St Martin in the Bull Ring: Birmingham’s Historic Gothic Parish Church
Discover Birmingham’s historic Gothic Victorian parish church, a peaceful sanctuary nestled between the Bull Ring Shopping Centre and bustling markets.
St Martin in the Bull Ring is Birmingham’s original parish church, a striking Grade II* listed Gothic Victorian building located between the Bull Ring Shopping Centre and the markets. With origins dating back to 1290 and possible Saxon roots, the church features an impressive timber hammerbeam roof, intricate stonework, and a soaring spire. It offers a peaceful sanctuary amid the city’s bustle, welcoming visitors for reflection, prayer, and exploration.
A brief summary to St. Martin's
- Edgbaston St, Birmingham, B5 5BB, GB
- +441216006020
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-5 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-5 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
- Friday 12 pm-5 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Tea Lounge for a cozy break with locally made sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Explore the church interior to admire the magnificent hammerbeam roof and intricate Victorian floor tiles.
- Take in panoramic views of the church’s spire and clock from the nearby Nelson Monument viewing point.
- Plan your visit during open hours, typically midday to late afternoon Tuesday through Sunday.
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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Bus
Several frequent bus routes serve stops near the Bull Ring Shopping Centre, a 5-minute walk from St Martin’s. Journey times from Birmingham New Street Station range from 10 to 20 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £2–£4 one way.
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Train
Birmingham New Street Station is the closest major rail hub, about a 10-minute walk to St Martin in the Bull Ring. The station is well connected nationally and locally, with accessible paths and signage.
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Walking
If you are already in Birmingham city centre, St Martin’s is easily reachable on foot via paved, level streets. Walking times from the Bullring Shopping Centre or Birmingham New Street Station are approximately 5–10 minutes.
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Car
Driving to St Martin’s is possible but parking in central Birmingham is limited and often costly. Nearby public car parks are available with fees around £3–£5 per hour. Traffic congestion is common during peak hours.
St. Martin's 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's
Enduring Heritage at Birmingham’s Heart
St Martin in the Bull Ring stands as a testament to Birmingham’s long and layered history. The church’s site has hosted Christian worship since at least 1290, with archaeological hints suggesting Saxon-era origins. The current structure, predominantly rebuilt in 1873, is a Grade II* listed building embodying Gothic Victorian architecture designed by Alfred Chatwin, a notable Birmingham architect also involved with the Houses of Parliament. This continuity of sacred use makes St Martin’s a living monument bridging medieval and modern Birmingham.Architectural Grandeur and Craftsmanship
The church’s architecture is a highlight of Victorian Gothic revival, constructed mainly from rock-faced Grinshill stone with a sandstone interior. Its most remarkable feature is the open timber hammerbeam roof, inspired by Westminster Hall, weighing an astonishing 94 tonnes and soaring 60 feet high. The beams are adorned with delicate tracery and angelic carvings, creating a majestic canopy over the 100-foot-long nave. The Victorian floor tiles by Minton display the quartered arms of the de Bermingham family, and the bronze font by Jacqueline Stieger adds artistic refinement.A Soaring Spire and Historic Clock
The church’s spire, rebuilt and reinforced multiple times since the 18th century, rises prominently above the cityscape. Its iron spindle core and braced structure have withstood lightning strikes and the passage of time. The clock and bells, restored in the 19th century, remain a focal point, with the clock dial illuminated at night. From vantage points like the nearby Nelson Monument, visitors can appreciate the grand scale and intricate details of this landmark.Sanctuary Amidst Urban Bustle
Nestled between the bustling Bull Ring Shopping Centre and the lively markets, St Martin’s offers a tranquil refuge. The church welcomes visitors for private prayer, meditation, and quiet exploration. Its Tea Lounge, open Tuesday to Saturday, provides a warm, community-focused space serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and cakes, distinct from commercial coffee chains. The terrace outside opens in summer, inviting visitors to relax and soak in the historic atmosphere.Community and Accessibility
St Martin in the Bull Ring remains an active parish church with a rich program of services and community activities. It offers accessible entrances, charging facilities, baby changing, and disabled toilets, ensuring inclusivity. The church’s location in central Birmingham makes it a convenient spiritual and cultural stop for shoppers, workers, and tourists alike.Legacy and Cultural Significance
The church’s historical significance extends beyond architecture; it has been a focal point for Birmingham’s evolving community for centuries. Its Victorian restoration and preservation efforts reflect the city’s respect for heritage. The church’s presence enriches Birmingham’s urban fabric, connecting past traditions with contemporary life and offering a unique glimpse into the city’s spiritual and architectural legacy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Selfridges Building
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Workers Memorial
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The Floodgate
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The River
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Chamberlain Memorial
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The Best of Birmingham Trail
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Clue HQ Birmingham - The Live Escape Game
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Boulton, Watt and Murdoch
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The Coffin Works
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Historic England
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Birmingham Walk of Stars
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St Paul's Square
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New hall Hill - Historical Signature!
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National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
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Newhall Hill
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Unmissable attractions to see
Horatio Nelson Statue
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Historic bronze statue honoring Admiral Horatio Nelson’s naval victories, located in Birmingham’s Bull Ring since 1809.
Bullring Rag Market
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Selfridges Birmingham
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Bullring Shopping Centre Bullring
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Iconic Birmingham shopping destination blending historic roots with modern retail and vibrant dining experiences.
Bullring & Grand Central
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Ozzy the Bull
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A towering mechanical bull named after Ozzy Osbourne, symbolizing Birmingham’s industrial might and musical heritage at New Street Station Forecourt.
Grand Central Shopping Centre
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A stunning, modern shopping centre integrated with Birmingham’s New Street Station, offering diverse retail and dining in a light-filled, accessible space.
The Arcadian
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A vibrant shopping and leisure complex in central Birmingham, combining retail, dining and entertainment in a modern, covered environment.
Hippodrome Square
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A lively cultural square outside Birmingham Hippodrome, alive with performances, festivals, and the spirit of the Chinese Quarter.
The Grand Central Bull
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Experience Birmingham's vibrant culture and rich history at The Grand Central Bull, a must-see tourist attraction in the heart of the city.
Birmingham Hippodrome
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Birmingham's grand Victorian theatre where 125 years of entertainment history meets world-class performances.
National Trust - Birmingham Back to Backs
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Step back in time at Birmingham’s last surviving 19th-century back-to-back houses, where history and community come alive through immersive guided tours.
Martineau Place
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54 Inge Street
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Step into Birmingham’s industrial past at the last surviving Back to Back houses, a vivid glimpse into 19th-century working-class life.
52 Inge Street
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Step inside Birmingham’s last surviving back-to-back houses and explore the rich social history of its industrial working-class heritage.
Essential places to dine
Browns Birmingham
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Manzil Restaurant
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Original Patty Men
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Mowgli Street Food Birmingham
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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
Menkind
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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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Simply Gifted
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Thrifty Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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All Bar One New Street Station
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Tilt
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The Anchor Digbeth
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Bacchus Bar
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Tonight Josephine - Birmingham
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The Loft
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The Bierkeller Birmingham
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Be At One - Birmingham
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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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Flight Club Birmingham
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BrewDog Birmingham
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
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
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
