11-20 September 2026

There’s more to Birmingham’s heritage than the buildings you pass every day. This September, Birmingham Heritage Week opens the doors to some of the city’s lesser-known spaces, revealing stories, collections and places that are usually hidden from view.

Running from 11-20 September, Birmingham Heritage Week brings together tours, talks, exhibitions, performances and open days across the city. If you’re looking to see a different side of Birmingham, here are some of the events worth adding to your itinerary.

Step Inside Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Ever wondered what’s behind the public galleries at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery? During Heritage Week, you can find out.

The Hidden Spaces: Roof and Basement Tour takes visitors into areas of the museum that are normally closed to the public, from the council basement once used as a temporary mortuary during the Second World War to the hidden space above the Round Room. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the building, its collections and some of the more unusual moments in its history.

There’s also the chance to explore the museum’s Picture Store, offering a rare look behind the scenes at where paintings from the collection are stored.

Hidden Spaces: Roof and Basement Tour
12, 17 & 19 September, 11am–12pm
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Booking required.

Discover Birmingham’s Underground Past

Some of Birmingham’s history is quite literally underground.

At Key Hill Cemetery, you can explore Victorian catacomb chambers that were also used as air raid shelters during the Second World War. The tour delves into the history of the cemetery, the chambers and the stories connected to this atmospheric corner of the Jewellery Quarter.

For something a little different, Unlocking the Vaults takes you beneath The Exchange to explore the historic vaults and the story of the Birmingham Municipal Bank.

Look Again at the Jewellery Quarter

You might think you know the Jewellery Quarter, but Heritage Week offers a chance to see it differently.

Join a walking tour around Fleet Street, an unassuming backstreet with a surprisingly rich history. Discover stories of back-to-back housing, industry and even Cold War secrets as you explore the streets around the Coffin Works.

Explore Birmingham’s Hidden Green Spaces

Heritage isn’t just about buildings. Birmingham’s parks, gardens and green spaces have their own stories to tell.

During Heritage Week, you can explore the Edgbaston Guinea Allotment Gardens, one of only four surviving allotment gardens of its kind, or join the Walk from the Moor Pool Estate to Edgbaston Reservoir, taking in the historic estate and Harborne Walkway before finishing at the Red Café alongside Edgbaston Reservoir.

Then, the Moor Pool Heritage Festival on 20 September is a chance to explore the estate, meet the community and discover its arts and crafts architecture, with activities, performances and demonstrations taking place throughout the day.

Discover Stories You Might Otherwise Miss

Heritage Week is also about the stories behind Birmingham’s people and communities.

From exploring the history of African gold and its connection to the Jewellery Quarter to tracing the experiences of European migrants who made Birmingham their home, the programme looks at the many different communities and industries that have shaped the city.

There are also opportunities to delve into personal histories, including Pass It Down, which explores family VHS collections and home movies filmed across Birmingham, looking at how everyday footage can become part of the city’s shared heritage.

See Birmingham From a Different Perspective

Sometimes the best way to discover Birmingham is to take a route you wouldn’t normally choose. Heritage Week offers plenty of opportunities to explore the city from a different angle, whether that’s on foot, by bike or even by train.

Take a guided cycle ride through some of Birmingham’s lesser-known heritage sites, explore the stories behind Spaghetti Junction from the canals below, or join a walking tour around areas such as Curzon Street, Old Yardley and Metchley Roman Fort.

There are also plenty of ways to explore Birmingham’s transport heritage. Brum Transport Fest is coming to Birmingham on the 18 and 19 September, celebrating the vehicles, people and stories that have shaped the city and the wider West Midlands. For something a little different, Off the Rails: People and Places on the Camp Hill Line takes you by train from Birmingham New Street to Kings Norton, uncovering the history of the railway and the communities along the route.

It’s a chance to see familiar parts of Birmingham in a completely different way – and perhaps discover somewhere you’ve never explored before.

Make a Weekend of Birmingham Heritage Week

With events taking place across Birmingham from 11–20 September, Birmingham Heritage Week is a chance to go beyond the familiar and discover some of the city’s lesser-known stories, spaces and places.

Whether you’re interested in architecture, local history, industry, culture or simply enjoy exploring somewhere new, there’s plenty to uncover.

Explore the full Birmingham Heritage Week programme and start planning your visit. Discover more things to do and find the perfect place to stay.