12 Absolutely Amazing Things To Do In Birmingham This April
From candlelight concerts to immersive exhibitions, there's plenty of things to get up to in Birmingham this month.
Alice Lorenzato-Lloyd - Staff Writer
April is here meaning spring is in full swing and the days are getting longer (cue gorgeous sunsets). Although it’s the month of Easter, this April offers so much more than feasting on chocolate (as much as we like doing that regardless of the time of year) as there’s a wicked line-up of things to do in Birmingham to put a spring in your step. From outdoor activities like boat cruises, kayak tours and exploring the cherry blossom spots in the city, as well as some indoor events like exhibitions, wine tours and candlelight concerts. Without further ado, check out some of the most brilliant things to do in Birmingham this April.
1. Go for an alfresco pint
Last month saw a spell of beautifully warm weather, which lead us to running to the nearest beer garden or terrace, however we’ve heard there could be another heatwave on its way this April (reaching a whopping 28 degrees!) There’s nowhere better than sitting outdoors with a pint or cocktail in hand amongst good company and luckily many Birmingham restaurants created their very own alfresco dining spots last year and they’ll be making another appearance for when the sun is out. If you fancy being super prepared this month for when the hot weather arrives, book yourself a place at one of these outdoor dining spots.
2. Witness an amazing, up-close look at Michelangelo’s infamous masterpiece
Billowing robes, coiled serpents and gleaming shields can all be found in Michelangelo’s biblical painting, but may be a little hard to spot from the marble floors of the Sistine Chapel. Luckily, this mesmerising exhibition gives you the chance to see every intricate detail – without the need for binoculars, risk of neck ache or even the need to jet over to Italy. Instead, you can witness the iconic work of art right here in Birmingham, as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is coming to the city this April. Book tickets here.
3. Head to the hills and rediscover the beauty of the nearby countryside
One thing we rediscovered during the pandemic was how wonderful our country really is and the Easter holidays are the perfect time to explore what the nearby rural areas have to offer. From the beautiful countryside of Shropshire or the Peak District to a day at Twycross Zoo or closer to home, Cadbury World – there’s plenty of places just a short drive from Birmingham to explore this summer. Check out our full guide to day trips from Birmingham here.
4. Enjoy bottomless cocktails at one of the cheekiest brunches in Birmingham
Incorporating bottomless brunch with interactive performances, DJs, dancing, and of course, free-flowing sangria, prosecco and more – guests will be able to choose a tasty brunch option, with a menu designed to cater for meat-eaters, vegans and veggies. And while the performers won’t be on the menu, trust us when we say, you’ll be seeing enough of them throughout the event. Taking over the lively JoJo Lounge in Birmingham, it’s one way to have a marvellous weekend that you won’t forget. Grab tickets here.
5. Get your fried chicken fix with the return of indoor dining at BONEHEAD
On Lower Seventh Street sits the brilliant BONEHEAD restaurant, which serves some seriously cracking chicken. However, for quite some time now whilst the restaurant carries out renovation works, BONEHEAD has only been available for customers to order for delivery or collection but things are soon about to change. BONEHEAD will be opening its doors once more from mid-April, allowing customers to dine in and feast on their tasty offerings. The Bonehead menu features photo-worthy chicken dishes in the form of strips, wings and burgers and we can’t wait to get stuck in to them from the comfort of their restaurant once more!
6. Cruise down the Birmingham canal on board an eco-friendly, self-drive electric boat
From this April, Brummies and visitors to the city can row, row, row (or in this case, cruise) their boat gently down the stream merrily with the eco-friendly, electric boat company GoBoat launching a brand new Birmingham location. The new site, and first outside of London, will be situated alongside the lively canalside development, Brindleyplace, offering guests the opportunity to see the city from an entirely new perspective. Open from April 8, groups of up to eight guests can charter the electric boats and set sail, exploring Birmingham’s famed canal network. Open from April 8, groups of up to eight guests can charter the electric boats and set sail, exploring Birmingham’s famed canal network for either one, two, or three hours, travelling at speeds of 4mph.
7. Watch a glowing tribute to Adele at this candlelight concert
Hello, it’s us, we were wondering if after all these years you’d like to listen to Adele’s biggest hits by the soft glow of candlelight? This mesmerising concert will whisk you away on a journey through the singer-songwriter’s most popular songs. All you need to do is take a seat among the stunning surrounds of the Birmingham Cathedral on April 30 and let the sound of her powerful ballads wash over you. Almost like a soothing submersion into a hot bath, this captivating concert invites you to forget the world for the evening. Grab your tickets here.
8. Sip on a wide selection of wines from some of the best bars during Birmingham Wine Weekend
The long-awaited return of Birmingham Wine Weekend (BWW) is here as the event organisers take over the city once again this April, with more venues, days, and wines than ever before. Running from April 4-10, this year’s line up features close to 30 hand-picked venues– the most in the festival’s history – giving both those who know a little about wine and those that know a lot the opportunity to discover the city one glass at a time, via Birmingham’s best venues. Some of the venues taking part in Birmingham Wine Weekend include Loki Wines, The Pineapple Club, Hotel du Vin, Fazenda and Arch 13 at Connelly’s, as well as new bars such as Chapter, Wine Freedom, Vagabond Wines and recently-opened, Shibuya Underground.
9. Explore the numerous cherry blossom spots in Birmingham before they’re gone
Spring is finally here which means warmer weather, the smell of dew in the morning, and of course, the most beautiful of all- pink cherry blossom. Adding a dose of beauty to any landscape, the trees pop with blossom for a short time during March and April, with stunning pastel pink flowers that flow in the wind. If you’re looking for a new walk or day trip out, then these beautiful flowers are the perfect excuse. From the beautiful Oozells Square to the quaint corners of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, cherry blossom is abundant in Birmingham but blink and you’ll miss it!
10. Make a splash as these fun kayak tours return to Birmingham’s canals
You may have seen the city on foot, via the bus, tram or train, but have you discovered it from the water? From April onwards, the charity Roundhouse will be offering you the chance to see Birmingham from a different perspective with their guided kayak tours on the canal. Roundhouse Birmingham guides will lead you on a journey through the city on their sit on top kayaks which are stable and ideal for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.
11. Discover a wonderland dedicated to the tales from The Gruffalo
They say there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo but at this brand new wonderland coming to Twycross Zoo you might be mistaken. This immersive experience opening up from April 9 onwards is devoted to the tales of the best-selling picture book The Gruffalo- plus it is less than an hour’s drive away from Birmingham. With real-life animals, animatronics, film clips and much more, visitors to The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo will encounter Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and the Gruffalo along their interactive journey through the deep dark wood.
12. Tuck into drool-worthy burgers in Digbeth with the arrival of Hanbao
Already building quite the reputation for their burgers in Worcester, Hanbao is finally arriving in Digbeth this month. From April 6, Brummies will soon be able to devour some of the most delicious loaded fries, wings and burgers including ‘Piggie Smalls’- a beef patty served in a demi brioche bun alongside American cheese, slow cooked BBQ pulled pork, BBQ sauce, crispy fried onions, purple slaw and baconnaise. And we’re crossing our fingers that Hanbao brings their infamous ‘Odd Future’ burger to Birmingham- beef patty, American cheese, bourbon bacon jam, maple streaky bacon, fresh chilli and baconnaise, all served in a glazed donut bun with sprinkles.