The Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham
Discover a peaceful rooftop oasis with stunning city views atop Birmingham’s iconic Library of Birmingham.
The Secret Garden is a tranquil rooftop oasis located on the seventh floor of the Library of Birmingham. This hidden gem offers peaceful green spaces with winding paths, seating areas, and panoramic views over Birmingham’s cityscape and canal network. It provides a quiet retreat from the bustling city below, blending nature with the modern architectural marvel of the library.
A brief summary to The Secret Garden
- 7th Floor, Library of Birmingham, Centenary Sq, Broad St, Birmingham, B1 2EP, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons for a quieter experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you may explore multiple floors and terraces.
- Bring a camera to capture panoramic views of Birmingham’s skyline and canals.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the library’s other rooftop terrace on the third floor.
- Check the Library of Birmingham’s opening hours before your visit, as it is closed on Sundays.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take a bus to Centenary Square, where the Library of Birmingham is located. Numerous bus routes serve this central area with frequent service throughout the day. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the library entrance. Typical bus fares range from £2 to £4 depending on the route.
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Train and Walk
From Birmingham New Street or Moor Street train stations, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the library through mostly pedestrianized streets. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for most travelers including those with mobility aids.
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Car and Parking
There is no dedicated parking at the library, but several nearby multi-story car parks such as Brindleyplace and Paradise Circus offer parking options within a 5-10 minute walk. Parking fees typically range from £5 to £15 depending on duration and time of day.
The Secret Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Secret Garden
A Hidden Oasis Above the City
Nestled on the seventh floor of the iconic Library of Birmingham, The Secret Garden is a serene rooftop garden that offers visitors a peaceful escape from the urban buzz. Unlike the more frequented third-floor terrace, this garden is quieter and more intimate, designed to provide a moment of calm amid the city’s energy. Winding paths meander through lush bushes, flowers, and grasses, creating a natural sanctuary high above the streets.Panoramic Views and Urban Vistas
From The Secret Garden, visitors enjoy sweeping views across Birmingham, including sights of the canal network and the Utilita Arena. The elevated vantage point offers a unique perspective on the city’s blend of historic and modern architecture. The garden’s design encourages visitors to pause and soak in the skyline, making it a favored spot for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a contemplative moment.Integration of Nature and Culture
The garden is not only a green space but also a venue for events, performances, and exhibitions, enhancing the cultural offerings of the Library of Birmingham. Circular seating areas create intimate spots for reading or quiet conversation, while the garden’s layout invites exploration and relaxation. It complements the library’s mission as a hub of learning and community engagement by providing a natural retreat within an urban landmark.The Library of Birmingham: A Modern Landmark
Opened in 2013, the Library of Birmingham is Europe’s largest public library and a striking example of contemporary architecture. Designed by Francine Houben, it spans ten floors and houses over a million books, archives, and special collections. The building features multiple public spaces, including galleries, a theatre, and two rooftop terraces, with The Secret Garden on the seventh floor being a standout for its tranquility and views.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to The Secret Garden often describe it as a ‘secret’ due to its tucked-away location and peaceful ambiance. It offers a contrast to the lively atmosphere of the lower floors and the more popular third-floor terrace. The garden’s natural elements and quiet corners make it ideal for relaxation, contemplation, or simply enjoying a book in the sunshine. It is especially enchanting during sunset when the city is bathed in warm light.Accessibility and Practical Information
The Secret Garden is accessible by elevator or stairs within the library, making it easy to reach for most visitors. The Library of Birmingham itself is centrally located in Centenary Square, with excellent public transport links and nearby parking options. Entry to the library and garden is free, inviting all to enjoy this unique urban green space without charge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chamberlain Memorial
0.3 km
A striking neo-Gothic monument in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square honoring Joseph Chamberlain’s legacy of public service and city transformation.
The Best of Birmingham Trail
0.3 km
Explore Birmingham’s rich heritage through 20 iconic sites on this free, immersive city centre trail blending history, art, and urban renewal.
The River
0.4 km
Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.
Historic England
0.5 km
Uncover Birmingham's rich history and heritage at Historic England, a cornerstone of cultural preservation and education in the heart of the city.
Workers Memorial
0.7 km
A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.
Chamberlain Clock
0.9 km
An elegant Edwardian clock tower at the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, built in 1903 as a memorial to Joseph Chamberlain and recently restored to its former glory.
