West Midlands (region) Travel Guide

Plan your trip to the West Midlands with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, best things to do and see, where to eat, and more.


Introduction to West Midlands (region)

The West Midlands region is located in central England and is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural treasures. It is often overshadowed by other regions in the UK, but it has so much to offer. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover or a foodie, the West Midlands is sure to captivate you.

This comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip to the West Midlands. We’ve covered everything from top sights to best hikes, local food and drink to transportation options.

List of Places to Visit in West Midlands (region)

Here are some of the must-visit places in the West Midlands:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
  • Coventry Transport Museum
  • Black Country Living Museum
  • Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust
  • Warwick Castle
  • Dudley Castle
  • Sarehole Mill

Natural Attractions of West Midlands (region): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cannock Chase
  • The Wrekin
  • Lickey Hills Country Park
  • Clent Hills
  • Malvern Hills
  • Elan Valley Reservoirs

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Midlands (region)

The West Midlands region is home to several scenic routes that are perfect for hiking and biking. Some of the best hiking and biking routes include:

  • Worcester and Birmingham Canal
  • Elan Valley Trail
  • Malvern Hills
  • Wrekin Circular Walk
  • Ebrington Hill Loop
  • Heart of England Way

Best Things to Do in West Midlands (region): Activities and Tours

  • Visit Cadbury World, a chocolate-themed attraction dedicated to the history and manufacturing of the famous Cadbury chocolate
  • Take a canal boat tour of Birmingham’s canals and waterways
  • Go on a street art tour in Digbeth and see some of the city’s amazing street art
  • Visit the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theaters in Stratford-upon-Avon and take in a play
  • Explore the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
  • Go on a ghost walk in Warwick and discover the city’s haunted history

Week-Long Itinerary for West Midlands (region)

Here’s a week-long itinerary to help you explore the best of the West Midlands:

  • Day 1: Birmingham – Explore the city’s museums, galleries and attractions such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Jewellery Quarter
  • Day 2: Coventry – Visit the Coventry Transport Museum and Coventry Cathedral
  • Day 3: Worcestershire – Take a walk along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal and explore Worcester Cathedral
  • Day 4: Shropshire – Visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, the English Heritage site of Buildwas Abbey and the market town of Ludlow
  • Day 5: Warwickshire – Visit Warwick Castle and the town of Warwick
  • Day 6: The Wrekin – Hike to the top of the Wrekin and enjoy the stunning views
  • Day 7: Malvern Hills – Hike or bike in the Malvern Hills and visit the town of Great Malvern

Food and Drink Scene of West Midlands (region)

The West Midlands is known for its hearty, comforting food. Here’s some dishes to look out for:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Balti – a spicy curry dish that originated in Birmingham
  • Pork pies – a savory pastry filled with pork and served at room temperature
  • Groaty pudding – a traditional dish made with oats, leeks and beef broth
  • Staffordshire oatcakes – a type of pancake made from flour and oats

Local Beverages

  • Banks’s and Holden’s Brewery – two breweries located in Wolverhampton
  • Purity Brewing Company – a craft brewery located in Warwickshire
  • Wye Valley Brewery – a brewery located in Herefordshire

Where to Stay in West Midlands (region): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in the West Midlands, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some recommendations:

  • Hotel du Vin Birmingham – a boutique hotel located in Birmingham
  • Malmaison Birmingham – another boutique hotel located in the city center
  • YHA Ironbridge Coalbrookdale – a budget-friendly hostel located in Ironbridge
  • Hogarths Stone Manor – a luxury hotel located in Worcestershire

What to Buy in West Midlands (region): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for souvenirs or local products to bring back home? Here are some ideas:

  • Cadbury chocolate – one of the UK’s most famous chocolate brands, based in Birmingham
  • Blue and white china – Wedgwood China is a famous brand originating in Stoke-on-Trent
  • Shropshire lavender – a local product that makes for a lovely gift
  • Worcestershire sauce – a sauce that has been produced in Worcester for over 170 years

Local Culture and Customs of West Midlands (region)

The West Midlands is known for its friendly and welcoming locals. Common greetings include “hello” and “alright?”. Pubs are a big part of the local culture, and it’s common to see locals enjoying a pint after work. On the whole, the region is quite diverse, with a mix of cultures and traditions.

Best Time to Visit West Midlands (region)

The West Midlands is a year-round destination, with visitors enjoying the region at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit is in the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Midlands (region)

Do:

  • Try the local food and drinks
  • Be polite and friendly with the locals
  • Take public transport when possible

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the weather, especially during winter months
  • Expect Manchester or Liverpool, the West Midlands has a character of its own

Safety and Health

Safety in West Midlands (region)

The West Midlands has a low crime rate, but visitors should still take precautions to keep themselves and their belongings safe. These include not leaving valuables in a car and being aware of surroundings when in crowded areas.

Health in West Midlands (region)

The West Midlands has a well-developed healthcare system, with several hospitals and clinics throughout the region. Travelers should always ensure they have adequate travel insurance, especially if engaging in outdoor activities or sports.

Getting to West Midlands (region): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near West Midlands (region)

  • Birmingham Airport (BHX) – the largest airport in the region and a hub for several airlines
  • East Midland Airport (EMA) – located just south of Derby, approximately one hour from Birmingham

Bus Stations Near West Midlands (region)

  • Birmingham Coach Station – located in the center of Birmingham and serviced by several national and international coach companies
  • Wolverhampton Bus Station – located in the city center of Wolverhampton and serviced by several national and regional coach companies

Other Options

  • Train – the West Midlands has several train stations, including Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton and Coventry, which are serviced by several train companies
  • Car rental – there are several car rental companies with locations throughout the region

How to Get Around in West Midlands (region)

The West Midlands has a well-developed public transport system, including buses, trains, and trams. The region also has several taxi companies, and car rental is available at numerous locations throughout the region.

Where to Go Next from West Midlands (region): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The West Midlands is located in central England, making it an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations. Some of the top destinations include:

  • Peak District National Park – located approximately 90 minutes from Birmingham, this stunning national park is perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures
  • Stratford-upon-Avon – the birthplace of Shakespeare, located approximately 30 minutes from the West Midlands
  • Liverpool – located approximately 1.5 hours from the West Midlands, this vibrant city is known for its music scene and cultural attractions

Conclusion

The West Midlands is a diverse and exciting region, with something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in history and culture, outdoor adventures, or just fantastic food and drink, the West Midlands has it all. So why not start planning your trip today and discover this hidden gem in the heart of England?



    Herefordshire
    Shropshire
    Staffordshire
    Warwickshire
    West Midlands (county)
    Worcestershire