Ask someone from outside the area what there is to do in Walsall, and you’ll probably get a blank stare. Ask a local, and you’ll get a surprisingly long list.
The truth is, Walsall has more going on than it gets credit for – from one of the best art galleries in the region to parks that rival anywhere nearby, markets that have been running for centuries, and a food scene that’s quietly become one of the most diverse in the West Midlands.
Whether you’re a Walsall resident looking for weekend plans or visiting the area and wondering what to do, here’s your complete guide to making the most of the town.
Culture & Museums: Free Entry, World-Class Quality
The New Art Gallery Walsall
This isn’t just “good for a town like Walsall” – The New Art Gallery is genuinely excellent by any standard. Opened in 2000, it houses the Garman Ryan Collection (400 years of art including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and Renoir), plus rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Entry is free. The building itself is architecturally stunning. There’s a café with decent coffee and views over the town. And it’s a five-minute walk from the town centre.
If you only do one cultural thing in Walsall, make it this.
Perfect for: Rainy weekends, culture lovers, free day out
Location: Gallery Square, Walsall WS2 8LG
Walsall Leather Museum
Walsall’s leather industry shaped the town for centuries, and this free museum tells that story brilliantly. It’s more interesting than it sounds – especially the working saddlery where craftspeople still make leather goods using traditional techniques.
Kids enjoy it more than you’d expect, and it’s genuinely educational without being dry.
Location: Littleton Street West, Walsall WS2 8EQ
Walsall Museum (Garman Ryan Collection)
While The New Art Gallery showcases the visual arts, Walsall Museum covers local history, archaeology, and social history. It’s smaller but well-curated, and again – completely free.
Markets & Shopping: Beyond the High Street Chains
Walsall Market
Running since the 13th century (seriously), Walsall’s indoor and outdoor markets are still the heart of the town. Tuesday and Saturday are the biggest days, with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to homeware, clothing to street food.
It’s not trendy or hipster – it’s a proper working market where locals actually shop. But that’s exactly what makes it worth visiting.
When: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday (main market days)
The Victorian Arcade
Tucked away but worth finding, this Grade II listed Victorian shopping arcade has independent shops, a proper barber, and that old-fashioned charm you don’t find in modern shopping centres.
Crown Wharf Retail Park
For practical shopping (sports gear, homeware, groceries), Crown Wharf has all the usual retail park suspects. Not exciting, but useful.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces: Green Space Everywhere
Walsall Arboretum
170 acres of Victorian parkland right in the heart of Walsall. There’s a large lake, playgrounds, sports facilities, and plenty of space for walking, running, or just sitting.
The Arboretum is where Walsall families go on sunny weekends – you’ll see people fishing, kids feeding ducks, joggers doing laps, and pensioners feeding the birds. It’s properly lovely.
Perfect for: Family days out, morning runs, weekend walks, picnics
Barr Beacon
On a clear day, you can see 12 counties from the top of Barr Beacon. It’s a proper local landmark – 264 metres high with panoramic views across the West Midlands and beyond.
Great for walking, kite flying, or just getting some fresh air with incredible views. Sunset visits are particularly special.
Rough Wood Chase
A bit further out but worth it for nature lovers. This local nature reserve has woodland walks, wildlife watching opportunities, and that peaceful feeling you don’t get in town centre parks.
Food & Drink: Where to Eat & Drink This Weekend
Weekend Brunch
Walsall’s brunch scene has improved massively in recent years. For something genuinely different, Chaii Dosa Café serves South Indian brunch from 11am – crispy dosas, authentic masala chai, and food that’s healthy without feeling like diet food.
It’s the kind of place that’s become a weekend ritual for locals who are bored of the same old bacon and eggs.
Saturday Night Dinner
For a proper sit-down meal, Shimla Peppers has been Walsall’s favourite Indian restaurant since 1978. Book ahead for weekends – it fills up fast, especially for the mixed grill and signature curries that have kept people coming back for nearly 50 years.
Craft Beer & Pub Culture
The Lazy Hill Tap is Walsall’s craft beer hub – rotating taps, knowledgeable staff, and proper pub atmosphere. The Fingerpost does excellent gastropub food if you want quality over typical pub grub.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Walsall Town Hall
This Victorian venue hosts everything from tribute acts to comedy nights, pantomimes to rock concerts. Check their programme – there’s usually something on most weekends.
Arena Theatre
Part of the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall campus, Arena Theatre punches above its weight with professional productions, student shows, and community performances.
Cinema
Vue Cinema at Crown Wharf has all the mainstream releases. It’s not independent or boutique, but it’s reliable, reasonably priced, and has all the usual screens and snacks.
