Free Things to Do in the West Midlands, UK

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LOOKING FOR THE BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN THE WEST MIDLANDS?

As a born and raised West Midlands local, I’ve grown up exploring the very heart of these towns, cities and landscapes, and I’m excited to share my insider knowledge of exciting free attractions and activities. Here’s my curated list of free places to visit in the West Midlands.

The West Midlands is a region in the heart of England known for it’s rich industrial history, being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Many of the recommendations on this list are off the beaten track and often overlooked. You can rely on my local expertise as a life-long resident of the Midlands to discover these wonderful wallet-friendly things to see and do.

Overview:

Short on time? Though I thoroughly enjoyed all the activities here, these stand out as my top personal picks for free things to do in the West Midlands:

1: Industrial Trail (Iron Gorge)

Discover the Industrial Revolution around the Iron Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site museums and landmarks and see the world’s first cast-iron bridge, the aptly-named Iron Bridge

2: Cannock Chase Forest

Explore this AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) by going on a bike trail, hiking trek, picnic by the lakes, spot wildlife, and stargaze at night

3: Birmingham Walking Tour and Bullring Markets

Take a cultural heritage walking tour along the Victorian canals of Gas Street Basin and grab street food, vintage clothes and more at the Bullring Markets

There are four categories of places to visit I want to highlight in this article:

➡️ Taking in Nature and Scenery
➡️ Exploring History and Heritage
➡️ Browse the Markets
➡️ Other Things to Do in the West Midlands for Free

Let’s take a look at each of these top activities in the West Midlands more closely, and see why they suit different visitor interests and personalities.

Taking in Nature and Scenery

One of the top questions budget travellers have is – where can I enjoy natural beauty and not pay an entrance fee? Well, you’ll be delighted to know there are ample gorgeous green spaces across the West Midlands that won’t cost you a penny!

1. Cannock Chase Forest

Cannock Chase Forest is a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a stunning expanse of woodlands, with hiking trails and vast, heathland views that offer diverse wildlife spotting opportunities.

a trail through a forest with a stream alongside the trail, tall trees, and some people walking on the trail

The picturesque landscape feels peaceful even on weekends when the weather’s nice and families flock to enjoy the outdoors here.

Pack a lunch, wear comfortable walking shoes, and spend the day getting lost along meadows and under canopies of oak trees and better still, take part in exciting activities such as cycling, paddleboarding, camping, and the Go-Ape outdoor adventure park within the forest.

Location: Cannock Chase AONB, about 15 miles north of Birmingham city centre
Opening Times: Open 24 hours a day, year-round as its public forest area
Getting There: Direct train to Rugeley Trent Valley Station takes 26 mins from Birmingham New Street. Then shuttle bus to forest area. Driving takes 25 mins from Birmingham via M6.

2. Lickey Hills Country Park

This sprawling country park on the outskirts of Birmingham offers picturesque woodland, heathland trails, and panoramic views across the city and surrounding countryside.

a path through wooded country park with hedges on one side and fences along the other

Bring a picnic and make a day of rambling through the tranquil landscape and appreciating the fresh air.

Top tip: keep an eye out for the resident fallow deer!

Location: In the south-west area of Birmingham, about 10 miles from the city centre. On the boundary between Birmingham and Bromsgrove.
Opening Times: Open daily from dawn until dusk
Getting There: Multiple buses from Birmingham city centre stop right near park entrance (check route 45 or 47). Easy to access by car as well – ample free parking at the visitor’s centre.

3. Sandwell Valley Country Park

Just to the west of Birmingham, this lesser-known park contains lovely meadows, mature woodland, and a wetland habitat for wading birds. There’s an RSPB nature reserve on site too.

geese and swans on a lake surrounded by woodlands with a pathway along the forefront

I love coming here to watch the ducks and swans on the lake and enjoy a peaceful walk along the riverbank, but also to lose myself in the enormous hedge maze – one of the best outdoor mazes in the West Midlands.

Location: In West Bromwich, around 5 miles north-west of Birmingham city centre
Opening Times: Park grounds open daily from 7am to dusk
Getting There: Bus route 102 from Birmingham drops you right at park gates. Or 15-minute drive from city centre.

