Top Outdoor Activities in Birmingham

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

The jewellery industry developed in Birmingham from the mid-19th century. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is an award-winning working museum which offers a guided tour around a real jewellery factory, showing you all the different aspects of jewellery in the 19th century and also highlighting the work of new designers. There is a tea room, in case you need refreshments, plus a shop from which you can purchase souvenirs, books and jewellery. If English is not your mother tongue, then you can will find guided tours on tape in French, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish and German.

Soho House

This award-winning museum, restored to its original 18th century appearance, was the former home of Birmingham's industrial pioneer Matthew Boulton. Soho House was often used as a meeting place for the Lunar Society: a group that counted Josiah Wedgwood (famous pottery maker) and Joseph Priestley (discoverer of oxygen) amongst its members. On display are some of the products of Boulton's nearby Soho Manufactory, including buttons and buckles, as well as silver and Sheffield Plate. The Lunar Society was so called because its members met when there was a full moon. This enabled them to see their way home safely in a time before street lamps were in common use.

Alexander Stadium

Alexander Stadium was built in 1978 and the track surface has been upgraded twice since then. It is the principal athletics ground in Birmingham and has a covered seating capacity of 7,000. The televised AAA Championships take place here in July, as well as the BUPA British Championships. If you want to see a home-grown racing team perform, come and watch the Birchfield Harriers who use the stadium for competitions during the summer. You may see such famous names as Katherine Merry and Daniel Caines, both of whom run for the club. On weekends the stadium is used for casual use and training.

The Rockface

The Rockface, Europe's premier indoor climbing centre, gives people the chance to climb, abseil, cave and even walk across rope bridges. It also hosts the British Indoor Climbing Championships and British Team Trials. The centre offers tailored packages for groups and individuals, and encourages family participation. The core belief here is that "climbing and caving should be accessible to everybody regardless of age, race, sex and ability." The Rockface is easy to locate, situated just off the Birmingham Ring Road, about 10 minutes walk from New Street station.

Paintball Park

If you want to get some fresh air and exercise, whilst letting off steam shooting at your friends and colleagues, Paintball Park is worth a call. Paintballing, if you haven't experienced it, is a combat and adventure game in which players are armed with guns that shoot paint pellets. Paintball Park runs various combat scenarios in 200 acres of countryside. There are evening games in the summer, when daylight permits, and individual parties and corporate groups are catered for. Call for a free information pack.

Birmingham Anglers Association

If you are a keen angler then you are in good company, as it is said to be the largest participation sport in Britain. With a number of reservoirs, rivers and canals in the Birmingham area, it comes as no surprise to learn that it is a very popular pastime in Britain's second city too. The Birmingham Anglers' Association looks after the interests of local anglers, advising on matters that affect those who love fishing and encouraging responsible participation in this sport.

Aviation Hobby Centre

If you not only have no fear of flying, but are prepared to pilot an aircraft, this is the place for you. The Aviation Hobby Centre, situated within the airport complex, sells books, videos, radios and everything the private pilot could need. You don't even need to fly to come here. Plane-spotting is a pastime that has many followers in Birmingham, and knowledgeable enthusiasts love to buy specialist books and equipment. Some fly regularly, but others just prefer to watch and learn about the planes without getting off the ground.

National Sea Life Centre

The National Sea Life Centre is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. One of the most thrilling things about this aquarium is its 360° transparent tunnel, which lets you stand in the middle of the ocean while sharks and other aquatic life forms swim around you. There are 55 displays in total, including the "Kingdom of the Seahorse" and "Claws," featuring the giant Japanese spider crab amongst other fearsome crustaceans.

Cadbury World

Cadbury World offers plenty for both kids and chocolate-loving adults alike. There are rides, a factory tour, chocolate-making demonstrations and lots of the popular chocolates for sale at discount prices in the factory shop. You can also learn about the history of both chocolate and the Cadbury family through a series of colorful exhibitions and interactive displays. One word of warning, however: the Cadbury tour is very popular and visits should be booked in advance.

Cannon Hill Park

This is the ideal park for the entire family, offering a variety of facilities including boating lakes, playgrounds, tennis courts, tropical greenhouses and nature conservation areas. It is also the home of the Midland Arts Centre. A walking/bicycling route winds through the grounds that has recently been extended. The park also plays host to a variety of concerts, performances and the annual Fireworks Fantasia. Admission to the park is free.