Nature calls! Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and start exploring all the best outdoor attractions in Birmingham. From meeting farm animals at Sheldon Country Park to stretching your legs with a walk along one of Birmingham’s canals, our handy article will keep you #InnTheKnow about all the best free activities in Birmingham. Get inspired for your next short break in the West Midlands and find out which of our great-value Birmingham hotels are nearest to these top natural attractions.
Best free natural attractions in Birmingham
Sutton Park
For a bit of everything – Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield
Escape the hustle and bustle of Birmingham city centre with a trip to stunning Sutton Park. This National Nature Reserve is ideal if you fancy exploring top natural attractions in Birmingham, thanks to its woodlands, wetlands and numerous lakes.
As one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Sutton Park is packed with fun things to do from sailing and fishing at Powell’s Pool to meeting the animals at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Birmingham North (Sutton Coldfield) hotel.
Cannon Hill Park
For families – Cannon Hill Park in Moseley
When you’re after fun things to do with the kids in Birmingham, don’t miss out on visiting Cannon Hill Park. This sprawling outdoor oasis next to the Midlands Arts Centre has everything from fairground rides to a conservation park, so it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular parks in Birmingham.
While some activities like the Fun Park rides and mini golf might be chargeable, entry to this popular Green Flag park is free, perfect whether you fancy taking a stroll around the boating lake, letting the kids go wild in one of the playgrounds, or playing a tennis match on the courts.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre Bridge Street hotel.
Lickey Hills Country Park
For scenery – Lickey Hills Country Park in Rednal
If you’re looking for parks in Birmingham with incredible views and wildlife, then Lickey Hills Country Park is hard to beat. Reconnect with nature and soak up the great outdoors on one of the park’s many woodland trails – there’s even a geology walking route if you’re keen to know more about how the park was formed! Plus, thanks to the unforgettable views from the top of Beacon Hill, this attraction is a must-visit when you’re hunting for free days out in Birmingham.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Birmingham South (Longbridge Station) hotel.
Shire Country Park
For culture-lovers – Shire Country Park
Visiting the Shire Country Park is perfect for The Lord of the Rings fans and nature-lovers alike. Fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien lived close to the park as a child, and local sites like the Sarehole Mill served as inspiration for the fictional land of Hobbiton!
Home to all kinds of woodland wildlife as well as a scenic walking trail near the River Cole, it’s a serene place to escape to whenever you’re looking for free attractions in Birmingham to discover.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Birmingham South (Hall Green) hotel.
Sheldon Country Park
For kids – Sheldon Country Park in Sheldon
Playground? Check. Farm animals? Check. Airport viewing area? Check – yes, really! If you’re visiting the West Midlands and you’re on the lookout for free family days out in Birmingham, head over to Sheldon Country Park.
As well as having over 300 acres of grassland for walkers, this outdoor attraction in Sheldon is also home to The Old Rectory Farm, where visitors can meet animals from Jersey cattle and ponies to pigs and chickens. Plus, with Birmingham International Airport just next door, you can plot up and do a bit of plane-watching with the kids while you’re there!
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Birmingham NEC Airport hotel.
Stourbridge Canal
Stourbridge Canal
Start at – Fens Pool
End at – Stewponey Wharf
Estimated walking time – one hour 45 minutes
Birmingham attractions along the way if you want to take a detour – Buckpool and Fens Pool Local Nature Reserve, The Dell Stadium, the Old Railway, Red House Glass Cone.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to Stewponey Wharf is our Premier Inn Stourbridge Town Centre hotel.
Worcester & Birmingham Canal
Worcester & Birmingham Canal
Start at – Bournville train station
End at – Gas Street Basin
Estimated walking time – one and a half hours
Birmingham attractions along the way if you want to take a detour – Cadbury World, University of Birmingham, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Winterbourne House & Garden.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to the Gas Street Basin is our Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre Bridge Street hotel.
