Birmingham Heritage Week 2025 is here - and it’s the biggest programme in the festival’s history.

Now in its 11th year, the city-wide celebration of heritage runs from 12 to 21 September, with more than 200 open days, workshops, talks and walks showcasing Birmingham’s remarkable buildings, people, and stories.

Although many popular events sold out last month, there are still plenty of chances to enjoy unique experiences in Birmingham, like guided tours, heritage projects, and behind-the-scenes access at major landmarks.

From exploring the fascinating JW Evans Silver Factory in the Jewellery Quarter to stepping into the history of Thrive in Kings Heath (the former BBC gardens), there’s plenty to drop in and discover. Visitors can also look around the Masonic Hall in Sutton Coldfield, enjoy the atmosphere of Spring Hill College in Moseley, or soak up the cultural heritage at Birmingham Hippodrome. Many of these venues are open for free, though at busy times you may need to wait a little before stepping inside.

There are also plenty of family-friendly drop-in events happening throughout the week. Highlights include the Birmingham Honey Show at Winterbourne House and Gardens, the New Hall Mill Open Day, and the Moor Pool Heritage Festival. Families can get creative at a Lego workshop and activity sessions at The  Exchange or visit the historic Golden Lion in Cannon Hill Park.

Many churches are also open without the need to book, offering a chance to admire Birmingham’s richly decorated high Victorian interiors and, surprisingly, four of the city’s medieval gems: St Nicolas in Kings Norton, St Laurence in Northfield, St Edburgha in Yardley, and St Giles in Sheldon, all of which are welcoming visitors during Heritage Week.

This year’s line-up ranges from grand civic landmarks to hidden spaces rarely open to the public. Visitors can step inside the majestic Victoria Law Courts, take a behind-the-scenes look at the Assay Office, or tour the atmospheric catacombs at the Jewellery Quarter cemeteries. Heritage lovers can also explore working heritage at the Tyseley Locomotive Works, discover Birmingham’s whistle-making past at the ACME Whistle Factory, or enjoy canal heritage from the water with narrow boat tours.

The programme also celebrates Birmingham’s World Craft City status, with special events at the School of Jewellery, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, and the historic JW Evans Silver Factory. Talks and exhibitions will shine a light on Birmingham writer Kathleen Dayus and the Jewellery Quarter’s pioneering role in early photography.

The festival is supported by Birmingham Museums Trust, the University of Birmingham, the National Trust, Birmingham Municipal Charity and the William A Cadbury Charitable Trust, alongside media partners Central BID, Colmore BID, Jewellery Quarter BID, Southside BID and Westside BID.

Birmingham Heritage Week runs 12–21 September 2025. The full programme is available at birminghamheritageweek.co.uk