Tourism
As a region steeped in a deep history, yet strewn with modern attractions, there is so much to explore in the West Midlands.
Every street and each corner are sure to have something exciting to offer, whether you’re a local looking for a day out or a visitor from further afield.
In fact, Birmingham’s tourism and leisure industry employs more people than any other core city. It’s necessary, to support the 102.3 million visitors we had in 2021.
Heritage, History & Hobbits
The medieval magnificence of the mighty Warwick Castle – built by William the Conqueror – is close by, as is the home of William Shakespeare at Stratford-Upon-Avon. Stratford is also where you can see classic Shakespearean plays performed by the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company.
Talking of great literature, you can further explore some of the mystical landscapes which inspired JR Tolkien. He spent his childhood in the region, and many of the places he experienced later became enshrined in his vivid descriptions of The Shire in both The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings. There’s even a special Tolkien Trail which attracts hundreds of ‘Hobbitheads’ from around the world each year.
Step into history
Also not far away is Royal Leamington Spa, a town made famous in Victorian times for its restorative waters, and which today plays an integral role in the West Midlands, producing 25% of the UK’s entire games market output.
Living history opportunities – where you can see and hear how people actually used to live and work – are also available. These include the popular Black Country Museum in Dudley and Birmingham’s fascinating, hidden-away Victorian workers’ homes (known locally as the ‘back-to-backs’).
A legacy of chocolate
Another fantastic example of the region’s rich history being preserved is the late 19th-century garden village of Bournville. Located just outside of Birmingham, Bournville was conceived, designed, and built by the Quaker Cadbury family in the 1890s specifically for its chocolate factory employees, and today it looks almost exactly as it did when first occupied over 120 years ago.
Where the present meets the past
Although the rolling countryside outside our cities has a myriad of historic gems tucked away, our cities themselves are also home to some of Britain’s most popular heritage attractions.
Birmingham has more green space than any other major UK city, with botanical gardens, bowling greens and boating lakes that the public has enjoyed for over two centuries.
Our streets are lined with stunning art-deco buildings, showcasing beautiful Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian designs. These are interspersed with modern and award-winning designs from world-famous architects. Many of these are listed buildings that are open to the public for people to explore and enjoy.
Heading out to explore
While Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas are tourist havens in their own right, whenever those living here want to get away for a weekend, they are spoiled for choice.
We are in the middle of the UK (it’s in the name!) which means London, Oxford, Manchester, Nottingham, the Peak District, and the Lake District are all easily accessible.
The capital is less than one and a half hours away by train (less once HS2 has been completed) and Bristol is reachable in two. Our central location puts 90% of the UK’s population within a four-hour drive.
And, of course, Birmingham Airport acts as a gateway to the world. You can fly to over 400 global locations from the airport, which is only a few minutes away from Birmingham city centre by train.
The West Midlands is a bustling hub of history and fun day-out activities. We are proud of our heritage and are glad to share it with so many visitors each year. Why not come and visit us, or, if you’re local, head out and uncover something new about your city.
