Finding the time to take up a new hobby can be difficult, but it’s important that life isn’t all work and no play. If you’re interested in trying something new, we’ve compiled an A-Z list of some hobbies you may want to try.
A is for Arts (and crafts)
Unleash your arty side at the Midland Arts Centre with courses on sewing and dressmaking, painting and drawing, and embroidery.
If you’re a BCU student, you can join the Crafty Bs society who offers a friendly atmosphere to get creative in.
B is for Baking
Whether you’re an aspiring Bake Off champion or just want to impress your friends, Class Bento have a roundup of all the baking and desserts classes happening in Birmingham and donate to Mental Health UK with every booking.
C is for Climbing
If climbing takes your fancy, Redpoint Climbing Centre will rock your world! With courses for beginners and experienced staff, you’re in good hands to learn the ropes.
For BCU students, the Students’ Union has a Rock Climbing society that celebrates climbing and mountaineering.
D is for Dancing
Put on your dancing shoes, because Midlands Art Centre has classes for every ability in Tap and Tango. Or if ballet or contemporary is more your style, why not check out Fabric in the Hippodrome?
BCUSU has a range of dance societies, including K-Pop Dance and Burlesque.
E is for Escape Rooms
If you love problem-solving, you’ll love the city’s offering of escape rooms. There’s Escape Hunt, which has virtual and outdoor escape rooms as well as traditional rooms, Escape Live which has Peaky Blinders-themed rooms, and Escape Reality which has a Game of Thrones-inspired room.
F is for Foreign Languages
It’s never too late to learn a new language, either for an upcoming holiday or just to boost your brainpower. If you’re fed up with the Duolingo owl and want to learn at your own pace in your own time, why not try BrassHouse Languages? Based in the Birmingham Library, these courses from the Birmingham Adult Education Service offer different ways of learning to suit everyone.
G is for Gardening
Got the green thumb? Why not visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for some inspiration about how to spruce up your outdoor space. Once you’re ready to get started, why not visit some of the best garden centres in Birmingham?
Of course, we’ve got you covered at BCU with our very own Gardening society who work with the Canal and River Trust to take care of the city.
H is for Houseplants
No garden? No problem! Houseplants are known to boost mental health and wellbeing, so surround yourself with some leafy friends from Birmingham’s independent plant shops.
I is for Ice Skating
If you enjoy the ice rink in Centenary Square every year, why not take it up as a hobby and ice skate all year round at Planet Ice in Solihull?
J is for Jewellery making
For those interested in making their own jewellery, look no further than Midlands Arts Centre! They have a range of courses to suit every experience level.
Did you know BCUSU has a Horological society and a Jewellery and Fashion society?
K is for Kickboxing
If exercise is how you get your kicks, Temple Martial Arts have Kickboxing and Kung Fu classes, including ladies only and children’s sessions.
And yes, for our students BCUSU even has a kickboxing society!
L is for Literature
Those wanting to read more may want to join their local library’s book club, so we’ve found an A-Z of all the book clubs in Birmingham’s many libraries.
The BCUSU literature society offers theatre trips and slam poetry nights as well as a traditional book club.
M is for Musical Instruments
Wish you played a musical instrument? Midlands Arts Centre offer lessons in Piano, Drums, Guitar and more, alongside singing and songwriting lessons. You might become pop of the class and make it gig in the industry!
N is for Nature walks
You would not be-leaf the scenic walks that are at your fingertips in Birmingham! Less than an hour away from the city centre, you can escape to the countryside on these walking routes. They’re a real tree-t!
O is for Open Water Swimming
If swimming pools aren’t your thing, what about trying open water swimming? Midlands Open Water was the first Open Water Swim venue when it opened in 2011 and is a must for swimmers who want a change of sea-nery.
P is for Pottery
For those who want to be more creative, head down to Sundragon Pottery to learn a new craft and become a member.
Q is for Quizzes
Eager to put your brain to the test? Look no further than Birmingham’s quiz night scene. From music venues to quirky bars, there’s something to suit everyone’s vibe. Make sure you hit the books before you go!
R is for Riding
Looking for scenic routes around Birmingham to ride your bike? Here are some beautiful canal towpaths and cycle lanes you can try. Or if horse riding is more your speed, get back on the saddle with Hole Farm Trekking Centre.
S is for skateboarding
If ice skating isn’t for you, why not try skateboarding? Creation Skate Park offers lessons for those wanting to learn to ride skateboards and scooters.
T is for Thrifting
Thrifting is a great way to change your wardrobe at a fraction of the cost compared to the high street, and it’s good for the environment. Birmingham has a great selection of second-hand and vintage shops for you to thrift to your heart’s content.
U is for Upcycling
Just like thrifting, upcycling is great for the environment and can turn your well-loved furniture into something completely different. Here’s a handy 8-step guide to upcycling.
V is for Video games
If you’re into video games or just want to see what all the fuss is about, NQ64 is an arcade bar in the Custard Factory where you can play Guitar Hero, Mortal Kombat and more.
BCUSU also has a Console Games Society where all students are welcome to play a variety of console games including Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros.
W is for Writing
If you like reading and have a novel idea of your own, a move in the write direction would be to take a course in Creative Writing at Midlands Arts Centre.
Of course, Birmingham City University also offer creative writing degrees if you’ve already got a taste for it.
X is for Xtreme Sports
(Give us this one, almost nothing starts with X!) If you’re into extreme sports, the Birmingham BMX Club may be for you.
Y is for Yoga
Do you want to practice mindfulness or harness the health benefits of yoga? Less than a 10-minute walk from New Street Station lies Yogasweat’s Studio.
For BCU students, there is a Yoga society that aims to make students happier and healthier.
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Z is for Zumba
If you want to get fit and have fun while doing it, you’ll love Zumba! Mixing cardio with Latin-inspired music, Zumba classes can be found all over Birmingham.
