.jpeg)
.jpg)
© Ethan Thompson
Birmingham has a lot to offer, but costs can add up quickly, and it can feel hard to find things to do in Birmingham without spending a lot of money. That’s why we’re here, to give you a guide of free and low cost activities in Birmingham!
Birmingham has a lot to offer when it comes to live entertainment. With a diverse mix of bigger and smaller venues offering everything from live music to theatre to comedy to sports.
There are a lot of ways to book live events for a low price, like booking early and signing up to local discount providers.
There are plenty of free museums and galleries in Birmingham. Explore the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery if you would like to learn something about the city. You could also admire the art at the Ikon Gallery or peruse the Library of Birmingham.
It can be hard to know what to do in Birmingham, so why not shake things up a bit? You could go for a game of mini golf, or see a film you’ve never heard of before at your local independent cinema. There are lots of unconventional activities to do in Birmingham, and especially if you plan your day well, they are usually accessibly priced.
If you’re looking for things to do in Birmingham for kids while it’s raining, there are plenty of options. For the younger ones, spend the day at a soft play. If your kids are older and curious to learn, take them to a museum or a library. This is a great way to amuse them while also teaching them something new!
If the weather is warmer, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities in Birmingham to do with the whole family. You could take a walk in one of the many parks in Birmingham, go to a playground, or plan a picnic. Outdoor activities are particularly good for saving as they are usually completely free.
There are plenty of fun Birmingham activities for kids of all ages. Look out for local community events and various school holiday activities. If you can book ahead while prices are reasonable, you could also take them to a live event like a sports game or a concert, which is bound to be an exciting day out.
Probably one of the most popular parks in Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park offers a lovely mix of formal gardens, lakes and open grass. You can feed the ducks, enjoy a stroll along the River Rea, or grab a coffee from the cafe. It's also home to MAC Birmingham, the arts centre, so you can enjoy some culture on your visit. Entry is completely free.
One of the largest urban parks in Europe, Sutton Park is a National Nature Reserve covering over 2,400 acres of heathland, woodland and lakes. It's ideal for long walks, cycling, swimming and wildlife spotting. The scale of the park makes it feel like a proper escape from the city, even though it's only a short drive or train ride from the centre. Like Cannon Hill Park, entry is free, making this the perfect low-cost day out.
Sitting on the southern edge of Birmingham, Lickey Hills Country Park is a brilliant spot for a more adventurous day out. With woodland trails and stunning views across the city, it's popular with walkers, families and dog owners alike. The varied terrain makes it feel more like proper countryside than a city park, and it won't cost you a thing to explore.
Street food is a great option for food, as it’s quick and easy, there is a lot of choice and it is usually very affordable. It’s also an opportunity to try a new cuisine you’ve never had before. Check out Dockworks Waterfront and similar places for some amazing street food in Birmingham!
There are plenty of Birmingham restaurants to go to for budget-friendly options. Check out local reviews for independent restaurants where you can have delicious meals for less. The Balti Triangle in Sparkbrook and the Chinese Quarter near Grand Central Station are two iconic Birmingham food hotspots where you’ll be able to find some amazing food without paying a fortune. Chains like Nando’s and Bill’s are also reliable choices for dining out for good prices.
There are many delicious Birmingham food markets where you can get an excellent meal without paying an arm and a leg. Birmingham's Bullring markets are among the largest outdoor markets in Europe, and the Indoor Market and the Rag Market are worth a browse too. Also, keep an eye out for pop-up food events and seasonal markets around the city centre for one-off finds.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Birmingham, why not look at live events? With some clever planning and know-how, it is very possible to get cheap tickets to lots of different events. Check Visit Birmingham and similar websites for local deals. Social media and local venue websites are also great places to check for local events and offers. Also, keep your eyes peeled when you go outside and check notice boards in shops and community centres for event listings.
If you’re looking to go beyond free activities, there are still ways to keep costs low. Discounted events like sports games, concerts and theatre shows can make for amazing memories.
That's where Tickets for Good comes in. Tickets for Good is a platform that provides free* and heavily discounted tickets to live events across the UK, including music, sport, comedy, theatre and more for eligible members. You can sign up if you’re NHS staff, a teacher or a charity worker, as a thank you for all you do for others.
It's free and easy to sign up, and well worth doing. As soon as we’ve verified your eligibility, you can login and browse our events in Birmingham and across the country. Instead of paying full price for a night out, Tickets for Good members regularly access events for a fraction of the cost.
Birmingham has a lot to offer. With a little planning, and the right resources, you can enjoy the very best of it without stretching your budget.
*( + mandatory booking fee)