The top 9 places to visit in Birmingham for free

Birmingham is the second largest city of the United Kingdom and it has a lot to offer to travelers and wanderers. Birmingham was the world’s first ‘manufacturing town’ and it has Europe’s biggest urban park situated outside a capital city.

Exploring Birmingham does not require a lot of money and sometimes it does not cost you a penny. Whether you are looking for culture, history, or you just want to wander on an off day, there are plenty of places to visit in Birmingham for free.

Here are the top 9 free places to visit in Birmingham UK, packed with unique information, historical facts, best times to visit, and practical details to help you plan the perfect day. We will discuss historical museums to scenic parks, art galleries to free entertainment activities. Each spot offers something unique, whether you are after art, nature, or history.

1. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG)

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has 9 venues that provide a comprehensive glimpse into Birmingham’s rich history and culture. If you are a fan of art or history, I bet you cannot miss this place on your Birmingham tour.

It is one the most iconic free places to visit in Birmingham, showcasing an impressive collection of Pre-Raphaelite painting (some of the largest present in the world). It also has ancient artifacts that tell stories of civilization long gone.

The Museum has 3000+ paintings and is located in the center of the city making it accessible to visit for everyone and above all it is free to visit. One more interesting news about BMAG is that authorities have announced reopening of some of the closed spaces of the museum on Thursday, 24 October 2025 at 10am.

The following spaces will be reopening for the public:

➤ The stunning Round Room Gallery

➤ Industrial Gallery

➤ Bridge Gallery

➤ Tearooms

Additionally, due to high visitor demand, the Victorian Radical exhibition showcasing unique Pre-Raphaelite art will continue to amaze people till the end of 2025.

Best time to visit: Weekdays, around mid-morning when it is mostly quieter, offers you a better chance to enjoy the art in a peaceful environment.

Opening hours: You can visit the Gas Hall until the main building opens after renovation from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

2. Cannon Hill Park

Looking for some fresh air? Cannon Hill Park is the perfect escape from city life. There is so much to do, from outdoor sports, wildlife, and scenic greenery to interesting indoor activities like exhibitions and crafts.

It is a massive green space with gardens, boating lakes, and even tennis courts, making it ideal for a day out. Cannon Hill park has beautiful wide paths for cycling and walking. You can also witness some wildlife in the park like ducks and swans padding around the ponds.

You can also enjoy other activities for a small charge, including mini golf, fairground rides, swan boats, and a land train. You can enjoy the following activities at Cannon Hill Park:

➤ Fun Park

➤ Golden Putter Mini Golf

➤ Garden Tea Room

➤ Land Train

➤ Wildlife

➤ Swan Lake Boating

➤ Nature Center

➤ Sports line Tennis

For those who love festivals and outdoor performances, Cannon Hill Park hosts several events throughout the year. And if you are a fan of Pokémon Go, Cannon Hill Park is a local hotspot. The park has free entry and you may only be charged for parking, which is £2 for 4 hours. However, if you wear our blue badge, parking is free for you with no time limits.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are good times to explore the beauty of Cannon Hill Park when everything is in bloom. But walks in autumn also feel good with those crisp leaves underfoot.

Opening times: Park is open from 7 am to 11:30 pm every day.

3. The Library of Birmingham

The Library of Birmingham is an architectural masterpiece and one of the best places to visit in Birmingham for free. It is the most visited tourist attraction outside of London in the UK with nearly 2 million visits in 2015. You do not have to be necessarily a bookworm to enjoy this place.

In addition to rare books, the library showcases a unique collection of archives and photography.

The hidden rooftop gardens offer one of the most spectacular views of the city skyline. Trust me, it is the best spot for some good Instramagable shots.

Inside the library, there is a blend of modern design and history, with exhibitions and interactive spaces scattered across its floors. Other facilities include:

➤ Flexible studio theatre

➤ An outdoor amphitheater

➤ Informal spaces for performances

➤ Dedicated spaces for children and teenagers

Visiting the Library of Birmingham also allows you to visit many other famous places located nearby, such as The ICC, Symphony Hall, Arena Birmingham, Town Hall, and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Must visit the nearest the McDonald here to have wrap of the day, it will surely enhance your experience.

Best time to visit: Wednesdays or early evenings if you want to enjoy some quiet time in the rooftop gardens.

Opening times: Monday to Tuesday 11am to 7pm, Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm.

4. Sutton Park

Sutton Park is a mix of woodland, heathland, and lakes. It is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. With 465 acres of heathland, it is the second largest lowland heathland in West Midlands and Staffordshire. Heathland is home to a range of wildlife.

Yes, you can come across a wild deer roaming around, making it one of the most exciting free activities Birmingham has to offer for nature and wildlife lovers in the heart of the city. There are plenty of other recreational activities you can enjoy in Sutton Park.

➤ Playgrounds: Two children’s playgrounds in the park are present near the Town Gate entrance and near the Banner’s Gate entrance.

➤ Donkey Sanctuary: Birmingham’s famous donkey sanctuary has its base in Sutton Park

➤ Sailing: Enjoy the sailing experience with Sutton Sailing Club at Powell’s Pool

➤ Kayak: Experience kayak and canoe with Royal Sutton Coldfield Canoe Club at Blackroot Pool

➤ Fishing: You can also enjoy fishing at the selected pools (Bracebridge, Powell’s, and Keepers Pools)

Best time to visit: Early mornings or late afternoons for the best wildlife sightings.

Opening times: You can visit the park between 9 am to 5 pm.

