Looking for something different to do on your next date night in England’s second city? If you’re tired of the same old dinner-and-a-movie routine or you’re just keen to spice things up, you’ll be pleased to know Birmingham is much more diverse on the entertainment front than it often gets credit for.
Within this article, we’ll explore six of the most intriguing alternative date night ideas which not only show a different side to Birmingham but encourage you to make the most of your time together at home.
Embark on an Escape Room adventure
Why not test your compatibility as a team by putting your problem-solving skills to the limit in an escape room adventure? Birmingham boasts several thrilling escape room experiences, most notably Clue HQ and Escape Live.
The latter is one of the most popular escape room venues with a choice of eight different room games, including games inspired by shows like Peaky Blinders and films like Back to the Future. It also has other unique rooms inspired by biotech and horror themes.
Explore the city’s street art scene
If you’re a creative couple, take the time to get under the skin of Birmingham’s vibrant street art scene. With a little bit of research, you can embark on a self-guided tour of many impressive murals and graffiti. Just grab yourself a map or download an app such as Street Art Cities to discover some hidden gems and snap some Instagram-worthy photos along the way.
Order a takeaway and have a games night in
If you don’t have the energy to get out at the end of a busy day, why not have a games night in instead? There’s many great takeaways in Birmingham, whether it’s Indian fine dining at Blanc NRI, fresh sushi from Yakinori or the very best in Kashmiri cuisine from the Royal Watan, this city is a melting pot of food cultures.
As for your games of choice, it could be board games, console games or even online casino games. The latter is an increasingly popular pastime, as it’s brought to life some of the classic card and wheel-based games enjoyed by people over generations. They also happen to have simple rules ensuring genuine pick-up-and-play appeal, ideal for date nights. Take roulette for instance, with the general premise of predicting which numbered pocket the ball will land on. Of course, there are some nuances to the game, with the American version proving increasingly popular online thanks to the addition of an extra double zero green pocket.
Take a picnic and a blanket for an outdoor cinema
If we’re entering the milder months of the year, you could consider enjoying a romantic movie under the stars at one of the city’s outdoor cinema events. Outdoor Cinema has previously been staged at the nearby Moseley Cricket Club and there’s expected to be a different venue in the Solihull area in 2024.
Pack a blanket and some snacks, cuddle up together and watch a classic film or a recent release in a chilled setting.
Stroll through the bustling night markets
Experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Birmingham’s bustling night markets. The Harborne Night Market is one of the most popular in the city. Featuring up to 40 street vendors, this market provides the perfect platform for local independents to sell their goods. This spans street food stalls, handmade artwork and much more besides.
It’s a monthly event, spanning 1,000 square feet, situated across the vast indoor and outdoor spaces belonging to The Green Man.
Enrol yourselves in a cooking class
If you’re both fanatical about food, why not indulge in your pleasures by booking a cooking class together? You can get hands-on in the kitchen and learn how to whip up some new delicious dishes in your favourite cuisines.
Whether it’s Indian, Thai or just contemporary fine dining, there’s a huge choice of cooking classes out there in Birmingham. The Big Birmingham Bake is also a popular shout for budding bakers, while The Spice Club Dining Experience and My Exotic Kitchen are also eye-opening classes with great reputations locally.
So, next time you’re planning a date night with your beau in England’s second city, make sure you think outside of the box. You’ll soon discover Birmingham has plenty of diversity and no shortage of fun, alternative attractions where you can make more memories together.