Running from the heart of England to the Welsh border, the West Midlands region was the epicenter of the UK’s industrial revolution and hosts the nation’s second city, bustling, multicultural Birmingham. Many travelers know it for Stratford-upon-Avon, the postcard-perfect market town where Shakespeare was born and died, or Warwick Castle, the 11th-century fortress where jousters do battle and falcons swoop. More obviously industrial are the potteries of Stoke-on-Trent and Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to the world’s first iron bridge, an 18th-century blast furnace, and more.
As with so many English destinations, the West Midlands are at their best during the elusive British summer, bookended by late spring and early fall, because the days May–September are longer and the weather is (usually) brighter. The second half of June and first half of July hit the sweet spot: Local kids are still in school, so family-friendly attractions are less crowded.
Like other European countries, England has a good rail network and public transit system. Birmingham is easy to get around, with trains, trams, and buses, and (strikes permitting) there are solid train links between most West Midlands towns and cities. If you’re hoping to pop out to quiet country pubs and stately homes or to explore the Malvern Hills or Shropshire Hills, consider a guided excursion that includes transportation or self-driving a car.
Birmingham is the home of the balti, a fiery curry cooked super-fresh in a vessel of the same name, similar to a wok. Created by the Pakistani community during the 1970s, the dish has given its name to a city neighborhood known as the Balti Triangle. Try it at Shababs, which has been hosting locals since 1987. If you fancy a pint where Shakespeare might have sipped, then Stratford-upon-Avon’s Garrick Inn is likely the town’s oldest pub, with a criss-cross Tudor timber frame that dates back to the 16th century.
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The West Midlands region is home to two of the UK’s top theme parks, Alton Towers and Drayton Manor, as well as Cadbury World, a chocolate fest that’s one of the UK’s top family attractions. Medieval Warwick Castle offers a wealth of family-friendly history-focused activities, including waxworks, jousting, and falconry.
...MoreBesides the Alton Towers and Drayton Manor theme parks, the West Midlands region houses Stratford-upon-Avon, the city where you can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Other attractions include Ironbridge Gorge, Warwick Castle, Coventry Cathedral, and Cadbury World, as well as parts of the Peak District and the Cotswolds.
...MoreNot to be confused with the much smaller West Midlands county, the West Midlands region is a big place. Spend the morning exploring UNESCO-listed Ironbridge Gorge, then head to Stratford-upon-Avon for lunch and Shakespeare sightseeing. Wrap up with a balti, a live performance, and a bar crawl in buzzing Birmingham.
...MoreIt depends on how experienced a UK traveler you are, your interests, and how much time you have. First-time visitors on a short trip should consider Stratford-upon-Avon a must. Repeat visitors should add Coventry Cathedral and Warwick Castle to their itineraries, while roller coaster junkies should check out Alton Towers.
...MoreYes. Birmingham, England, is the UK’s second city and has many things to do. The Jewellery Quarter, a refurbished industrial district, houses boutiques, galleries, and working jewelers. Family-friendly attractions include Cadbury World, the Legoland® Discovery Centre, and the National SEA LIFE Centre, while the city itself is famous for balti.
...MoreThe West Midlands region is known for Birmingham, Great Britain’s second city. It’s the home of the UK’s industrial revolution and of British delicacies including Worcestershire sauce, Marmite, and balti curry. Famous towns and cities include Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace; Warwick, known for its castle; and Coventry, with its famed cathedral.
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