Top 10 Unique Things To Do In Birmingham In 2026

If you and your mates are looking for something a bit more exciting than the usual, Brum has you covered.

Here are four of our favourites.

Battle aliens and explore wild worlds at Sandbox VR

Location: Unit 25A, Grand Central Shopping Centre

Forget everything you think you know about virtual reality, because Sandbox VR at Bullring takes it to a completely different level.

This is an immersive, whole-body VR experience that uses Hollywood-grade motion capture technology to drop you and your friends into entirely new worlds.

You'll be moving, ducking, dodging and celebrating with your mates as you take on intergalactic missions, fight off zombie hordes, or navigate fantastical landscapes as a team.

It's built for groups, which makes it a great shout for birthdays, team days, or just a Saturday afternoon that's anything but ordinary.

The funniest part is what happens when you take the headset off.

Your brain is still half convinced you're on another planet, and watching your mates try to find their balance again is worth the ticket price alone.

You'll walk away with some properly ridiculous action shots and a story or two.

It's also a solid option for mixed-age groups, and the fact that you're indoors means the Brum weather can't ruin the fun.

Note: There's no food on-site, but if you're celebrating something special, you can organise catering ahead of time. 

You can book through the Sandbox VR website or by calling 0121 400 9888.

Show off your football skills at TOCA Social

Location: 11 Saint Martin's Walk, Birmingham B5 4BU.

TOCA Social at Bullring is an interactive football and dining destination, which is ideal for anyone who loves a bit of friendly competition.

Picture 30,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art ball-tracking technology spread across 23 private game booths, four bars (including a 360-degree central one), karaoke rooms, and a photo booth.

The best part is that you don't need to know your offside rule from your corner kick.

The games are designed for all ages and skill levels, so whether you're nailing every target or completely fumbling it, you're guaranteed a good time.

The food deserves its own mention.

TOCA Social's sharing menu covers everything from double smashed patty burgers to crispy duck pancakes.

You'll hear groups cheering and celebrating all around you, which only adds to the buzzing atmosphere.

Note: Weekends fill up fast, so booking ahead is a smart move. There's a full kids' menu, too.

Hunt for East-Asian treasures at KENJI

Location: Middle level, Bullring, Edgbaston Street, B5 4BE

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If you're the kind of person who can't resist a good treasure hunt, KENJI at Bullring is going to be your new favourite shop.

This East-Asian-inspired concept store is a carefully curated world of kawaii stationery, plushies, quirky homeware, tech gadgets, and a whole section of Japanese sweets and snacks that you won't find on your average high street.

Every corner is beautifully arranged with a Japanese-inspired feel, from holographic pens and bubble tea plushies to washi tape and phone cases.

It's a great place to pick up something fun without breaking the bank.

What makes KENJI different is that it's a proper concept store, not just a gift shop.

It celebrates East-Asian pop culture and design in a way that feels fresh, playful, and genuinely unlike anything else in Brum.

Whether you're hunting for the perfect birthday present or just fancy a mooch around somewhere colourful, it's well worth popping in.

Spot world-class murals in Digbeth

Location: Centred around the Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B9 4AA.

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Digbeth is Brum's creative quarter, and walking through it feels like stepping into an outdoor gallery where there's no entry fee and no closing time.

Old factory walls and warehouse facades have become canvases for striking murals by artists from Brum and beyond.

Key spots to explore include Floodgate Street, Heath Mill Lane, Gibb Street, and Lower Trinity Street.

Keep an eye out for the Black Sabbath tribute mural (a proper Brummie icon) and the ever-changing works that mean no two visits look the same.

The Custard Factory is at the centre of it all.

Originally built to produce Bird's Custard, it's now a buzzing creative hub full of independent shops, cafes, and artist studios.

The common areas are free to wander through, and you can easily fill an afternoon drifting between murals and coffee stops.

Note: Many Digbeth businesses take Monday as their day off, so aim for later in the week if you want the full experience.

Visiting Brum with kids is all about finding activities that are fun for them and enjoyable for you, too. Here are our favourites.

Try winning against the jungle at Treetop Golf

Location: Ground Level, Bullring.

Treetop Golf at Bullring is a jungle-themed indoor mini golf course that makes for a brilliant family day out, especially when the weather outside is doing its typical Brum thing.

You'll have two 18-hole courses to pick between: Tropical Trail and Ancient Explorer.

Each one is full of creative obstacles, winding paths, and playful surprises that turn every hole into its own little challenge.

The vibe is laid-back but lively, which is what makes it work so well for families.

It's the kind of place where everyone ends up laughing, whether it's at a lucky bounce or a spectacularly bad shot.

You'll quickly discover who the competitive ones in your family really are.

Once you've finished your round, you can grab a seat at the bar to swap stories about your best (and worst) moments on the course.

If you're hungry, Pizza Cabana does great handmade pizzas on-site, The Thirsty Toucan serves tropical-themed cocktails, and you can pick up a coffee from the Jungle Buzz Cafe.

You can check Treetop Golf's pricing on their website. No booking is needed.

Travel through time at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Location: Upper level, Bullring, Rotunda Square, B5 4BU.