4. Sutton Park

Spanning over 2,000 acres, Sutton Park is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. Its landscapes are incredibly diverse, encompassing woodlands, heathlands, wetlands, streams, and lakes.

a large lake surrounded by trees and a rocky shore at the forefront

This diversity fosters abundant wildlife populations, including free-roaming deer that inhabit the park’s greenery.

When a break is needed from all the wildlife spotting, there are a few tasty cafés located near Sutton Park’s main parking areas where you can refuel before heading back out into this natural escape right on Birmingham’s doorstep.

Location: North Sutton Coldfield, just to north-east of Birmingham centre
Opening Times: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year
Getting There: Bus route 55 directly serves the park (25 mins from city centre). Parking available but minimal fees apply for lots.

5. The Wrekin

One of my favourite natural landmarks, The Wrekin is a large hill, the highest point in Shropshire, just outside of Telford.

the peak of a large hill with steep slopes on the right and trees on the hill, with aerial views of the vast countryside in the distance

Peaking at 407 metres, you can walk or cycle to the summit and be rewarded with stunning panoramas of the Shropshire Hills AONB.

Also at the summit is an ancient, Iron Age hill fort, and The Wrekin is famously made of volcanic rock from hundreds of millions of years ago.

It also inspired famous novelists Charles Dickens (being featured several times in his novels), and JRR Tolkien (being the inspo behind the Misty Mountains of Middle Earth). Read my complete guide on The Wrekin here.

Location: The Wrekin, 5 miles west of Telford and 2.5 miles southwest of Wellington
Opening Times: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year
Getting There: Easily accessible by car, there are car parks at the base and buses take you to nearby Wellington and Little Wenlock.

6. Local Nature Reserves

Most towns and cities in the West Midlands also have small local nature reserves or community parks that make for a fine few hours of strolling. Keep your eyes peeled for little oases of biodiverse green space as you explore the region!

Recommended Parks and Spaces:

➤ Walsall Arboretum (Walsall)
➤ West Park (Wolverhampton)
➤ The Central Forest Park, Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent)
➤ Westport Lake, Burslem (Stoke-on-Trent)
➤ Brandon Marsh – one of the top family activities in Coventry

view of a lake surrounded by trees wiht swans on the lake — Westport Lake

Exploring History and Heritage

Beyond nature, I know travellers also wonder – where can I experience some history and culture without paying for museums and attractions? Well, here are some of my favourite free heritage hotspots across the West Midlands:

7. Coventry Cathedral

One of the most stunning places to visit in the West Midlands, the striking modern Coventry Cathedral was built alongside the haunting bombed-out ruins of the original medieval cathedral, left as a memorial after the Blitz in World War II.

large intricately designed medieval cathedral ruins with hollowed out windows and a spire, with sun rays giving a golden hue on the bricks

Entry is free, and you can take an audio tour to hear stories about the war damage and rebuilding process. A poignant place to reflect upon British wartime history.

Location: Situated in the city centre of Coventry, under 30 miles south-east of Birmingham
Opening Times: Open for sightseeing M-Sat 10am-4pm and Sundays 12:30pm-3pm
Getting There: Coventry train station right downtown. Frequent direct buses from Birmingham Coach Station.

Read: Birmingham: Best Time to Visit in 2025

8. Industrial Revolution Trail

This region is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, which changed manufacturing processes worldwide.

large 18th century, red-painted, cast-iron bridge over a river on a valley with trees on either side and people walking across the bridge

Areas like the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Black Country Living Museum offer free industrial heritage trails focused on the River Severn.

You’ll traverse canal towpaths past old furnaces and workhouses as you learn about the innovations that put this area on the global map!

Be sure to cross the iconic Iron Bridge – the world’s first-ever cast-iron bridge built in 1779, and marvel at this stunning piece of history.

large 19th century bottle brick kilns and factory buildings on the side of a canal with trees and footpath along the other side

a large 19th century red brick building with burgundy entrance sign saying museum of the gorge, and a large burgundy door underneath

Numerous museums in the region are well worth the visit – though entry fees apply to some, others like The Museum of the Gorge are free entry, and it’s still worth admiring these gorgeous Victorian-era buildings from the outside, especially Coalport China Museum.

