How we’d spend a relaxing weekend in Birmingham

Whether you're a local in need of a break or visiting the city for a laid back getaway, Birmingham has plenty to offer when it comes to unwinding. From calming canal walks to Michelin-starred dining, you don’t need to venture far to escape the rush.

From a soothing spa experience (that comes to you), a slow morning with great coffee, or a touch of culture, this guide will help you plan a laid-back weekend in the city.

1. Visit Arbury hall and estate

A short 30 minute drive away from Birmingham city centre sits Arbury hall, a beautiful Georgian Gothic house surrounded by over 100 acres of lakes and parkland. From its architecture to its history – it was home to the Newdegate family for over 450 years – a stroll around its grounds will have you feeling part of a period drama.

But you’ll have to forward plan – the estate only opens to visitors during the bank holiday weekends in April, May and August. Good timing for it though, as its gardens are said to be in full bloom by the spring, and the likes of rhododendrons, azaleas and giant wisteria will all make their appearances in June.

Visiting the hall and gardens will set you back £13.50 per ticket, which isn’t bad for a memorable day out.

2. Get an Urban massage delivered to your home or hotel

What’s more relaxing than a spa treatment? Having one that comes to you. With Urban (hello!), you can book a professional massage straight to your home, hotel, or Airbnb in Birmingham transforming your space into a private spa. 

Whether you need a tension-releasing deep tissue massage, a classic Swedish massage for pure relaxation, or a recovery sports massage,  it’s the ultimate way to feel your best without stepping outside.

The best part? Once your treatment is over, you can stay in your relaxed state for as long as you like — no need to tackle city centre traffic or public transport.

3. Book Opheem for Michelin-starred dining

If good food’s your mood, Opheem is a must. It’s the only restaurant in Birmingham to have two Michelin stars so you’re bound to be looked after, leaving you to truly relax while enjoying some unique but unforgettable Indian food.

It’s known for taking classic, recognisable Indian flavours and blending them with British produce for a contemporary result. Led by acclaimed Birmingham-born chef Aktar Islam, the restaurant's interiors are sleek and sophisticated, setting the tone for a meal to remember.

4. Take a stroll around Brindleyplace

When the sun’s shining, start your weekend in Birmingham with a scenic walk along the canals at Brindleyplace. It has an almost continental feel to it, with plenty of other places to explore while you’re there like the sealife centre and Legoland Birmingham.

From cafés and restaurants lining the canalside, you can grab a coffee to-go and enjoy a slow wander, with the occasional narrowboat drifting by.

5. Get inspired at an art gallery

A little culture can go a long way in helping you unwind, and looking at pieces of art can spark creativity without feeling like you’re doing too much. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is home to an extensive collection of art, including the world’s largest public display of Pre-Raphaelite paintings to stunning Renaissance works. 

Housed in a grand Victorian building, the gallery itself is a masterpiece – with decorative ceilings and huge marble staircases that add to the experience.

If you prefer something more modern, Ikon Gallery offers a completely different kind of artistic escape. Set in a former boarding school, this contemporary art space showcases thought-provoking exhibitions that change throughout the year. 

6. Go for coffee at one of Birmingham’s best spots

No relaxing weekend is complete without a great cup of coffee, and Birmingham has plenty of independent cafés that take their brews seriously. If you’re after expertly crafted coffee in a minimalist setting, Faculty in the Piccadilly Arcade is a must. 

This small but stylish coffee shop is known for changing its high-quality beans fortnightly so you can always expect something new. It has an in-house bakery too, so you can grab yourself a sweet treat.

For something a little more laid-back, Medicine Bakery offers a cosy atmosphere with freshly baked pastries and a menu full of comforting brunch options. With a couple of spots in Birmingham, it’s an easy pick no matter where you find yourself in the city.

7. Take relaxation seriously with a spa day

If a full day of relaxation is in order, a spa day is your best bet. Santai Spa at Resorts World Birmingham has everything you could need – from a salt cave, 15-metre pool, experience showers, outdoor hot tub, and a range of treatments designed to leave you feeling completely refreshed. 

The spa’s location near the water adds to the experience, and their relaxation lounge is the perfect place to unwind between treatments.

8. Take in the beauty of Birmingham Cathedral

Right in the heart of the city sits Birmingham Cathedral, a beautiful example of English Baroque architecture and a peaceful retreat from the business of the town centre. Built in 1715, the cathedral may be one of the smallest in the country, but its collection of stained-glass windows designed by Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones makes the visit worth it. 

The cathedral’s surrounding square is also a lovely spot to pause and enjoy a coffee or read a book, with benches dotted around its neatly kept lawns.

9. Visit Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Unlike larger zoos, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park has a more intimate feel, making it a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature without the crowds. Set within the surroundings of Cannon Hill park, it’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon spent visiting the likes of red pandas, lemurs, reptiles and small monkeys.

It's a quiet, family-friendly place where you can enjoy being close to nature without venturing too far from the city.

10. Take a Shakespearean stroll in Stratford-upon-Avon

For a relaxing way to end the weekend, take a short trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Just under an hour’s drive from Birmingham, this charming market town is full of picturesque streets lined with Tudor-style buildings and peaceful riverside walks.

The Stratford Town Walk is a great way to explore at a leisurely pace, leading you past Shakespeare’s birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and the stunning Holy Trinity Church, where the famous playwright is buried.

If the weather is on your side, a gentle boat ride along the River Avon offers another beautiful way to see the town – the perfect way to finish a slow, stress-free weekend.

11. Visit Winterbourne House and Garden

Owned by the University of Birmingham, Winterbourne House and Garden is just a short distance from the city centre, and feels like a secret escape. It’s a preserved Edwardian house, built in 1903, that offers a glimpse into the past with its period furnishings, stained-glass windows, and homely feel. 

But the real magic is in its seven acres of botanical gardens. From the vibrant plant collections, peaceful glasshouses with exotic plants, and on-site tea room and book shop, a trip here is a perfect way to escape for the weekend.