Winter is such a strange season. Frontloaded with seemingly endless activities – like Christmas to New Year’s Eve – only to find, halfway through, nothing but dark and cold nights. Okay, so maybe we’re being a bit OTT, but the wintertime months are tough when they’re not holiday-centric. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do during this season. That’s why we’ve put together plenty of exciting things to do so that winter doesn’t feel so bleak in Birmingham.
1. Get active in a bar
You can’t go outside as much as you’d like in winter. Whether to play golf or frisbee, ride a bike or go for a jog, it’s a nightmare. That’s why many of us end up at a cosy pub instead, which isn’t the worst way to spend a winter’s afternoon either… But why not warm up with a friendly game or two over a few drinks?
Birmingham is full of incredible activity bars that will keep occupied during the unpredictable weather of winter. Have a kick about at the ‘world’s first interactive football and dining experience’, TOCA Social. Go indoor virtual clay shooting at Clays. Or try the adults-only laser tag experience, NQ64 Laser Quest.
Fancy something a bit more lowkey? Nothing says ‘winter’s night in’ like a board game. Check out the board game café, Chance & Counters at The Custard Factory where there are over 500 different games to choose from. To see the very best activity bars in Birmingham to while away the hours this winter head here.
2. Glide onto the ice
Ice skating isn’t just for the festive season. It’s a winter activity that can be enjoyed endlessly. While Ice Skate Birmingham will be leaving us in January, did you know that you can go ice skating every day at Planet Ice in Solihull and Coventry? Yes, even on Christmas Day. Enjoy a range of ice-related activities, such as skating lessons and ice hockey.
3. Light up your evenings with an otherworldly light trail
Winter is too dark. Thankfully, Light Cycles has stepped in to lift our spirits with a luminescent light trail near Birmingham. Pulsing pearl-like orbs, fiery amber rays and a rolling mist of vibrant colour are just some of the magical displays illuminating the idyllic lakes and woodlands surrounding Stonebridge Golf Course. They will guide you through nature, along with life-size art installations, hypnotic visual effects and serene soundscapes. To learn more about Light Cycles head here.
4. Tuck into a roast dinner
Without question, my dad will eat a roast dinner every single Sunday. I can’t match those standards, but during the winter, a big Sunday meal is a must for fighting off flus and the blues. Grab a classic Sunday lunch in Birmingham from places like The Plough in Harborne or The Fighting Cocks in Moseley, or go a little adventurous this winter with the Viatnamese-inspired Brum Mi, or the UK’s first Caribbean carvery at Christophers Lounge. Not in the mood this Sunday? Then check out Birmigham’s very best restaurants for all sorts of cuisines.
5. Soak up the atmosphere of a candlelight concert
You step inside of an old Birmingham church. Hear a string quartet playing your favourite pop songs. Edge closer, what do you see? Wow! Is that..? Are those..? Yes, hundreds of flickering candles illuminate the performance. It could only be a Candlelight Concert. Cosy up this winter, with a wonderful show for everyone, and see what concerts are on in Birmingham this winter here.
6. See the city glow up
Winter in Birmingham city centre is about to become a lot brighter thanks to our city’s inaugural light festival. The very first Birmingham Light Festival will brighten even the darkest nights from February 19 to 22. It will feature at least eight illuminated artworks, all within walking distance of each other, some of which will even remain in place after the festival – brightening city spaces over winter more permanently!
7. Take a walk in the countryside
Birmingham is full of fantastic day trips, but if you’re after a break from the city this winter then nothing beats a winter’s walk, especially if it ends at a pub. One of my favourites has to be at Clent Hills. With miles of footpaths, three different hills to climb and panoramic views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and Welsh borders, it will keep you occupied for hours. Then head to the old oak-beamed country pub, The Fountain, for real ales and hearty pub grub. To see all our favourite winter walks near Birmingham head here.
8. Raise the temperature with a sauna trip
Chase away the winter blues this season with a spa day. Forget your troubles at New Hall Hotel & Spa’s tranquil lily-filled location, shed the shopping street with a trip first to Malmaison Spa, and turn the temperature up at the naturist spa, Clover Spa & Hotel. Or why not take advantage of Amala Spa’s sauna and cold water plunge pool? That’s one way to boost energy levels!
9. Catch a show that will bring a smile to your face
Winter is famously pantomime season in Britain, with the Alison Hammond-starring Peter Pan on at Birmingham Hippodrome until February. Plus, Matt Slack is back for an eleventh season as Smee, star of stage and screen Danny Mac is Captain Hook, and Billie-Kay returns for a second year as Tink! It’s far from the only place to escape the blustery weather for a few hours, you’ll also find shows at The Alexandra and Birmingham Rep.
If theatre isn’t your thing then Birmingham’s also full of some incredible cinemas too. Luca Guadagnino’s follow-up to Challengers, Queer has just come out, Robert Eggers’ terrifying Nosferatu is releasing shortly, while Nicole Kidman’s erotic thriller Babygirl is making headlines. Or just go watch Wicked for the hundredth time. You can even grab discounted tickets to your favourite films at Vue by heading here.
10. Head inside of a cosy museum
It’s not just that winter is dark, wet and cold, it’s also when many of us are most broke, but thankfully a few of Birmingham museums and art galleries are free to visit! Having only recently reopened, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is packed full of free open spaces to explore – including the Round Room, Industrial Gallery, Bridge Gallery, Tearoom and Museum Shop, plus the new family gallery, Wild City.
Meanwhile, Lapworth Museum of Geology has been called a ‘hidden gem’, while Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) is the most-visited free attraction in the West Midlands. You can also escape the great outdoors without spending a penny at Europe’s largest public library, the Library of Birmingham and the internationally acclaimed Ikon Gallery. You can discover more free things to do in Birmingham here.