West Midlands Attractions

The West Midlands offers visitors a range of local attractions in the region offering visitors a number of interesting and charming places to discover. The area includes a choice of attractions including museums, parks, gardens, historic buildings, theatre, concerts and events. The West Midlands’s location in the Midlands in the heart of England means the scenic English countryside and the great outdoors are all within reach located close to the towns and cities with a range of things to see and do in the county.

We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to West Midlands, these include:

Warwick Castle is one of the most popular historic attractions in the UK due to its size, scenic location and history. The castle originally created as a defence from Danish invaders was later enlarged by William the Conqueror. Visitors can explore the history of the castle with tours of the castle available. Visitors can its dungeons, fortifications and living quarters, along with the Rose Garden and Formal Gardens. There are displays of waxwork figures. Jesters, archers and craftsmen show their skills to the public in the summer, there are also re-enactments of battles and tournaments from yesteryear to give you a real sense of history.

Alton Towers is among the top tourist attractions in the UK, located in the scenic Staffordshire countryside. The UK's best known theme park has plenty of thrills and spills, excitement and exhilaration to enjoy. There are some legendary rides such as Nemesis and Oblivion, there are also rides that are suitable for all ages. The range of rides available ensures Alton Towers offers a great day out for the whole family. More white-knuckle rides are added each year and the theme park continues to provide new and exciting rides to bring in the crowds. Alton Towers contains a theme park and much more including a water park, spa and hotel accommodation making it a fully fledged resort surrounded by acres of beautiful countryside.

Dudley Zoological Gardens is located on a scenic 40 acre site in Dudley, 10 miles from Birmingham. The zoo was established back in 1937 and over the years has played a leading role in conservation and breeding providing a home for a wide range of endangered animals. Animals include lions, tigers, leopards, chimpanzees, monkeys, pythons, tortoises, reindeer, African hunting dogs and much more. The zoo has an education programme where it hosts a number of events and workshops. The zoo is a popular family attraction, there the whole family can enjoy a day out.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is an interesting place to visit for art lovers, housed inside an impressive art deco building dating back to 1939. Located in Edgbaston in Birmingham, the gallery is among the finest small galleries in the UK and includes an impressive collection of paintings old and new, sculptures and drawings. The gallery hosts a number of changing exhibitions with works from various artists, there are a number of gallery tours, lectures and talks on offer in the events programme.

Sutton Park that is over 2,000 acres, the natural parkland, now a nature reserve, the park includes lakes, woodland, moorland, a golf course and is a sought after spot for boating, fishing and cycling. The park is located 6 miles from Birmingham city centre offering the delights of woodlands and the countryside within a short distance from the city presenting an ideal place to enjoy a walk in a historical landscape.

The Walsall Leather Museum is located close to Walsall town centre and was free admission. The museum shows the historic aspect of the town’s heritage along with workshops that include live demonstrations of craftsmen and women at work. Guided tours are available for visitors to learn more on the long history of the town making a range of leather goods. There is a shop selling leather goods at discounted rates along with a coffee shop.

Walsall Museum recounts to visitors the story of life, work and leisure, past and present in Walsall, through the use of exhibitions, activities and events. Those with an interest in local history will find this a fascinating place in which to learn much more. The museums main collection is made up of the general social history, from Walsall's past and present, ranging from the 17th century to 21st centuries. There is a good collection of costume and textiles, which include the Hodson Shop Clothing Collection, an important collection of working class clothing from the 1920s to 1960s.

Birmingham has a famous Jewellery Quarter where visitors can find a community of jewellers, the area has become famous for its association with jewellery since the 18th century when goldsmiths and jewellers set up their businesses in the area. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is in a former workshop of the Smith & Pepper factory, it makes for an interesting visit especially for jewellery fans.

Wightwick Manor is a manor house that contains some of the finest collections of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. The beautiful garden was designed by Thomas Mawson and it adds vivid colour through each of the seasons. The house itself contains many original William Morris wallpapers and fabrics, Kempe glass and Pre-Raphaelite paintings.

There are walks and tours available for visitors, a specialist shop devoted to William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Visitors can sample the local produce in the tea room. The Victorian manor house has retained its many authentic features allowing visitors to take a trip through time when viewing this impressive house. The house is usually open from March to December, but it is wise to check prior to visiting to avoid disappointment.

Birmingham has a burgeoning reputation in the arts world but it is not the only place in the region to find the arts thriving. The Solihull Arts Complex located in Solihull comprises a theatre, studio, cafe bar and gallery spaces. They run a varied programme of events throughout the year that include comedy, drama, music, dance and family shows among others. The programme of events culminates each year with the Arts Complex's own Pantomime production, while the Gallery displays commissioned works from local artists and national touring exhibitions. The Community Gallery has works from local amateur societies. The café bar offers visitors a range of refreshments to theatre goers.

Worcester Cathedral is a place full of history having been a place of prayer since 680AD. The present building was constructed in the 11th century, the picturesque Worcester Cathedral is host to a number of famous attractions including King John's Tomb, Prince Arthur's Chantry and the early 12th century Chapter House. Guided tours are available and the facilities on site include a library and cathedral shop where visitors can find a choice of souvenirs. There is a coffee shop and visitors can go to the tower too, weather permitting. This beautiful cathedral is a wonderful site that dominates the local skyline and carries a rich history.

It is recommended that prior to visiting West Midlands; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.

The West Midlands covers a large area incorporating several English counties ensuring there is plenty to see and do in the area for visitors. The area includes the hustle and bustle of Birmingham and its city attractions along with areas of quiet scenic countryside offers visitors the choice to do as much or as little as possible. There are a choice of historic attractions, including museums, historic houses, parks, gardens and cathedrals with fun days out for the whole family at Alton Towers and Warwick Castle. The West Midlands’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.




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