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Whether you’re a student looking for fun things to do in ̽»¨Ö±²¥ that won’t break the bank, or just after some inspiration for what to do in ̽»¨Ö±²¥ this weekend, we’ve put together the ultimate list of the top 10 free days out and activities in and around the UK’s second city.

1. Explore the city with free tours fromÌý

Roundhouse ̽»¨Ö±²¥ is a Grade II* listed building which has been revived as a hub for exploring the city's history. They offer . There's also a small visitor centre and lots of picnic benches where you can soak up the industrial architecture and history.ÌýIt's a perfect pit stop for a walk along the canal from our .Ìý

2. Take a stroll alongÌý

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll be aware that ̽»¨Ö±²¥ has more canals than Venice. Whilst ours might have slightly less of the romantic Italian charm, they still make for a great afternoon of ambling along the network discovering new perspectives of ̽»¨Ö±²¥, wondering yet again how the locks *actually* work (the only sensible explanation: magic), and admiring the street art.

3.ÌýVisitÌý

If you're a student (or staff) at BCU, you can visit ̽»¨Ö±²¥ Botanical Gardens for free!ÌýThe Botanical Gardens are opposite our , so it couldn't be easier to get outdoors and make the mostÌýof this urban oasis. Just take yourÌýBCU ID card for free entry all year round.Ìý

4. Check outÌý

Just over the road from BCU is ̽»¨Ö±²¥'s creative quarter -ÌýDigbeth. This flourishing area of ̽»¨Ö±²¥ boasts theÌý for quirky bars likeÌý - the UK's first zero waste café bar and taproom -Ìýas well as outdoor bars and some great up-and-coming restaurants. But for a cost-free activity in this area,Ìýall you need to do is walk down the streets and check out the wealth of street art and graffiti on show, which is always changing and evolving.

5. Take theÌý

Lord of the Rings fan? Why not retrace Tolkien’s steps and discover the inspiration behind his writing with this great trail around the city and further afield? It covers Sarehole Mill, Moseley Bog, King’s Heath, Edgbaston Waterworks Tower and the Oratory. Find out more about his life on this and learn how his childhood memories around ̽»¨Ö±²¥ shaped his imagination to create Middle Earth in his ever-popular books.

6. DiscoverÌý

Just a 10-minute walk from ̽»¨Ö±²¥ City Centre is the Jewellery Quarter; home, strangely enough, to a myriad of jewellery shops, as well as a burgeoning independent scene. Great pubs, a variety of tasty restaurants, a pen museum and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter make this an area of endless possibilities. Throughout the year they also run Open Studio events where you can get a glimpse into local artists’ and makers’ workspaces – why not find theÌý while you’re at it so you can admire our architecture? If you've got ten minutes to spare, grab a coffee to go and head to St Paul’s Square, which makes the perfect spotÌýto watch the world (and many dogs) go by.

7. ExploreÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýÌý

Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) houses a theatre space, cinema screen, and gallery areas. They often put on activities and events, but it’s even worth just having a wander through on your way to Cannon Hill Park. ̽»¨Ö±²¥â€™s most popular park is ideal for a picnic or cheeky game of Frisbee, but for the more adventurous there’s also boating, mini golf or tennis (which you can play for free!). If you’re making a full day of it in the area, you can pop next door to the Wildlife Conservation Park to see the red pandas, otters, lemurs and so much more. Whilst not free, per se, they do offer student discounts.

8. Take in the sights atÌý

You’ll still hear Brummies debating about the ‘new’ library – some people think they shouldn’t have knocked the old Brutalist library down, others think it’s an architectural triumph, and some just think it looks a bit like a wedding cake. Whatever you think about it, it’s undeniable that it’s a must-see in ̽»¨Ö±²¥, and there’s plenty to do and see for free there. From the Shakespeare Memorial Room to the ‘secret’ rooftop garden where you can get an awesome view of the city, this landmark doesn’t disappoint.

9.ÌýDiscover the city's history atÌý

After a lengthy refurbishment, ̽»¨Ö±²¥ Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) is back open with exciting new displays and a fresh new look. As well as historic and well-known pieces of art, the museum now features an exhibition which celebrates the city of a thousand trades, as well as pieces from local artists including students from BCU.Ìý

10. Soak up some culture atÌý

If modern art is more your thing, look no further than the Ikon Gallery. Free to enter, you can discover a whole range of weird and wonderful contemporary artists. When you’re tired out from scratching your head and saying, ‘but what does it *mean*??’, you can fuel up at the excellentÌý on site and explore the gift shop that features fancy coffee table books and locally made items.

Have you discovered any other great places or activities for free in ̽»¨Ö±²¥? Take a look at our tips onÌýlife in ̽»¨Ö±²¥ to get some more inspiration for what you can get up to!