SANDS GREAT
New beach opens in UK’s second city – with funfair rides and splash pool
And three other attractions to visit in the UK's second city
A BRAND new beach and water play area has opened in one of the UK's most underrated cities.
While the UK has some amazing places, my hometown of Birmingham can often be overlooked by holidaymakers during the summer months.
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It's largely because Birmingham doesn't have its own beach or coastline where visitors can relax and cool off in the heat.
But a new sandy spot opened in the city last month - giving holidaymakers everything they need for a summer visit.
I remember when the beach was just a small patch of sand outside Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which goes to show just how much has changed.
Nowadays, the beach-themed attraction is run by Danter Attractions, a funfair supplier, who've been keeping visitors updated via their Facebook page, .
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This year, visitors can expect to find all the firm-favourites like the large sandy beach that's complete with a splash pool and colourful deck chairs.
For holidaymakers after an adrenaline-inducing thrill, there's also a wide selection of rides and rollercoasters, including the Wild Mouse Roller Coaster, a Helter Skelter, a Pirate Ship, Dodgems and a Waltzer.
A food court area selling a mixture of traditional seaside treats and fairground foods, including ice cream and soft drinks, has also opened inside the fairground.
Birmingham Beach and FunFair opened on July 19, 2024, and will run until August 26, 2024.
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The inner city beach will be open from 2pm until 10pm daily.
Entry is free, with ride tickets starting from £2.50.
The Ultimate Tour of Cadbury World: Chocolates, History, and Fun!
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Located on Moat Lane near Digbeth, the funfair is a stone's throw from the Bullring, Birmingham's famous shopping centre, and within walking distance of Birmingham Grand Central and the Rag Market.
It can be easily reached from both Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Moor Street station.
It's also within walking distance from Birmingham Coach Station as well as other local bus services.
If you don't want to wander too far away from Birmingham Beach and FunFair, then make sure to check out the Custard Factory.
The Custard Factory is set within a restored Victorian factory on 15 acres of land a short walk from the city centre, that features a maze of shops, restaurants, cocktail bars, a cinema, and other activities.
Head there for a spot of miniature golf at Golf Fang or checkout the neighbouring Rainbow Pub.
OTHER BIRMINGHAM ATTRACTIONS
As the UK's second city, Birmingham is packed full of lots of attractions, including Cadbury World.
Earlier this year, Cadbury World announced the launch of a brand-new ride and two other revamped attractions.
Cadbury Chocolate Quest is the first new ride at the Bournville site in 27 years, and I was one of the first to give it a go.
The Cadbury website describes the new ride as: "a slow-moving interactive dark ride with special effects."
But I don't think this description does the ride justice in the slightest because it was so much fun from start to finish.
On the ride, we used laser guns to shoot down chocolate-making ingredients on interactive screens.
Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the interactive elements - especially because the scores are counted at the end of the game, so it's given a competitive edge.
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An insider's guide to Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM is often overlooked as a staycation destination, but it's actually filled with plenty of wonderful hidden gems.
As a proud Brummie, I know exactly where holidaymakers should go to experience the city like a local.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
One of my favourite haunts is the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, part of which recently reopened to the public following a huge renovation. Head to the museum to get your fill of Pre-Raphaelite Art.
Birmingham Back to Backs
If art isn't your thing then head across the city centre to the Birmingham Back to Backs. The tiny brick courtyard is hidden behind the Hippodrome and has recently been named the UK's best hidden gem attraction.
I visited the city centre attraction over the Easter holidays and it was easy to remember why the tiny terraced houses are loved by visitors. The houses, which were largely used by working class families, easily transport visitors back to the 1930s.
From the faux wallpaper to the tins of custard, the devil certainly is in the detail. And I can't rave about the National Trust property without mentioning my tour guide John who gave the old buildings a deep sense of life.
Cadbury World
Would I be a Brummie if I didn't mention on about Cadbury World? Probably not.
Earlier this year, the Bournville attraction welcomed its first new ride in 27 years. I was one of the first people to try Cadbury Chocolate Quest, and it was yet another hit.
My family and I couldn't stop laughing as we fired our laser guns at interactive screens. Our endeavours to shoot at ingredients were justly rewarded when we were presented with a bar of dairy milk as we disembarked.
You can read more about my Birmingham recommendations, here.
Another area in Birmingham is also set for big things, as Moseley Road Baths is set to reopen following a £15.5million renovation project.
Meanwhile, I've also revealed the best of Birmingham's hidden gems - including a secret garden and the UK's best curry.
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