Top 10 Places to Visit in the West Midlands

Friday, 8 March 2024
  • Days Out

Discover the West Midlands with some of the best places to go in and around our network.

Looking for places to go in and around the West Midlands? Or, maybe you're looking at days out with the kids. Whatever it is, the West Midlands has a host of attractions and sites to see that will keep you exploring the network more often.

Stratford-Upon-Avon

A trip to the Midlands must include a visit to the medieval market town of Stratford Upon Avon.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

  • Closest station: Stratford Upon Avon

Centred in the heart of Stratford Upon Avon is William Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Its interior remains unaltered and reflects the lifestyle of a lower-middle-class family in the second half of the 16th century.

Learn about Shakespeare’s family history - with video guides streamed directly to your phone and uncover the Famous Beyond Words exhibition. Get up close to objects from world-class collections as you discover how Shakespeare has continued to shape the world we see today.

Book It. Train It. Love it. Get 2FOR1 to Shakespeare’s Birthplace when you travel by train.

Book tickets to Stratford

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall

  • Closest station: Stratford Upon Avon

Immerse yourself in sixteenth-century life as you explore the very room where William Shakespeare wrote his first words at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall. Discover life as a Tudor schoolchild with a lesson from Master Jenkins, learn how to write with quill and ink, and marvel at the medieval paintings that are over 600 years old. With passionate guides joining you along the way, you will learn the history of one of the world’s most famous playwriters.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With Off-Peak tickets you can get some of the cheapest train tickets to Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Book tickets to Stratford

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

  • Closest station: Stratford Upon Avon

Situated a short walk from Stratford Upon Avon’s town centre is Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, home of William Shakespeare’s wife. Built more than 500 years ago, much of the original building still survives. Some of the highlights include Hathaway’s original furniture as well as nine acres of picturesque gardens that feature other tourist attractions including the Music Trail, Shakespeare’s sculpture trail, and the butterfly trail.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With Off-Peak tickets you can get some of the cheapest train tickets to Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Book tickets to Stratford

Warwick Castle

  • Closest station: Warwick

Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle brings you Britain’s ultimate historical experience. If you’re brave enough to enter the Castle Dungeon, you’ll be met with live actors, gruesome tails, and chilling stories from the past. But not to worry, there’s plenty to do for the more faint-hearted. Stay above ground and explore Warwick Castle’s array of dazzling shows and attractions, including the UK’s largest birds of prey show, an archery masterclass, the Horrible Histories Maze and much more!

Book it. Train it. Love it. With 2FOR1 Warwick Castle tickets when you travel by train.

Book tickets to Warwick

Ironbridge

With dramatic views of the gorge and the River Severn, this old town is a perfect place for tourism.

The Iron Bridge

  • Closest station: Telford Central

Nestled in a spectacular wooden gorge is Telford’s Iron Bridge. Sat above the River Severn, this 1779 built bridge has become a world-famous industrial monument for being the first iron bridge ever made – ultimately giving the town its name.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, this iconic landmark is a permanent feature in Britain’s industrial past.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With Off-Peak tickets you can get some of the cheapest train tickets to Telford.

Book tickets to Telford

Blists Hill Victorian Town

  • Closest station: Telford Central

Time travel more than 100 years ago at Blists Hill Victorian Town and enjoy an amazing outdoor experience. Discover more about Victorian life in the museum’s authentic shops and cottages by watching and listening to Victorian actors in action during their workshop and factory sessions.

Exchange your modern money in the Bank for pounds, shillings, and pence, or check out all the weird and wonderful Victorian remedies in the onsite Pharmacy. If you like games, you can have fun at the old-fashioned fairground as you try your luck on the old Victorian game of Coconut Shy.

If your belly starts to rumble, you can grab a bag of Fish and Chips cooked in the traditional beef dripping way, or suck on a sweet treat (or two) in the 19th Century Victorian sweet shop.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With a GroupSave ticket you can save 1/3 off your train travel when travelling with groups of 3-9 people.

Book tickets to Telford

Bournville

Just a 15-minute train ride from Birmingham city centre is the quaint model village of Bournville. Founded by the world-famous chocolate makers, George and Richard Cadbury, there are plenty of sites to discover.

Cadbury World

  • Closest station: Bournville

Dive into the chocolately universe of Cadbury World as this self-guided tour takes you on the journey of life behind the brand. From tasting tantalising treats, to finding out about Cadbury’s manufacturing processes, there’s plenty to see, do and eat!

Ride the Crunchie rollercoaster in the 4D cinema or roam the interactive room at Cadbury’s Purple Planet. But whatever you do, you will certainly have a day out that will tickle your tastebuds.

Book it. Train it. Love it. Get 20% off Cadbury World when you travel by train.

Book tickets to Bournville

Selly Manor

  • Closest station: Bournville

In the heart of Bournville, Selly Manor is one of Birmingham’s top visitor attractions. With two distinct buildings to explore, you will unearth the fascinating history of this Grade II listed manor.

