Library of Birmingham
A gold-ringed library with two free roof gardens and a Shakespeare room at the top.
The Secret Garden on the seventh floor and the Discovery Terrace on the third give free views over the city, and the Shakespeare Memorial Room, moved up from the old library, is a Victorian jewel box. It is free, open long hours and the best rainy-day shelter in the centre. Take the escalators for the full effect.
When it works
Indoors, so the weather does not matter. Best morning, afternoon.
Good for going solo, a first visit, step-free visits and a date.
On these lists
- Things to do in Birmingham when it rains
- Free things to do in Birmingham
- Date ideas in Birmingham
- Things to do in Birmingham this weekend
- Plan an afternoon in Birmingham around it
Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in Birmingham ranked for right now.