Things To Do in Wolverhampton: Discover Our Top 10 Guide to the City

While Birmingham and Coventry often steal the spotlight, Wolverhampton is an underrated destination waiting to be explored. This vibrant city boasts a rich industrial past, a thriving arts scene and an abundance of green spaces. Stroll through its historic streets, catch live theatre or music, and cheer on the Premier League football team. Whether you're into history, culture, sport or nature, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Wolverhampton, from the relatively well known to the wonderfully unexpected.

Wolverhampton’s story began in 985 AD as a monastery settlement in the Kingdom of Mercia, founded by Lady Wulfruna (after whom the town was named). It was granted a market charter in 1258 and developed into a thriving hub for the wool trade. In the 16th and 17th centuries, metalworking and coal mining took over as the backbone of the economy, and the Industrial Revolution saw the development of factories and canals to transport raw materials and goods, such as locks, keys and enamelware. Migrant workers flocked to the area for work, and today nearly half the population is from an ethnic minority group. Wolverhampton has a campus university with over 25,000 students and was granted city status as part of the millennium celebrations.

Housed in an elegant Grade II listed building, Wolverhampton Art Gallery is one of the best things to do in Wolverhampton for art lovers. The spacious galleries showcase an eclectic mix of collections, from Georgian masterpieces and English landscapes to thought-provoking sculpture and photography. It’s particularly known for its impressive Pop Art collection, with pieces by Andy Warhol and Peter Blake, as well as a portrait by Gainsborough. Family-friendly displays and interactive exhibits keep everyone engaged. Best of all, entry is free.

• Lichfield St, Wolverhampton WV1 1DU
• Open Monday-Saturday 10:30 am–4:30 pm, Sunday 11 am–4 pm
• Free
• Visitors are welcome to join a session with the museum's craft club; check the website for details

Opened in 1894, this striking Edwardian theatre hosts everything from West End musicals to comedy and drama performances in its 1,200-seat auditorium. Designed in oriental Gothic style, it features a red brick façade, ornate interiors with velvet seats, marble staircases and gilded balconies. As well as taking in a show, you can explore the theatre's rich history with a guided tour, including backstage access and fascinating stories about notable past performers, such as Elton John, Shirley Bassey and Charlie Chaplin.

• Lichfield St, Wolverhampton WV1 1DE
• Tours are available Saturdays for £10 or for private groups any day of the week

One of the finest Victorian pleasure parks in the Midlands, 7-hectare West Park is the perfect place to escape the city hustle and bustle. The centrepiece is a picturesque boating lake, home to ducks, geese and swans, and a Victorian conservatory dating to 1896. You could easily spend a few hours strolling or cycling along the scenic paths, admiring the dazzling floral displays in the ornamental gardens or enjoying a picnic beneath mature oak, cedar and redwood trees. There are plenty of opportunities for little ones to burn off steam, with three play areas and a mini train.

• 76 Park Rd W, Wolverhampton WV1 4PH
• Open daily 7:30 am–5:30 pm
• 10-minute walk or short bus ride from the city centre
• Toilets are available at the tea rooms, which sell homemade cakes and light bites

Did you know that Wolverhampton Wanderers (the Wolves) is one of England’s oldest football clubs, founded in 1877? What's more, their iconic home, Molineux Stadium, opened in 1889 and is one of the UK’s oldest football grounds. Football fans can visit the Wolverhampton Wanderers Museum, filled with memorabilia, or take a guided tour of the Premier League stadium, dressing rooms, tunnel and pitch. Experiencing the electric atmosphere of a match, along with 30,000 passionate supporters, is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Wolverhampton.

• Waterloo Rd, Wolverhampton WV1 4QR
• Match tickets are available through the official Wolverhampton Wanderers website
• A 15-minute walk from the train station

When it comes to nightlife, you won't be stuck for things to do in Wolverhampton. Enjoy a rock-and-metal vibe at The Giffard Arms, or sample craft beers at The Hogshead. Experience traditional Black Country food at The Lych Gate Tavern, serving hearty meatballs and peas. For live music, catch a gig at KK's Steel Mill.

Giffard Arms

• 64 Victoria St, Mander Centre, Wolverhampton WV1 3NX
• Open Sunday-Wednesday noon-11pm, Thursday noon–2 am, Friday noon–3 am, Saturday 11 am–3 am

In Wolverhampton's western suburbs, Bantock House is a stunning Edwardian mansion surrounded by 17 hectares of parkland. As you wander through the opulent interiors, local history comes to life with carved oak panelled rooms filled with period furnishings, decorative glass and enamels inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. Outside, the tranquil formal gardens are wonderful for exploring, with winding paths, sparkling ponds and colourful foliage throughout the year.

• Finchfield Rd, Wolverhampton WV3 9LQ
• Open Saturday-Sunday 11 am–4 pm
• Entry is free and there's a cafe for refreshments

If you're looking for adrenaline-fuelled things to do in Wolverhampton, catch the Wolverhampton Wolves speedway team in action at Monmore Green Stadium. The roar of engines, the thrill of high-speed racing (on specialised motorcycles with no brakes!) and the excitement of close calls make for an exhilarating evening. Watching the riders navigate the tight bends and shoot down the track to the sound of cheering crowds is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

• Sutherland Ave, Monmore Green, Wolverhampton WV2 2JJ
• It's a 25-minute walk from the city centre or you can take a local bus or taxi

Designed by Edward Ould and furnished with Morris & Co. interiors, this stunning Arts and Crafts manor house is a feast for the eyes. Nestled in beautiful gardens, the house offers a unique glimpse into the world of Victorian design, with intricate woodwork, stained-glass windows and an exquisite collection of Pre-Raphaelite art and handcrafted furniture. It's a dream for history and design enthusiasts or anyone looking for inspiring things to do in Wolverhampton.

• Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton WV6 8EE
• Open Thursday-Sunday 10 am–4 pm, Monday-Wednesday 10am-5pm
• A 15-minute bus ride west of the city centre

Wolverhampton’s surrounding area, known as the Black Country, owes its name to the history of iron production and coal mining during the Industrial Revolution. A few miles south of the city, the open-air Black Country Living Museum brings history to life with Victorian shops, costumed characters and even a working coal mine. Explore historic buildings, watch traditional crafts and discover how this industrial hub shaped modern life. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the region’s rich heritage.

• Discovery Wy, Dudley DY1 4AL
• Open daily 10am-5pm
• A 20-minute drive south of Wolverhampton; the National Express bus to Dudley stops near the museum

Located just a short drive from Wolverhampton, the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands is a fascinating thing to do for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts. Here you can explore a vast collection of aircraft, from iconic World War II planes to modern jets. The museum’s interactive exhibits bring the history of the RAF to life, while immersive displays and restoration workshops offer a deeper look into aviation technology.

• Lysander Ave, Cosford, Shifnal TF11 8UP
• 20 minutes by car or take a train to Cosford Railway Station

From wandering the Victorian streets to enjoying a show at the Grand Theatre or experiencing the thrill of a Wolves match, there's no shortage of fun things to do in Wolverhampton. To extend your stay, the Novotel Wolverhampton makes a comfortable and convenient city-centre base, or consider the Mercure Birmingham West Hotel in nearby West Bromwich for easy access to the wider West Midlands, including Birmingham itself. Take the time to get to know Wolverhampton and you’ll discover a city full of character and unexpected charm.