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If you want a day out that's both fun and free, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is hard to beat.

It sits inside a striking Grade II listed building on Chamberlain Square and houses the world's largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, alongside the famous Staffordshire Hoard, the biggest Anglo-Saxon gold treasure ever unearthed.

For kids, the hands-on galleries are the real draw.

There are spaces (art- and history-led) built to keep younger visitors curious and engaged, while the history galleries bring Brum's past to life in a way that's genuinely interesting rather than stuffy.

Adults will love the iconic Round Room and the striking Lucifer sculpture by Sir Jacob Epstein.

There are also changing exhibitions throughout the year that give you a reason to come back.

Entry is completely free (some special exhibitions may charge separately), making it an easy and rewarding stop on any family day in the city.

The on-site cafes are a nice spot to recharge with a cuppa between galleries, too.

Run wild at Cannon Hill Park

Location: Russell Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8RD.

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When you and your kids are tired from all the exploring and need a proper reset, Cannon Hill Park is the answer.

This 250-acre green escape has everything from open lawns and a boating lake to woodland trails, play areas, and even a Japanese-style garden.

You can spread out a picnic on the grass, let the little ones burn off their energy in the play areas, and then take a gentle walk along the River Rea through wildflower meadows and conservation areas.

The park is also home to MAC (Midlands Arts Centre), one of the region's leading arts venues.

It's one of those places that Brummies genuinely love, and for good reason.

It's completely free to enter, and it suits a quick afternoon visit just as well as a full day out.

Note: The park is open daily and year-round, but a few activities within it (mini-golf, boating, and the Wildlife Conservation Park) have separate small charges.

Brum can be a surprisingly romantic place with the right person and the right plan.

Here are three of our favourite things to do as a couple.

Taste Thailand at Chaophraya

Location: Spiceal Street, Bullring.

If you're after a dining experience that feels genuinely special, Chaophraya at Bullring is one of the most memorable restaurants in the city.

This stunning two-floor Thai restaurant looks out over St Martin's Church and the iconic Selfridges building, giving you a backdrop that's hard to beat for a date night.

Inside, authentic Thai artefacts brought over from Thailand fill the space with warmth and personality that you just don't get from your average restaurant.

The menu is a proper journey through regional Thai cooking, from fragrant curries and sharing platters to beautifully presented seafood.

On warmer evenings, Chaophraya also has outdoor seating where you can enjoy the views of Brum's skyline while tucking into something delicious.

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or just fancy treating yourselves to a proper night out, this is the kind of place that turns a meal into a memory.

A lovely way to kick off (or round off) an evening in the heart of the city.

We'd recommend booking in advance, especially for weekend evenings.

Discover the secret rooftop garden at the Library of Birmingham

Location: Centenary Square, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2ND.

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Not many people know that one of Brum's best-kept secrets is sitting seven floors above Centenary Square.

The Library of Birmingham, Europe's largest public library, has a rooftop "Secret Garden" on Level 7 with panoramic views of the city skyline, all surrounded by year-round greenery.

The building itself is worth the visit.

Its golden filigree facade was inspired by the city's jewellery-making heritage, and inside you'll find the Shakespeare Memorial Room on Level 9, a beautifully ornate Victorian space housing the world's second-largest Shakespeare collection.

It's the kind of place that makes you stop and take a breath.

Entry is completely free, and you don't need a library card, which makes it one of the best hidden-gem experiences in Brum for couples who want something romantic without spending a penny.

The views from the rooftop are especially lovely in the late morning and early afternoon light.

Note: The rooftop terraces have limited opening hours that vary by season, so it’s worth checking on the day.

Take a romantic stroll along Brum's canals at Brindleyplace

Location: Gas Street Basin, Birmingham B1 2JT.

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Here's a fact that surprises most first-time visitors: Birmingham has over 35 miles of canals within the city, which is more than Venice.

The canal network is one of Brum's most charming features, and Brindleyplace is the perfect starting point.

Gas Street Basin is where colourful narrowboats, historic canal architecture, and modern waterside restaurants all sit side-by-side.

From here, you can follow the flat towpath at whatever pace suits you, stopping for a drink or a bite at one of the many bars and cafes along the water.

It's the kind of walk that feels effortlessly romantic: slow, scenic, and full of little discoveries.

If you fancy seeing the city from a different perspective, narrowboat tours run from the basin and give you a whole new view of Brum.

Ask anyone who lives here, and they'll tell you that a canal walk is one of those essential Brum experiences.

The towpaths are free, well-maintained, and perfect for a relaxed evening wander.

Local tip: The stretch around Brindleyplace is especially lovely around sunset, when the water catches the light, and the canal-side restaurants start to glow.

Whether you're visiting Birmingham for the weekend or just looking for a fun way to spend your day off, Bullring has something for everyone.

From battling aliens in virtual reality to scoring a hole-in-one at jungle mini golf, there's no shortage of unique ways to make memories in the heart of the city.

You can plan your visit to Bullring here for all the details on getting to us, whether that's by car, taxi, train, bus, or bike.

And if you're driving, our smart parking system takes the hassle out of arrival by removing the need for tickets and cutting down queue times, so you can get straight to the good stuff.