7 VR experiences in Birmingham that’ll trick your brain (in the best way)
Ever had one of those weeks where your brain just won’t switch off? Like being stuck in a group chat that never stops buzzing—no peace, no pause. We get it.
When the mental noise gets too loud, you need a proper escape. Solving puzzles with friends helps, but sometimes, you want something bigger—something that pulls you into another world.
That’s where VR comes in. It’s like an escape room, but without walls. One minute you’re dodging lasers; the next, you’re exploring deep space or outrunning zombies.
Whether it’s a hangout or just something new, VR offers a different kind of adventure. And the best part? There are incredible VR experiences in Birmingham just waiting to be tried.
1. Meetspace VR (ft Zero Latency)
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Website: https://meetspacevr.co.uk/
Address: Unit 1, Park Regis, 158 Broad St
Contact: +44 800 088 6911
Hours: Monday to Friday: 12:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: ££
We tried out Meetspace VR, and it was honestly a lot of fun. Their main attraction is Zero Latency Free-Roam VR, where up to 8 of us moved freely in a massive arena—no wires, no awkward controllers.
But not everyone in our group was into combat-style games, and that’s where the VR Escape Room Games really stood out.
It’s set in an imaginative fantasy world. It’s a great option for smaller groups of 2-4. The game selection can even be finalised on-site with guidance from the hosts, which made it super easy.
We also appreciate that the venue is wheelchair accessible and the experiences are suitable for children aged eight and up. The bonus is that the games are available in multiple languages, including English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and more.
Pro Tip:
Please note that your VR session includes 15 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of gameplay, so arriving on time is essential. If you’re more than 5 minutes late, your booking may be forfeited without a refund.
2. Matrix Virtual Reality
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Website: https://www.matrixvirtualreality.co.uk/
Address: Zellig Building, The Custard Factory, Gibb St, Deritend
Contact: +44 741 484 4956
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:15 PM
Pricing: £
Ever wanted to fight zombies, race cars, or slice fruit like a ninja, all in one afternoon? That’s exactly the kind of variety we found at Matrix Virtual Reality. It’s located inside The Custard Factory and just minutes from the Bullring.
But the fun doesn’t end at the venue. Matrix Virtual Reality also brings the party to you with their state-of-the-art gaming bus, perfect for birthdays or private parties. It’s fully loaded with next-gen consoles, 4K TVs, and a huge library of games.
They also support local businesses. They’re certified to create Google 360° tours, which help businesses stand out on maps and in Street View.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a unique gift, their vouchers start at £30 and cover 1-4 players for a one-hour VR session. This is ideal for birthdays, fun surprises, or company events.
3. National SEA LIFE Centre
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Website: https://www.visitsealife.com/birmingham/
Address: The Water’s Edge, Brindley Place
Contact: +44 121 634 2610
Hours: Sunday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: ££
If you’re planning a day at the National SEA LIFE Centre, we’d say don’t skip the VR experience. Alongside all the amazing sea creatures, there’s an immersive VR add-on that really adds something special to it.
For just £7 (or £5 with a Merlin Pass), guests can hop into a motion pod, put on a headset, and dive into an underwater world without getting wet.
Meanwhile, the Flight of the Mantas simulates gliding alongside graceful manta rays, so it may feel like floating through the ocean. The Mermaid’s Quest, popular with kids, features seats that move in sync with the video.
This VR break is perfect for kids aged 6 and above, with a minimum height of 1 metre, or anyone curious about virtual reality.
Pro Tip:
Book online and take advantage of the free rescheduling guarantee. You can reschedule tickets up to three times within 90 days, with no additional fees. It’s ideal if plans change due to illness or travel issues.
4. Sandbox VR
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Website: https://sandboxvr.com/birmingham/
Address: Unit 25A, Grand Central Shopping Centre
Contact: +44 121 726 4446
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Friday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Backed by celebrity investors such as Justin Timberlake, Will Smith, and Katy Perry, Sandbox VR offers a full-body virtual reality experience. Players aren’t just in the game, they are the game.
