Don’t want to be trapped in the London bubble? Head to Birmingham, the UK’s second biggest city.
Home to over one million people, it has the second largest economy in the UK, with a GDP of £121 billion.
Sure, in the past, Birmingham was known as a manufacturing metropolis but now has a thriving service sector – particularly transport, events and retail. It truly has led up to its reputation as the City of a Thousand Trades.
Whether you want to work in-house at big brands such as Deutsche Bank, Vodafone or Capgemini or become a specialist in the likes of PR, content, social media, SEO or PPC at an agency, there are so many opportunities in this city.
Does degree subject matter?*
0 %
Have degrees
0 %
Have marketing degrees
0 %
Have creative degrees
Other
degrees include building surveying and mechanical engineering
*stats from included agency owners/managers
Looking to meet like-minded marketers whilst building up your knowledge of all-things digital? If you’re living and working in Birmingham, be sure to attend these meetups and conferences.
The second largest city in the UK population-wise, Birmingham offers a big city feel at a fraction of the price of London and comes in cheaper than Brighton, Bristol and Edinburgh.
Average cost of a one bed flat (monthly rent)
£741.14 (city centre)
£531.73 (outside city centre)
Average monthly commuting costs
£62.50
Monthly gym membership
£21.96
Average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant
£12
Average cost of a cappuccino
£2.69
Average cost of 0.5l beer
£3.75
*stats from Numbeo
Ackers Adventure, Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B11 2PY
With over 14 different activities for you to try, you will never be bored in this 75 acre adventureland.
If you are a thrill seeking adventurer already, then have a go at the thrillseeker days; or if you’re new, book onto the try it sessions to find something that suits your abilities. Activities vary from skiing and abseiling, to canoeing and many more!
They have plenty of training courses if you want to improve in one particular area, or even some residential stays for when you can’t fit it all into just one day.
Where? Ackers Adventure, Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B11 2PY
Cost: £0-£60
Website: ackers-adventure.co.uk
Arch 30/31, Water Street, Birmingham, B3 1HL
Warm up those muscles and get ready for a fun but challenging afternoon of bouldering at the Birmingham Bouldering Centre.
Something that makes this place unique is that the bouldering routes are different every time, as they reset each colour on a weekly basis to keep everybody on their toes!
The routes have been graded, so there is something for all abilities – plus, they offer taster sessions for those who are completely new to it. Don’t worry about having all the gear, as you can hire it cheaply while you’re there, so anyone can give it a go!
Where? Arch 30/31, Water Street, Birmingham, B3 1HL
Cost: £4.50 off peak, £8 peak
Website: birminghamboulderingcentre.com
Pershore Rd, Birmingham B5 7RL
Visit this collection of endangered animals, ranging from red pandas to wallabies.
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is a small zoo owned by the city council that focuses on protecting and creating healthy populations of endangered species.
Check on the website and you can see what time your favourite species gets fed, so you can watch. Or if you want to get involved more, then why not volunteer there?
They also focus on raising awareness of the threats these species are facing, and you can help by adopting an animal at the park.
Where? Pershore Rd, Birmingham B5 7RL
Cost: From £6.75
Website: birmingham.gov.uk
Bullring, Birmingham B5 4BU
An iconic feature right in the centre of Birmingham, head there for all your shopping needs.
This contemporary landmark of the city is overflowing with a range of high-street fashion brands and stores, so there is everything you could ever need in one place.
If shopping at over 200 stores works up an appetite, the Bullring has plenty of restaurants and cafes to suit you, from a full sit-down meal to grabbing a coffee on the go.
Go to an event inside the bullring such as the mojito beach bar (in the middle of a city!) or one of the make-up workshops.
Where? Bullring, Birmingham B5 4BU
Cost: Free entry
Website: bullring.co.uk
Linden Rd, Birmingham B30 1JR
A chocolate lover’s dream begins here in a world full of chocolate!
Learn about the processes that go on behind the scenes to make each delicious bar of chocolate, right down to the origins of the cocoa bean.
Have a 4D adventure in Cadbury World’s very own cinematic experience, before watching the chocolatiers make the chocolate before your eyes. Have a go at making your own as an expert teaches you how to temper chocolate.
Don’t forget the gift shop, where you can buy your favourite types of chocolate or get a customised bar, freshly hand-made there by the chocolatiers.
Where? Linden Rd, Birmingham B30 1JR
Cost: £17.50
Website: cadburyworld.co.uk
582 Moseley Road, Birmingham B12 9AA
Boasting an epic 23,000sqft of ramps, it’s clear why Creation Skatepark has the title of biggest skatepark in the Midlands.
It is designed for scooters, skaters and bikers alike to enjoy.
If you are feeling energetic, you could try the all nighter Lockin events. Starting at 8pm and finishing at 7am, they’re fuelled by good music and healthy competitions held throughout the night.
If you have always wanted to learn how to do some cool tricks on the scooter or skateboard, then you can also get lessons that run on the weekend at the skatepark.
Where? 582 Moseley Road, Birmingham B12 9AA
Cost: £1 day, £10 mon-fri pass, £14 lockin (all-nighter), £20 lessons
Website: creationskatepark.co.uk
Drayton Manor Park, Near Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW
A day full of thrills can be had at this theme park, located in the grounds of the former Drayton Manor.
