Studying is exhausting and you deserve a day out! Choose from our reowned attractions & sights. Are you interested in art & history or more an action seeker?! Have a rest from the city life and enjoy the nature. Whatever you're looking for, you will find it in Birmingham.
Top suggestions for Birmingham
Art & History
Ikon Gallery
Every first Saturday of the month take the family to the Ikon Gallery for FREE Family Saturdays. Open to all ages, including adults, a
series of hands-on creative activities will engage, challenge and
inspire. There is no need to book, just drop in at any point during the
session. Please note that children should be accompanied by an adult at
all times.
Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Barber Institute of Fine Arts has an outstanding collection of Old Masters alongside and modern classics. You’ll see works by Bellini, Poussin, Rubens, Gainsborough, Rossetti, Monet, Degas and Magritte. They also have a regular programme of exhibitions, concerts, lectures and events - all open to the public.
The Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter has two free museums - The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter (recently
placed in the top 3 European Free Attractions by Trip Advisor) and The
Pen Room Museum, several art galleries, over 100 jewellery shops and 200
listed historic buildings, the Quarter is a great place to spend the
day.
The Public
An
exciting creative arts centre in the heart of West Bromwich.
Throughout the year, visitors of all ages are treated to a jam-packed
and fun-filled programme of entertaining workshops and activities to
excite, delight, and amaze.
Whether you’re interested in dance, art, music, graphics, photography or learning the tricks of the trade – you’ll find it at The Public!
National Trust Back to Back Housing
Birmingham's last surviving court of Back to Back Housing offers a step back in time. This National Trust location is a beautifully restored 19th-century courtyard of working
people's houses. It’s a story told through the experiences of the people
who lived and worked here over four periods from 1840 to 1977. The
design of each interior reflects the varied cultures, religions and
professions of the families who made their homes here. Shown by guided
tour only, booking is a must.
Entertainment
The Leisurebox
The Leisurebox is Birmingham’s only Ice Rink and Bowling Alley, offering hours of great fun at affordable prices.
Every Thursday from 6pm there is a Student Night where, on production of a valid Student card, there are amazing discounts to be found on ice skating, bowling and drinks. With a live DJ and fully 
licensed bar it’s a superb way to spend your evening and very easy on the wallet!
Don’t worry if you can’t make Thursdays though as The Leisurebox is open 7 days a week, with a skate and bowl combi-ticket available for just £10 including all hire and unlimited ice skating!
For more details visit www.theleisurebox.co.uk or call 0121 622 5207.
Cadbury World
Cadbury World is choc full of fun for all ages. That’s why half a million chocolate
lovers visit each year; discovering the history, finding out about the
magic of chocolate, and of course, seeing how the yummy stuff is made.
With two new fantastic attractions, called Cadbury World Essence and
Purple Planet, you will be in chocolate heaven.
BBC Birmingham's Public Space
Do you fancy yourself as a TV presenter? Visit BBC Birmingham’s Public Space at The Mailbox and have a go at presenting the news and a weather
forecast. Take a look through the window into the television gallery.
This is where the BBC Midlands Today team choose shots, cue the studio
and keep everything on air! If you’d like to get inside the television
gallery and see it up close, a studio tour is for you. Guides will take
you into BBC Birmingham and show you around the state-of-the-art
studios. Visit here for more information or call 0370 901 1227.
The Black Country Living Museum
The Black Country Living Museum ia a world class open air museum; brought to life by costumed
characters in an array of original shops, houses, workshops, a school
and traditional fairground, all in one canalside village.
Discover
the Black Country Heritage, enjoy a ride on a tramcar or explore the
underground coalmine. With NEW attractions this year to encounter and
enjoy, the past truly comes to life!
Action & Fun
Ackers Adventure
Ackers Adventure offers a wide range of adventurous activities for all ages and
abilities. Throughout the school holidays we offer Whizz Kids sessions
for 8-16yr olds. Visitors can choose from Skiing, Archery, Canoeing or
Climbing for only £7 per person per session. All equipment is included
and the session is run by a fully qualified instructor. This year we
have worked with the BBC to host Thrillseeker Activity Taster Day’s.
All in all a great family day out! Pre booking is essential.
Drayton Manor Theme Park
For total family entertainment, visit Drayton Manor Theme Park.
New for 2010 is the award winning Happy Feet in the sensational 4D
Cinema that uses the latest in technology and film content to ensure the
ultimate cinema experience. The theme park is also home to Europe’s
first and only Thomas Land™ and some of the biggest, wettest and
scariest rides around. Meanwhile, for lovers of the animal kingdom,
Drayton Manor Zoo has more than 100 species from around the world,
including big cats, reptiles, and primates. No wonder it was named
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year (West Midlands region) at the 2008
Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Back to Nature
National SEA LIFE Centre
Let Birmingham's flagship National SEA LIFE Centre take you on a spectacular undersea voyage. Walk through a glass tunnel
totally surrounded by an enormous one million litre ocean tank; where
giant green sea turtles, black tip reef sharks and tropical reef fish
swim inches from your head. It’s just one of 60 displays of freshwater
and marine life that create a wonderland for all visitors.
Winterbourne House & Garden
Winterbourne House & Garden is a unique Arts and Craft heritage attraction – set within seven acres of beautiful botanic gardens.
Minutes
from Birmingham city centre, Winterbourne is a hidden gem – home to
beautiful antiques and over 6,000 plant species. Wander through the
woodland walk, stroll through the hazelnut tunnel or simply soak up the
tranquillity of this perfectly English Edwardian home.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses
Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens isn’t just for grown-ups. Of course, there are fifteen acres of
beautiful gardens with the finest collection of exotic and everyday
plants in the Midlands. But there’s also wide open spaces, an adventure
playground, aviaries alive with chattering birds and a children’s
discovery garden (not forgetting plants that kids are unlikely to have
seen ever before). It’s a real family treat - from Gran to the
grandkids.
Dudley Zoo
Lions and Tigers to Snakes and Spiders - Go Wild at Dudley Zoological Gardens.
Come face to face with Lemurs as they roam freely in their woodland
home. Walk through a Rainforest to see primates & otters. Watch
Brids of Prey as they fly around the Castle. Meet furry friends down on
the farm. Learn about the Horrible History of Dudley Castle and hunt for
Ghosts! Enjoy animal Creature Features and keeper talks to learn about
the important conservation projects we carry out. Bring a picnic or dine
in our licensed restaurant. Land train, fair rides, face painting &
more.
Go Ape
Climb
the trees and slide across high wires, crawl through tunnels, cross
rope bridges, walk the planks and zip down to the ground! Go Ape is an award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges,
Tarzan swings and zip slides... all set high up in the tree tops.
Sport
Birmingham has a range a great sport venues and hosts fantastic sport events every year. It is not only home of the football clubs Aston Villa and Birmingham City, but also of the internationally recognised cricket team Warwickshire County Cricket Club in Edgbaston.