What to do in Birmingham while house and pet sitting

Looking for an industrial city with bags of character? Look no further than Brum. The West Midlands city is brimming with diversity and irresistible culture with no shortage of choice when it comes to entertainment. From mouth-watering food and stunning music venues to the glorious green space of Edgbaston and innovative museums, you’ll always find something to enjoy. Ready to experience England's second-biggest city? Read on to discover what to do in Birmingham during your next pet sit. 

Birmingham attractions

Even if you’re only stopping for a quick trip, these Birmingham attractions are worth a visit. 

1. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: Spend an afternoon buzzing round the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to see the world’s largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings. If you’re looking for local history, the third level of the museum features a hands-on history of the city and its people through the ages. Fancy a spot of tea? The Edwardian Tea Room is a feast for your eyes and belly with beautiful period features and old-world hospitality. 

2. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens: With fifteen acres of ornamental gardens, glasshouses and exotic birds, you won’t want to miss the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Stroll outside on the 15 acres of lawn or learn about tropical insects from as far as the Philippines and Central in the Butterfly House.

3. Barber Institute of Fine Arts: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is an art gallery and concert hall located at the University of Birmingham. It houses some of the finest small picture galleries in the world and features one of the most exemplary collections of European art in Britain since the nineteenth century. Among its masterpieces include Degas’s ‘Jockeys before the race’ and Thomas Gainsborough’s ‘The Harvest Wagon’.

Free things to do in Birmingham 

You don’t have to spend a penny to have a cracking time in Brum. Here are our top three free things to do in Birmingham.

1. Victoria Square: Often considered the centre of Birmingham, Victoria Square is a great spot to admire the city’s landmarks and sculptures, including the Corinthian columns and Roman-revival architectural style. Look out for Birmingham Town Hall, a popular concert venue and the clock tower, known affectionately to locals as Big Brum. 

2. Jewellery Quarter: Whatever you do, make sure your Brum itinerary includes the historic Jewellery Quarter. With 250 years worth of history and more than 200 listed buildings,  it’s no wonder the English Heritage coined the bustling urban village a national treasure. Museum-goers will adore the museum of the Jewellery Quarter and the Newman Brothers Coffin Works, but if that’s not your bag, there’s plenty of trendy bars, great eateries and independent boutiques. 

3. St. Philip's Cathedral: St Philip's Cathedral is a rare and fine example of elegant English Baroque architecture with four famous Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones. Visit the popular churchyard for scenic views including large marble columns and double rows of plane trees.

Fun things to do in Birmingham

From famous chocolate to historic museums, there’s something for everyone in Brummie land. Read on to discover the most fun places to visit in Birmingham. 

1. Birmingham Science Museum: Science fans will adore Birmingham’s award-winning Science Museum. Located at Millennium Point in the heart of the city, the museum offers ten galleries of historical artefacts, modern interactives and fantastic futuristic facts. Check out everything from aircraft and steam engine exhibits to robots at this weird and wonderful Think Tank. 

2. Cadbury World: If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love Cadbury World. The red-brick Bournville village was built for the workers of England’s flagship chocolate brand and the sweet smell of chocolate envelopes your senses as soon as you arrive. Head off on a factory tour for a history into the country's favourite cacao, a 4D cinema and a fun ride in the ‘Bean Mobile’. If that still isn’t enough, there’s still the world’s biggest Cadbury shop with unique treats unavailable anywhere else. 

3. The Bullring: Shop until you drop at the famous Bullring – a huge shopping centre with a UFO-like exterior. You’ll find all the usual favourite high street shops and homeware stores, as well as the likes of Selfridges. Across town, you’ll find the Mailbox with more high-end fare like Harvey Nichols and Calvin Klein. 

What to do in Birmingham with pets

Looking for pet-friendly things to do in Birmingham? There’s nothing better than being able to take your latest furry friend on an adventure, so here’s our section dedicated solely to the best canine-friendly spots in town. 

1. Cannon Hill Park: You can’t beat a great walk with your latest fur-pal and where better than at Cannon Hill Park? The Victorian park has been awarded Green Flag status thanks to its beautiful flower beds, lakes, pools and magnificent trees. The park also has a conservation area with five acres of woodland and a stunning wildflower meadow with fields of poppies, cornflowers and corn marigolds. 

2. Moseley Bog: The childhood playground of legendary author J.R.R. Tolkien is a fascinating nature reserve with several off trail tracks to explore, streams to run through and lots of muddy puddles for pups to enjoy. Said to be the inspiration for Tolkien's old forest, the landscape comprises a uniquely fascinating blend of gnarled old trees and delicate displays of bluebells each spring. 

3. Aston Hall: Visit the magnificent seventeenth century red-brick mansion of Aston Hall for fascinating history as well as dog-friendly grounds, shop and tea room. The impressive Jacobean estate was built in the early 17th century and is located in a picturesque public park easily accessible to the city on the north side.

Best restaurants in Birmingham: Food and drink

Birmingham is home to one of the most impressive foodie scenes in the country with everything from Michelin-starred eateries and traditional dining rooms to delicious street food all available at your fingertips. Getting peckish? Here’s our picks for the best restaurants in Birmingham! 

1. The Coconut Tree: Looking for a spot of Sri Lanken cuisine? The Coconut Tree has over 16 different vegan options to try. Enjoy explosive flavours in the form of stir-fried chickpeas, pineapple curries and coconut sambols.  

2. Gaucho: For five-star service, decadent surroundings and great steak, Gaucho’s is your place. Just a stone’s throw away the cathedral square, this Argentinian steak place is an unforgettable dining experience perfect for a weekday lunch or special evening meal. We recommend the classic rib-eye steak with peppercorn sauce and fries. 

3. Boston Tea Party: We love this place for its generous stacks of pancakes and piping-hot black coffee – just the way they like it in actual Boston, USA. The independent café chain prides itself on ethically sourced, feel-good food made from scratch onsite daily. We give them extra bonus points for being a pup-friendly spot too. 

House and pet sitting in Birmingham

That concludes our round-up of the best things to do in Birmingham. We’re confident you’re inspired and chomping at the bit to enjoy all the wonderful things Brum has to offer. From idyllic green spaces on the fringe of the city to the vibrant canal and jewellery quarters, you’re guaranteed to find something to enjoy.

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