Background

Bullring Rag Market: Birmingham’s Vibrant Fabric and General Goods Hub

Explore Birmingham’s Bullring Rag Market, a vibrant indoor hub for fabrics, haberdashery, and diverse goods with 350 stalls and rich local heritage.

4.3

The Bullring Rag Market in Birmingham is a bustling indoor market known for its extensive range of fabrics, haberdashery, and diverse goods. Operating four days a week with 350 stalls and 17 perimeter shops, it offers everything from textiles to household items. Located at 50 Edgbaston Street, it is part of the larger Bull Ring Markets complex, providing a lively shopping experience in the city centre.

A brief summary to Bullring Rag Market

  • 50 Edgbaston St, Birmingham, B5 4RQ, GB
  • +441213030208
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early on market days (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday) for the best selection of fabrics and goods.
  • Carry cash as many stalls prefer cash payments over cards.
  • Combine your visit with the adjacent Bull Ring Open Market for fresh produce and everyday essentials.
  • Check the schedule for the Big Brum Antique Market, held ten times a year within the market complex.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Train

    Take a train to Birmingham Moor Street station, approximately 10–15 minutes walk from the market. Trains run frequently from major UK cities, with ticket prices typically ranging from £5 to £20 depending on origin.

  • Bus

    Multiple city bus routes serve the Bullring area with stops near the market. Journey times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on starting point. Single fares cost around £2 to £3.50. Buses operate regularly from early morning until late evening.

  • Car

    Driving to the market is possible with several nearby public car parks around the Bullring shopping centre. Parking fees range from £2 to £5 per hour. Note that the market itself has no dedicated parking, and city centre traffic can be busy during peak times.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby in Birmingham city centre, the market is accessible on foot within 10–20 minutes from major hotels and attractions. The route is flat and suitable for most mobility levels.

Bullring Rag Market location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Bullring Rag Market

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Bullring Rag Market

A Historic Marketplace with a Textile Legacy

The Bullring Rag Market has long been a cornerstone of Birmingham’s market scene, renowned especially for its vast selection of fabrics and haberdashery. Originally re-opened in December 2000, it revitalized the city’s traditional rag market heritage, providing a dedicated space where textile traders and general goods vendors thrive. Its name, "Rag Market," reflects its historical focus on second-hand clothes and fabric remnants, though today it features a much broader array of merchandise.

A Diverse Shopping Experience Across Hundreds of Stalls

Spanning 350 stalls and surrounded by 17 perimeter shops, the market offers an eclectic mix of products. Shoppers can find everything from the latest fashion fabrics, sewing supplies, and haberdashery to gifts, household goods, and alternative items. This diversity makes the market a magnet for both local residents and visitors seeking bargains and unique finds. The market’s indoor setting ensures year-round accessibility regardless of weather.

Integration within the Bull Ring Market Complex

The Rag Market is one of three key markets within the Bull Ring complex, alongside the Bull Ring Open Market and the Bull Ring Indoor Market. While the Rag Market specializes in fabrics and general goods, the Open Market focuses on fresh produce and daily essentials, and the Indoor Market is famous for its fresh meat, fish, and poultry stalls. Together, they form a vibrant marketplace ecosystem in Birmingham’s city centre, each complementing the others.

Operating Days and Atmosphere

The market is open four days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with Saturday closing slightly later at 5:30 PM. It remains closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. The atmosphere is lively and bustling during open days, with traders offering a warm, community feel amidst the busy shopping environment. The market’s location near the Bullring shopping centre adds to its accessibility and foot traffic.

Community and Cultural Significance

Beyond commerce, the Bullring Rag Market serves as a cultural hub reflecting Birmingham’s diverse population and rich trading history. It supports local entrepreneurs and craftspeople, maintaining traditional market culture while adapting to modern retail trends. The market also hosts occasional special events like the Big Brum Antique Market, held ten times a year, adding to its community appeal.

Visitor Experience and Practical Details

Visitors to the Rag Market enjoy a sensory-rich environment filled with vibrant colors, textures, and the hum of trade. The market’s indoor layout provides shelter and comfort, while the variety of stalls ensures there is something for every shopper’s interest. It is advisable to visit early on market days for the best selection. The market accepts cash payments predominantly, so carrying cash is recommended. Nearby amenities include restrooms and food options within the Bull Ring area, enhancing the overall visit.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Bullring Rag Market

Popular Hotels near Bullring Rag Market

Select Currency