Ahhh Christmas – a time for celebrating, over indulging and partying; but it’s not all roses, let us not forget, it can also be a period of turmoil and stress for those on the hunt for the ideal gift!
To help you with your present finding woes, find below a list of unique and exciting experiential gift ideas, where there's something for everyone to enjoy in Birmingham next year!
Offering the best dining experience in Birmingham, Eureka Kitchen at Simpsons provides the most perfect gift for those wanting to unleash their culinary creativity! Located in a beautiful and luxurious Georgian Grade II Listed Building, this school allows you to experiment with unusual flavours, to create new and exciting dishes, perfect to share with all.
After some cooking, you will take a short break to sip champagne (or non alcoholic alternative) whilst the Simpsons team set up the Chef’s table, where you’ll sit down altogether and enjoy a three course lunch which includes some dishes you have prepared earlier on. You will also be invited to help the chef plate up, learning essential techniques for Michelin worthy presentation.
The Eureka Kitchen is priced at £150 per person for the day, running on Saturdays only. To find out more and to book, click here
Take on some of the world's most incredible mental and physical challenges, push your loved ones and give them the gift of adventure this year.
The Bear Grylls Adventure is the ideal present for all thrill seekers wanting to climb, dive, fly, zip, leap, scramble and explore in a world of adventure. All day experiences are available from £160 p.p or choose your personalised gift packages starting from £20 p.p here
3. Mixology masterclasses and mates
Looking to learn a new skill in 2020? What better way than to get merry and learn the art of cocktail making with some of the best, award-wining mixologists in Birmingham. There are plenty of venues to choose from to treat your nearest and dearest. Check out the fun filled mixology class 'Shaken and Stirred' at the fab and funky Island Bar.
For those Gin lovers (and who isn't nowadays?) make sure you try ‘Gin Tasting’ at the award winning 40 St Pauls. If this just isn't enough you can opt for their Gin, Cheese and Chocolate tasting with not only award winning Gin but cheese too (starting from £30 p.p). For those looking for something a little different, check out the Ale Tasting Masterclasses at the ever popular Canal House overlooking Gas Street basin, perfect for improving your knowledge of local and world famous beers! If ale's not your bag, they also run masterclasses in cocktails and yes, gin.
4. An array of perfomances at Birmingham Hippodrome
Head down to the Hippodrome, lean back, relax and enjoy an evening of magical theatre. If you haven't checked it out already, you and the whole family can enjoy Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, who are heigh-hoing around until 2 February (because the Christmas cheer doesn't need to end on Christmas Day right?). And the excitement still doesn't end there, as Birmingham Hippodrome have a stellar 2020 season, including Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes, the smash-hit musical The Book of Mormon, which comes to Birmingham for the first time, and joins a fantastic line up with the likes of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, We Will Rock You and The Phantom of the Opera.
And not forgetting the Birmingham Royal Ballet, where you can immerse yourself in breath-taking performances of some of the most spectacular shows, including The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.
For those looking for something a little off the beaten track (see what we did there?), give the ultimate gift this year of the ultimate thrill-seeking adventure, allowing you to get behind the wheel of one the UK's best loved treasures (second to Queeny of course.)
No matter the weather, you are guaranteed an unforgettable day full of unique activities, at the home of Land Rover, including One Hour Taster Drives, Half Day and Full Day Experiences, all of which will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
And for the real car enthusiasts, you can immerse yourselves in the complete Land Rover experience, seeing right into the heart of their vehicle manufacturing with a behind the scenes tour.
6. Selfridges personal shopping experience
For those looking to fight away those January blues treat yourself and your mum, best friend, sister or whoever is on your good list following the infamous Christmas Day game of Monopoly, to a day of pampering.
Sit back and relax in a private suite as the Selfridges expert team select some of the most extraordinary products from across their store, tailored to your individual tastes.
You can also enjoy a spot of lunch at Fumo, located on the 4th floor balcony overlooking the Bullring. The restaurant serves an all-day menu of delicious, regional Italian small plate dishes to share and the feature bar specialises in cocktails and Laurent Perrier champagne. Now what says Merry Christmas more than yellow bags and bottles...
Birmingham is well know for putting on a good spread and it doesn't stop at our Afternoon Tea. Delve into the delights of scones and champagne at one our many venues.
