1. Head to Birmingham’s green spaces for a picnic or stroll

At the top of our list of free things to do in Birmingham, it’s worth mentioning the city’s fantastic green spaces. 

Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park, situated a couple of miles from the city centre, is one of the top parks in the UK, boasting a nature centre, fun park, and a wide range of facilities. The park has been awarded the Green Flag Status and was originally opened in 1873. Spanning over 80 acres, there’s a natural amphitheatre, a big lake brimming with wild birds, and plenty of picnic spots!

Sutton Park 

Birmingham’s Sutton Park is one of the largest parks in Europe, covering 2.400 acres. As a designated National Nature Reserve, here you’ll be treated to sights of wild ponies, making it an ideal day out for nature enthusiasts! There’s plenty of scenery to soak in, with seven peaceful lakes, heathlands, and dense woodlands, too. 

Kings Heath Park

Further afield, in the suburbs of Birmingham, you’ll find Kings Heath Park. This beautiful green space has formal gardens and open fields for outdoor games. There’s also a welcoming tea room that’s a great option for budget-friendly refreshments. 

2. Explore Free museums and galleries in Birmingham

For anyone who’d like to soak up some culture this summer,  of all the free things to do in Birmingham, the city’s museums and art galleries are a must-visit.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery 

Chamberlain Square

B3 3DH Birmingham

England

Birmingham’s impressive cultural scene begins at the Birmingham Museum, located centrally. Here, you can view around 2,000 Pre-Raphaelite works, from oil paintings and stained glass to ceramics and illustrated books. Its wider collections span everything from archaeology and ethnography to jewellery, natural history, and local heritage.

Ikon Gallery 

1 Oozells Square

Brindleyplace

B1 2HS Birmingham

England

If contemporary art is your thing, head to the Ikon Gallery this summer. Housed in a Grade II-listed former boarding school, the gallery offers a thought-provoking collection of permanent works, as well as seasonal exhibitions.

Lapworth Museum of Geology 

University of Birmingham

Edgbaston

B15 2TT Birmingham

England

For something a bit different, head over to the university’s Geology museum! Here you’ll find a wide range of artefacts and objects dating back millions of years. From fossils to dinosaurs and interactive exhibits, this is one of the best museum options for free in the city. 

3. Attend Free Summer events and festivals in Birmingham

We’ve also rounded up some of the best free events in Birmingham this summer for you:

Gardens Yoga: Summer Solstice 

21st June at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for free things to do in Birmingham this summer, join a zen yoga practice to mark the summer solstice. During the event, you’ll set new intentions for the season ahead and get to take in the pretty botanical garden blooms, guaranteed to melt any stress away.

Colmore Food Festival 

4-5th July 

This free event taking place in Victoria Square brings together some of the city’s best cuisine from its diverse dining scene. There will be 31 traders, including Oyster Club, Faculty Coffee, and Pasture, along with free activities and music! 

4. Walk Birmingham’s infamous canals

Why not enjoy a free stroll along Birmingham’s historic canals? The waterways were once essential for the city, especially during the Industrial Revolution. Historically, the canals have been used for transportation of all types of goods, including iron and coal. Today, the canals are much quieter, offering waterside coffee shops and greenery for sitting and relaxing.

5. Public art that’s worth checking out

When it comes to what to do in Birmingham for free, we encourage you to go on a self-guided public art tour! Wander through the Custard Factory and view vibrant works of art worth pondering over. From political messages to pop culture, the street art of Birmingham is not to be missed. In Digbeth, you’ll also find colourful public art! For sculptural works, there’s The Bull at the Bullring and the Golden Boy of Pye Corner. Birmingham’s creativity is seen in every corner of the city; all you have to do is look around! 

Make the most of summer with a stay at Westmead Hotel 

Located just a short distance from Birmingham, Westmead Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the city and its free attractions. With a range of rooms to unwind and get a good night’s rest, you’ll be set for exploring all that Birmingham has to offer!