Free Things to do in Birmingham

Planning on visiting Birmingham sometime soon, and worried about your spends racking up, well, we've got you covered! Whether you wanna ingratiate yourself in the thriving creative scene, immerse yourself into some Lord of the Rings history, or even if you just want a place to chill, then look no further.

Have a scroll down and check out our suggestions, we're sure they'll be something for everyone.

Explore a renovated Custard Factory

When: 8am - 5pm on weekdays

Where: Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AA

We're starting off with a cool one, the Custard Factory. The 15 acres of the restored Victorian factory is one of the creative hubs of the whole city, with a host of various vintage shops, art galleries and other independent vendors, this is the ideal place to lose yourself in. If you are a creative soul, you'll be right at home here on the Digbeth site, and it's entirely free to just walk around and take in.

For some free things to do in Birmingham, walking around here is got to be up there, hence the number one spot, but just make sure you don't miss the fantastical Green Man statue (you can see his hands and knees above).

Get distracted by shiny things in The Jewellery Quarter

When: Open year-round

Where: 309f, 120 Vyse St, Birmingham B18 6NF

Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre is a self-contained quarter that makes you question whether you're still in Birmingham. The jewellery quarter (unsurprisingly) is home to an array of jewellery shops and a museum on the importance of this area, and jewellery in general, for the city. The industrial history of the quarter goes is Did you know that around 40% of UK-made jewellery is made right here, impressive right?

This area is one of Brum's hidden gems and if you're after free things to do in Birmingham that involve a bit of a mooch, this is definitely one you should be doing.

Lose yourself in some history at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 

When: 10am - 5pm everyday

Where: Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3DH

Newly reopened this year, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery should be high up on any purveyor of the past's list. From Egyptian mummies to Edwardian Tea Rooms to a huge amount of Anglo-Saxon gold, the place is a treat for the mind. For free things to do in Birmingham, this is definitely one of the most interesting and informative, and whilst that might not be everyone's idea of a good time, it certainly is ours.

Wander through Middle Earth with the Tolkien Trail

When: Whenever you want

Where: Start the trail at Salehouse Mill - Cole Bank Rd, Birmingham B13 0BD

Not all those who wander are lost, but along this trail, you may just want to. Situated around the area Tolkien moved to as a child and grew up in, these winding lazy woodlands are home to much of the inspiration for the realms of Middle Earth, with the famous author even saying that the people of this village were a big inspiration for the Hobbits. the mill you see above is even mentioned in original texts of The Hobbit as 'the Old Mill' the place where Bilbo and Thorin rendezvous.

Even if you aren't the biggest Lord of the Rings fan, this walk is still incredibly picturesque, but, if you are one, you can't not take on this trail. So what are you waiting for... run you fools.

Have a sensory overload at Birmingham Rag Market

When: Opening times vary, check their website for more details

Where: Dean St, Birmingham B5 4RB

With fashions, fabrics, haberdashery, gifts, and household goods aplenty, this colourful corner of the Bull Ring has been an attraction for many fashionistas seeking the coolest fabrics. The market also sells vintage clothing and other everyday goods, so it's pretty great to have a little peruse around. If not, it's still great to spend a little time just walking around and looking at all the eccentric wares on sale here, who knows what you might find?

Question what it all means at Ikon

When: 11am - 5pm Tuesday to Sunday

Where: 1 Oozells St, Birmingham B1 2HS

Are you fancying a bit of modern art and culture that makes you stop and think, then look no further than Ikon. Housed in a Neo-Gothic school building this unique gallery is set over two floors and showcases photography, paintings, sculptures and film from a range of international artists. It could not be more accessible either, located right in the middle of the city centre. With some of the contemplative pieces on display here it is for sure one of the best free things to do in Birmingham.

Relive your favourite shows at the BBC Visitor Center

When: Opening times vary, check their website for more details

Where: Level 3, 102-108 Wharfside Street, Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RE

Fancy yourself a timelord? Reckon you could rock a Strictly dress? or do you wanna suit up and become the next Peaky Blinder? Whatever your BBC-related dreams require, you will find it right here in the Mailbox's BBC visitor centre. With a Tardis in the window, this visitor sight is one that will fill you up with excitement and nostalgia (I'm looking at you Who fans), plus, if you time it right, you may even catch the BBC Birmingham presenters doing their days work from the viewing platform.

Whilst you can get tours, you do have to pay for them, but it's free to just visit and explore and can be a great day out for all ages.

See if you're a real-life Brainiac at Thinktank Science Garden

When: Open for free 3pm - 5pm every day

Where: 1 Curzon St, Birmingham B4 7XG

Located outside Birmingham's famous Thinktank, this myriad of scientific contraptions and interactive play equipment is an educational marvel for all ages. From a human-sized hamster wheel to a water play area to collaborative mechanisms where teamwork is needed,  this outdoor park is one that is truly entertaining and you will find your inner child whilst wandering around. 

Whilst the park is only open for free past 3pm, you can also access it with a ticket to the Thinktank at any time (but who wants to pay for things ey.) This is one of those cool little free things to do in Birmingham and should definitely be taken advantage of, especially if you have children with you. 

Embrace Hindu culture at Shri Venkateswara temple

When: Opening times vary, check their website for more details

Where: Dudley Rd E, Tividale, Oldbury B69 3DU

Now for one a bit more left field, both in attraction and location. The stunning Shri Venkateswara temple is located on the outskirts of the city but is well worth the journey out. The temple was founded to create a sanctuary for prayer & meditation to Lord Venkateswara (Lord of the heaven) and to establish a Hindu spiritual centre in this part of the country.

It's a very peaceful and open space that brings a true sense of calm to everyone who visits, as well as this, the place is absolutely gorgeous, filled with beautiful idols and built in a traditional Indian architectural style. Very unique and highly recommended when looking for free things to do in Birmingham.

Have a day out at Cannon Hill Park

When: 7:30am - 9pm everyday

Where: Russell Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8RD

If you're after something a bit more laid back to do, then we cant recommend Cannon Hill Park enough. With 80 acres of parks, 120 acres of woodland, and Green Flag status, the place is an agricultural beauty full of things to keep you entertained. A fun park, a Tea room, swans on the lake, and a variety of other attractions await, and whilst some of these won't be free, the park has more than enough to keep you busy on a day out if you're a bit skint.

In terms of free things to do in Birmingham, this one ranks high if you're with a group or your family, a top day out (just try and catch it on a sunny day.)

To find even more events happening around Birmingham in 2022, click or tap - HERE

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.