5 days in the West Midlands
Introduction
The West Midlands has plenty of stories to tell – from the plays of Shakespeare to the modern classic TV series Peaky Blinders. Enjoy world-class food, shopping and nightlife in buzzing Birmingham, Britain’s second largest city. Discover an underrated music scene in Coventry, and get to know our most famous playwright in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. Though landlocked, the West Midlands is criss-crossed with canals, and exploring its towns and cities by narrowboat or paddleboard is a perfect introduction to this vibrant region.
Here’s our pick of the top things to see and do over five days in the West Midlands:
Days 1 – 2 – Birmingham
Days 1-2 - Birmingham
Britain’s second city Birmingham has evolved from an industrial powerhouse to a cultural hotspot. Home to unique art galleries, quirky restaurants and wonderful modern architecture in the form of the iconic Selfridges building and Birmingham Library. Us Brits love a curry and Birmingham’s are best – you can’t leave without trying one on the Balti Triangle, but make sure you save room for street food and cocktails in trendy Digbeth too.
Things to do in Birmingham
Getting to Birmingham
Birmingham Airport is one of Britain’s biggest, and regularly welcomes travellers from destinations around the globe. A local bus service connects Birmingham Airport to the city centre in around 30 minutes.
Birmingham is located around 130 miles (210km) north-west of London. Trains from London Euston to Birmingham New Street depart regularly and take around one hour and 20 minutes.
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Day 3 – Coventry
Day 3 - Coventry
Don’t overlook Birmingham’s little sibling – there are heaps of things to do in Coventry. Proud of its legacy as the birthplace of two-tone, check out the city’s musical credentials in the Coventry Music Museum. Venture further into its quirky side at the eclectic FarGo Village, with vintage stalls, local beer and fun events every weekend. For an adrenaline kick, visit Britain’s biggest indoor water park, or soar through the treetops on a Go Ape adventure.
Things to do in Coventry
Getting to Coventry from Birmingham
Dozens of trains from Birmingham to Coventry run every day, and the journey takes less than 30 minutes. Alternatively, buses from Birmingham to Coventry run roughly every 15 minutes, and take around one hour and 30 minutes.
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Days 4 – 5 – Stratford-upon-Avon
Days 4-5 – Stratford-upon-Avon
The home of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit for lovers of literature and history. Visit the birthplace of the Bard, or watch one of his plays come to life in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. But Stratford isn’t stuck in the past – visit its gin distillery, walk with alpacas, or take a sun-soaked river cruise to discover what the town has to offer today.
Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon
Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon from Coventry
Trains from Coventry to Stratford-upon-Avon take between one to two hours, and usually require a transfer in Birmingham.
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West Midlands FAQs
The original Coventry Cathedral was built between the 14th and 15th centuries but was almost completely destroyed in World War Two. However, its ruins are a sight to behold and can still be visited.
Coventry has two cathedrals because its medieval cathedral was heavily damaged during the Second World War. A new cathedral was later built alongside the historic ruins, creating the site visitors see today.
The bull outside Bullring Birmingham is a bronze sculpture called The Guardian. Created by artist Laurence Broderick, it has become one of the city’s best-known public artworks.
The Balti Triangle is an area of south Birmingham known for its concentration of balti restaurants. Birmingham is widely recognised as the birthplace of the balti, making the area a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the city’s food culture.
TheRed Brick Market is an indoor marketplace in Digbeth featuring independent traders, artists, makers and vintage sellers. Visitors can browse locally produced goods, artwork, clothing and unique gifts under one roof.
It’s open 10am – 6pm, Monday to Sunday.