Dating back to medieval times, Selly Manor has a very fascinating past which includes a wine merchant, a burglar, and a world-famous chocolate maker!

Book it. Train it. Love it. With Off-Peak tickets you can get some of the cheapest train tickets to Bournville.

Book tickets to Bournville

Dudley

Known as one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution, Dudley is known for its Black Country heritage and an abundance of favourite days out with the kids.

Black Country Living Museum

  • Closest station: Tipton

Fan of the UK TV show, Peaky Blinders, or just love exploring history? Then join in with 300 years of history at the Black Country Living Museum. This open-air museum brings history to life as you meet historic characters, explore the Black Country’s industrial landscapes, go back to school, enjoy traditional fish and chips, or even have a pint at The Elephant & Castle.

Remember to check back often as the museum hosts a range of events that will sure to be a ‘bostin’ day out.

Book it. Train it. Love it. Get 2FOR1 tickets to the Black Country Living Museum when you travel by train.

Book tickets to Tipton

Dudley Zoo

  • Closest station: Tipton

Home to more than 1300 animals and around 200 species from around the globe, Dudley Zoo and Castle will see your own cheeky monkeys have a wild time. Enclosed around the ruins of the 11th century Dudley Castle; Dudley Zoo offers history, animals, and family experiences that will last a lifetime.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With a GroupSave ticket you can save 1/3 off your train travel when travelling with groups of 3-9 people.

Book tickets to Tipton

Birmingham City Centre

The UK’s second city is full of attractions to explore and enjoy.

Birmingham Back to Backs

  • Closest station: Birmingham New Street

Visit the carefully restored 19th-century courtyard of working people’s houses. Small in size, but big in history, this Birmingham hidden gem is by guided tour only – so pre-booking is essential.

Lose yourself in the incredible stories of the former tenants as you follow your tour guide around the four ground floor rooms.

Book it. Train it. Love it. Get to Birmingham and back from just £2.60 with our Evening Return ticket .

Book tickets to Birmingham

Birmingham Canals

  • Closest station: Birmingham New Street

Did you know Birmingham has more canals than Venice and has one of the most intricate canal networks in the world? No? Then visit Birmingham city centre and cast your eyes on colourful canal boats, historical architecture, and side by side vibrant restaurants, cafes and bars.

Take a cruise on one of three passenger narrowboats with Sherborne Wharf Heritage Narrowboats and discover Birmingham from a different angle.

Book it. Train it. Love it. Get to Birmingham and back from just £2.60 with our Evening Return ticket .

Book your ticket

Jewellery Quarter

  • Closest station: Jewellery Quarter

Home to more than 800 businesses, including jewellers, independent retailers, bars, and restaurants, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has once been described as ‘a national treasure’.

So, if you’re shopping for gifts, looking for that special piece of jewellery for that special someone, or catching up with some mates over a bite to eat the Jewellery Quarter is a must.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With our £2.60 Evening Return ticket , you can get there and back for less!

Book tickets to Jewellery Quarter

Bullring & Grand Central

  • Closest station: Birmingham New Street

No trip to a city is complete without a bit of retail therapy. At Bullring & Grand Central you can discover some of the leading fashion brands including Boss, Calvin Klein, Dr Martens, H&M, FatFace and many more.

Better yet, this haven of retail therapy is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Grand Central Station!

Not only this, the Bullring & Grand Central is also a perfect meet up point for those who want to catch up over food and drinks. Whether that means tucking into a juicy burger at Burger & Sauce, trying authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the Vietnamese Street Kitchen, or enjoying brunch at Bills you certainly won’t go hungry.

Whilst you’re there, why not take a snap with Birmingham’s bronze bull? After all, it is a famous UK sculpture!

Book it. Train it. Love it. With Off-Peak tickets you can get some of the cheapest train tickets to Birmingham.

Book tickets to Birmingham

Shrewsbury

The birthplace of Charles Darwin has plenty to see and do for the budding tourist.

Shrewsbury Castle

  • Closest station: Shrewsbury

The gates are open! Charge back in time and experience 1000 years of history at Shrewsbury Castle. Built shortly after the Norman Conquest, this red sandstone castle is situated in the heart of Shrewsbury town and houses spectacular collections of the Shropshire Regimental Museum Trust.

Climb the walls of the castle for amazing views of Shrewsbury or take a picnic with you and eat on the castle’s grounds for free.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With Off-Peak tickets you can get some of the cheapest train tickets to Shrewsbury.

Book tickets to Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Prison

  • Closest station: Shrewsbury

Experience life behind bars at Shrewsbury Prison as you walk in the footsteps of former cellmates in this 200-year-old Victorian prison.

