Struggling for ideas on what to do with your summer nights and light mornings? Here are some of the greatest ways to spend your time now the clocks are going forward.

Brindley Cruises

Brindley Place is always a great way to spend your evenings. But have you ever thought about going on a canal cruise? Brindley Cruises travel along the 250 year old canal while sharing exciting and fascinating facts along the way. The company loves sharing the history and distant future of Birmingham and the canals. Boats will travel along the Old and New canal lines in Birmingham to help you gain a real insight into what goes on up and down the water. You will learn about the wonderful history of Gas Street Basin and The Worcester Bar.

Trips are available Friday to Saturday from 11 am until 3:30 pm however late evening sails are available in summer. With the beautiful bright nights, it’s a wonderful day to pass the evening and watch the sun set. Prices start at £4 for children and go up to £6 for adults for the standard one hour tour.

They offer lots of different trips such as a gin, quiz, and fish and chip cruise. Or if you want to celebrate your own special occasion your way, you can hire boats. Wheather it’s for a wedding, birthday, or staff party, any reason is a good reason to travel the beautiful canals. To help tailor your occasion you have the chance to hire comedians, catering, and musicians. There’s also a sound system that I’m sure you’ll be able to put to good use.

Address: Narrow Boat Bosworth Lady, The Water’s Edge, Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2JB

Pub Garden

After a long week there’s arguably nothing better than sitting back at your local pub with your favourite drink.

Birmingham is home to some of the greatest pub gardens perfect to sit in on summer nights. The Canal House, Birdies, Hop Garden, and Luna Springs are just some of the ones located in Brum, let alone some of the beautiful pubs in Brindley Place looking over the canal.

With lots of greenery and string lights these outdoor spots are the best way to spend your evening after a hard working week. So, go ahead and treat yourself!

The Canal House address: 12 Bridge St, Birmingham B1 2JR

Birdies address: The Custard Factory, Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AA

Hop Garden address: 19 Metchley Ln, Harborne, Birmingham B17 0HT

Luna Springs address: Digbeth Arena, Lower Trinity St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AG

Exercise

Feel like keeping fit? Now will be the perfect time! With the lighter nights and mornings there will be no excuse not to work out. Wheather its before or after work you can keep fit outdoors while it’s nice and sunny.

If you fancy a walk, then there’s lots of options right in the heart of Birmingham. Maybe a short walk around the canals at Brindley Place, or a hike up the Lickey Hills, alternatively for a small fee you could stroll round the stunning Botanical Gardens. It’s the best way to take in the amazing views and enjoy the summer weather. You could even bring your dog along! Your fury friend will love getting outside with you in the fresh air with the gorgeous sun beating down on you.

Alternatively, a run may be more your style. Now is a great time to get out and beat your personal best. Running outdoors has been proven to burn more calories than being stuck inside on a treadmill. This is due to the inclines and wind resistance you face while exercising, making it the perfect excuse to get out.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, a yoga session could be a nice change. This is a great way to unwind from a stressful day and relax in the bright summer evenings. If you’re new to yoga, then joining a class or watching a tutorial could be a good option. Lots of local classes can be found on Eventbrite or try it yourself and watch a YouTube video. So why not grab a few friends and a mat and try it now!

Brindley Place address: Eleven Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2LP

Lickey Hills address: Warren Ln, Rednal, Birmingham B45 8ER

Botanical Gardens address: Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR

Picnic

Instead of dining inside why not pack a bag and take your dinner on a picnic. Whether it be in your garden or the local park this is an amazing way to enjoy the bright evenings with your favourite foods.

Some of the best picnics include crisps, sandwiches, fruit, and sausage rolls, essentially all finger food, just don’t forget the napkins! This is also another great activity your fury friend can join; they’ll love the fresh air and of course your delicious food.

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham Library’s Secret Garden, and Cambrian Wharf are some of the greatest spots to take your picnic and soak up the good weather.

Cannon Hill Park address: Russell Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8RD

Birmingham Library address: Centenary Sq, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA

Cambrian Wharf address: James Brindley Walk, Birmingham B1 2NJ

Painting

If you’re looking to bring out your creative side a spot of painting is an excellent activity to take outside. Wheather you’re a beginner or expert, painting is a great way to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. This is a good way to relieve stress, open up your mind, and become more creative.

Being in the outdoors will help spark inspiration for your painting. By looking around at the scenery there will be lots of landscapes you could paint. If you’re still struggling for ideas Pinterest could help you come up with a few and give you step by step guidance to help create your chosen masterpiece.

Gardening

After a long and cold winter your garden might be in need of some TLC. With long summer nights it’s the best time to get into the garden and fix your outdoor space. Weeding, planting, and trimming are just some of the chores you’ll have to complete.

With the extra daylight hours, you could add some more aspects into your garden ready to enjoy in the summer months. Flower beds, seating areas, and fire pits are some of the things that could elevate and enhance your outdoor area. Some of the best plants for summer months are peonies, sunflowers, and Hibiscuses. These will last all summer long and fill your garden with much needed colour.

So, use these light nights wisely and make your garden summer ready!