16 Fun Things to do in Birmingham for Adults

Birmingham is Britain's second city, the economic powerhouse of the West Midlands with an area of more than 100 square miles and it's home to more than a million people.

So it's no surprise that there are lots of fun activities for grown-ups to do in Birmingham.  Here's our pick of the best:

1. Take on the Challenge of The Bear Grylls Adventure

There's a huge range of exciting activities for adults to choose from at the Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC in Birmingham.

You can choose from archery, axe throwing, climbing, shooting, high ropes, escape rooms and even cage snorkel and shark dive experiences.

One of the most thrilling and unusual activities must be the iFLY indoor skydiving where you can experience the thrill of free fall skydiving without needing an aeroplane. 

Every activity ticket includes unlimited access to the assault course which was inspired by the Royal Marines.  Challenge your friends and see who can overcome the scramble nets, traverse beams, monkey bars and other obstacles in the fastest time.

You can book tickets for single activities, or you can book packages of 1, 2 or 3 activities for corporate groups, or stag and hen parties.

https://www.beargryllsadventure.com/

2.  Show off Your Pinball Skills at Tilt

Whether you think you're a bit of a pinball wizard, or you just like excellent coffee or craft beer, Tilt has something for you.

Tilt has a total of 19 pinball machines over its three floors, so there are lots to choose from.  They all cost £1 per game or £2 for three games.

Tables include classics from the 1990s such as Black Rose and Twighlight Zone, as well as the latest machines like Rush Pro from 2022 and The Mandalorian Limited Edition from 2021

Tilt take their coffee very seriously, using only beans from the top 5% by quality from some of the world's top roasters and the finest espresso machines and water filtration.  You'll taste the difference.

There's also an excellent selection of craft beers on draught and in cans to take away.

Tilt doesn't supply food - but they're happy for customers to bring their own, and there are lots of great takeaway options nearby.

https://tiltbrum.com/

3.  Try Your Hand at Climbing at the Redpoint Climbing Centre

Located in the heart of Birmingham, Redpoint Climbing Centre boasts more than 300 climbing routes spread over 75 panels, so there's something for all abilities including beginners.

The staff are all climbing enthusiasts, keen to share their love of the sport, so beginners are always welcome.

If you're new to climbing, Redpoint offers a Taster Session that's a great way to have a go and see if you enjoy it.  But beware - many people start with a Taster Session and get hooked on climbing for life!

The session covers roped climbing and bouldering and is supervised by an instructor.  Equipment hire is included.

There's also a cafe for snacks and drinks.

https://www.redpointbirmingham.co.uk/

4.   See how Beer is Made at the Two Towers Brewery Tour

Only available about once a month, a tour of Two Towers Brewery is as exclusive as it is fascinating.

Mark, the head brewer and founder of Two Towers Brewery will be your expert guide.

You'll learn all about the brewing process, and your tour includes four half-pint tokens so you can sample the ales for yourself.

Brewery tours start and finish in the brewery tap, The Gunmakers Arms.

Alternatively, serious beer enthusiasts can book a Brew Day Experience and spend a day in the brewery getting involved in all aspects of the brewing operation from mash through to fermenter.

https://twotowersbrewery.co.uk/

5.  Take in a Film at the Electric Cinema

For something completely different to the usual multiplex experience, why not visit Birmingham's Electric Cinema?

The Electric opened in December 1909 and it's believed to be the UK's oldest working cinema.

Don't be fooled by the lovely art deco facade, the two screens have the latest Sony 4k projectors, so the films will always look great.

Offering a variety of films including the latest Hollywood blockbusters as well as classic films and even concerts, there's something for everyone.

https://www.electricbirmingham.com/

6.  Find Hidden Treasure with Treasure Hunt Birmingham

Treasure Hunt Birmingham is a great way to have fun and explore the city at the same time.

Use your phone to play by following the treasure maps and solving cryptic clues, and along the way you'll see the best bits of Birmingham.

As you play, you'll see Birmingham Town Hall, Centenary Square, The Library of Birmingham, Birmingham Canal, The Jewellery Quarter, St Paul's Church and lots more, and you'll spot details that most people miss.

Your virtual guide Captain Bess will send you clues as well as stories and interesting facts about the things you're spotting.  She's always good for a hint if you're stuck, and a bit of banter too!

The game is self-paced, so if you're enjoying a particular area, you're free to spend longer - or why not pop into a pub for some lunch or a couple of beers along the way?

https://treasurehuntbirmingham.com/

7.  Enjoy Bowling and Drinks at Lane 7

Lane 7 is a bar offering bowling and a range of pub games that make for a fun night out with friends.

With beautiful walnut bowling lanes, beer pong, shuffleboard and a retro arcade with your favourite classic games, you're sure to have a great time.

There's even karaoke if you fancy getting up and belting out your best tunes.

https://lane7.co.uk/birmingham/

8.  Enter New Worlds at Matrix Virtual Reality

If you want to experience the best that Virtual Reality has to offer, Matrix VR is the place to go.

Matrix Virtual Reality use top-spec computers and VR equipment to make your VR experience something you'll never forget.

You can play some of the best single-player VR games or, better still, enjoy an immersive multi-player VR experience with your friends.