5. Waseley Hills Country Park

Another gem located in the West Midlands region, offering fresh air, stunning panoramic views, and tranquility. Waseley Hills Country Park is a family oriented park with many adventurous activities for the children of all ages. Kids can climb, swing, and slide in a safe and sound environment.

Picnic areas are available throughout the park allowing families and friends to enjoy a meal surrounded by lush green scenery. In addition to fun and games, the park serves as an excellent educational facility. Information boards with insightful data on local fauna and flora, making every visit a wholesome experience.

Additionally, the park is a home to many birds, butterflies, and grazing cattle, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The trails cater to all fitness levels ranging from small slopes to more challenging uphill climbs for hikers. The view you get after reaching the top is breathtaking and stretches across the Worcestershire countryside.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are great for strolls while summer is what I would recommend for family picnics and panoramic views of the countryside.

Opening Times: The park is open between 9am to 4.30pm from 1 November to 31 March and 9am to 6.30pm from 1st April to 31st October.

6. Jewellery Quarter

One of the most unique free places to visit in Birmingham UK. English Heritage describes Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter as a “National Treasure”. A place with over 800 businesses, 100 special retailers, and 50 specialist designers. This place offers metalworking which is hard to find anywhere else in the world.

Make sure to visit the Chamberlain Clock and the Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries, where you will find the final resting place of some key historical figures. It is worth visiting place if you are looking to buy a special ornament for the loved ones. Over the time the area has turned into a public place with a rising number of restaurants and bars.

Additionally, you can also visit two famous museums (the Pen museum and the Coffin museum) in the area. The Jewellery Quarter is hardly 15-20 minutes from the center of the city which makes it quite accessible and worth visiting.

Best time to visit: You can visit it anytime throughout the year, with weekends tend to be busier.

Opening times: As it is not a place owned by the government, different shops have different timings. Most of the shops are open between 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday. You may also find some shops open on Sunday too.

7. St. Philip’s Cathedral

St. Philip’s Cathedral built in 1711, is located right in the heart of Birmingham, making it easily accessible to anyone exploring the city. It is just a few steps from popular spots like Victoria Square and Birmingham New Street Station.

When you just step into St. Philip’s Cathedral, the first thing that will catch your eye will be its stunning interior. It has a magnificent stained-glass window that was designed by the famous Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones. These windows are not only a visual masterpiece but also highlight Birmingham’s rich history.

These windows are particularly famous because they survived world war 2 and seeing them feels like witnessing a part of Birmingham’s resilience.

Beyond the windows, Cathedral’s Baroque style architecture is worth noticing. The building’s high ceilings, stone arches, and open space make it feel grand, despite being the third smallest cathedral of the United Kingdom.

Outside the building, there are scenic gardens to sit in and cherish the moments, especially during the spring or summer. So, whether you are interested in art or history or just need a peaceful place to sit and relax, St. Philip’s Cathedral offers a memorable experience.

Best time to visit: Early mornings or late afternoons provide a soothing experience.

Opening times: On weekdays the cathedral remains open between 8 am to 6 pm and on weekends, 9 am to 4 pm.

8. Digbeth Graffiti and Street Art

This area is a playground for artists and known for its graffiti art around Digbeth. It is around a 4 km or 3 miles walk which starts and ends at Moor St train station. The vibrant murals that line the streets make Digbeth an open air art gallery. Each wall there has its own story, with colorful graffiti and striking designs that capture the spirit of the city’s urban culture.

But now, Digbeth is not just about the art. It is a home to the iconic Custard Factory, a restored industrial space now has a number of shops, cafes, and bars. On weekends, the street becomes a vibrant lively space with street food markets, live music, and vintage fairs. These features make it one of the coolest free activities in Birmingham. If you are an outdoor art lover, it is one of the finest places to visit in Birmingham for free.

Best time to visit: During the day preferably on weekends to feel the vibe and to capture the art in natural light.

Opening times: It is all outdoors so you can visit whenever you want to.

9. Sheldon Country Park

It is situated at the eastern edge of Birmingham 7 miles away from the city center. Spanning over 300 acres, the park offers everything from scenic walking trails to peaceful woodlands. It is an ideal spot for families, dog walkers, anyone looking to escape the city without going too far.

Another unique feature of the park is its close proximity to Birmingham Airport. It adds a fun addition to the usual park experience, seeing planes take off and land.

Within the park, you will find the Old Rectory Farm, a reminder to Sheldon’s rural past. The working farm is free to visit and home to a variety of animals including cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. The farm still follows the traditional methods of farming which makes it a good place to get your kids familiarized with traditional farm life.

Best time to visit: You can visit the area any day of the week. Best time to visit the farm is the Spring and summer seasons when greenery is at its best and farm animals are more active.

Opening times: The park is open 24/7.

Final Verdict

Birmingham is a city of surprises, education, fun, and entertainment, especially when it comes to places to visit in Birmingham for free. Whether you are a fan of green mountains, street art, or history, there is something for you to explore in this populated city.

Surprisingly, in the big populated city there are some places quieter than nowhere and you can feel nature without spending a penny. From the stunning architecture of St. Philip’s Cathedral to the lively street of Digbeth that turns into a mini concert on weekends when musicians and street food stalls come together and provide a whole different vibe.

These free activities in Birmingham not only showcase its rich history and heritage but also highlight its modern atmosphere.

For those who love the outdoors, Birmingham does not disappoint. You can plan your entire day to spend in nature in parks like Cannon Hill Park and Sutton Park, which are not too far from the city center. These places to visit in Birmingham for free make the city worth exploring.

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