Location: Starts in Ironbridge Gorge, about 30 miles north-west of Birmingham
Opening Times: The full trail takes 2-3 hours, so start accordingly with daylight. Individual site hours vary.
Getting There: Trains and buses available to Ironbridge town itself. Having your own vehicle allows easiest access to full trail.

Further reading: Black Country Slang Words: A Yam Yam’s Guide

9. Stunning Himley Hall with Vintage Shopping

Just outside Dudley lies the impressive 18th-century Himley Hall, surrounded by panoramic 180-acre grounds and gardens that make for a glorious day out.

a large manor house from early 20th century or late 19th century, surrounded by trees with a large lawn in front and forest at the back

One of the top attractions in Wolverhampton, Himley Hall sits on sprawling parklands containing walled gardens, towering trees, ornamental ponds, and the stunning Long Lake crossed by the Grade I listed dam. Keep watch for interesting sculptures dotted around the landscape too!

The Hall itself hosts rotating art exhibits and sometimes opens its grand state rooms for limited tours. In the stable courtyard, cafe dining options range from light snacks to full afternoon teas.

Twice yearly, Himley also hosts the Giant Vintage Fair spread between the Orangery, stable courtyard, and lakeside marquee.

Location: Himley Road between Dudley and Stourbridge at DY3 4DF.
Opening times: The parklands and lakeside walking trails are open daily from 8am to dusk year-round.
How to get there: Himley Hall lies 5 miles outside central Dudley by car, or you can take bus #238 from Dudley to the Himley Village bus stop. Once inside the grounds, walking trails and signs will direct you towards the various landmarks and event spaces.

Where to Stay in the West Midlands

Here are my best budget, mid-range and luxury recommendations on accommodation in the West Midlands:

◉ Birmingham: Digbeth Aparthotel (standard studio) – Fabulous 8.6 | £
◉ Birmingham: StayCity Aparthotels Birmingham Jewellery Quarter (entire apartment) – Fabulous 8.9 | ££
◉ Wolverhampton: Broad Gauge Apartments (2-bed apartment) – Fabulous 8.9 | ££
◉ Solihull: Mulberry House (4-bed house) – Superb 9.1 | £££

You may also like: 24 Fun Facts About The Black Country (by a Yam Yam)

10. Digbeth Street Art

One extra free activity I’d recommend checking out is Birmingham’s world-class Digbeth street art scene.

bright-coloured graffiti art on dark brick walls on the corner of a street, with railway bridge overhead and street disappearing under the bridge into the distance

bright-coloured graffiti art of a fish on dark brick walls with a railway bridge in the background

One of my favourite free things to do in Birmingham, this creative district is packed with ever-changing graffiti, giant wall murals, and installations by renowned British artists like Hogarth, Ziner, and Fanakapan.

Location: Just south-west of Birmingham city centre, easily walkable from the Bullring shopping area
Opening Times: Always accessible as it’s public outdoor art
Getting There: From Bullring, walk 15 minutes toward the rainbow-coloured milk bottles graffiti on Floodgate Street to enter the main street art quarter. Soak up works on walls all around you!

11. Discovering Stoke-on-Trent’s Pottery Heritage

No trip to the West Midlands is complete without seeing the sights of Stoke-on-Trent, famously known as the Potteries hub for its world-class ceramic manufacturing legacy.

giant 19th century brick bottle kilns alongside factory buildings with entrance doors at the kilns and heaps of coal next to the doors.

The place to immerse yourself in this rich history is the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, set on the original Gladstone Pottery Works site. This exceptional museum boasts Staffordshire’s biggest public collection of pottery.

Wandering through the heritage pottery workshops, you’ll glimpse craftspeople practising traditional techniques first-hand. Don’t skip the Intact II gallery showcasing 240 years of ceramic evolution.

Speaking of sports legends, did you know footballer Stanley Matthews, and Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor (aka the greatest darts player of all time) were born in Stoke? I compiled a post on interesting Stoke facts you can read here.

