Whether Gen X, Millennial, or Gen-Z, drinking on a night out is a social occurrence. Interestingly, over the last twenty years, alcohol consumption has fallen considerably amongst the younger generation.
The NHS advises no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. 5.2% lager has three units per pint, a small glass of 12% wine is 1.5 units. While it’s useful to be aware of units and how much is being consumed, more and more people are reducing alcohol use significantly, while others aren’t drinking at all.
It’s common for people to avoid alcohol for religious reasons, addiction issues, and for their health, but alcohol is everywhere. If you’ve completed addiction treatment at a UK clinic, but still want a night out but without alcohol involved, sometimes it’s tricky to know what to do when you want to have fun without it.
Fortunately, in Birmingham, there’s a huge array of options for a fun alcohol-free night out!
Things to do in Birmingham for non-drinkers
What’s great about Birmingham is just how much you can squeeze into an evening. Whatever your interests are, there’s something for you.
To start with, check out what’s on at the start of a night. The next two suggestions are particularly lovely during those long summer evenings.
1. Take a walk
The Birmingham canals are great for a stroll. One of the loveliest spots is between the ICC (Convention Centre) and Brindley Place. On this stretch, you’ll also find the Sea Life Centre, which occasionally shuts at 6pm so if you’re early enough, you might be able to stop in.
The ideal walk includes a picnic, right? Pack one to take and enjoy the city at a slower pace at one of the parks.
If you’re a lover of wildlife, then Sandwell valley Country Park is perfect. Here, you can walk trails through gorgeous woodland.
There’s also Cannon Hill Park. During the day, it’s the spot for pedal boating on the lake or a game of mini golf, while in the evening it’s a lovely place to mooch.
2. Visit the best tourist spots
Book lovers must go to the Library of Birmingham. The views from the outdoor balconies (on the 3rd and 7th floors) are an absolute necessity! You might also wander the garden or the Shakespeare room. Be warned the library closes at 7pm so get there early.
Looking for something a bit different? Then go to Digbeth. This trendy and vibrant spot is filled with art and quirky cafes. Café Lovelife serves incredible mocktails. It’s a great place to eat late and watch the world go by.
Perhaps you’re a foodie, the following ideas are you.
3. Go out for great food
Instead of an alcohol-focused night, go out for a delicious meal. Birmingham’s a multi-cultural city meaning we have some of the best food spots in the country.
For those with problematic alcohol-use, it’s important to plan ahead. If you’re going to eat out, check the menu before and decide what you want (i.e. don’t spend lots of time staring at the drinks menu in places where alcohol is served)! Alternatively, try alcohol-free food places.
You might check out classic Indian food at Dishoom, the boutique Indian street food at Indico Mailbox, or order something yummy under the leafy canopy at The Lost and Found.
Got a sweet tooth? The JamJar is a dessert parlour known for waffles, crepes, milkshakes and mocktails. Check out their Instagram – their milkshakes are insane! You might also fancy a custom-made ice cream lolly from La-Pop!
Looking for entertainment? Keep reading.
4. Enjoy the best entertainment and activities around
For those seeking some culture, a trip to the theatre is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Take your pick from a theatre show at The Alexandra, The Crescent, The Hippodrome, or The Rep (Birmingham Repertory). For something quirkier, head to The Mockingbird in Digbeth. This restored Victorian factory is perfect for an independent theatre experience.
Others might prefer the big screen, in which case you might fancy The Electric Cinema. It’s the country’s oldest working cinema, opening in 1909!
Pretty much everyone in the UK has heard of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). What’s particularly great is that this venue hosts world-class concerts, sporting events, and family shows. Just be sure to check their calendar of events to see what’s on.
Maybe you’re looking for movement, activities to raise your heart rate. Check out these options…
- Bowling at Lane 7. Not only do you get to show off your bowling skills, here, you can hire a karaoke booth and show off that vocal range, too!
- Gaming and laser quest at NQ64. This retro arcade and gaming space is next level nostalgia for those who love gaming to feel like it did in the 80s!
- Roller Jam. The dazzling skating rink and arcade arena is known as a nightclub on wheels. Is it even possible to have more fun than this?
- Live music venue, The Jam House. There are lots of events held here, but Del Camino salsa night on the last Thursday of the month is well worth a visit if you love Latin dancing.
- Fitness classes. There’s a plethora of local fitness studios and leisure centres across the city with weekly offerings. Whether you’re into yoga and Pilates, or Zumba, Boxercise, and Pump, there’s something for everyone on the health flex!
There are so many must-visit spots in Birmingham and it’s worth making a list of all the things you want to try. Keep in mind, Resorts World, too, where you can go shopping, gaming, or for spa treatment. There’s literally something for everyone all in one location!
One of the best things about staying sober on a night out is that you feel great the next day. No hangover means energy! Take a quick look at what you can do the morning after the sober night before in Birmingham.
5. Take time to enjoy the next day
Using your time to do nice things serves the purpose of reinforcing just how positive it is to stay sober on a night out.
You might opt for a shopping trip in the country’s largest Primark, a visit to Aston Villa or Cadbury World! Perhaps learning is your thing. If so, exploring one of the nine museums (Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Museum Collection Centre, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Sarehole Mill, Soho House, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, or Weoley Castle) will tickle your fancy.
It’s worth having a look at the local’s guide for more ideas on how to spend your morning during those earlier daytime hours.
Final thought…
It’s far too easy to think that alcohol has to be involved to have a good night out, but in Birmingham, there are so many opportunities to have fun without a drink. In fact, most of the fun places would be hindered by a drink (drunk roller-skating would be so dangerous)!
Before heading out sober, speak with your friends who are going, do your research and manage yourself if you struggle with addiction (avoid places that serve alcohol if temptation is still strong).
Remember, there’s nothing like having a good night out, remembering it all, and waking up feeling good and with all the energy in the world!