Take part in guided tours by former prison officers or immerse yourself in the thrilling and creepy prison cell Escape Rooms. For kids, there’s archery, a maser maze, iCombat laser tag and much more to enjoy. Take a piece of history home as you explore the museum’s gift shop; or stop for a bite to eat (don’t worry, it’s not prison food) at the museum’s restaurant.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With a GroupSave ticket you can save 1/3 off your train travel when travelling with groups of 3-9 people.

Book tickets to Shrewsbury

The Darwin Shrewsbury Trail

  • Closest station: Shrewsbury

Known famously for his contributions to evolutionary biology, much of Charles Darwin’s early life took place in Shrewsbury.

Countless buildings and locations in Shrewsbury were the backdrops to pivotal moments in Darwin’s early life, with many of them kept unchanged. With cobbled streets, narrow passages and timber-framed shops and terraces, The Darwin Shrewsbury Trail makes it easy for you to picture what life was like for Darwin as a young boy.

The trail brings to life Darwin’s innate connection to Shrewsbury and as you walk through time you will see some of Shrewsbury’s best landmarks and locations such as the library – where Darwin’s statue sits, St Mary’s church and Quarry Park.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With Off-Peak tickets you can get some of the cheapest train tickets to Shrewsbury.

Book tickets to Shrewsbury

Lichfield

The vibrant historic city of Lichfield is in the heart of Staffordshire and a perfect place for a day out or a short break.

Lichfield Cathedral

  • Closest station: Lichfield City

One of Lichfield’s most famous buildings is its cathedral as Lichfield Cathedral is the only medieval three-spired cathedral left in the UK and is one of the oldest places of Christian worship.

Rich in history, the cathedral continues to attract tourists from across the country, seeing visitors explore its grounds, architecture, and treasures for free.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With Off-Peak tickets you can get some of the cheapest train tickets to Lichfield.

Book tickets to Lichfield

Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

  • Closest station: Lichfield City

The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum welcomes you into the family home that inspired the literary giant, Samuel Johnson. Best known for his Dictionary of the English Language, Johnson spent the first 27 years of his life in this Grade I listed townhouse where his family ran their bookshop business on the ground floor.

Now a museum, you can uncover collections of more than 8,000 items relating to Johnson including prints, paintings, manuscripts, and books.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With Off-Peak tickets you can get some of the cheapest train tickets to Lichfield.

Book your ticket

Coventry

According to legend, Coventry is known to be the birthplace of St George, the dragon slayer and England’s patron saint! But did you know there are plenty of attractions in Coventry that are not to be missed?

Coventry Cathedral

  • Closest station: Coventry

Free to enter, Coventry Cathedral is inundated with history but has also been the location of many modern TV shows and films such as the hit Christmas film Nativity!

The ruins of the ‘old Cathedral’ remain in Coventry after being bombed almost to destruction during the attack on the city by German bombers on the night of November 14th, 1940. But did you know since then the ruins have had another use in today’s day and age? Coventry Dining Club allows ‘foodies’ to book tickets to take a seat and enjoy an eclectic mix of street food vendors in the remails of Coventry’s historic ruins.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With a GroupSave ticket you can save 1/3 off your train travel when travelling with groups of 3-9 people.

Book tickets to Coventry

Coventry Transport Museum

  • Closest station: Coventry

Coventry Transport Museum houses the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles on the planet! With a visit to Coventry Transport Museum, you can expect mesmerising displays, interactive galleries, and captivating exhibitions that will leave you saying WOW!

For those who like adventure, walk through The Blitz experience, or enjoy a ride in one of the museum’s 4D simulator rides. With an award-winning coffee house, picnic areas throughout the museum’s grounds, Coventry Transport Museum makes a fantastic day out for families and enthusiasts.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With 2FOR1 tickets to Coventry Transport Museum when you travel by train.

Book tickets to Coventry

Malvern

Malvern’s hillside setting, shops and markets provide an impressive day out for those wanting to explore what to do in the West Midlands.

Malvern Hills

  • Closest station: Malvern Link

The picturesque landscape of the Malvern Hills must be on any hiker’s bucket list. Full of cultural heritage and home to a wide variety of species and habitats, this dramatic landscape offers great views spanning miles. Whether you’re looking for a long walk, or short there are a variety of maps and guides for you to have a blissful day out.

Book tickets to Malvern

The Morgan Experience Centre

  • Closest station: Great Malvern

A British motoring icon. Morgan cars have been made at the Morgan Motor Company for more than 110 years and you are invited to experience British history in the making at their Morgan Experience Centre.

Set at the foot of the beautiful Malvern Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty, is an automotive experience for thrill-seekers and travellers alike. With a guided factory tour, you will immerse yourself in the unique and captivating production methods that have created each and every Morgan sports car for over a century.

If you want more than a tour, you can also take part in passenger experiences or indulge in a traditional afternoon tea.

Book it. Train it. Love it. With Off-Peak tickets you can get some of the cheapest train tickets to Great Malvern.

Book tickets to Malvern