Venture into the quintessentially English countryside town with a rich heritage and picturesque timber-framed buildings. Discover Solihull’s adrenaline-fuelled adventures, tranquil green spaces and unique attractions for all ages.
Peppered with creative spaces, quaint historical buildings and family attractions, this rural market town is an understated delight of the West Midlands. Spend a day or two exploring the one-of-a-kind spectacles, browsing independent shops and discovering the beauty of Solihull’s nature and heritage.
Getting to Solihull by train is easy with direct and frequent trains from Birmingham New Street .
The Core Theatre
Be inspired, entertained and upskilled at The Core Theatre . This creative and wellness hub hosts choreographed shows, hands-on workshops, curated exhibitions and fitness classes.
Take a seat in the main theatre or the intimate multi-use studio for an attention-grabbing performance accompanied by technical theatrics from national and local drama groups, comedians, dancers and musicians. Admire the masterpieces on display in the ever-changing art exhibitions. Seek out a fitness fix with an energising exercise class or some revitalising yoga.
Price: Ticket prices vary, starting at around £6 for a show.
Touchwood
Craving some retail therapy? You’ll have everything at your fingertips at Touchwood . High-street favourites, quirky boutiques and an enormous John Lewis are among the over 80 stores within 650,000 square feet.
Take a break with some entertainment at the cinema or head to the civic garden for some fresh air. Top off your visit by dining at one of over 20 bars and restaurants serving everything from authentic Greek mezze to moreish sticky chicken wings.
Price: Free to visit.
National Motorcycle Museum
You don’t have to be a motorhead to appreciate the magnificence of the largest British motorcycle museum in the world. Since opening its doors in 1984 with a modest 350 bikes on display, the National Motorcycle Museum's collection has ramped up a gear and now houses over 1000 two-wheeled machines. Wander through the five display halls with machines from 1898 to the newest superbikes.
Price: Tickets cost £15 for adults and £8 for children.
Heronfield Animal Rescue Centre
Support the work of the family-run Heronfield Animal Rescue Centre which is a sanctuary for small injured animals. Meet the resident farm animals like horses, llamas and pigs. Learn how the animals are cared for and rehabilitated before being returned to the wild or rehomed.
Stop for a refreshment in the tearoom or bring your own picnic. There’s also a thriving wild garden which attracts plenty of bees and butterflies in the warmer months.
Price: Free, but they welcome donations.
Akamba Heritage & Garden Centre
Venture into the exotic jungle with palm trees, bushy shrubs and colourful plants in the Akamba Heritage & Garden Centre . Keep an eye out for the hidden waterfall and spot the giant animal sculptures like giraffes and crocodiles made from recycled metal. If you’re feeling brave you could hold a snake in the reptile house. Follow the path through the bird walk while identifying the unusual squawking fowl.
When you’re feeling peckish, the cafe and restaurant serves Caribbean delights and classic British dishes. After sunset , the beach bar turns into a lively venue with musicians putting on a reggae performance. If you’re lucky, you might see some fire dancers.
Price: Free to enter, £2 for the Bird walk and £4 for the reptile enclosure.
Baddesley Clinton
Spend an afternoon as lord and lady of the manor as you explore the 500-year-old Baddesley Clinton . This impressive mediaeval property is surrounded by a moat and pristine walled gardens. Stroll around the fish ponds and eye up the seasonal homegrown goods in the vegetable patch. Inside you’ll walk across old, uneven stone floors through higgledy-piggledy rooms decorated with original oak features and opulent ornamentals.
Behind the beauty of the grounds are dark tales of murder and revenge. Learn about the 1468 attack and cold-blooded outbursts involving the Brome family in the 15th century. Later owners, the Ferrers family, also had fascinating lives – they took in persecuted Catholics who lay low in secret hiding places throughout the property.
Price: Entry costs £15.40 for adults and £7.70 for children.
Earlswood Lakes
Surround yourself with nature in the 22 acres of reservoirs at Earlswood Lakes . Follow the winding footpaths through woodlands, wildflowers and serene viewpoints of the water. Keep an eye out for rare wildlife like a black and white Lesser Spotted Woodpecker with a bright red head.
Pause at the historic engine house and watch the boats bobbing past. The best place for a picnic is beside Engine Pool – or if you fancy a pub lunch, head to The Red Lion or The Wharf. Pop into the craft centre for a family-friendly workshop or spend an afternoon fishing or sailing.
Price: Free to enter
Knowle
Amble along the cobblestone streets in arguably the most beautiful area of Solihull’s – the historic village of Knowle . Dotted along the quaint streets are timber-framed Tudor buildings dating back to the 17th century. Unwind in a cosy traditional pub or browse the boutique shops.
You’ll also find a handful of local art galleries and historic sites like the Old Library and Guild House. Behind the library is Knowle Knot Garden, which was designed in 1989 and boasts an eye-catching maze-like design with aromatic plants and culinary herbs. While you’re there, it’s worthwhile visiting Knowle Locks for a tranquil stroll along the water past moored canal boats.
Price: Free to explore.
Bear Grylls Adventure
Swimming with sharks, floating in a wind tunnel and balancing 65ft in the air are just a few of the things you could get up to Solihull. See what you’re made of at Bear Grylls Adventure for an adrenaline-fueled activity day. Take your family, friends or other half scuba diving, around the obstacles of Europe's tallest high ropes course, indoor skydiving, shooting or axe throwing. Kids as young as five can take part in some of the activities.
Get discount entry on your visit to Bear Grylls Adventure when you travel by train.
Price: Tickets start from £25 per activity.
Handy tip: When you travel with West Midlands Railway, you can get exclusive 2FOR1 deals, 1/3 OFF savings and many other great discounts available at top attractions in and around Great Britain.
Rediscover England with cheap off-peak tickets to Solihull. Alternatively, you can purchase your ticket via the West Midlands Railway app.
