Here are the best things to do in Brum sober (yes, they exist)

Birmingham is famous for being the city with the best student night-life, but what about all the other amazing things there are to do here in the city of Brum? It's nearing the end of term now and we all need a break from drowning our livers. So here at The Tab Birmingham, we thought we would compile a list of the best things to do in Birmingham which don't involve drinking.

Walk along the canals and have dinner at Brindley Place

Famous for its canal network, Birmingham’s Brindley Place has lots of great restaurants, a personal favourite being The Pitcher and The Piano. Strings of fairylights line the canal and make for a beautiful walk along the banks at night. Perfect for a date or to take your parents when they come up to visit.

Visit The Jewellery Museum and The Back to Backs

Travel back in time and explore industrial Birmingham: visit the Jewellery Museum in the Jewellery Quarter and the Birmingham Back to Backs just off the Chinese Quarter. The Jewellery Museum is a former factory of Smith and Pepper jewellery manufacturing firm. There are live demonstrations and guided tours for students for only £5. The Birmingham Back to Backs, similarly, offers guided tours around the Back to Back Houses which were the primary living situation from the 1840s to the 1970s. There’s also a 1930s style sweet shop on the corner if you fancy a treat.

Watch a play at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre or the Hippodrome

The Birmingham Repertory is next to the Library of Birmingham and is one of the leading producers of new theatre in Britain. They have a fantastic mix of the bigger, more famous shows and unique, smaller performances. Recently they hosted the cast of Pride and Prejudice* (Sort Of*) and now in the lead up to Christmas you can book tickets to a thrilling re-imagining of Peter Pan from only £10.

The Hippodrome also sometimes offer a deal for students on tickets 24 hours before a performance and they will give you the best available seats for the lowest price.

See a film in one of Birmingham’s many amazing cinemas

Birmingham has some really cool and impressive cinemas if you’re looking to see the lastest blockbusters. If you want the best screen and the best sound, the Odeon Luxe is where you need to be. All the seats are recliners and you can even book to see a film in the isense screen with 4k projection, Dolby ATMOS 3D sound and an optimised screen.

If you’re looking for something a little more understated try The Mockingbird in Digbeth or The Electric Cinema in Birmingham city centre. The Mockingbird has some great social nights where you can order drinks and have brunch, and The Electric is the UK’s oldest working cinema so is definetly worth a visit! The Everyman, located in the Mailbox, is also lovely with sofas to sit on, blankets to cosy under and food and drink delivered to your seat.

Pop along to The Medicine Bakery

If you’re looking for a splash of culture, head along to the Medicine Bakery and get yourself a delicious pastry or some fresh, artisan bread. They also host regular markets and exhibitions to immerse yourself in. Starting on the 3rd of December, they are holding an Etsy Made Local winter market – the perfect place to get some special Christmas gifts for your loved ones.

Play mini golf at Cannon Hill Park

Get out in nature and have a wholesome walk around Cannon Hill Park and then, if you’re in the mood for a few laughs, challenge your house mates to a round of mini golf. Play 18 holes for £6.20 or 36 for £9.40! You can also go pedal-boating in a Swan boat on the lake and have something to eat in the Garden Tea Room.

Attend Barber Lates

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts on UoB campus hosts evening events called Barber Lates where you can meet local artists, attend worshops and watch performances. There’s a mixture of talks, films, music, debates and performance on frequently. The events vary in price but there are often free talks and some of the events are free for students too, like life their life drawing sessions.

Have a go at racing round the Grand Prix Karting Track

If you’re up for something a little more fast-paced, race your mates around the Grand Prix Karting Track, just a fifteen minute drive from Selly Oak. The Grand Prix Karting Track is one of the most famous in the U.K. and the karts are manufactured by a World Championship winning race constructor.

Have afternoon tea at the Edwardian Tearooms

Fancy a more civilised social event? Have afternoon tea with your girls at the Edwardian tea rooms in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery! Dig into freshly-made traditional scones and finger sandwiches and share a pot of tea. It might seem like a pricer activity, but at under £18 pounds a head, it’s a fairly good deal and definitely something to remember. There’s also an offer for 10% off afternoon tea on Mondays and Tuesdays!

Go bowling at Lane7

A fun night out doesn’t have to involve Broad Street, Lane7 in The Cube redefines bowling as a fun and glam activity. Continuing it’s retro theme, there are also old arcade games like Pacman and Donkey Kong. There’s even a private UV karaoke booth if you want to really make an evening of it!

Of course, there's always Fab.