Family-Friendly Activities
Walsall Swimming & Fitness Centre
The swimming pool is excellent for families – there’s a kids’ pool, slides, and regular family swim sessions. Much better than you’d expect from a council-run facility.
Flip Out Walsall
Trampoline park that kids absolutely love and adults secretly enjoy too. Good for rainy days when the parks aren’t an option. Book ahead on weekends – it gets packed.
Showcase Cinema de Lux
Another cinema option at the Bentley Mill Way retail park. Slightly more upmarket than Vue with reclining seats and IMAX screens.
Sports & Active Weekends
Walsall FC (The Saddlers)
Home games at the Poundland Bescot Stadium are proper football experiences. League Two level means tickets are affordable and atmosphere is authentic – none of the corporate sanitisation you get at Premier League grounds.
Cycling & Walking Routes
The Wyrley & Essington Canal runs through Walsall and connects to the wider canal network. It’s flat, scenic, and perfect for cycling or long walks. You can walk from Walsall to Birmingham entirely along canals if you’re ambitious.
Golf
Walsall Golf Club, Calderfields Golf Club, and Broadway Golf Club all offer weekend rounds. Calderfields is municipal and most accessible for casual golfers.
Events & What’s On
Regular Events
- Walsall Illuminations (October-November) – The Arboretum transformed with light displays. Massively popular with families.
- Walsall Pride (Annual) – Growing community event with market, entertainment, and celebration of LGBTQ+ community.
- Christmas Markets (December) – Town centre transforms with stalls, lights, and festive atmosphere.
- Parkrun (Every Saturday, 9am) – Free 5k run at the Arboretum. All abilities welcome.
Check Before You Go
The New Art Gallery regularly rotates exhibitions. Walsall Town Hall’s programme changes monthly. Check websites before planning weekend trips around specific events.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
St. Matthew’s Church
This Gothic Revival church is architecturally stunning and often overlooked. Even if you’re not religious, the building is worth seeing.
The Bridge
Historic Grade II listed bridge over the canal. Not a destination itself, but worth walking past if you’re exploring the canal network.
Sister Dora Statue
Grade II listed statue commemorating Dorothy Pattison (Sister Dora), a Victorian nurse who dedicated her life to helping Walsall’s poor. Local landmark with interesting history.
Day Trip from Walsall
If you’ve exhausted Walsall’s options, you’re perfectly positioned for day trips:
- Birmingham – 20 minutes by train, endless options
- Lichfield – Beautiful cathedral city, 30 minutes by car
- Cannock Chase – Massive area of natural beauty, perfect for hiking/cycling
- The Black Country Living Museum – Brilliant living history museum in Dudley
Weekend Itinerary Ideas
The Cultural Weekend
Saturday: Morning at The New Art Gallery, lunch at Chaii Dosa, afternoon browsing the market, dinner at Shimla Peppers
Sunday: Walsall Leather Museum, walk through the Arboretum, Sunday roast at The Fingerpost
The Active Weekend
Saturday: Parkrun at the Arboretum (9am), recovery breakfast, afternoon cycling the canal, evening at The Lazy Hill Tap
Sunday: Morning hike up Barr Beacon, pub lunch, afternoon at the cinema
The Family Weekend
Saturday: Morning at Flip Out, lunch at Frankie & Benny’s, afternoon at the Arboretum, early dinner at home
Sunday: Swimming at Walsall Swimming Centre, Sunday roast somewhere family-friendly, walk around the Arboretum to burn off lunch
Practical Tips for Weekends in Walsall
Parking: The multi-storey car parks on Bradford Street and Park Street are central and reasonably priced. Sundays are often cheaper.
Getting Around: Walsall town centre is entirely walkable. Most attractions are within 15 minutes of each other on foot.
Booking: Popular restaurants fill up on weekends. Book Friday/Saturday dinner tables at least a week ahead.
Weather Backup Plans: Have indoor options ready. The New Art Gallery, Leather Museum, and Flip Out are perfect rainy day alternatives to park plans.
The Honest Truth About Walsall
Is Walsall Birmingham? No. Is it London? Definitely not. Does it have Michelin-starred restaurants or West End theatres? Of course not.
But does it have enough to fill a good weekend? Absolutely.
The New Art Gallery alone would be worth visiting if it was in any other town. The Arboretum is genuinely lovely. The food scene has improved dramatically. And there’s a quiet authenticity to Walsall that makes it more interesting than somewhere trying too hard to be trendy.
Walsall doesn’t shout about what it offers. But if you actually explore it – beyond the high street chains and obvious options – there’s more here than you’d expect.
The best weekends aren’t about travelling hours to somewhere “better.” They’re about discovering what’s already around you.
And Walsall has plenty worth discovering.
