Cheap and free dates in Birmingham
Key facts
| Sutton Park | About 2,000 acres, a National Nature Reserve |
|---|---|
| Handsworth Park | Over 63 acres, about 2km of walking routes |
| Cannon Hill parkrun | Free, every Saturday at 9am |
| Ikon Gallery | Free entry for everyone |
A good date does not have to cost much, and spending less takes the pressure off. Birmingham has big parks and free things to do all over the city. Here are three ideas that cost little or nothing.
Sutton Park
With heath, woodland, wetland and several pools across about 2,000 acres, Sutton Park has room to walk for hours. Start near the Town Gate entrance, where the visitor centre is.
Source: Birmingham City Council: Sutton Park, checked 8 November 2026
Handsworth Park
Handsworth Park opened in 1888 and has a Victorian bandstand, arts trails and about 2km of walking routes. There are no toilets on site, so plan a cafe stop nearby.
Source: Birmingham City Council: Handsworth Park, checked 8 November 2026
parkrun, then coffee
Cannon Hill parkrun is a free 5km every Saturday at 9am, and you can walk, jog or run. Many people head to The Garden Tea Rooms near the Edgbaston Road entrance afterwards.
Source: parkrun: Cannon Hill parkrun, checked 8 November 2026
Questions
What can couples do for free in Birmingham?
Walk the canals from Gas Street Basin, visit Ikon Gallery, or spend a day in Sutton Park or Handsworth Park. All of them are free.
Do you need to be a runner for parkrun?
No. You can walk, jog or run, and there is no pace you have to keep. Register once and bring your barcode.
How big is Sutton Park?
About 2,000 acres, with pools, heath and woodland. It has been a National Nature Reserve since 1997.