We know that many of you are coming a long way to attend this year's WCS, so wanted to give you some ideas on logistics and what not to miss should you choose to make a weekend of it in Birmingham, a modern vibrant city with some amazing food, drink and activities, whatever the weather!
In order to help you plan your weekend better, we've sought help from women in the Birmingham climbing community to give you the beta on where to stay, climb, get a brew...all the important stuff!
In the first of our series, WCS19 attendee Kumbi Kariwo kicks us off with her recommendations.
KUMBI KARIWO
BIRMINGHAM
TRANSFORMATION AND IMPROVEMENT MANAGER, BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S PARTNERSHIP
LOGISTICS:
Eat:
Birmingham has a growing foodie scene and the best place for a wide variety of food options and lively atmosphere is the Digbeth Dining Club which is a 15-minute walk from the Depot.
Stay:
Birmingham has a variety of accommodation to suit individual budgets. Visit Birmingham has some recommendations within and close to the city centre. Top Tip: Book early if you want a good rate as the Birmingham Christmas Markets draw in a lot of visitors into the city in December which results in a high demand for accommodation.
A post WCS drink:
There are a lot of independent bars, cafés and restaurants in Birmingham. The hard part is always picking where to go!
CLIMBING:
Sport
The closet sport climbing areas that you might want to check out are Wyndcliff Quarry (South Wales) or Horseshoe Quarry (Peak District), both places are great for beginners and regular climbers.
Trad
You can choose to go north to the Peak District or you could head South West to Wintour’s Leap - it’s always weather dependant on which direction I choose to go!
Bouldering
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to bouldering as we have the Peak District within 2 hours of Birmingham. Wild Blighty offer some advice on adventures. The Depot Women's group ventured to Churnet earlier this year and it was a successful day as some members bouldered outdoors for the first time!
IN CASE OF WET WEATHER:
Gear shops:
It depends on how much time you have...in the city centre you have:
Rock On Climbing who are happy to offer you tailored advice as the shop assistants are climbers themselves.
Snow + Rock are always happy to help.
Go Outdoors offer 10% discount to BMC members, NHS and DfE staff. Ask for details in store.
Wall:
Birmingham and the West Midlands has a growing climbing scene and we are now spoilt for choice, for bouldering we have:
For roped climbing and bouldering:
Place to get a brew:
If you like supporting independent businesses then look no further, as Independent Birmingham has a few places that they recommend. They offer a different vibe so you might need to come back few times to try them all out.
DON'T MISS:
Birmingham has a growing independent scene and there are a lot of things to do!
If you want to shop and eat under the same roof (and super close to the Depot) then The Bullring and Grand Central is the place to go, however you might want to brace yourselves as there will be a number of Christmas shoppers.
However if you would like to do something more relaxed then we have The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen, if you fancy having a beer or a glass or wine whilst enjoying a movie. Or if you’d like to catch a show instead there is the Hippodrome Theatre.
Or if you fancy something more active you can try your hand at crazy golf with a twist there is Ghetto Golf in Digbeth, alternatively there is Dropshot if Ping Pong and pizza is your game! If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and up for a challenge there are the Escape Rooms, make sure you pick your team wisely!
If you’d like to know about the history of Birmingham then you can visit the National Trust: Back to Backs, this is a stone’s throw from Grand Central. Tickets for this need to be booked in advance.
If you still can’t decide what you would like to do, you could browse Live Brum which is very handy and spoils you for choice!
Huge thanks Kumbi! Keep an eye out for future #BirminghamBeta articles :)
If you are a climber and a Birmingham local and might be able to help with future articles, contact us here.
