We are lucky here in Birmingham.
Not only is our amazing city a cultural hub for restaurants, theater and more, but we’re ideally located for adventure.
Located right in the center of beautiful England, home to ancient woodlands, picturesque villages and areas of outstanding natural beauty, we don’t need to travel far for refreshing new experiences.
Read more: 20 must-see attractions in and around Birmingham β the best family outings
Post-Christmas budgets may not allow for full weekends, but head out of town in any direction, and it won’t take long to find an idyllic spot to unwind.
Here are some of our favorite places to visit within an hour’s drive of Birmingham.
lichfield
Half an hour on the A38 will bring you to historic Lichfield.
Its greatest asset, literally, is its magnificent cathedral, a magnificent medieval building and the only one of its kind to have three spiers.
It dates back to 1195 and every nook and cranny tells a story. If you go, try taking a tour – they’re free, last 45 minutes and explore 1,300 years of history.
Visits take place from Monday to Friday at 2 p.m. and on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
There are lovely places to stop for lunch or dinner, with the Michelin-recommended Larder serving local ingredients or cozy nooks like the Faro Lounge offering all-day breakfasts.
Other destinations worth visiting include the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, which tells the story of the author of the first English dictionary, and Erasmus Darwin House, where Charles’ grandfather met with leading industrialists. of the Midlands.
Ironbridge Gorge
At a time when traffic is good, Ironbridge Gorge is on the M6 ββand alongside the M54 in beautiful Shropshire.
The Iron Bridge House, the first of its kind and now an English heritage hotspot, is a breathtaking sight.
Park near the bridge itself and walk across it before stopping for an ice cream or hot drink in a tea room, admiring the view of the huge example of engineering genius.
Then take a relaxing stroll along the River Severn to the Gorge Museum to learn about the rich history of the area.
Ironbridge Antiques, Arts & Crafts by the river is also worth a visit, with many small areas selling trinkets and unique finds to take home.
The great thing about the gorge is how much it changes depending on the season – even if you’ve been there before, it’s definitely worth visiting again.
worcester
Another cathedral city to visit is Worcester (A38, M5) which is approximately 45 minutes away.
It’s quite a young city considering it’s so old, which is probably because it’s a college town.
Because of this, he learned to balance both sides of himself well.
The Tudor half-timbered buildings remind you of the town’s rich heritage, which you can explore at the town’s art gallery and museum.
Specialized museums, such as that of the porcelain manufacturer Royal Worcester, also tell you about the people who are said to have lived and worked here in Georgian and Victorian times.
Food and drink can be found in just about any price range, but Globe Modern Bistro’s Greek island cuisine and contemporary dishes come highly recommended by online reviewers.
Stoke-on-Trent
An hour’s drive from the M6, Stoke-on-Trent is one of the most underrated places in England.
It may not be beautiful in the traditional sense, but there’s something truly wondrous about its quirks and character that should never be underestimated.
From the bottle kilns of its traditional towns to the green splendor of Trentham Gardens, there’s a magic to Stoke-on-Trent that can’t be denied.
Head to Burslem and explore the Burleigh Factory Outlet, where wooden floors creak beneath beautiful blue and white pottery.
In Barlaston, Wedgwood feels a bit more sophisticated. Pop into the tea room for a pair of savory scones and thank us later. There’s also a small shop that sells items from local makers, including jewelry, glassware, and pottery.
Trentham’s pretty little wooden shops offer excellent shopping, with its extensive and picturesque gardens. There are monkeys living in his monkey forest, if you feel like getting close!
Head to Hanley to take a tour of the museum and learn more about pottery and enjoy a concert at the Sugarmill before heading home.
As the days go by, Stoke can hold its own against the best of them.
Bewdley
A Georgian town which also sits on the Severn, Bewdley is the gateway to Wyre Forest and as such is extremely beautiful.
There are many listed buildings in Bewdley which gives it a very special and unique feel. The Bewdley Museum offers insight into its history and people. There’s a 250-year-old brass smelter and air-raid shelter to explore.
Dine at places like the Mulberry or the Mug House Inn for traditional pub grub, both of which come highly recommended by diners on TripAdvisor.
The West Midlands Safari Park is perhaps the region’s biggest draw, although a walk through Wyre Forest with your binoculars may reveal woodpeckers, kestrels, buzzards and more, which may just astonish you. than the monkey in the park!
Cosford/Shifnal
Home to both the Royal Air Force Museum and the David Austin Roses, this corner of Shropshire is definitely worth a visit if you’re happy to drive down the M6/M54 for around 45 minutes.
When the weather is mild and spring is in the air, David Austin Roses are simply beautiful, the scent of roses of every description imaginable tempting gardeners, bees and butterflies.
As well as picking out a new rose to take home, you can stroll through its many gardens and have a cup of tea in its tearoom, enjoying a slice of cake before venturing to another unique corner.
RAF Cosford is just seven minutes away by car, home to the famous air show and Royal Air Force Museum.
You can learn about the history of the RAF and see German, American and British rocket engines, aircraft, missiles and tanks up close.
Restaurants like Latimers of Shifnal are destinations in their own right.
Warwick
The market town of Warwick is perhaps best known for its castle and for good reason.
It’s not just the old castle walls to see – the fortress is surrounded by 64 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens, including a peacock garden.
Then there are the experiences. Take a spooky trip through the dark dungeons for a few surprises, watch archers shoot flaming arrows, have afternoon tea, or watch falconers bring down giant birds from the ramparts with slivers of meat!
The town itself, outside the castle grounds, is beautiful and picturesque. It takes around half an hour to get there via the M40 and it couldn’t be more different from bustling Birmingham.
Stroll along the River Avon, cycle the Warwick Town Trail or pass The Court House with its marble pillars and crystal chandeliers. Here you will find the Visitor Centre, which will give you plenty of ideas for other things to do in the city.
For a great dinner, try booking a table at Tailors in advance and enjoy two AA rosette-awarded dishes.
Stay up to date with the latest news and reviews with our daily newsletter.
Comments are closed.