The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham
0.9 km
Birmingham's glittering historic heart where Victorian workshops craft timeless jewels amid cobblestone charm and creative revival.
Bullring & Grand Central
1.0 km
Explore Birmingham's Bullring & Grand Central: a shopping and dining paradise that blends modern architecture with an unforgettable experience.
The Jewellery Quarter
1.1 km
Explore Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, a vibrant district filled with artisan shops, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich heritage.
St. Martin's
1.1 km
Explore St. Martin's Church, a serene Anglican landmark in Birmingham, where architectural beauty and rich history await every visitor.
West Midlands Police Museum
1.1 km
Explore the captivating history of law enforcement at the West Midlands Police Museum in Birmingham, a unique attraction for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The Selfridges Building
1.1 km
A shimmering silver landmark in Birmingham’s Bullring, where shopping meets futuristic architecture and luxury retail in a sculptural masterpiece.
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
1.2 km
Step into a perfectly preserved jewellery workshop and discover Birmingham’s sparkling heritage through immersive guided tours and rich craftsmanship history.
Edgbaston Village
1.4 km
Discover the picturesque Edgbaston Village in Birmingham—where history meets modern charm in a vibrant community setting.
Gem Buildings
1.4 km
Historic Gem Buildings on Key Hill showcase Birmingham's rich jewelry industry heritage and early 20th-century industrial architecture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Library of Birmingham
0.0 km
Discover the Library of Birmingham: a modern architectural gem with vast collections, rooftop gardens, and vibrant cultural spaces in the city’s heart.
Centenary Winter Carousels
0.1 km
Experience festive joy and colorful carousels in Birmingham’s vibrant Centenary Square during the magical winter season.
Hall of Memory
0.1 km
Discover the Hall of Memory in Birmingham, a significant memorial dedicated to the bravery of those who served in the World Wars amidst serene gardens.
Boulton, Watt and Murdoch
0.1 km
Iconic gilded bronze statue celebrating Birmingham’s industrial pioneers Boulton, Watt, and Murdoch on Broad Street.
Symphony Hall
0.2 km
Experience world-class acoustics and vibrant live performances at Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall on Broad Street.
Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks
0.2 km
Discover the historic Lock 3 within Birmingham’s iconic Farmers Bridge Locks, a captivating canal engineering marvel in the city centre.
Regency Wharf
0.3 km
Scenic canals, vibrant dining, and cultural events converge at Birmingham’s dynamic Regency Wharf.
The Coffin Works
0.3 km
A Victorian coffin factory preserved as a time-capsule museum, revealing the craftsmanship behind royal funerals and industrial Birmingham.
Lock 1, Farmers Bridge Locks
0.3 km
Historic flight of 13 canal locks showcasing Birmingham’s industrial heritage and vibrant urban waterways.
Chamberlain Sq
0.3 km
Where Victorian grandeur meets modern Birmingham – a lively civic square with museums, markets, and great architecture.
Birmingham Walk of Stars
0.3 km
Discover Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage through a vibrant walk of fame honoring its legendary icons along Broad Street.
Chamberlain Square
0.3 km
Birmingham’s iconic public square blending Victorian grandeur with modern vibrancy and cultural celebration.
Gas Street Basin
0.3 km
Historic canal basin at Birmingham’s heart blending industrial heritage with vibrant waterside leisure and scenic urban charm.
Birmingham Town Hall
0.3 km
Discover Birmingham Town Hall, a Roman Revival architectural gem and historic concert venue at the heart of Victoria Square.
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
0.3 km
Dive into the UK's only 360° Ocean Tunnel and meet playful penguins, rescued sea otters, and thousands of marine creatures at Birmingham’s premier aquarium.
Essential places to dine
Aria Restaurant
0.2 km
Glass-roofed fine dining sanctuary serving seasonal British cuisine in Birmingham's city centre.
Opheem
0.2 km
Experience Michelin-starred Indian cuisine reimagined with British seasonal flair in Birmingham’s elegant Opheem.
Dishoom Birmingham
0.3 km
A vibrant 1960s Bombay café in central Birmingham, serving bold Indian street food and classics in a theatrical, nostalgic setting with a large outdoor terrace.
Bistrot Pierre - Birmingham
0.3 km
Authentic French bistro on Birmingham's canalside, serving traditional cuisine at accessible prices in a Grade II listed building.
