15 things to do in Birmingham for under £10

For cheap things to do in Birmingham under £10, aim for free-entry spaces plus one tiny treat. Start with a canal-side wander, street art hunts around creative quarters, and donation-based galleries or heritage buildings. Markets, pop-up fairs and community exhibitions are perfect for browsing without spending, and you can still support makers with a small purchase or a coffee if budget allows.

Keep an eye on low-cost taster sessions: short talks, intro workshops, community cinema screenings and off-peak activity slots often run at £3–£8 for students. Parks and viewpoints are free year-round and great for picnics or golden-hour photos. Pairing a free outdoor stop with a budget indoor activity means you’ll feel like you’ve had a full day out without the spend.

To make it effortless, cluster spots within one area so you can walk between them and save on travel. If you fancy a small splurge, share a street-food portion or grab a filter coffee and people-watch—still easily under a tenner when you split costs with a mate. Check venues’ socials on the day; last-minute free tickets and student deals drop first in stories.

Think “three-part loop”: free landmark or outdoor space in the morning, donation-based culture at midday, and a budget bite or soft drink to finish. Bring a reusable bottle, snacks and a portable charger so you’re not forced into extra spending. Mapping everything in one neighbourhood means you trade time on buses for time actually exploring.

Example plan: self-guided street art trail → drop-in gallery exhibit → quiet reading hour at a public library → split a pastry and coffee. Ring-fence £2–£3 for a donation where it matters and £4–£6 for a treat. If the weather flips, swap the outdoor bit for an indoor taster session or a community cinema with student prices.

Pro tip: build a saved list on Maps with 6–8 options. On the day, pick the two free ones that are closest and one paid extra under £5. You’ll dodge decision fatigue, keep travel minimal, and still come home feeling like you’ve done loads—for under £10 all-in.

Rain doesn’t have to wreck your plans. Go for donation-based exhibitions, public talks, community cinemas with student tickets, or short workshops where beginners can try something new for a fiver-ish. Libraries offer study nooks, events and free Wi-Fi, while many heritage buildings welcome visitors at no charge—ideal for an hour of exploring without getting soaked.

If you’re with friends, look for low-cost board-game cafés (pay a small table fee and split it), off-peak bowling or pool, and museum late openings that discount entry in quiet slots. Weekdays and early afternoons are usually best for price and space, and you’ll often get more time per pound because venues aren’t crowded.

Make it cosy: set a tiny theme like “rainy-day classics”—gallery → café → indie film. Bring a tote (for layers and snacks) and keep your spend on one small treat. You’ll still feel like you’ve had a proper day out, minus the soggy socks and the big bill.

Absolutely—thoughtful beats pricey. Try a scenic canal walk or viewpoint stroll, then wander a free gallery and trade voice notes about your favourite pieces as you go. Finish with two takeaway hot drinks or a shared dessert—still under a tenner if you keep it simple. Go at golden hour for cute photos and that “soft light” main-character moment.

Prefer indoors? Pick a donation-based exhibit, a student-priced screening, or a free public talk. Add a tiny challenge like “best £3 snack” or sketching your favourite building for five minutes. Shared mini-missions turn low-cost plans into something memorable and personal.

Logistics make it smooth: agree a short route, have a rain backup, and finish near your bus or train home. If you want a little wow-factor without the cost, bring a disposable camera or a small bunch of supermarket flowers—cute, affordable, and very date-core.

Follow venues, galleries and community spaces on social media and turn on notifications—flash freebies, preview nights, and “pay what you can” tickets drop first in stories. Subscribe to local listings newsletters, check university society calendars (many events are open to the public), and set keyword alerts for “free”, “PWYC”, and “student” in your area.

Travel = hidden costs. Walk between clustered spots or use student bus tickets for a flat fare. Always carry student ID, a reusable bottle, and a small tote so you’re not buying water or bags on the fly. If you can, keep a micro-budget of £5 just for donations—supporting the spaces you enjoy helps keep them running and often unlocks extra exhibitions or zines.

Finally, screenshot timings and save posts—you’ll avoid “closed today” surprises and last-minute detours that eat your cash. With a tiny bit of planning, you can stack two or three activities, grab a snack, and still come home with change from a tenner.