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Top Picks
Rainy Day Picks This Weekend
11–12 July Near Hardwick, Kites
Not every listing gets a golden ticket
We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.
Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Hardwick, Kites, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.
Our 10 picks near Hardwick, Kites
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2LIVE MUSIC
Acoustic duo "Pendleton | Ray" are Simon Ray on vocals and acoustic guitar , and Marcus Pendleton on keys.
4.8 milesSat 11 Jul
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4BMC & Leyland Show
Discover legends of the historic British motor industry with hundreds of display vehicles from BMC, British Leyland and Rover Group at the British Motor Museum! Welcome to the BMC & Leyland Show; an unmissable event for all fans of classic British marques. We have a huge variety of vehicles on display covering everything from Morris Mini Minors to Rover 800s. Dive right into the show to check out your favourite makes and models, and meet like-minded petrolheads. Here, you can examine every panel and bolt on a Triumph TR7 or announce that you’re a big fan of Austin Allegro safe in the knowledge that there will be no judgement. This year also sees the 50th Anniversary of the Rover SD1 being introduced! After the success of last year's display celebrating 70 years since the Abingdon Works were set up, there will be another by the Abingdon Works Motorsport Celebration which, whilst not on the same scale, will embrace a range of cars that competed in rallies and events over three decades. On top of all that this event has to offer, entry to the Museum is also included in your show ticket, giving you access to our collection of over 400 classic British cars, and our brand-new feature exhibitions, Forza Horizon 6: The Experience and Spoiler Alert: The Hot Hatch Story. Join the huge number of classic British vehicles for just £13! This includes an entry pass to display your vehicle and gives admission for the driver and a passenger to the show, Museum and Collections Centre.
11.1 milesSun 12 Jul£13
5Messy Breakfast @ The Pit Stop
Once every month there is a Messy Breakfast on a Saturday morning. Messy Breakfast involves sharing breakfast together, sharing in a craft or activity to help people of all ages explore a Bible story or theme, and drawing our thoughts together with a short reflection and prayer. Come and meet other people in this growing and vibrant community. There's something for people of all ages, and it's a great opportunity for families to take part together. Check our website for the date of the next Messy Breakfast.
13.1 milesSat 11 Jul10:30
6Life Groups
Our Life Groups at HBC are typically made up of 6-12 people of all ages and backgrounds, who want to learn more about Jesus and how to follow Him in everyday life. We do this by studying the bible, asking questions, and discussing our experiences and knowledge together, and supporting each other through prayer. We often have a topic or book that we study and reflect upon. Sometimes all our groups follow the same topic or book and this shared "theme" is continued in the talk at our Sunday service.
16.3 milesSun 12 Jul07:00
7Morning Explorers
Morning Explorers is an accessibility program for autistic people and those with similar disabilities. Running on the second Saturday of each month, it offers some accessible adaptions to the museum experience, plus an optional Autism Friendly planetarium show. On these mornings we offer early entrance into the museum at 9am, before the museum opens to the public at 10am. This allows you to explore the museum at a quieter time. To reduce the noise level, we will mute the majority of sound making exhibits until 11am. Ear defenders and sensory maps will be available on entrance, and access to quiet spaces may be arranged on request.This event is suitable for autistic adults, autistic children, and any friends, family, and personal assistants who would like to join.Pre-booking is essential for admission.Members - Free entry for Members but you will need to pre-book at ticket. (Planetarium shows £3). We also offer a range of accessible resources, including social stories, sensory maps and picture and symbol cards. See our Accessibility Information for more details.
24.7 milesSat 11 Jul10:00£3
8JQ Festival: Explore Smith & Pepper
Enjoy a self guided visit to the offices and factory of Smith and Pepper. Explore the space in your own time with friendly guides who can share stories and demonstrate the machinery used in jewellery manufacture. Journey through the business' 90 years of operation to see how jewellery was made, learn how the trade functioned, and hear about some of the people who lived and worked in the quarter.You can also explore our gallery 'Story of the Jewellery Quarter' to see historic and contemporary examples of metalwork made only a stone's throw away.After your visit, you can head next door for a coffee, organic wine or craft beer at our brand new cafe bar, Craft & Culture before heading out and seeing what the rest of the Jewellery Quarter has in store.Places are limited, pre-booking recommended.
24.7 milesSat 11 Jul11:30
9Hidden Spaces Roof and Basement Tours
Step beyond the gallery walls and into the hidden heart of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Our 'Hidden Spaces Tours' offer a rare opportunity to explore areas of the building that are usually closed to the public — including storerooms, tucked-away corridors, and architectural gems often overlooked.Join our expert guides as you:Wander through off-limits spacesSoak in the incredible Victorian architecture from a new perspectiveHear about recent and upcoming renovation projectsEncounter a few collection superstars along the wayEnjoy quirky tales from Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery's colourful past, from mysterious goings-on to hidden passagewaysThe building itself is one of our most fascinating artefacts, come and experience it in a whole new light.
24.7 milesSat 11 Jul12:00
10A Tango Night at the Museum
Step into an unforgettable evening of passion, music and movement as Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery transforms into a vibrant Buenos Aires-inspired dance hall. The drama and romance of Argentine tango come alive beneath the museum’s grand architecture that immerses you in the mood of the dance.Enjoy a drinks reception with live music from 6pm and exclusive after-hours access to the museum. Surrounded by the rich history of Birmingham, guests can take in the elegance of the Edwardian Tea Rooms and dance under the dome of the iconic Round Room around the much-loved bronze statue Lucifer by Jacob Epstein — a striking and memorable setting for a night of tango.From 7pm to 12am, non-stop tango music curated by a renowned tango DJ, complete with fabulous cortinas, will create a rich and captivating soundscape throughout the evening. Whether you are an experienced dancer or simply curious to watch and soak in the atmosphere, this event welcomes everyone.Why not embrace the style of an earlier era — think Peaky Blinder–inspired elegance or just go all out with your tango bests for this atmospheric evening.Doors open at 6pm for a drinks reception, including a complementary drink with live musicFrom 7pm – 12am we'll be dancing the night away!This promises to be a truly unique cultural experience — a celebration of tango music, dance and community in the heart of Birmingham.
24.7 milesSat 11 Jul19:00
More Top Picks
Keep the good ideas rolling
If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.
Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upFree Things This WeekendA smarter list of local free picks for the weekend, chosen for quality, clarity, and the sort of detail that saves a wasted journey.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.