The Coconut Tree Birmingham
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and unique island Cocotails in a lively, colorful setting at The Coconut Tree Birmingham.
Bank Restaurant Bar & Grill
0.4 km
Sophisticated grill classics and fresh seafood in a stylish Brindleyplace setting with scenic canal terraces and vibrant atmosphere.
Noel’s Bar and Restaurant
0.5 km
Mediterranean charm meets Birmingham's waterfront—where fresh pasta, charcoal grills, and craft cocktails create unforgettable canalside dining.
Adam's Restaurant
0.5 km
Michelin-starred modern British fine dining in Birmingham with creative cuisine, elegant Art Deco style, and impeccable service.
Orelle
0.5 km
Sophisticated French fine dining on the 24th floor with panoramic views across Birmingham’s skyline.
La Galleria
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Birmingham at La Galleria, where tradition meets generous portions and cozy charm.
The Birmingham Stable
0.5 km
A lively Birmingham pizza and cider bar with thin-crust sourdough, craft ciders, and a buzzing industrial-chic vibe – perfect for casual dinners and bottomless brunches.
The Lost & Found Birmingham
0.5 km
A Victorian botanical haven in Birmingham offering creative British cuisine and inventive cocktails in a quirky, vintage-inspired setting.
Tiger Bites Pig
0.6 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant Taiwanese bao culture with fresh, flavorful buns and rice bowls in a cozy, lively city centre spot.
Pasta Di Piazza
0.6 km
Authentic Italian dining with generous portions and warm service in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
Turtle Bay Birmingham
0.6 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavours, lively reggae vibes, and 2-for-1 cocktails in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Harvey Nichols
0.5 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and gourmet delights at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, a premier designer department store in The Mailbox.
Fine Jewellery Collections & Bespoke Design Service
0.6 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where custom gems and fine collections craft heirlooms with personal stories etched in gold.
Miniso
0.7 km
Bright, affordable design and collectable character goods — a family-friendly stop for pocket-money treats in Grand Central.
Urban Outfitters
0.7 km
Discover stylish apparel, unique homewares, and a vibrant shopping vibe at Urban Outfitters Birmingham in the city centre.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.7 km
Discover quirky, affordable Scandinavian gifts and everyday essentials that bring joy and creativity to Birmingham’s city center.
Community Gift Shop
0.8 km
Discover unique products and support diverse entrepreneurs at Birmingham’s Black Pounds Project Community Gift Shop in the historic Great Western Arcade.
The Alice Boutique
0.8 km
Discover timeless vintage-inspired fashion in a charming boutique nestled within Birmingham’s historic Great Western Arcade.
Designer Exchange
0.8 km
Discover authenticated preloved luxury fashion in Birmingham’s elegant Victorian Great Western Arcade.
Buff Jewellery
0.8 km
Timeless minimalist jewellery handcrafted in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—personalised birthstone designs blending sentiment, subtlety, and modern British elegance for everyday sparkle.
The Works
0.8 km
Discover affordable arts, crafts, books, and stationery in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant New Street shopping district.
SACET
0.8 km
Ethical elegance awaits at SACET, Birmingham's sustainable jewellery gem in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter—where timeless craft meets modern conscience.
La MC Vintage
0.8 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures in Birmingham’s charming North Western Arcade at La MC Vintage.
Beauty & the Button
0.8 km
Discover personalised gifts and colourful button frames at Beauty & the Button, Birmingham’s charming shop for meaningful celebrations.
Artfull Expression
0.9 km
Discover independent jewelry artistry in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Artfull Expression, where unique handcrafted designs blend historic craft with modern flair.
Ivy and Rose Gift Shop
0.9 km
Discover handmade UK treasures at Ivy and Rose, Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter boutique for unique jewelry, candles, and artisanal gifts from local makers. (162 characters)
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Botanist Gas Street Basin
0.3 km
A lush botanical bar and restaurant with canal views, seasonal menus, and live music in Birmingham’s vibrant Gas Street Basin.
Pitcher & Piano Birmingham
0.3 km
A stylish canal-side bar in Brindley Place, Birmingham, perfect for all-day dining, cocktails, and vibrant social experiences.
All Bar One Brindleyplace
0.3 km
Stylish canal-side wine bar and cocktail lounge in Birmingham’s vibrant Westside, perfect for bottomless brunches and lively evenings.
Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham
0.3 km
Lively cocktail bar in Birmingham’s Brindley Place offering extensive drinks, vibrant atmosphere, and expert bartenders for unforgettable nights.
Slug & Lettuce - Birmingham
0.3 km
Lively cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindley Place offering vibrant drinks, tasty bites, and late-night fun in Birmingham’s city centre.
The Alchemist Brindleyplace
0.3 km
Experience Birmingham’s theatrical cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindleyplace, where molecular mixology meets creative cuisine above the canal.
Malt House
0.3 km
A vibrant British pub in Birmingham city centre offering classic dishes, lively atmosphere, and a great spot for social gatherings near the arena.
Theatrix Birmingham
0.4 km
Historic charm meets vibrant nightlife at Theatrix Birmingham, a stylish multi-floor bar and entertainment venue in the city centre.
Queen's Arms birmingham
0.5 km
Traditional Jewellery Quarter pub pouring fine ales in a quirky, welcoming space with games, books, and hearty grub amid Birmingham's historic heart. (162 characters)
Purecraft Bar & Kitchen
0.5 km
A vibrant gastropub in Birmingham blending craft beer culture with modern British cuisine in a spacious, welcoming setting.
Fox and Chance
0.5 km
An award-winning independent cocktail bar in Birmingham, blending creative drinks with a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere.
Aluna
0.5 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and pan-Asian dining in a stylish canalside setting at Birmingham's Aluna, the Mailbox's premier cocktail bar.
Dirty Martini - Birmingham
0.5 km
Trendy cocktail bar in Birmingham’s city center, known for stylish decor, expertly crafted drinks, and a lively party atmosphere.
BrewDog Birmingham
0.6 km
Discover Birmingham’s craft beer haven with bold brews, industrial vibes, and lively events at BrewDog on John Bright Street.
Gas Street Social
0.6 km
Canalside brasserie and cocktail bar at Birmingham’s Mailbox—known for bottomless brunches, sharers and a lively waterside atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Reflex - Birmingham
0.2 km
Spin into 80s-00s nostalgia at Reflex Birmingham: revolving dance floor, karaoke booths, neon vibes, and epic sing-alongs on Broad Street's party strip.
Rosies - Birmingham
0.3 km
Birmingham's ultimate super club: five themed rooms, killer cocktails, and non-stop beats on Broad Street for epic nights out.
Popworld - Birmingham
0.4 km
Broad Street's ultimate pop party hub: 90s-00s hits, neon dance floors, cocktails, and celebration packages until 3am.
What do you mean
0.6 km
Dive into Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at What Do You Mean, a premier nightclub known for electrifying music, creative cocktails, and an unforgettable party vibe.
King of clubs
0.6 km
Compact late‑night Birmingham club for high‑energy R&B, hip‑hop and DJ nights, pulsing into the small hours with neon, bass and bar-driven parties.
Snobs
0.6 km
Birmingham's 40-year indie-retro nightclub legend: cheap drinks, themed dance floors, and non-stop beats on Broad Street.
Tunnel Club Birmingham
0.7 km
Dive under Birmingham's arches into Tunnel Club's seven-room warehouse wonderland, where house, techno, and hip-hop fuel all-night dances amid pounding bass and vivid lights.
PAVO Birmingham
0.8 km
Vibrant African fusion lounge and nightclub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where bold flavors meet electrifying beats until 4am on weekends.
Bambu Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
101 Night Club
0.9 km
Unleash your nightlife spirit at 101 Night Club, Birmingham's vibrant center for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.
Sobar
1.0 km
Dive into Birmingham's electric nightlife at Sobar, where R&B beats, masterful cocktails, and inclusive vibes fuel unforgettable weekend revelry in the heart of the Arcadian.
Mango Night Club
1.0 km
A high‑energy Bristol Street nightclub serving Afrobeats, hip‑hop and R&B for late‑night dancers and party crowds in central Birmingham.
Dreams Night club and Shisha
1.1 km
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem fusing aromatic shisha clouds with thumping club beats until 5am—pure late-night energy on Barr Street.
Nightingale Club
1.2 km
Birmingham's legendary LGBTQIA+ superclub: three floors of pulsating beats, go-go glamour, and five decades of unapologetic queer joy in the Gay Village.
suki10c
1.4 km
Quirky Digbeth nightclub with local art, sustainable vibes, and eclectic beats in an intimate 180-capacity space powered by wind energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
