Rainy weather doesn’t have to mean cancelling your plans. Birmingham has plenty of places to explore when you’d rather stay indoors, from galleries and museums to family attractions, immersive experiences and live entertainment.

So, if you’re looking for somewhere to go when the weather isn’t on your side, here are a few ideas for a rainy day in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Explore the Ikon Gallery

Spend a few hours exploring Ikon Gallery in Brindleyplace, one of Birmingham’s best-known contemporary art spaces. Set inside a striking former school building, the gallery hosts a changing programme of exhibitions from artists from around the world.

Entry is free, making it an easy addition to a day in the city centre. And once you’ve finished exploring the exhibitions, you’re only a short walk from plenty of places to grab something to eat or drink.

Discover 3.5 billion years worth of history at Lapworth Museum of Geology

 For something a little different, head to the Lapworth Museum of Geology at the University of Birmingham. The museum takes you on a journey through around 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history, with fossils, rocks, minerals and meteorites to discover.

It’s free to visit and there are plenty of interactive displays to explore, making it a good option for both curious adults and families.

Build your own adventures at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Looking for something to keep the kids entertained? LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham has plenty to fill a rainy afternoon, with rides, LEGO models, building areas and Miniland all under one roof.

You can also catch a film at the LEGO 4D Cinema, where special effects including wind, rain and snow bring the action to life.

Get behind the wheels at F1® Arcade

Swap the rainy streets for the racetrack at F1® Arcade in Chamberlain Square. Jump into one of the racing simulators and compete against friends, family or colleagues across some of the world’s most famous circuits.

With food and drinks available alongside the racing, it’s an easy way to turn a rainy afternoon into a bit of friendly competition.

Go beneath the surface at the National SEA LIFE Centre

You don’t need sunshine to explore the ocean. At the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, you can see sharks, rays, penguins, jellyfish and plenty more without getting wet yourself.

One of the highlights is the 360-degree ocean tunnel, where you can walk beneath the water while marine life swims overhead.

Step inside Birmingham's police history

For something you might not have come across before, visit the West Midlands Police Museum at The Lock-up on Steelhouse Lane. The museum explores the history of policing in Birmingham, with collections including historic uniforms, equipment and objects connected to crime and punishment.

It offers a fascinating look at a different side of the city’s history and is a good choice if you’re looking for something a little outside the usual museum circuit.

Enter another world at Sandbox VR

If museums and galleries aren’t quite your thing, try something completely different at Sandbox VR. The immersive virtual reality experience lets you and your group step into a shared digital world and take on a range of games and adventures together.

It’s a good option for groups looking for something a little more active – and there’s no chance of getting caught in the rain.

Discover Birmingham's industrial history at Coffin Works

Head to the Jewellery Quarter to discover one of Birmingham’s more unusual museums. Coffin Works is housed in the former Newman Brothers factory, where coffin furniture was made for more than 100 years.

Tours take you through the preserved workshops, showing the original machinery, tools and working spaces while telling the story of the people who worked there. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Birmingham’s industrial past and the history of the Jewellery Quarter.

Catch a show at Birmingham Hippodrome

When the weather is looking particularly miserable, make your way to Birmingham Hippodrome and spend the evening indoors. The theatre has a packed programme of musicals, plays, comedy, dance and family shows throughout the year. You can find what's on here.

Sometimes the perfect rainy-day plan is simply finding your seat, settling in and letting the show take care of the rest.

Settle into a cosy café

If you’d rather have a slower day, Birmingham has plenty of independent cafés where you can escape the rain, warm up with a coffee and take your time. Kanteen in Digbeth is a good spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch, while Faculty Coffee in the Piccadilly Arcade is ideal for a coffee break in the city centre. 200 Degrees offers coffee and food across its city-centre locations, while BRIG Café in Digbeth has a relaxed, community-focused feel. For something a little more traditional, head to the Edwardian Tea Rooms at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery for tea and cake, or settle in at Wayland's Yard for coffee and all-day food. Whether you want somewhere to hide from a downpour or somewhere to spend a lazy afternoon, these independent spots are made for lingering.

A rainy day can be a good excuse to explore a different side of Birmingham. Discover a museum you’ve never visited, try something completely new, catch a show or simply find a cosy café and take things at a slower pace.

So, next time the forecast looks a little grey, don’t write off your day out – there’s still plenty to discover.