I love my life. I get to go to cool restaurants, write about interesting locations, and my colleagues ain’t half bad either. But, sometimes, it can all get a bit… samey. Even the best of Birmingham becomes boring eventually, but with these perception-altering immersive experiences, you can see things you’ve never seen before. So get ready to step into a world of new sensations…
1. Escape Birmingham with an out-of-this-world virtual reality gaming experience
Plug yourself in. Sandbox VR offers the “world’s most advanced virtual reality experience”—using Hollywood-approved motion capture cameras, 3D precision full-body trackers, custom hardware and haptic feedback suits. This adrenaline-fuelled experience allows groups of up to six to physically interact with their teammates inside nine experiences, including Netflix’s official Squid Game Virtuals. Meanwhile, much-loved robotic bartender Toni can make up to 80 drinks an hour, from cocktails to pints!
2. Decide the outcome of a courtroom drama at The Jury Experience
Twists, turns and heaps of suspense — The Jury Experience is a thrilling live theatre show that’s finally landed in Birmingham. Audiences sit on the edge of their seats as they enjoy a riveting 60-minute performance featuring intense witness testimonies, cross-examinations and lots of drama. In the end, it’s up to you as the juror to cast your vote and decide the fate of the accused… guilty or innocent?
🎟️Get your tickets to The Jury Experience here.
3. Step back in time to the world of The Peaky Blinders
Over at the Black Country Living Museum, you’ll find a slice of life like it was 200 years ago in Dudley. This living, breathing open-air museum – established in 1978 – provides the chance to experience the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Black Country from the Industrial Revolution to post-war prosperity. There are over 26 acres of reconstructed shops, pubs and houses to explore, plus historic characters to meet.
For fans of the BBC show Peaky Blinders, one of the most unique immersive storytelling experiences in Birmingham goes even further with special themed nights. Don your finest threads as you step into the smoky underworld of the 1920s, and hear tales of Birmingham’s most notorious gangs. Black Country Living Museum was a key filming location for Peaky Blinders, so you can’t get closer to the action, with some of the series’ most iconic moments filmed here – including the infamous tea party scene.
4. Bask in the gentle glow of a Candlelight concert
A beautiful immersive experience isn’t always about overloading the senses. Some are so mesmerising that they can whisk you away with something so simple. Such as a gorgeously exclusive venue, thousands of gentle candles and a string quartet playing classical music. Candlelight concerts in Birmingham provide something for everyone to enjoy at these concerts too.
If you prefer Adele to Vivaldi, watching blockbuster movies, or reading fantasy novels, you’ll find a Candlelight concert. Just relax into these multi-sensory, immersive experiences like no other in Birmingham!
🎟️Check out all the Candlelight concerts available in Bristol here.
5. Go bananas with Bongo’s Bingo
The great thing about immersive experiences is that they can transport you to some strange places, without ever leaving Birmingham. If you’re bored of heading to the same old clubs, week-in and week-out, this absolutely barmy bingo rave might be the unforgettable night you’ve been waiting for. Taking the quintessentially quaint British pastime of bingo, Bongo’s Bingo’s immersive live show features rave rounds, dance-offs, and crazy prizes.
6. Visit a very big house in the country for a fine dining experience
Birmingham is blessed with several brilliant restaurants. But the talk of the town at the moment is undoubtedly Grace & Savour – which not only gained a Michelin star earlier this year but keeps picking up award after award. We think its immersive dining experience is a major factor in that.
Set in the stunning Hampton Manor, you can stay overnight in one of the Garden Suites that look across the wild garden to the kitchen. You’ll be thinking about dinner before you’ve even unpacked your bags!
7. Feel the full-throttle of Formula 1
The world’s first official Formula 1 simulator is the closest thing to a real-life racing experience. F1 Arcade offers 53 bespoke full-motion racing simulators that feature motion and audio-visual effects to fully immerse racers. With all the thrills and spills of Grand Prix racing, without leaving Birmingham, there’s even a full-size Formula 1 car suspended from the ceiling!
There are two race formats to choose from: Team Racing, where you “race as a team, win as a team”, and Head To Head, where back-to-back races set up one racing simulator per driver. You can also create your own personal driver profiles at the ‘Arcade Hub’, where you can earn ‘Arcadians’ that can be exchanged for exciting products and experiences—from F1® GP Paddock Club tickets to limited edition merchandise. F1 Arcade even hosts a Watch Party on Grand Prix race days, while DJs will keep the atmosphere pumping on weekends.
8. Spend the night sleeping with the lions
We all played sleeping lions at primary school, right? Well, not like this, you didn’t. Spend the night and watch West Midland Safari Park’s pride of lions roam the land from one of its Lion Lodges. With an “up-close and immersive overnight wildlife experience like no other”, these wild lodges can fit up to six people.
This unique experience will let you eat, sleep and relax while the park’s four male lions play – with panoramic views of the entire habitat. During your visit, you can enjoy West Midland Safari Park’s other attractions too, like the Adventure Theme Park, the African Walking Trail and the Tiger Tropics. There are also immersive lodges in the enclosures of the red pandas, cheetahs, tigers and elephants.