Grand Union Canal
Grand Union Canal
Start at – Gas Street Basin
End at – Olton Jubilee Park
Estimated walking time – one hour 45 minutes
Birmingham attractions along the way if you want to take a detour – Bullring & Grand Central, St Andrew’s, Ghetto Golf Birmingham, Small Heath Park, Planet Ice Solihull.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to Olton Jubilee Park is our Premier Inn Birmingham South (Hall Green) hotel.
Birmingham & Fazeley Canal
Birmingham & Fazeley Canal
Start at – Old Turn Junction
End at – Salford Junction
Estimated walking time – one hour 15 minutes
Birmingham attractions along the way if you want to take a detour – LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Salford Park.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to Salford Junction is our Premier Inn Birmingham City - Aston hotel.
Wyrley & Essington Canal
Wyrley & Essington Canal
Start at – Wolverhampton train station
End at – Bentley Haye Local Nature Reserve
Estimated walking time – two hours
Birmingham attractions along the way if you want to take a detour – Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Heath Town Park, Hollywood Bowl Wolverhampton, Bentley Bridge Leisure Park, Rough Wood Chase
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to Bentley Haye Local Nature Reserve is our Premier Inn Walsall Town Centre hotel.
Edgbaston Reservoir
Edgbaston Reservoir
On the lookout for fun things to do in Birmingham? From fishing and jogging to a good old bit of birdwatching, Edgbaston Reservoir has a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Set just a 10-minute drive away from Birmingham city centre, this local nature reserve next to Summerfield Park is a popular spot all year round. Plus, it’s home to a variety of chargeable water sports, too, ideal if you fancy trying your hand at sailing or kayaking!
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Birmingham Central (Hagley Road) hotel.
Kingfisher Country Park
Kingfisher Country Park
Looking for free things to do with the kids in Birmingham? Get out and explore the great outdoors at Kingfisher Country Park. Designed to help the environment surrounding the River Cole flourish, this green oasis near Lea Hall train station is home to sprawling woodlands and all kinds of wildlife – kingfishers are such frequent visitors to the area that the park is even named after them! Let the kids try wildlife-spotting at Shard End Lake or why not get your steps in on walking route up to the Grand Union Canal?
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Birmingham NEC Airport hotel.
Fox Hollies Park
Fox Hollies Park
Home to 40 acres of woodland, a brook running throughout the park and even its own little fishing pool, Fox Hollies Park is perfect if you’re searching for free activities in Birmingham.
This local park is just a short walk away from Olton train station, so getting to this free Birmingham attraction couldn’t be easier if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. And once you’re there, enjoying laid-back days out in Birmingham is a walk in the park!
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Birmingham South (Hall Green) hotel.
Moseley Bog
Moseley Bog
Just a short walk away from the Shire Country Park, you’ll find Moseley Bog – another natural attraction in Birmingham that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional world. Located on an old millpond and bursting with wildlife, this area of lush woodland is ideal if you’re looking for natures reserves in Birmingham to discover.
Locals, visitors and dog walkers alike will love exploring the 11 hectares worth of greenery that’s even home to two burnt mounds dating back to the Bronze Age!
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Birmingham South (Hall Green) hotel.
RSPB Sandwell Valley
RSPB Sandwell Valley
With bird-watching spots, beautiful landscapes and a large lake shared with Sandwell Valley Country Park, it’s easy to see why RSPB Sandwell Valley is one of the most popular nature reserves in Birmingham.
Whether you’re butterfly-spotting in the meadows, looking out for the different kinds of wetland birds from the lakeside hide, or taking it all in on a walk around Forge Mill Lake, this attractions is perfect when you’re looking for free family days out in Birmingham.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Birmingham? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Birmingham (Great Barr/M6 J7) hotel.
So, whether you’re after fun things to do in Birmingham or just an excuse to get out of the city and explore the great outdoors, these free natural attractions in Birmingham are ideal for walkers and families alike. Plus, if you’re looking for other free things to do in Birmingham, check out our list of places to take the kids and Birmingham film locations for a little innspiration.