St. Martin in the Bull Ring, Birmingham
Historic Neo-Gothic church and spiritual sanctuary at Birmingham’s vibrant Bull Ring, blending medieval heritage with modern city life.
St. Martin in the Bull Ring is Birmingham's original parish church, a striking Grade II* listed Neo-Gothic building dating back to the 13th century. Nestled between the Bull Ring Shopping Centre and the city markets, it offers a serene sanctuary amid the bustling city. The church preserves its historic tower and spire, features medieval wall paintings, and houses exquisite stained glass by Burne-Jones and Morris. It remains a vibrant place of worship and community gathering.
A brief summary to St. Martin in the Bull Ring
- Edgbaston St, Birmingham, B5 5BB, GB
- +441216006020
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-5 pm
- Wednesday 2 pm-5 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
- Friday 12 pm-5 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-4 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during quieter weekday afternoons to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and intricate interior details.
- Look for the Burne-Jones and William Morris stained glass window, a rare example of pre-Raphaelite craftsmanship.
- Explore the chapel monuments commemorating the de Bermingham family, founders of Birmingham’s market and manor.
- Attend a service or special event to experience the church’s vibrant community and rich worship traditions.
- Notice the medieval wall paintings uncovered during the 19th-century rebuild, including the iconic St Martin cloak scene.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Train and Walk
From Birmingham New Street Station, take a 10-15 minute walk through the city center to reach St. Martin in the Bull Ring. The route is mostly flat and accessible, passing through pedestrianized shopping streets.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve stops near the Bull Ring Shopping Centre, about a 5-minute walk from the church. Services run frequently throughout the day with single fares around £2-£3.
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Car
Driving to the Bull Ring area is possible but parking is limited and often expensive. Nearby public car parks charge approximately £3-£5 per hour. The city center can be busy, especially during peak times.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you off close to the church entrance. Typical fares from Birmingham New Street Station range from £5 to £10 depending on traffic.
St. Martin in the Bull Ring location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St. Martin in the Bull Ring
Historical Roots and Architectural Evolution
St. Martin in the Bull Ring stands on a site with a continuous Christian presence since at least the 13th century, possibly earlier in Saxon times. The original medieval church, documented from around 1263, featured a lofty nave, chancel, aisles, and a distinctive tower with a spire. Over centuries, the church underwent numerous changes, including a brick casing added in the late 17th century and removed in the mid-19th century. The current building, constructed in 1873 by Birmingham architect J. A. Chatwin, retains the medieval tower and spire, blending Gothic Victorian design with the historical fabric of the city.Artistic Treasures and Interior Highlights
Inside, visitors discover medieval wall paintings uncovered during the 19th-century rebuild, including an evocative depiction of St Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar. The church’s wooden roof is a masterpiece inspired by Westminster Hall, featuring carved angelic figures supporting heavy beams. The floor is adorned with Minton tiles bearing the de Bermingham family crest, linking the church to Birmingham’s founding lords. The Burne-Jones and William Morris stained glass window is a rare pre-Raphaelite treasure, carefully preserved through wartime bombings.Community and Worship Through the Ages
St. Martin’s has long been a spiritual heart for Birmingham, serving a diverse and growing congregation. It hosts civic ceremonies and special worship events, reflecting its role as a living church. The church has adapted to modern needs with refurbishments that enhance light and openness, while remaining a place of peace amid the city’s busy commercial core. It embraces a multi-ethnic, multi-generational community, continuing a legacy of faith and welcome that spans over 700 years.Sound and Time: Bells and Clock
The church’s bells have marked Birmingham’s soundscape for centuries, expanding from four bells in the 16th century to a full peal of twelve by the 18th century. Notably, St. Martin’s bells were the first to be broadcast on radio in 1924. The clock, maintained since at least the 16th century, has been a focal point of the church’s presence, with historic efforts to preserve and illuminate it reflecting the importance of timekeeping in civic life.Environmental Commitment and Modern Initiatives
In recent years, St. Martin in the Bull Ring has engaged in sustainability efforts, participating in the Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon Programme. This includes installing solar panels, heat pumps, and energy-efficient lighting to reduce its carbon footprint. These initiatives position the church as a model for balancing heritage preservation with contemporary environmental responsibility.Setting and Significance in Birmingham’s Urban Fabric
Situated prominently between the Bull Ring Shopping Centre and the city markets, the church is a distinctive landmark amid Birmingham’s modern skyline. Its historic tower remains a recognizable feature despite the surrounding urban development. The church offers a tranquil refuge for visitors and locals alike, inviting reflection and connection in the heart of one of Britain’s busiest city centers.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
Horatio Nelson Statue
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Bullring Rag Market
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Selfridges Birmingham
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Bullring Shopping Centre Bullring
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Bullring & Grand Central
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Ozzy the Bull
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Grand Central Shopping Centre
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The Arcadian
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Hippodrome Square
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The Grand Central Bull
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Birmingham Hippodrome
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National Trust - Birmingham Back to Backs
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Martineau Place
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54 Inge Street
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Essential places to dine
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Manzil Restaurant
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Original Patty Men
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TAPAS REVOLUTION (Birmingham)
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Falafel Vegan Munch
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The Meat Shack
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Tiger Bites Pig
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The Botanist Birmingham
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Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Birmingham
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Las Iguanas - Birmingham - Temple Street
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The Oyster Club
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The ARK Birmingham
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The Ivy Temple Row
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San Carlo - Birmingham
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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KENJI Birmingham Bullring
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Wornwell Vintage Clothing
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Primark
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Beauty & the Button
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The Works
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Dark Bull Vintage
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Cow Vintage
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Miniso
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Urban Outfitters
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My Etsy Shop
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Thrifty Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Anchor Digbeth
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Bacchus Bar
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The Loft
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The Cocktail Club - Birmingham
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The Trocadero
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The Head of Steam Birmingham
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BrewDog Birmingham
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Bambu Nightclub
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VOID Nightclub
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Tunnel Club Birmingham
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
