The Best 7 Outdoor Activities in Birmingham

Kayak the canals

Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? They were used as the primary method of transport during the Industrial Revolution to carry coal, iron and other heavy goods. Today, they are one of the city's main attractions and a great way to spend time outdoors. Thanks to the partnership between the National Trust and the Canal & River Trust, you can enjoy a kayak tour departing from the Roundhouse and take in the sights from another perspective.
 

Find out more: https://roundhousebirmingham.org.uk/product/bustling-birmingham-kayak-tour/

 

Stroll around Cannon Hill Park

Located south of Birmingham's city centre, Cannon Hill Park is a haven for nature lovers. This family-friendly park covers some 100 acres and boasts many facilities, including a café, a cinema, a mini-golf course, a swan boating lake and an adjoining nature centre.

 

Visit Aston Hall

Sitting on the northern outskirts of Brum's heart of the action, Aston Hall is a majestic 17th-century Jacobean mansion. This Grade-I listed structure was built between 1618 and 1635 for local landowner Sir Thomas Holte and is today one of Birmingham's most fascinating museums.

 

Opening times: From Wednesday to Sunday between 12:00-16:00

 

Ticket prices: Adult admissions begin at £9; Concessions begin at £7

 

Find out more: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston-hall

 

Explore the Botanical Gardens

Birmingham's Botanical Gardens make a perfect afternoon out with your family. They offer 15 acres of glorious natural scenery, from tropical and sub-tropical climates to the Mediterranean. You can explore the butterfly house, the Pavillon Tea Room, the charming Japanese gardens and the Bamboo Maze. There is also a children's playground to keep the little ones entertained.

 

Opening times: From Monday to Friday between 10:00-18:00; Saturday and Sunday between 10:00-19:00

 

Ticket prices: General admissions begin at £7.50; Concessions at £5.50

 

Find out more: https://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/

 

Experience 1800s Birmingham

Take a trip down memory lane at Birmingham Back to Backs – the last surviving examples of back-to-back houses where the working class lived in the 19th century. The courtyard is today a historic house museum, which still includes original artefacts and a traditional 1930s sweet shop.

 

Opening times: Tuesday and Wednesday between 13:00-15:00; from Thursday to Saturday between 10:00-15:00; Sunday from 10:30 to 15:00

 

Ticket prices: Adults £9.50; Children £4.75

 

Find out more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birmingham-back-to-backs

 

Tour Cadbury World in Bournville

Found a short drive from Birmingham's city centre, Bournville was built in 1895 for the workers of the Cadbury chocolate factory. Perfect for a family afternoon, the tour at Cadbury World includes delicious chocolate samples, insights into the chocolate-making process and a walk-through famous chocolate advert.

 

Opening times: From Monday to Friday between 10:00-15:00; Saturday and Sunday between 09:00-16:30

 

Ticket prices: Adults £18; Children £13.25

 

Find out more: https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/en

 

Take your kids to Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Located on the city's southern outskirts, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to various animals, from otters and meerkats to wallabies and red pandas. There are also feeding times throughout the day to get up close to the residents of this beautiful reserve.

 

Opening times: From Monday to Sunday between 10:00-17:00

 

Ticket prices: Adults £7.50; Concessions begin at £5.70

 

Find out more: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/conservationpark