For the chocolate addicts amongst us, Cadbury World is the go to gift - enjoy a tempting afternoon tea experience at the themed Cadbury Café as the perfect way to compliment your visit to Cadbury World. Complete with savoury sandwiches and sweet treats served on bone china crockery, Cadbury World’s Afternoon Tea gives the classic British experience a chocolate themed twist,
If you really want to impress, check out The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge. With their stunning art-deco interiors to their unwavering awards and unrivalled care, oh and have we mentioned the length of their list of awards stretches the length of the M6 - this is how to wish someone a very Merry Christmas!
8. Luxury weekend away at Hampton Manor & Peels restaurant
Just outside of Birmingham you'll find Hampton Manor, recently awarded a certificate of excellent and whilst we're biased , it's really no surprise... The restaurant with rooms is the perfect gift that really shows that person that you love them. Awarded a michelin star, Peel's restaraunt is known for its refined and original combinations, being refreshingly full of life and imagination.
In their own words "Dinner at our house is more than just a seat at the table. It’s an invitation to settle in for the evening." , after enjoying their four or seven course tasting menu all that's left to do is enjoy the natural surroundings and make your way upstairs to enjoy the little things that make a house a home; fresh coffee to grind, bluetooth audio system, home-baked cookies, and natural botanical toiletries.
Find about more about their range of gift vouchers
mac birmingham offers visitors the chances to get in touch with their inner Van Gough. With courses ranging from figurative sculpture to stained glass making, there really is something to suit the most descerning artists interests. Give a gift of learning a new skill this Christmas.
10. Take a step back in time with the real Peaky Blinders
Crime-ridden streets, gangland warfare, poverty, desperation and murder. Are we talking about New York or Chicago in the 1920s?
No, we're talking about the dark past of Birmingham in the 1880s and early 1900s when gangs roamed the streets and ruled not with an iron fist, but supposedly with razor blades sewn into their caps!
'Peaky Tours' will take you on a dark journey of discovery, with one of the most reputable historians of his generation and much admired brummie, Prof. Carl Chinn.
Book your run in with the Shelby's here
11. 'Digbeth Dining Club'
If you find yourself getting fed up of turkey and turkey sandwiches head to the award wining Digbeth Dining Club, where you can enjoy such delicious treats as this...oh!
12. Birmingham based offers
Wanting to find a stocking filler with a whole array of wonderful benefits and offers? Well the Independent Birmingham App and the Merlin Annual Pass offer this!
Save money, support and rediscover the city with the Independent Birmingham App. For just 1.99 per month, this unique App offers fantastic deals at over 120 of the very best independent cafes, bars, restaurants, theatres and shops around the city. These include The Rose Villa Tavern, The Electric Cinema and Digbeth Dining Club.
You are guaranteed an awesome year of fun with the Merlin Annual Pass. This pass opens the door to 32 magical attractions across the UK, including Alton Towers, Warwick Castle and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Passholders also become part of Merlin’s Holiday Club, which unlocks even more exciting and exclusive perks!
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To discover even more exciting experiences and events happening in the West Midlands, check out our what's on guide.
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Following a major refurbishment, Simpsons Cookery School has now been renamed the Eureka Kitchen, a fully equipped working kitchen which will allow for much more hands-on experience during each course.
Adventure awaits! Experience eleven epic activities at The Bear Grylls Adventure. Escape the ordinary, experience the awesome and try something new.
Based at Birmingham Hippodrome , the company performs a range of traditional, classical and heritage ballets as well as groundbreaking new works with the aim to encourage choreographers and composers of the future.
Go for a spin of a different kind Land Rover Experience in Solihull.
The Rose Villa Tavern is a USA inspired cocktail diner in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. A classic American style dinner, served alongside handcrafted cocktails, all in a grand old building.
Escape to Alton Towers Resort and prepare for a thrilliant year at Britain’s Greatest Escape! Whether you're after pure adrenalin-pumping experiences or family fun, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Warwick Castle is one of the most exciting historic locations in Europe, set in the heart of Shakespeare’s England with over 1,100 years of fascinating architecture and amazing views in 64 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds.
Explore the Ultimate Indoor LEGO Playground at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham. With 2 magical rides, thousands of LEGO bricks to play with, a soft play area and a 4D cinema – there is so much for the whole family to do!
At West Midlands Railway we strive to provide a rail service that everyone can feel proud of. One that’s responsive, better equipped and more reliable for our community.
Packed with comedy and festive fun, Birmingham Hippodrome’s magical pantomime brings together a galaxy of stars for Britain’s biggest regional panto.
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