By Andy, founder
Winter in Birmingham is dark and chilly, but it has its own charm: frosty mornings in the parks, the city lit up for Christmas and a warm welcome by the fire. If you've been waiting for the right moment to meet someone, the quieter months are a good time to start.
Out in the weather
Take a frosty walk in Cannon Hill Park
A bright, cold morning in Cannon Hill Park is one of the best things about a Birmingham winter. Walking side by side takes the pressure off, and it's easy to extend if it's going well.
Blow away the cobwebs in the Lickey Hills
A walk through the Lickey Hills on a clear winter's day is bracing and beautiful. Follow it with a hot drink somewhere warm. Check the weather first and wrap up well.
Wander round Sutton Park
The heath, woods and lakes are peaceful in winter, and a crisp walk here is a lovely way to spend an afternoon together.
Warm and cosy
Find a fireside pub
From Moseley and Harborne to the villages around the city, there are plenty of old pubs with a fire and a quiet corner. For a first date, a weekday afternoon is ideal: calm, unhurried and easy to leave after one drink if you'd like to.
Visit a museum or gallery
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is free to look round, and the Library of Birmingham is a good place to browse too. Talking about what you're looking at is a natural icebreaker, and it's warm and dry inside.
Share a proper afternoon tea
A tearoom on a cold afternoon is hard to beat. Add a slice of cake, and you've got something to talk about straight away.
Festive and seasonal
Each winter the city centre hosts the Frankfurt Christmas Market, with festive stalls, lights and something warm to drink. Check this year's dates before you plan around it. A stroll with a hot chocolate makes a lovely early date, and it's busy enough to feel relaxed.
A few winter tips
- Check opening times. Many places keep shorter hours in winter, so check before you go.
- Plan for the dark. It's dark by four o'clock in December, so a lunchtime date is often easier.
- Check the roads. Icy weather can disrupt trains and buses, so have a plan B.
- Dress for the weather. Nobody is at their best cold and soaked.
- Stay safe. Meet somewhere public and make your own way there. Our guide to dating safely has more.
Looking for more ideas? Our first date ideas in Birmingham work all year round.
- date-ideas
- winter
- birmingham
