Moseley might only be three miles from Birmingham’s city centre, but thanks to its ‘village vibe’ often feels world’s away. Many independent shops, restaurants and pubs can be found in this fashionable neighborhood of Birmingham. While, due in part to the vast number of green spaces in the area, it remains one of the most idyllic parts of the city to this day.
But none of that is to say Moseley should be considered boring. Far from it. The area boasts everything from music festivals in the summer to a regular farmer’s market – and it even has its very own Michelin-star restaurant. There are so many amazing things to do around Moseley, making it well worth the trip whether you’re local or not.
1. Wander into the magic of Moseley Bog
There should be no mention of Moseley without bringing up its most famous former local. JRR Tolkien grew up in this part of Birmingham and took much inspiration for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings from it. Moseley Bog, specifically, is said to have inspired the The Old Forest encountered by Bilbo as he leaves the Shire.
Even today, the nature reserve still feels very much alive with magic. It is full of wild, untameable trees and flourishing wildlife; a perfect place for walking or bird watching. While in the area, why not head over to Sarehole Mill, another inspiration on Middle-earth, and Tolkien’s childhood home. Check out our Tolkien Tour here.
Yardley Wood Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 9JX
2. Sample fine dining at Moseley’s Michelin-star restaurant
Birmingham is undeniably one of the most exciting food destinations in the country. There are five Michelin-starred restaurants in the city – the most outside of London – with one in Moseley. Carters of Moseley offers a modern-British, multi-course tasting menu – with particular focus paid to the “best produce, foraged flora and wild fauna indigenous to the UK.” Head chef and Birmingham native, Brad Carter, gives locals the chance to sample dishes few could make at home. A must in Moseley.
2c St Mary’s Row, Wake Green Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 9EZ
3. Visit the monthly Moseley Farmers Market
Taking place every last Saturday of the month between 9am to 2pm, Moseley Farmers Market is the best place to restock on some wonderfully local produce. Be it fruit and vegetables, cheeses and wine, cakes, beer or even samosas, there’s so much to try and discover. It’s been going since 2000 in the centre of Moseley Village and never ceases to surprise. Learn more here.
Alcester Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8HS
4-5. Party in the sunshine with these festivals
It might feel like a quiet village at times, but there are more thrilling things to do in Moseley than bird-watching and farmer’s markets. Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival takes place in Moseley Park every July (this year July 7 to 9). Hosting some of the UK’s biggest musicians in, well, jazz, funk and soul. Meanwhile, the Moseley Folk & Arts Festival wraps up the summer in September each year (September 3 to 1) with the “very best of contemporary folk”. Both take place in the stunning 11-acre woodland glade of Moseley Park.
93B Alcester Rd, Birmingham B13 8DD
6. Unwind in the peaceful Moseley Park and Pool
Of course, there doesn’t need to be a festival on for you to enjoy this peaceful parkland. Unaltered for hundreds of years, this park features a beautiful lake and woodland is available at your pleasure all year round. Try your hand at a morning session of yoga or tennis at Moseley Park and Pool; spot various flora and fauna, like snowdrops and moorhens, on an afternoon stroll; and discover the history beneath your feet, with remnants of the former estate of Moseley Hall still dotted about.
93B Alcester Rd, Birmingham B13 8DD
7. Have a spot of afternoon tea with a twist at Zindiya
After some afternoon tea with a difference? The great British pastime gets an Indian twist at Zindiya. Tuck into an assortment of sweet and savoury treats spiced with Indian flavours, as well as their speciality Wala cocktail – made from prosecco, vodka and chai blend.
If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, the Indian streatery and bar is a great place to grab some street food too. A lively menu, almost as colourful as the decor, consists of savoury foods like tikka burgers, masala chips and chole bhature (spicy chickpeas with India flatbread). To learn more about Zindiya head here.
21 Woodbridge Road, Moseley, B13 8EJ
8. Grab the gooiest and ooziest sandwiches in all of Birmingham
All the best foods revolve around cheese. No one knows this better than Melt in Moseley. It is a paradise for all things gooey and oozy, a “melted cheeserie” as it were. From cheese toasties and Canadian poutine to sweet or savoury fondues. This place will Melt all cheese-lovers’ hearts.
126 Billesley Lane, Moseley, B13 9RD
9-10. Take the whole family to Cannon Hill Park for an exciting day out
One of the best things about being in Moseley is all the access to Birmingham’s amazing green spaces. Cannon Hill Park offers a very different vibe to Moseley Park too. A more family-orientated experience, you’ll find a swan boating lake, mini golf, fun rides and games, a tea room and so much more on this, frankly, massive park. Plus there’s plenty of space for a picnic.
Cannon Hill Park is also home to Midlands Arts Centre – Birmingham’s home for contemporary arts. Here you’ll discover everything from thrilling theatre performances to exciting art exhibitions, cinema screenings and live musical performances. We can’t list everything, so it’s always worth checking out their website here.
Cannon Hill Park, Russell Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8RD
11. Pick up a slice of pizza at Peacer
After a cheap and cheerful quick bite in Moseley? Look no further than Peacer for a single slice of pizza. One of Birmingham’s best pizzerias, these New York City-style slices are the perfect midday pick-me-up. Every slice sells at £4.25 and should easily fill you up. But you’ll definitely be heading back for more!
4 Woodbridge Road, Moseley, B13 8EJ
12-13. Grab a pint at a proper boozer
What ‘village’ is complete without a proper traditional pub? Well, Moseley has two great boozers to choose from. Our first pick is the Prince of Wales. This charming 19th century pub has three bars – including a tiki bar and a wine shed – and a large, heated marquee to while away the hours over some well earned drinks.
Another great pub in the area is The Patrick Kavanagh serving traditional ales and a fantastic wine selection, as well as somewhere to catch up on the latest sports events. Of course, all great pubs are made or undone by its clientele, and Moseley has some of the friendliest locals about.
Prince Of Wales, 84 Cambridge St, Birmingham B1 2NP
The Patrick Kavanagh, 142 Trafalgar Rd, Birmingham B13 8BX