Summer weekend in Birmingham
How locals do summer in Birmingham — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Birmingham
Cadbury World
FamilyBournville
Chocolate factory tour with a model Victorian village outside.
Brindleyplace Canals
OutdoorsBrindleyplace
Waterside bars, museums and narrowboats to Gas Street Basin.
Where to eat
Lasan
$$$Indian · Jewellery Quarter
Aktar Islam's elevated regional Indian — Gordon Ramsay's pick.
Original Patty Men
$Burgers · Digbeth
Smash burgers, mac & cheese and craft beer in a railway arch.
Adam's
$$$$Modern British · Waterloo Street
Michelin-starred tasting menu from Adam & Natasha Stokes.
Otto Wood-Fired Pizza
$$Pizza · JQ
Sourdough Neapolitan pies in a converted Georgian.
Live & on stage
Birmingham Pride
Smithfield · May 24–25 · Festival / LGBTQ+
Frankfurt Christmas Market
Victoria Square · Nov 6 – Dec 24 · Christmas Market
Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul
Moseley Park · Jul 11–13 · Festival
Utilita Arena Birmingham
Arena Birmingham · Year-round · Arena tours
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Cadbury World, Brindleyplace Canals. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Birmingham and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.