It sure does love raining in Birmingham (even in the summer months). Suddenly our gorgeous parks are out of action and dining alfresco feels more dreary than dreamy. But just because it’s raining in Birmingham doesn’t mean your day has to be ruined by the wet weather. Rainy days can be just as fun. So, fear not! We’ve got you sorted with a bunch of rainy day activities for next time its raining in the second city.
1. Putt away at Golf Fang
Drink and putt your way through Golf Fang’s outrageous and colourful courses. The 18-hole golf course has some wild designs, from a sex shop to an arcade, to keep you entertained. Choose from either theme for your game, and enjoy cocktails packed with sweets as you compete with your household for the crazy golf crown (which doesn’t exist, but a little competition never hurt nobody). You’ll soon forget about the wet weather outside.
2. Go to the cinema
Need to hide away from the rain for a little while? Nothing beats a classic day out at the cinema – and Birmingham has some seriously cool spots to catch a movie. From the uber-cosy Everyman that’s decked out with plush sofas and offers bar-to-sofa service, to the super-smart Vue cinema – there’s a cinema for everyone. Check out our independent cinema guide here.
3. Play some retro arcade games
NQ64, based at Birmingham’s Custard Factory in Digbeth, is home to a drinking den where guests can play retro arcade games and classic consoles from their youth while enjoying the beverages of their adulthood. Click here for more information. If you’re looking for something a little more old school, however, we also suggest checking out Tilt next time its raining in Birmingham foe some retro pinball machines.
4. Get rid of all boredom with board games at Chance & Counters
Offering up board games, food and tasty drinks, Chance & Counters is a great place to entertain you and your household whilst sheltering from the rain, with a number of board games to play for couples and groups. Chow down on tasty nibbles such as pizza fries, or take advantage of the diverse drinks menu where you’ll find something for everyone’s tastes. Find out more here.
5. Step into another world at this new virtual reality experience
What better to forget its raining in Birmingham than transporting to another dimension. OTHERWORLD is mend-bending, virtual reality metaverse experience, featuring 18 multi-sensory immersion pods and a 16-tap self-serve drinks wall. You and your friends can play in visionary sci-fi surroundings next time its a rainy day. Enjoy cocktails and craft beer in-between trips to parallel universes too.
6. Take part in a chocolate-making masterclass
This Jewellery Quarter gem is a chocolate lover’s haven and offers chocolate-making masterclasses as well as chocolates to take home and indulge in too. At this class, you will experience a range of skills from piping, rolling, filling and dipping ganache plus tempering your own chocolate by hand all in a relaxed and casual environment. And the whole experience is topped off with an indulgent chocolate fondue feast and prosecco. Check out The Chocolate Quarter’s workshops and masterclasses here.
7. Master the art of snow sports at Snow Dome
Love a taste of adrenaline? Snow Dome in Tamworth boasts an indoor ski slope and has plenty of activities on offer for those who like to live life on the wild side (or have simply had their skiing holiday cancelled). Learn to ski or snowboard, or go tobogganing, ice skating, climbing, swimming and more. Find out more.
8. Tackle an Escape Room
Grand Escape boasts minimal padlocks, a cunning variety of ‘Crystal Maze’-esque puzzles and some devilish surprises (beware the ‘dog’), Quest for the Grail at Grand Escape can be described as a cross between Indiana Jones, The Da Vinci Code and an idiot who doesn’t check open barrels. Discover more here. Or step into Dr Wilson’s Office at Escape Live where you feel as though you are immediately transported back to 1930s Birmingham. Find out more here.
9. Polish up your darts skills at Flight Club
Cocktails, pizza and interactive darts. Flight Club has a whole lot of fun in store for your visit. From ‘Push for Drinks’ buttons at the tables, to a whole host of competitive games to challenge your mates to (as well as various photo-opps!), you’re sure to be in for a good night.
10. Go axe throwing at Whistle Punks
Perfect for a mates date, axe throwing is the immensely satisfying and surprisingly social activity that gives you the chance to embrace your inner Viking. Experienced throwing instructors will get you throwing like a pro in no time. Then once you’ve got the hang of it they’ll take you and your group through a tournament until the king or queen of axes is crowned. Book your session here.
11. Have a ping pong party at Drop Shot
Drop Shot has long attracted in-the-know Brummies when the sun decides to hide away for a while, and is tucked away down in Digbeth where you can truly escape the dreadful weather. Walk in and be greeted with a welcoming bar surrounded by comfy, socially-laid out sofas – where you can kick back and relax, before heading to your ping pong table and play til your heart’s content. You can also grab a slice in between games to fuel your competitive streak, in case you needed more encouragement. Find out more.
12. Wind down with some cocktails
Of course, we all dream of making the most of our time when it’s raining in Birmingham. That’s the Brummie way: defiant in the face of adversity. Sometimes, however, you just have to call it quits on a rainy day and get a little boozy. Luckily for you we’ve rounded up some of the city’s coolest cocktail bars. If you ask us, a piña colada is the only way to beat the wet weather when it’s raining in Birmingham.