10 Best Things to Do in the West Midlands
From Art Galleries to Theme Parks, Adventure Calls
The West Midlands has something to offer just about everyone, from art galleries and museums to historic cathedrals and theme parks. You can see important works of classic and modern art, view stunning church architecture from the Middle Ages, ride roller coasters at Drayton Manor or get wild in the outdoors with climbing walls and zipper lines. Walk serene gardens or see the ruins of medieval fortresses. Check out some of the best things to do in the West Midlands, from art galleries and museums to theme parks and adventure for your next family or couples vacation.
What are the best things to do in the West Midlands?
1. Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
Get artistic, creative and historic all in one complex
Good for: Families, History
The Herbert Art Gallery is a museum, art gallery, media studio and creative arts facility that’s dedicated to the mission of preserving and educating the public about the arts. The gallery holds permanent and temporary exhibits and also offers an insight into the rich cultural and social history of the city. The museum offers natural history exhibits and hosts guest speakers and lecturers on a regular basis. Inventive and interactive workshops and classes are offered for adults and kids of every age. Permanent exhibits include Archeology, Industry, Social History and Visual Arts, among others.
Location: Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday from noon to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)2476 237521
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
2. Coventry Cathedral
Witness a stunning marvel of neo-Gothic architecture
Good for: Unusual
Coventry Cathedral is the colloquial name for the Cathedral Church of St Michael, which serves as the seat of the Bishop of Coventry in the Church of England. It’s a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture first erected in 1951, and its spiked towers and breathtaking arches draw many thousands of visitors every year just to wonder at the construction and stained glass inside. It is a functioning church, but its doors are open to visitors all year long. Fans of church architecture or architecture in general consider this a must-see location.
Location: Priory St, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from noon to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)2476 521200
Coventry Cathedral
3. Aston Hall
Walk the halls of Jacobean history
Good for: History
Aston Hall is among the last houses built in the Jacobean style and a fascinating museum and public garden. Listed as a Grade I historic site, Aston Hall was built between 1618 and 1635 and boasts a magnificent scope and design. The rooms are still furnished with period artifacts and original decor. Outside, the grounds feature rolling green grass with bright, scented flowers that you can see on scenic pathways. You can also find a perfect souvenir and grab a bite at the cafe and gift shop at the day’s end. Read more
Location: Trinity Rd, Birmingham B6 6JD, UK
Open: Hours by appointment only
Phone: +44 (0)1213 488100
Aston Hall
4. The Bear Grylls Adventure
Get your rugged on and tackle physical adventures
Good for: Families, Adventure
The Bear Grylls Adventure is an indoor and outdoor adventure sports center in Marston Green that offers all types of exhilarating activities. Named for the famed outdoorsman and adventurer, the center offers everything from outdoor zipper wires to indoor skydiving. You can walk an underwater shark dive route while coached by a pro dive team or tackle the indoor climbing wall. Cage snorkeling experiences let you get up close and personal with dangerous and deadly beasts of the ocean, while indoor archery lets you master this age-old skill. You can spend time at a shooting range, master the challenge of an escape room, assault the obstacle course or brave the Fear Zone.
Location: National Exhibition Center Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1PA, UK
Open: Thursday–Friday from 9 am to 5.30 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 5.30 pm (closed Monday–Wednesday)
Phone: +44 (0)1217 252616
The Bear Grylls Adventure
5. Winterbourne House & Garden
Explore the rooms of an early-20th-century mansion and garden
Good for: History
The Winterbourne House & Garden is the botanic garden and Edwardian historic home with tours, a tea room and a gift shop. Kept and maintained by the University of Birmingham, the home was originally designed in 1903 and served as a family home for John and Margaret Nettlefold. Today, it’s a unique example of Edwardian architecture and an attraction that not only hosts serene garden walking paths, but also a gift shop and tea room where you can relax in luxurious surroundings. You can also view one of a number of operational 19th-century printing presses through demonstrations and workshops. The press is also used for paperwork sold in the gift shop.
Location: 58 Edgbaston Park Rd, Birmingham B15 2RT, UK
Open: Daily from 10.30 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1214 143003
Winterbourne House & Garden
6. Dudley Castle
Catch a historical re-enactment
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Dudley Castle is a ruined fortification and public park that hosts re-enactments of historic events. Originally designed as a motte and bailey castle enhanced with stone, the Dudley Castle was demolished on the orders of King Henry II. Today, the castle and its courtyard are open for lively historic re-enactments of important events. It’s also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of the Gray Lady. You can experience the ghost yourself and learn all about the dark history with a ghost walk. The location is also a popular venue for concerts, children’s events and falconry shows.
Dudley Castle
7. Ikon Gallery
Check out the most important artists of our day
Good for: History
The Ikon Gallery is a gallery of contemporary art in Brindleyplace with a variety of permanent and rotating exhibitions. Housed in a Grade II listed building famed for its neo-Gothic architecture, it was once the Oozells Street Board School and was originally erected in 1877. The gallery hosts permanent and rotating exhibits, with the temporary exhibitions situated over 2 floors that showcase work from prominent global artists in a range of media. Exhibits feature sound, mixed media, movie and video, photography, painting, sculpture and installation art. The gallery also features a specialist art bookstore and a cafe with gourmet food and cocktails.
Location: 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS, UK
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +44 (0)1212 480708
Ikon Gallery
8. Edgbaston Reservoir
Walk the shores of a serene nature preserve
Good for: Adventure
The Edgbaston Reservoir is a canal feeder reservoir in Birmingham that’s perfect for serene walks and fishing in scenic surroundings. First built in 1827, the canal feeder is still in use for outdoor recreation. The reservoir sits on a vast site that is largely open water, but it’s surrounded by grassland and woodland with about 2.8 kilometers of walking and jogging trails around the water. Birdwatching is popular here, as the waterways support an array of bird life. Rangers lead regular guided events and activities where you can learn about the local green spaces and wildlife.
Edgbaston Reservoir
9. Drayton Manor Theme Park
Ride a roller coaster or wet ride at a classic amusement park
Good for: Families
Drayton Manor Theme Park is a zoo, resort and family park on the grounds of the former Drayton Manor. The park welcomes around 1.5 million guests to enjoy its features every year, from roller coasters and water rides to miniature golf and a dinosaur trail adventure where kids can walk among lifelike animatronic creatures from the prehistoric era. Kids will also like the onsite zoo with dozens of species of exotic animals. Other highlights include amusement rides and games, park-style food and days of fun and excitement for adults and kids alike.
Location: Drayton Manor Dr, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth B78 3TW, UK
Open: Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Monday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed Tuesday–Thursday)
Phone: +44 (0)1827 287979
Drayton Manor Theme Park
10. StarCity
Enjoy a day of family fun, from bowling to mini-golf to movie theater
Good for: Families
StarCity is a family entertainment and leisure complex located in northeast Birmingham with a movie theater, restaurants, bowling alley and more. You and your family can tackle the challenge of an escape room or divide into teams and tackle the laser-tag course. A couple looking for a fun and quirky activity can hit the miniature-golf course, while kids will enjoy the Goals Soccer Center where they can take soccer lessons and play a match. Little ones will enjoy a soft play center, and older kids will delight at the BB gun and archery ranges. Read more
Location: 32 Watson Rd, Nechells, Birmingham B7 5SA, UK
Open: Daily from 11 am to 11 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1212 704455
StarCity
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