After two years here, I’ve had to ask myself when friends come to visit: what can I show them? Birmingham has so much magic, community spaces and hot spots to offer. I gained a lot of inspiration from my own exploration, and from Maggie, a final year student who I met when I joined the UUV Choir in 2023. During every break, we’d chat and she’d give me her recommendations of places to visit in Birmingham. A lot of these recommendations below are from her, plus my own discoveries!
Nature
Cannon Hill Park – Birmingham’s classic: Parkrun on Saturdays, swan boats on the lake, and the MAC arts centre with its cinema (I watched Let’s Go Karaoke! there during the Japanese Film Festival – hilarious). I always see lots of runners and families, so it is super grounding to go there for a walk
Moseley Bog – A hidden patch of magic. During my first year I met a dog walker here, and even that one interaction has meant Moseley Bog has stuck in my mind ever since. It is peaceful, leafy, and a reminder that you’re never too far from nature in Birmingham.
Highbury Park – A wide open green space adorned with wild flowers in spring. Less crowded than Cannon Hill, perfect for slow strolls and lying in the grass with a book.
Roundhouse – A slice of industrial history, now an activity hub. Their kayaking tours down the canal show you Birmingham from a totally new angle!
Bournville Park – A wholesome little spot. Quiet, and lovely for a slow wander after grabbing treats from the village shops.
Woodgate Valley Country Park – Vast meadows, rolling paths, and a cycle track that feels like it goes on forever. Properly refreshing if you want a break from the city without straying far.
Barnt Green – Hop on the train, then do a circular walk through countryside and woodland. A classic student day out that makes you feel like you’ve escaped to the Shires, pint at a local pub included.
Edgbaston Reservoir – A big loop for walkers and runners. On windy days you’ll spot the windsurfers out there!
Birmingham Botanical Gardens – Candlelit concerts, sprawling greenhouses full of exotic plants, and now a Medicine Bakery café tucked inside – great for a Mother’s Day treat!
Bournville Park – A wholesome little spot. Quiet, and lovely for a slow wander after grabbing treats from the village shops[/pullquote
Towns to Visit
Moseley – Garden shops, quaint cafés, and the Moseley bog for a dose of greenery! The houses here are gorgeous and make a slow wander feel like a little escape.
Bearwood – Known for its food gems. Vietnamese coffee worth hunting down, and a Polish restaurant where the poppy seed cake is the star.
Stirchley – Dive bars and independents everywhere. There’s even an international alcohol shop that sells Augustiner Helles, my favourite beer from Munich. In 2023, Stirchley was voted the best place to live in the country!
Bournville – Wholesome and picture-perfect. The bakery and butcher are classics, the pavilion has a rare carillon which you can hear on Sundays, and you’ll always catch the smell of chocolate if you walk near Cadbury World.
Kings Heath – Always buzzing. Live music in the evenings, plenty of dessert spots, and Highbury Park just nearby if you need a breather.
Edgbaston – The best activity here is simply wandering. Majestic houses, leafy streets, and the peaceful air that feels a world away from the city centre.
Harborne – Great for a charity shop crawl! Be sure to end your trip with a pint at The Plough!
[pullquote align=”fullwidth” size=”normal”]In 2023, Stirchley was voted the best place to live in the country!
Running Routes
The Canal – Vale → Selly/Sainsbury’s and back (5k). Vale → Bournville and back (10k). Or into the city centre (though one tunnel is a bit dark!).
Edgbaston Reservoir – A parkrun course, great for PBs.
Cannon Hill Park – My favourite park run. Scenic route with 200+ runners weekly. Also has sculptures, a rich history, the MAC, and cafés.
River Rea Cycle Route – Quiet, green, hidden gem at the south of Selly. Finish a long run at Dad’s Lane Fish Bar!
Cannon Hill Park – My favourite park run. Scenic route with 200+ runners weekly. Also has sculptures, a rich history, the MAC, and cafés
Bars & Pubs
The Victoria (city centre) – Built in 1898, it is one of the oldest surviving pubs in Birmingham city centre. They have cider slushies in the summer!
The Goose – Classic student pub. Lovely social beer garden and the Mixr app gives you great discounts. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening with friends.
Attic Brew Co. (Bournville) – Bench seating makes it social and welcoming. They do some seriously good sour beers.
Birmingham Brewing Co. (Stirchley) – A must-visit for beer fans. Excellent brews and right by a fab cycle path for a post-ride pint.
Spots That Make You Smile
Jewellers Arms (Cheese Nights) – Bring some cheese, everyone else brings cheese, pub provides bread. Absolute joy.
IKON Gallery – Free local art, a cute gift shop; always worth a wander.
Barber Institute Library – Silent study spot, so beautiful, perfect for focusing or just soaking up the atmosphere.
Edgbaston Artisan Markets – Second Saturday of the month. Pork pies, wines, and quirky gifts. I even got a model yellow house magnet for my birthday!
Bisque and Bean (Raddlebarn) – Pottery café with the best toasties and cakes, and staff who make it feel like home.
Truly Brummie Spots
The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre – Saw an Alan Turing musical here, and their pie and mash looks divine!
Library of Birmingham – Secret rooftop gardens and the Shakespeare exhibition. The escalators alone are worth the visit, really!
Gas Street Social – Cocktails inspired by Birmingham’s history. Yes, a Mr Egg cocktail exists.
Bull Ring Market – Come for groceries, leave with random treasures.
Depot – The beloved climbing spot. First visit free if you know a member.
B:Music (Symphony Hall) – B:Eats café does a Brummie Bacon Cake with tea, plus free youth music sessions and Friday jazz nights.
[The] Library of Birmingham [has a] secret rooftop gardens and the Shakespeare exhibition
Places to Take Your Friends
Kafenion Bournville – Follow up with a walk along the canal or a stroll through the village. Don’t miss the refill shop ‘the Clean Kilo’ for their make-your-own peanut butter.
Bonehead – City centre fried chicken heaven.
Winterbourne – Lovely gardens and tearoom, and a relaxing walk.
Digbeth – Mockingbird Cinema, NQ64 arcade, and bars for a proper afternoon out.
Perch Bakery / Boston Tea Party (near Aston) – Perfect for coffee, cakes, or a casual catch-up.
Boom Battle Bar – Karaoke is £6 per person, fun guaranteed.
Independent Birmingham
Birmingham has over 1,000 independent businesses across the city, with an active movement to support local shops, cafés, and markets.
A big shoutout to my favourite deal: the Independent Birmingham app. They have over 125 independents listed, each with a member discount – from free drinks to 50% off your bill! They hunt down the city’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets, shining a light on the places that let you explore the city in a whole new way. Read more from Travel here: