Blog Article
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 offer 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 has a roundup of all the baking and dessert classes happening in Birmingham and donate to Mental Health UK with every booking.
C is for Climbing
If you fancy trying climbing or bouldering, you can head to Redpoint Climbing Centre or Depot. 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 so you can have a go and meet new people.
D is for Dancing
Put on your dancing shoes, because Midlands Arts Centre has classes for every ability in Tap and Tango. There are lots of different salsa classes to try, or you could have a go at Lindy Hop. Fabric in the Hippodrome offers a big range of classes from ballet to waacking.
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 a green thumb? Why not visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for some inspiration or to get your dose of Vitamin G. Entry is free for BCU students and staff, just show your pass at the ticket gate.
Of course, we’ve got you covered at BCU with Gardening Club at our City South campus, an opportunity for students and staff to get involved with growing.
H is for Houseplants
No garden? No problem! Houseplants are known to boost mental health and well-being, 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. Birmingham School of Jewellery also offer evening classes and short courses.
K is for Kickboxing
If exercise is how you get your kicks, Temple Martial Arts has 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 find a friendly local book club, so we’ve found an A-Z of all the book clubs in Birmingham’s many libraries. There are also book clubs in the city run by bookshops like MyBookBasket if you're interested in diverse authors.
M is for Musical Instruments
Wish you played a musical instrument? Start learning in Birmingham with Progress Academy or at Midlands Arts Centre. You can learn to play piano, drums, guitar and more, or take singing and songwriting lessons.
N is for Nature walks
It's not hard to escape the hubbub of Birmingham city centre and get closer to nature. Catch the bus to Cannon Hill Park or walk up the canal to Edgbaston Reservoir to get your fill of nature. It's also a short train ride to Sutton Park, which has 2,400 acres of green space, ponds and scenic walking routes.
O is for Open Water Swimming
If you like swimming but want to try something a bit different, head to Cliff Lakes to have a go at open water (wild) swimming.
P is for Pottery
For those who want to be more creative, you can learn a new craft at Sundragon Pottery which is based in the Old Print Works in Balsall Heath.
Q is for Quizzes
Do you love testing your brain and trivia with a quiz night? There are plenty of fun options in Birmingham, check out our list of the best pub quizzes in the city. From music venues to quirky bars, there’s something to suit everyone’s vibe.
R is for Rollerskating
Whether you're a newbie or perfecting your skating skills, there's a great scene to get involved with in Birmingham. On sunny days and evenings you'll find a group by the library in Centenary Square or by the lake in Cannon Hill Park, plus there's a specialist indoor venue for bad weather days.
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, join fellow aspiring writers to take a course in Creative Writing at Midlands Arts Centre.
Birmingham City University also offers English and Creative Writing courses 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.
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, you can find Zumba classes all over Birmingham.