If you’ve got tickets to the spellbinding Light Cycles trail you’re in for a treat, but the experience doesn’t start until night falls – so you’ve basically got a whole day to entertain yourself beforehand. Whether you live in Birmingham or made the trip into the city especially, we’ve pulled together some activities, restaurants and fun things to do that will make your day magical; from a stomach-rumbling start to an illuminating finish.
💙 Suffering from the January blues? Light Cycles is treating you to 20% off tickets to help you shake off the post-holiday funk with a spellbinding stroll through nature. There are limited tickets available so be sure to grab yours while you still can!
Getting into the city centre
First things first, we’re mainly going to stick to central Birmingham to minimise toing and froing, but will mention a few experiences worth venturing a bit further for. There’s a couple of options depending on how you’re planning to get in…
By Car
You can avoid the inevitable traffic in the city centre by parking up at Park and Ride to leave your car and hop on a bus, tram or train. There are five sites with free parking you can find more about here. Or, if you’re happy to take your chances, then there are multiple city centre car parks.
By Train
There are three central stations in Birmingham to choose from: New Street, Moor Street or Snow Hill. If you’re coming from further afield Birmingham New Street is likely your best bet as it is the biggest and busiest of the three. But, as they are all in close proximity to each other, just go for whichever works best for you.
Another option could also be parking at Birmingham International Station and getting the train in from there. Then you can return later and save yourself an – albeit small – taxi or Uber fare by driving over to Light Cycles, which is located just 10 minutes away.
Breakfast
Now onto the fun part, indulging in a delicious breakfast to ward off any bouts of hanger and fuel your day. There’s plenty of options to choose from – Birmingham has no shortage of tempting brunch spots, bakeries, and welcoming cafes – but here’s a few to help you narrow it down…
Try the famous double-decker pain au chocolate at the Early Bird Bakery🥐
Dig into mouthwatering alpine-inspired breakfast dishes at Albert Schloss🏔️
Enjoy art and artisan bakes at the Medicine Bakery with a gallery🥖
Devour a wallet-friendly English breakfast at the welcoming Grand Central Kitchen🍳
Things to do in the morning
Right, now your stomachs are satiated, it’s time for exploration and entertainment. You are pretty much spoilt for choice, whether you’re looking to burn off some of your kid’s limitless energy, take a moment to unwind among nature or soak up some culture. Here are some ideas for morning (or midday) activities and things to do in Birmingham which provide an ideal start to the day.
Keep in mind: Be sure to check opening times as they can differ from day to day.
Escape to a natural haven and wander among wildlife at Birmingham’s botanical gardens🌿
Get behind the wheel to experience racing thrills at the F1 Arcade 🏎️
Going at the weekend? Unleash your competitive side with a game of crazy golf at Mulligans⛳️
Lunch
A morning of adrenaline-spiking racing or nature-wrapped wanders can work up an appetite. Luckily, there are a variety of tempting spots to stop for a delicious bite to eat for lunch, instead of halfheartedly grabbing an unfulfilling meal deal and perching on a park bench in the cold. You can choose from melt-in-your-mouth sandos, seasonal small plates, irresistible sandwiches and much more…
Tantalise your tastebuds with fresh Taiwanese bao buns at Tiger Bites Pig🐅
Munch on gooey cheese toasties made from fluffy Japanese milk bread at Shokupan🥪
Grab a drool-inducing slice of pizza from Peacer🍕
Things to do in the afternoon
Even with the shorter days, you’ll still have some time to kill before night falls so might as well make the most of your afternoon. No matter the weather, Birmingham has its fair share of mind-boggling experiences, cosy cocktail bars and exciting attractions where you can escape the winter chill and enjoy an afternoon with friends, family or your other half.
Sip creative cocktails in a bar inspired by the city’s storied past🍸
Dinner
Your evening meal will all depend on what time your luminescent adventure at Light Cycles begins – and what time you like to eat dinner. Of course, there’s always the option to eat there; Light Cycles has a tempting selection of food and drink available on-site that will be sure to warm you up, from loaded fries and hot dogs to mulled wine and hot chocolates. So, you can wait and eat at the event or…
Feast on tasty meat-free Sunday roasts and jam-packed burgers at the vegan-friendly BA-HA🌱
Share an irresistibly indulgent fondue at self-pour wine bar Vagabond🫕
What’s next?
Now the time has come – your booked slot at Light Cycles is imminent and you need to head on over to the nighttime trail’s home in Somers Fishery, Meriden.
By Car
Got a car in a central car park? The journey from the city centre should be around 20 minutes, but be sure to allow for potential traffic. There is parking at the venue but make sure you have pre-purchased a parking pass or are prepared to buy one on-site.
By Train
Go to Birmingham New Street and catch the next train to Birmingham International. The journey typically takes from 9 to 14 minutes depending on the train. Once you arrive you can grab a taxi (there is a taxi rank) or order an Uber, the drive should take approximately 10 minutes.
Light Cycles
And now it’s time for the enchanting event! The multisensory Light Cycles trail is a wondrous walk winding for one kilometre around rippling lakes and through storybook woodland. You’ll see nature in a breathtaking new light as mesmerising projections and soothing soundscapes transform the idyllic wilds around you. The trail can take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how hypnotised you are by the spectacle of light and sound. It is sure to make for a magical end to your day.