The Dudson Museum is another pottery museum that’s free to enter, in Hanley. This one is especially unique, as the museum is located inside one of the factory’s brick bottle kilns!

large brick bottle kiln with an open door at the base. surrounded by factory buildings — Dudson Museum

front entrance of a pottery museum with large glass window panels and a large ceramic decorative panel across the top of the building — Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

Location: Just outside Stoke city centre at Bethesda Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DW.
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from 11am to 4pm.
How to get there: Take local bus #7A or #7E from Stoke-on-Trent railway station and depart at the Kings Hall stop. From there, it is just a 4 minute walk to the Bethesda Street museum entrance. By car, extensive free parking is available on-site.

12. Mow Cop Castle

While in Stoke I recommend a visit to the castle ruins of Mow Cop, right on the northernmost edge of the West Midlands (on the border between Staffordshire and Cheshire).

young woman and toddler sitting in front of mow cop castle

Built in 1754, the Grade II listed castle is more of a folly, and was actually built as a personal landmark by Randle Wilbraham, the local lord of the manor.

As well as a picturesque and insta-worthy castle ruin to see and walk around, you’ll get spectacular views of the Cheshire countryside on one side and Staffordshire countryside on the other, and if you’re lucky – you might even spot roaming alpacas.

13. Museums, Gardens and Churchyards

Keep your eyes open as you walk around towns and cities in the region. Oftentimes museum gardens, church and cathedral grounds, cemetery gardens, castle ruins, and the like offer free access.

Here you can take a scenic stroll while soaking up some history and culture on display. I’ve whiled away many an afternoon this way!

My Recommended Free Entry Museums:

➤ Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (Birmingham)
➤ Ikon Gallery (Birmingham)
➤ Lapworth Museum of Geology (Birmingham)
➤ RAF Museum, Cosford (Shifnal)
➤ The Leather Museum (Walsall)
➤ Bantock House Museum (Wolverhampton)
➤ Coventry Transport Museum (Coventry)

a complete skeleton of a tyrannosaurus rex on display in a museum — Lapworth Museum of Geology

an old victorian red brick building housing a gallery, with cylindrical spiral tower in front and clocktower at back, and numerous, white-framed windows — The Ikon Gallery

Browse the Markets

If you asked me for my top money-saving travel tip – frequent the local markets! Across the West Midlands you’ll find superb farmers markets and artisan markets offering free entry.

In fact, this region is famous for its market towns that were granted royal charters in the 12th century, and have opened their stalls every week without pause for more than 800 years!

14. Ludlow Food Festival

Renowned as one of Britain’s best foodie festivals, Ludlow hosts this free fair every September.

With over 180 stalls, you’ll find a fabulous array of food and drink producers from across the UK – from award-winning cheeses to lip-smacking ciders. Go hungry and graze your way around regional specialities!

aerial view of the ludlow food festival market stalls packed with visitors with ludlow church and town visible in the distance

Location: Held in the town of Ludlow, Shropshire – about 45 miles north-west of Birmingham
Dates: Always takes place the 3rd weekend of every September (Fri-Sun)
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm all three days
Getting There: Ludlow is accessible by direct train from Birmingham in under 2 hours. The festival is hosted throughout the compact town centre so everything is walkable once there.

15. Birmingham Bullring Rag Market

In the heart of Birmingham city centre, this market square has operated since the 12th century. Today the covered market hall houses over 140 stalls selling everything from fresh fruit to fabrics and flowers.

view of birmingham rag market building with market stalls on the outside and people browsing the markets

Just outside, a farmers market sets up on select days selling artisan bread, meat, fish, and dairy. An iconic city sight!

And just around the corner you’ll arrive in Chinatown where there’s another indoor market selling yet more fresh fruit, veg and meats, though with some more exotic produce to cater to the diverse Asian communities that reside in this district.

Location: In central Birmingham adjacent the Bullring shopping centre
Opening Times: Indoor market hall open daily; farmers stalls open Thurs-Sat
Getting There: Attached to Bullring area with huge metro and bus hub across the pedestrian way

Browsing the markets makes for some excellent (and affordable) people watching, while supporting local creatives and grabbing bargain bites from hot food stalls. Here’s a list of 20 best markets in the West Midlands.

