After two years here, I\u2019ve had to ask myself when friends come to visit: what can I show them?\u00a0Birmingham 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\u2019d chat and she\u2019d give me her recommendations of places to visit in Birmingham. A lot of these recommendations below are from her, plus my own discoveries!<\/p>\n
Nature<\/b><\/p>\n
Cannon Hill Park<\/strong> \u2013 Birmingham\u2019s classic: Parkrun on Saturdays, swan boats on the lake, and the MAC arts centre with its cinema (I watched Let\u2019s Go Karaoke! there during the Japanese Film Festival \u2013 hilarious). I always see lots of runners and families, so it is super grounding to go there for a walk<\/p>\n Moseley Bog<\/strong> \u2013 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\u2019re never too far from nature in Birmingham.<\/p>\n Highbury Park<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/p>\n Roundhouse<\/strong> \u2013 A slice of industrial history, now an activity hub. Their kayaking tours down the canal show you Birmingham from a totally new angle!<\/p>\n Bournville Park<\/strong> \u2013 A wholesome little spot. Quiet, and lovely for a slow wander after grabbing treats from the village shops.<\/p>\n Woodgate Valley Country Park<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/p>\n Barnt Green<\/strong> \u2013 Hop on the train, then do a circular walk through countryside and woodland. A classic student day out that makes you feel like you\u2019ve escaped to the Shires, pint at a local pub included.<\/p>\n Edgbaston Reservoir<\/strong> \u2013 A big loop for walkers and runners. On windy days you\u2019ll spot the windsurfers out there!<\/p>\n Birmingham Botanical Gardens<\/strong> \u2013 Candlelit concerts, sprawling greenhouses full of exotic plants, and now a Medicine Bakery caf\u00e9 tucked inside \u2013 great for a Mother\u2019s Day treat!<\/p>\n Bournville Park \u2013 A wholesome little spot. Quiet, and lovely for a slow wander after grabbing treats from the village shops[\/pullquote<\/p>\n Towns to Visit<\/b><\/p>\n Moseley<\/strong> \u2013 Garden shops, quaint caf\u00e9s, and the Moseley bog for a dose of greenery! The houses here are gorgeous and make a slow wander feel like a little escape.<\/p>\n Bearwood<\/strong> \u2013 Known for its food gems. Vietnamese coffee worth hunting down, and a Polish restaurant where the poppy seed cake is the star.<\/p>\n Stirchley<\/strong> \u2013 Dive bars and independents everywhere. There\u2019s 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!<\/a><\/p>\n Bournville<\/strong> \u2013 Wholesome and picture-perfect. The bakery and butcher are classics, the pavilion has a rare carillon which you can hear on Sundays, and you\u2019ll always catch the smell of chocolate if you walk near Cadbury World.<\/p>\n Kings Heath<\/strong> \u2013 Always buzzing. Live music in the evenings, plenty of dessert spots, and Highbury Park just nearby if you need a breather.<\/p>\n Edgbaston<\/strong> \u2013 The best activity here is simply wandering. Majestic houses, leafy streets, and the peaceful air that feels a world away from the city centre.<\/p>\n Harborne<\/strong> \u2013 Great for a charity shop crawl! Be sure to end your trip with a pint at The Plough!<\/p>\n [pullquote align=”fullwidth” size=”normal”]In 2023, Stirchley was voted the best place to live in the country!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Running Routes<\/b><\/p>\n The Canal <\/strong>\u2013\u00a0Vale \u2192 Selly\/Sainsbury\u2019s and back (5k). Vale \u2192 Bournville and back (10k). Or into the city centre (though one tunnel is a bit dark!).<\/p>\n Edgbaston Reservoir<\/strong> \u2013 A parkrun course, great for PBs.<\/p>\n Cannon Hill Park<\/strong> \u2013 My favourite park run. Scenic route with 200+ runners weekly. Also has sculptures, a rich history, the MAC, and caf\u00e9s.<\/p>\n River Rea Cycle Route<\/strong> \u2013 Quiet, green, hidden gem at the south of Selly. Finish a long run at Dad\u2019s Lane Fish Bar!