Free things to do in Birmingham this week: Parks, galleries and river walks

With global tensions rising-US and Iran trading strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, wildfires scorching suburbs of Paris and southern Spain, and a record-breaking Ebola treatment trial now enrolling patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo-Birmingham residents may feel the weight of the world pressing in. But escaping the headlines doesn't require a plane ticket or a full wallet. The city offers a wealth of free things to do this week, from museum galleries to green spaces that feel a world away from the news.

Museums and galleries that won't cost a thing

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Chamberlain Square remains one of the city's cultural anchors. Its permanent collection-featuring Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, Staffordshire hoard artifacts, and rotating exhibitions-is free to enter. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though it's best to check the website for any temporary closures or special ticketed shows.

Just a mile south, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts on the University of Birmingham campus in Edgbaston offers a quieter alternative. Housed in a Grade I listed building, its collection includes works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Botticelli. Admission is free every day except Mondays, and the institute stays open until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Parks, riverside walks and free events

For a breath of fresh air, Cannon Hill Park in Moseley covers 80 acres of meadow, lakes, and woodland. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk, and its formal gardens, tennis courts and children's play areas cost nothing to use. If you're looking to combine culture with greenery, the nearby Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) hosts free outdoor film screenings during summer-check their schedule for this week's listings.

The River Rea Trail offers a quieter route, following the city's hidden river from the city centre through to Kings Norton. It's a paved, well-marked path that passes graffiti-lined tunnels and old mill ponds, and you can walk or cycle it for free at any hour. On sunny afternoons, the stretch between Calthorpe Park and the Custard Factory in Digbeth is particularly popular with families and runners.

If you're after something more structured, Birmingham Library in Centenary Square runs free walking tours every Saturday at 11 a.m., covering the city's industrial and musical history. The tour leaves from the library's main entrance and lasts roughly 90 minutes. No booking required-just show up.

For families, the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum offers free entry on the first Thursday of every month (next one: August 6). That's a good date to mark, as the museum's hands-on exhibits and planetarium normally cost £12.50 for adults. But if you can't wait that long, the museum's outdoor Science Garden is free to explore any day during opening hours.

Finally, a practical note: many of Birmingham's free attractions close earlier in summer than during peak tourist season, and some-like the Barber Institute-are closed on bank holidays. Always call ahead or check social media before travelling. And if you're heading to a park, bring water; the heatwave that's helping fuel those European wildfires hasn't reached us yet, but the pavement in the city centre can still be brutal by midday.