Here’s some of my favourite markets that I recommend browsing:

Stafford Cheese and Ale Festival (held in June yearly – see site for details)
Lichfield Farmers’ Market (held on the first Thursday of the month except January)
Newcastle-under-Lyme General Market (held on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat, 9am-4pm)
Hanley Sunday Market (Sundays 7am-3pm)
Stone Food Festival (see website)

market stalls with people browsing and trees and shops lining the town behind the stalls

market stalls in town centre bustling with people with trees on both sides and a town hall with clock tower in the background

Other Things to Do in the West Midlands for Free

Seeking out more things to do in the West Midlands for free? Here’s some extra options that offer yet more epic fun without draining your wallet:

✪ Take a Tour of Stunning Cathedrals – There are many cathedrals dating back to the 18th century, that are often overlooked, like St. Philip’s Cathedral, Coombe Abbey, Coventry Cathedral, Birmingham Cathedral, Worcester Cathedral, and more. My favourite of them all is the breathtaking Lichfield Cathedral. All feature beautiful stained glass and stonework and some even offer free guided tours.

✪ Enjoy views from Country Parks – Visit country parks in cities like Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Stoke, Solihull, Worcester and more, with great biking and hiking trails, playgrounds, lakes, and panoramic views.

✪ Walk or Cycle along the Canals – The region has hundreds of miles of canals to explore on foot, perfect for scenic strolls. There’s Essington and Wyrley Canal, Birmingham and Worcester Canal, the Gas Street Basin, and my favourite – the Shropshire Union Canal, where you can see landmarks like Talbot Wharf and Tyrley Lock, near Market Drayton.

a canal splitting threeways with low bridges over them and trees surrounding the area

✪ Check out the Library of Birmingham – Newly renovated, England’s largest public library offers interesting architecture, an outdoor amphitheatre, gardens, and free exhibitions.

✪ Find Street Art and cool Cafes in every Town and City – wherever you go there are cool street art murals popping up in alleyways and corners, as well as fantastic independent cafes worth dropping by for a brew.

✪ Attend Free Festivals – From ArtsFest and Fesitval Stoke in September to Birmingham Pride in May, to Birmingham Weekender in August, the cities hosts countless free festivals. Have a look at the latest free events and festivals around the West Midlands here.

✪ Explore the breathtaking Cotswolds region – it doesn’t cost anything to visit the famed honey-coloured villages and admire the stunning countryside. Plan your trip with our 3 day itinerary here, and check out these free Cotswolds Maps for inspo.

Final Tips

Here are my last pieces of neighbourhood advice for stretching your travel funds in the West Midlands:

Use buses and local trains to get around. An all-day bus pass usually costs under £5. Rail tickets can be snagged for cheap if booked in advance online.
BYO snacks and reusable water bottle when sightseeing to save on eating out. Grocery stores have meal deals for £3-4.
Pack lightweight so you can carry your bag while walking and not rely on taxis.
Stay in budget digs like hostels, university summer housing, or homestays found via homeshare sites. Private rooms are under £50 a night.
Visit on weekdays when attractions are less crowded. Weekends draw more locals.
Check online in advance for free museum days or other special events happening.
Talk to the local tourism centre staff when you arrive. They know all the secret free things happening under the radar!

What are the best free museums in the West Midlands?

The Birmingham Back to Backs allow you to tour restored 19th century workers houses for free. The West Midlands is also home to fantastic free industrial heritage museums in Ironbridge and the Black Country Living Museum.

Where can I see nature without paying entrance fees?

Lickey Hills Country Park, Sandwell Valley, and Sutton Park are all huge green spaces with gorgeous scenery and nature trails open to explore without admission costs.

Are there free festivals in the West Midlands?

The annual Ludlow Food Festival every September offers live music, entertainment, and over 180 artisan food stalls with free entry.

How can I access free history and heritage sites?

Coventry Cathedral has a free museum exhibiting bombed WW2 ruins. There’s also an Industrial Revolution trail along canal towpaths and an open Digbeth street art walk.

Are the pubs and nightlife expensive?

While club entrances range in price, many traditional pubs offer free live music nights and trivia nights to enjoy without spending much.