Covering 280 acres of land, it is a huge park that has roughly 1.5 million visitors a year.
Drayton Manor is not only a theme park, but also a zoo. Home to over 100 different species it focuses on conserving endangered species and you can come face to face with them, or even become a zoo keeper for the day.
For a full weekend of fun, you can even camp or stay in a caravan to make the most of all their facilities.
Where? Drayton Manor Park, Near Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW
Cost: £28 online, £39 on the day
Website: draytonmanor.co.uk
39 Henrietta St, Birmingham, B19 3PS
Work against the ticking clock to escape from one of the five rooms in under 60 minutes.
You must work together in your team to solve the puzzles and challenges that lie ahead.
Each room has a theme, from Peaky Blinders to time travel, each one is different – but only try room 13 if you are feeling brave, as that one is not for the faint hearted!
It’s a good way of bonding with your friends as you work under pressure in a very unique environment, becoming real-life detectives for an hour.
Where? 39 Henrietta St, Birmingham, B19 3PS
Cost: From £15pp
Website: escapelive.co.uk
Ghetto Golf, Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4AA
Covered in graffiti from floor to ceiling, this isn’t your average crazy golf course.
An adults only course where the cocktails are flowing and the DJs are grooving, it is a unique experience not to be missed!
Showcasing artwork from graffiti artists, you can putt away in an immersive art gallery whilst enjoying food from the american style BBQ restaurant, Apocalypse Cow.
To add to the quirky setting of this ghetto golf course, it’s located inside an old custard factory!
Where? Ghetto Golf, Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4AA
Cost: £10 for one round
Website: ghettogolf.co.uk
Go Ape Cannock, Birches Valley, Rugeley, WS15 2UQ
The perfect get away from the city life, escape in Cannock Chase – Britain’s smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Put your nerves to the test on the 260m zipline, or by balancing along the 1,500m worth of treetop crossings.
Get in touch with your inner Tarzan and swing across the treetops in this 50ft high adventure with swinging bridges and all kinds of thrill-seeking challenges. It’s an hour from the city centre, but well worth the journey, as you’ll soon be in the stunning forest and valleys.
If you prefer being on the ground, have a go on a segway and speed through the beauty of Cannock Chase and into the valleys with ease.
Where? Go Ape Cannock, Birches Valley, Rugeley, WS15 2UQ
Cost: From £21
Website: goape.co.uk
Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull, Birmingham, B92 0EJ
This museum has the title of largest British motorcycle museum in the world.
With over 1,000 machines restored to their original specification, it’s no wonder over 250,000 visitors go every year!
They have motors spanning the whole time period of manufacturing: the oldest one dating back to 1898. Not only do they have older vintage models, but some of the latest ones too. If you want to learn more, why not book in for a guided tour?
The museum also hosts a range of events including vintage and craft fairs, which you can get involved in.
Where? Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull, Birmingham, B92 0EJ
Cost: From £9.95
Website: nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk
The Water's Edge, Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2HL
Come and see over 2,000 sea creatures or meet the new additions to the penguin colony here at the Birmingham National SEA LIFE Centre.
They also have a new addition to the centre – a pair of rescued seals, as part of the Mammal Rescue Facility.
Get 360͒ views of the aquarium as you walk through the ocean tunnel, and get face-to-face with sharks and stingrays – be sure to look out for the giant sea turtle, weighing 20 stone!
You can explore the reef edge right here in Birmingham and learn about your favourite species like the octopus, seahorse, clownfish and many more.
Where? The Water’s Edge, Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2HL
Cost: From £15
Website: visitsealife.com
9 Shaws Passage, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5JG
They refer to themselves as the ‘Burger Gods’, and it’s not hard to see why when you taste their amazing street food.
Starting out as just a small pop-up in Birmingham, they became so popular, they’ve now opened a permanent restaurant.
Specialising in burgers and now their special ‘Wing Wednesdays’, you are in for a treat with the flavours they have on offer.
They are aiming to expand to a bakery soon too, so why not go and see what all the fuss is about?!
Where? 9 Shaws Passage, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5JG
Cost: Burgers £9
Website: originalpattymen.com
National Exhibition Centre, Halls, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
Have a go at the ultimate physical and mental challenges from archery and high ropes, to the more extreme indoor skydiving and scuba diving among sharks.
Whichever experience you choose, you will get a free pass to the Royal Marine-inspired assault course where you can test your strength, endurance and resilience. Try and beat the man himself, who managed to complete it in one minute and three seconds.
Get the adrenaline pumping and have a go at these thrilling challenges by yourself or with some friends.
Where? National Exhibition Centre, Halls, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
Cost: £25 – £120 depending on the activity
Website: beargryllsadventure.com
Lombard Street West Bromwich, United Kingdom B70 8ED
Test your bravery as you enter this 1700s courthouse, where you will be exposed to the most terrifying zombies and have to rebel against the evil organisation that has created this zombie apocalypse.
Use your brain and wits to work through the puzzles to escape the zombies that are closing in on you and your team of rebels.
This immersive event gets the adrenaline pumping, as you are face-to-face with some very realistic zombies, deemed the ‘best zombie experience’ last year.
Where? Lombard Street West Bromwich, United Kingdom B70 8ED
Cost: £79.99pp
Website: zombieexperiences.co.uk