Unlike regular VR, there are no cables or controllers holding you back. Instead, players wear special suits and headsets, so when you duck or run, your avatar does too. We also like how your body becomes the controller, making the experience truly immersive.
Each game is a full cinematic adventure with its own unique world and story. Teams can fight zombies, battle robots, and engage in many other activities.
Guests can also enjoy drinks from Toni, the UK’s first robotic bartender. Toni can prepare, shake, stir, and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Pro Tip:
After your session, you’ll receive a cinematic highlight video. It’s a free, edited recap of your team’s gameplay, synced with in-world footage. It’s a fun, shareable keepsake that captures the best moments of your VR adventure.
5. Second City Studio
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Website: https://www.secondcitystudio.xyz/
Address: 1375 Pershore Rd, Stirchley
Contact: +44 730 561 3660
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: £
Second City Studio is Birmingham’s only community-owned VR arcade, designed to make virtual reality accessible and enjoyable for everyone. While it’s not free, the pay-per-session model allows guests to explore at their own pace without pressure.
You’ll find a broad mix of games here. They have action-packed titles like The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners and STAR WARS: Squadrons. The best part? You can switch between games during your session, making it great for solo visits, families, or groups.
It’s more than just a gaming spot as well. Second City Studio also features VR escape rooms and group experiences, such as Toon Strike and Legend of Faragor.
Beyond that, the studio fuels Birmingham’s digital scene through workshops, game design programs, and tech upskilling opportunities for young creatives.
Pro Tip:
Planning a celebration? Second City Studio offers private party packages for up to 10 players. It features 6 VR headsets, consoles, and racing simulators. These packages also include a complimentary cake.
6. Escape Hunt
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Website: https://escapehunt.com/uk/birmingham/
Address: SU37-38, Resorts World, Pendigo Way, Marston Green
Contact: +44 121 782 7222
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Have you ever heard about Escape Hunt? It’s one of our favourite spots for adventure in Birmingham, whether we’re solving puzzles or diving into virtual reality.
What makes it awesome is the variety of fully immersive VR experiences they offer. You get 45 to 60 minutes to team up (usually 2 to 4 players), solve puzzles, and tackle thrilling missions together.
The themes range from investigating eerie disappearances to exploring magical mazes or racing to disarm a missile. These family-friendly experiences are designed for individuals aged 12 and above (some are suitable for those aged 15 and above). Plus, these are wheelchair-accessible too.
Escape Hunt also offers educational school trips for children aged 8 to 16 during term time. These feature 60-minute escape rooms with age-appropriate puzzles, soft drinks, and access to the Escape Hunt Academy.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for gift ideas, they offer vouchers valid for 12 months, available for digital or physical delivery. These are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or corporate rewards and can be used for escape rooms, VR games, and more.
7. Game Changer MGV
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Website: https://www.gamingvans.co.uk/
Address: Upper Clifton Rd, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield
Contact: +44 777 140 7870
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: ££
If you’re looking for an epic gaming party that comes right to your doorstep, Game Changer MGV is something you should consider. In fact, it’s one of the Midlands’ go-to mobile gaming vans.
This gaming bus, based in Staffordshire and covering Warwickshire and the West Midlands, has PS5, Xbox Series X, and VR headsets. No one misses out on the excitement with 11 Samsung 4K TVs and an outdoor screen inside.
Even better, the van is climate-controlled for comfort year-round, and everything is fully set up and supervised by friendly, DBS-checked staff. You just need to provide a parking space, a power outlet within 50 metres, and cover any parking fees if required.
Game Changer MGV even handles everything else, including on-time arrival, full setup, and smooth flow. We also really appreciated knowing their team is covered by full public liability insurance.
Pro Tip:
Secure your date with a £50 deposit, but please note that it’s non-refundable unless Game Changer MGC cancels.