Museum. If you need somewhere to leave your bags while you’re exploring, check out bblugg.
Bullring Shopping Centre
One of the most comprehensive shopping complexes in the country, Bullring & Grand Central attract visitors from far and wide. A must-see destination for all shopaholics and fashion lovers alike, it houses 160 shops including Selfridges. The centre is also home to a massive food hall and numerous restaurants and cafes with a choice of cuisine. Its iconic 7ft 3 inches tall bronze statue of a running and turning bull, named the Bullring Bull, is an attraction in itself with it being regularly dressed up for events and occasions.
There are also plenty of things to do for those who prefer to be more active. Try your luck at Escape Hunt Birmingham – a great way to test yourself and your friends as you attempt to make your way out of an escape room. Or visit the UK’s oldest working cinema to catch a classic comedy or cult film.
There are many places to eat in the area too, with options from a large range of fast-food chains to independent cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for something a bit different then head to the Black Country Living Museum where they have recreated an entire Victorian village brick by brick. You can see life as it was for people of the time and take part in workshops if you book in advance.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Whether you’re looking for a place to soak up some culture or kick back with a drink, Birmingham has plenty of activities and attractions on offer. From vast national museums to smaller independent galleries, Birmingham is home to all sorts of creative displays and exhibitions, many housed in stunning buildings that are worthy of a visit in their own right.
The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a must-see for anyone even remotely interested in arts and crafts. It features a wonderful collection of paintings (one focus is the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood), pottery, sculptures, plus a healthy dose of local history and Ancient Egypt. It will take you hours to explore!
If you’re looking for something a little more modern, visit Ikon Gallery, set in a dramatic Victorian boarding school building. The contemporary art gallery offers a regular programme of exhibitions, events and learning workshops that feature some of the best visual artists from around the world. Downstairs is the city’s only independent art bookshop, an absorbing spot that can easily take up just as much time as the gallery itself.
Birmingham Zoo is another top attraction in the city and you can learn all about the conservation work they do here. It’s a fun and informative day out for all the family and you can get close to over 700 wild animals including exotic birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. You can even feed the lorikeets in their interactive aviary and visit Africa’s Savannah where you can see giraffes, greater kudu and gazelles.
Birmingham Hippodrome
The city’s biggest theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, is home to world-class opera and ballet performances. It also showcases touring West End theatre productions, musicals and pantomime. The venue also hosts special events, such as conferences and weddings.
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery houses extensive collections of historical, cultural, and modern arts. It is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs. The gallery also features interactive exhibits, like the Wonder Lab, which enables visitors to learn about science and technology through hands-on experiments.
After the museum, head over to the Birmingham Back to Backs, a set of well-preserved Victorian working class homes. The National Trust-owned attraction offers an in-depth look at the city’s rich industrial heritage. Visitors can stroll through the courtyard of buildings to discover what life was like in working-class Birmingham and grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby cafes.
The gardens cover 15 acres and include a lily pool, tropical house with palms and tree ferns, Herb and Cottage Garden, Sculpture Trail, and National Bonsai Collection. The site is also home to a number of different species of birds and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the grounds on foot or hop on a tram. Birmingham Botanical Gardens also has a gift shop and cafe.
Vulcan Park
Imagine Christ the Redeemer in Rio, but made of iron and depicting a beefcake Roman god of fire and forge. This colossal statue of Vulcan, the city’s namesake, overlooks Birmingham from his park-home, which features an observation tower and a ground-level museum exploring the region’s iron mining history. The world’s largest cast iron statue, Vulcan is a reminder of the city’s iron mining roots and its indomitable spirit.
Climb 159 steps to the top of the Vulcan Park and Museum’s iconic tower to see an epic view of the cityscape below. The steps are a popular workout for locals and offer an incredible reward when you reach the summit. A certificate commemorating your accomplishment can be purchased in the museum store, The Anvil.
Birmingham is a diverse city with attractions to cater to all interests. Whether you are an art fanatic, foodie, or historian, there’s something for you in this vibrant city. These free or nearly-free activities will help you explore Birmingham’s rich culture and picturesque landscapes.