<\/p>\n Cannon Hill Park \u2013 My favourite park run. Scenic route with 200+ runners weekly. Also has sculptures, a rich history, the MAC, and caf\u00e9s<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Bars & Pubs<\/b><\/p>\n The Victoria<\/strong> (city centre) \u2013 Built in 1898, it is one of the oldest surviving pubs in Birmingham city centre. They have cider slushies in the summer!<\/p>\n The Goose<\/strong> \u2013 Classic student pub. Lovely social beer garden and the Mixr app gives you great discounts. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening with friends.<\/p>\n Attic Brew Co.<\/strong> (Bournville) \u2013 Bench seating makes it social and welcoming. They do some seriously good sour beers.<\/p>\n Birmingham Brewing Co.<\/strong> (Stirchley) \u2013 A must-visit for beer fans. Excellent brews and right by a fab cycle path for a post-ride pint.<\/p>\n Spots That Make You Smile<\/b><\/p>\n Jewellers Arms<\/strong> (Cheese Nights) \u2013 Bring some cheese, everyone else brings cheese, pub provides bread. Absolute joy.<\/p>\n IKON Gallery<\/strong> \u2013 Free local art, a cute gift shop; always worth a wander.<\/p>\n Barber Institute Library<\/strong> \u2013 Silent study spot, so beautiful, perfect for focusing or just soaking up the atmosphere.<\/p>\n Edgbaston Artisan Markets<\/strong> \u2013 Second Saturday of the month. Pork pies, wines, and quirky gifts. I even got a model yellow house magnet for my birthday!<\/p>\n Bisque and Bean<\/strong> (Raddlebarn) \u2013 Pottery caf\u00e9 with the best toasties and cakes, and staff who make it feel like home.<\/p>\n Truly Brummie Spots<\/b><\/p>\n The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre<\/strong> \u2013 Saw an Alan Turing musical here, and their pie and mash looks divine!<\/p>\n Library of Birmingham<\/strong> \u2013 Secret rooftop gardens and the Shakespeare exhibition. The escalators alone are worth the visit, really!<\/p>\n Gas Street Social<\/strong> \u2013 Cocktails inspired by Birmingham\u2019s history. Yes, a Mr Egg cocktail exists.<\/p>\n Bull Ring Market<\/strong> \u2013 Come for groceries, leave with random treasures.<\/p>\n Depot<\/strong> \u2013 The beloved climbing spot. First visit free if you know a member.<\/p>\n B:Music (Symphony Hall)<\/strong> \u2013 B:Eats caf\u00e9 does a Brummie Bacon Cake with tea, plus free youth music sessions and Friday jazz nights.<\/p>\n [The] Library of Birmingham [has a] secret rooftop gardens and the Shakespeare exhibition<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Places to Take Your Friends<\/b><\/p>\n Kafenion Bournville<\/strong> \u2013 Follow up with a walk along the canal or a stroll through the village. Don\u2019t miss the refill shop \u2018the Clean Kilo\u2019 for their make-your-own peanut butter.<\/p>\n Bonehead<\/strong> \u2013 City centre fried chicken heaven.<\/p>\n Winterbourne<\/strong> \u2013 Lovely gardens and tearoom, and a relaxing walk.<\/p>\n Digbeth<\/strong> \u2013 Mockingbird Cinema, NQ64 arcade, and bars for a proper afternoon out.<\/p>\n Perch Bakery \/ Boston Tea Party<\/strong> (near Aston) \u2013 Perfect for coffee, cakes, or a casual catch-up.<\/p>\n Boom Battle Bar<\/strong> \u2013 Karaoke is \u00a36 per person, fun guaranteed.<\/p>\n Independent Birmingham<\/b><\/p>\n Birmingham has over 1,000 independent businesses across the city, with an active movement to support local shops, caf\u00e9s, and markets.<\/p>\n A big shoutout to my favourite deal: the Independent Birmingham app. They have over 125 independents listed, each with a member discount \u2013 from free drinks to 50% off your bill! They hunt down the city\u2019s hidden gems and best-kept secrets, shining a light on the places that let you explore the city in a whole new way.\u00a0Read more from Travel here:<\/strong><\/p>\n 48 Hours in\u2026 Llanwrtyd Wells: \u2018Britain\u2019s Smallest Town\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
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