Are you a little bored with the norm. Not to worry, we’ve got you. Birmingham is home to a whole host of weird, wacky and wonderful things to do. Read on to find out more. Let’s exploce The Unusual Things to Do in Birmingham below.
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The Unusual Things to Do in Birmingham
Visit the Birmingham Back To Backs
Birmingham’s last remaining Back To Back houses are now operated by the National Trust, which run incredibly informative tours throughout the day. Get an insight of what it was like to live in this 19th century courtyard, with original artefacts to be seen and stories to be heard. For the full, authentic experience, visits to the Back To Backs are by guided tour only, with advance booking essential.
Go on a Peaky Blinders tour
Delve into the depths of Digbeth and discover the original Peaky Blinders gang that roamed the back alleys of Birmingham’s suburbs, with Peaky Tours. Led by local historian (and legend) Carl Chinn MBE, you’ll head off on a walking tour of the sights and haunts of Victorian Birmingham that the real Peaky Blinders would frequent. The tour ends with an 1880s themed dinner and a Q&A session with Carl Chinn himself.
Good sports
You are on hallowed ground sporting fan. Did you know that both lawn tennis and the formation of the Football League were both invented in Birmingham. Lawn tennis was invented in a back garden in leafy Edgbaston and the Football League at Aston Villa FC in, unsurprisingly, Aston.
Aston is also the home town of Ozzy Osbourne and some might say (with the formation of Black Sabbath) the birthplace of Heavy Metal. Oh, there’s an exhibition about Black Sabbath running until 29 September. If you’re a fact fan see 50 ways the West Midlands made its mark here, if you’re not continue reading.
Hop on the water bus
Yeah, we know you know. Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice. But what better way to explore them than on Ariel The Narrowboat. Yes, it has a name, and it’s not exactly a gondola, but it costs a mere £4 and gets you around all of the main city centre canalside hotspots including The Mailbox and Brindleyplace.
The Library of Birmingham
Situated in the heart of the city in Centenary Square lies the unmistakable Library of Birmingham. Unique in design, it is the largest public cultural space in Europe, and, amongst many internationally significant collections it houses the Shakespeare Memorial room, the world famous wordsmith was a local you see more of that later.
The Coffin Works
Visit this unique museum which is a time capsule of a successful 60’s coffin furniture manufacturer. This is not as depressing as an experience as it sounds and is a unique retrospective into the inner workings of Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. The firm made the world’s finest coffin furniture, including the fittings for the funerals of Churchill, Chamberlain and the Queen Mother.
The Black Country Living Museum
You’ll find centuries of history at the celebrated Black Country Living Museum. Pretend you’re a Peaky Blinder (minus the violence naturally) and step back in time on the very site of the birth of the industrial revolution. A truly immersive experience, you can wander around original shops and houses, ride on a tramcar or fairground swingboat, chat by the coal fired kitchen ranges, go down the mine or just soak up the atmosphere.
Whilst here, don’t forget to try the fish and chips from Hobbs and Sons they are cooked in beef dripping for an authentic taste and are m m mmmm. If beef dripping and eating animals in general is not your thing, then the shop caters for you, the vegetarian, with vegetarian option chips, gluten free fish is another option on their oh so tasty and all inclusive menu. This is once of The Unusual Things to Do in Birmingham.
Go all Middle Earth at Sarehole Mill
Providing inspiration for Lord of the Rings author J.R.R Tolkien, Sarehole Mill is a 250 year old working watermill which hosts a very special celebration each September. Taking place on September 9 to 10, the Middle Earth Festival is an annual celebration of the world renowned author of the series, with re enactments, a special elven path trail, pop up Two Towers brewery stand and much more. Entry to the festival is free and fancy dress is encouraged; discounted entry to the Mill is available on the weekend.