If you're hooked then Matrix Virtual Reality even has a shop where you can buy all the equipment needed to re-create your virtual reality experience at home.

https://www.matrixvirtualreality.co.uk/

9.  Be Afraid with the Ghosts of Birmingham Night Walk

For a different perspective on Birmingham, try a Ghosts of Birmingham Night Walk, and find out about the city's scary past.

Follow the step-by-step instructions as you explore, and discover some of Birmingham's frightful places with their history of bloody murders, restless spirits and terrifying ghouls.

You'll need to solve some cryptic clues, crack codes and solve riddles to progress - and you'll find hidden objects and details on the landmark buildings you visit along the way.

https://questoapp.com/city-games/haunted-birmingham-restless-souls

10.  Discover Whisky with a Whisky Tasting Experience at Grain & Glass

Grain & Glass offers you the opportunity to learn about whisky and explore this iconic drink with their amazing whisky tasting experiences.

The bar, lounge and tasting room boast a library of more than 300 whiskies, served by staff who are knowledgable and passionate about whisky.

Cocktails and other drinks are also available for those in your group who would prefer something other than whisky.

There are tasting events scheduled throughout the year - for example, a Rum & Chocolate Tasting, Cotswold Distillery Tasting and a Tasting of Japanese Whisky.

You can also book A World of Whisky Tasting masterclass which lets you sample six whiskies from different countries - a great introduction to the subject.

There's also a tasting that focuses on casks and explains how they are an important influence on the taste.

Grain & Glass is a great night out for whisky enthusiasts and beginners alike.

https://grainandglass.co/

11.  See Hundreds of Bikes at The National Motorcycle Museum

If you love bikes then why not visit the National Motorcycle Museum - just off the M42 opposite the NEC?

With more than 1,000 motorcycles on display, it's now the largest motorcycle museum in the world and tells the story of motorcycle manufacturing in this country.

The museum has more than 170 different British motorcycle marques on display, from ABC to Zenith dating from 1898 through to present-day superbikes.

The foyer food court offers a great range of hot snacks such as paninis, soups and baked potatoes.  There are also sandwiches and cakes as well as tea, coffee and soft drinks.

https://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk/

12.  Shoot Your Mates at Delta Force Paintball

Offering fun on a movie-set scale, Delta Force Paintball offers the ultimate adult paintballing experience.

All equipment is provided, so you'll have a combat suit, body armour, fog-free goggles, and the very latest semi-automatic paintball gun.  Then it's time to head out and start shooting.

There are several different and exciting worlds to choose from, so you could be taking over a foreign embassy, or chasing zombies around a graveyard.

Whether it's a stag do, hen do, birthday party or just a brilliant afternoon out with your mates, Delta Force Paintball will provide the adrenaline-fuelled action.

https://www.paintballgames.co.uk/centre/birmingham-paintball/

14.  Learn About the City with Positively Birmingham Walking Tours

Positively Birmingham run guided walking tours of the city with expert guides on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. Alternatively, you can book a private tour at any time.

Three tours are available:

* Canals and Victorians to Today’s City

* Discovering Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter

* Birmingham's Artsy Bits.

Positively Birmingham also offer two self-guided virtual tours:

* Birmingham Central Squares

* Birmingham Centenary Square and Canals.

Whichever you choose, a walking tour with a knowledgeable and entertaining guide is a great way to get to know the city.

Positively Birmingham use audio receivers on many tours to make sure the guide can be heard clearly.

https://positivelybirmingham.co.uk/

15.  Uphold the law at West Midlands Police Museum

Discover two centuries of policing history at the West Midlands Police Museum.

Situated in a Victorian lock-up that was a working police cell block until 2016, The West Midlands Police Museum lets you find out about the police men and women who worked at the lock-up as well as those on the wrong side of the bars.

Along the way you'll discover the stories of some of Birmingham‘s worst criminals including the fascinating story of the real Peaky Blinders.

You'll also see how crimes are investigated in the forensics lab and enjoy exhibits such as police motorcycles and even a real police box.

Find out more about the role of women in policing, the mounted police units, police dogs and undercover work.

The museum also hosts evening talks and theatrical performances on subjects like Jack the Ripper and Raffles the Gentleman Thief.

https://museum.west-midlands.police.uk/

16.  Can you Get Out of Escape Hunt Birmingham?

Escape rooms have become a very popular activity, and it's no wonder - they're fantastic fun.

In the heart of Birmingham city centre, Escape Hunt Birmingham offers a choice of brilliant escape room games that will test even the brainiest teams.

Choose from four brilliant original games:  Blackbeard's Treasure, Our Finest Hour, The Fourth Samurai or Worlds Collide.

You have 60 minutes to solve the clues and puzzles and escape from the room.  If you would like to celebrate success with your team, there's a lounge and in-house bar.

In addition to the real escape rooms, Escape Hunt Birmingham offer a virtual reality version, an outdoor version and even some play-at-home games - see the website for details.

https://escapehunt.com/uk/birmingham/

 

We hope you've enjoyed our selection of some of the fun things to do in Birmingham for adults, and whatever activities you choose, be sure to have a fantastic time!