The West Midlands is a bustling metropolitan county centered on Birmingham, famed for its rich industrial past, cultural landmarks, extensive urban parks, and vibrant arts and shopping scenes.
The Bull Ring in Birmingham is a major shopping area featuring both traditional open-air markets and a large modern indoor shopping centre known for its unique architecture and historic market roots. It houses many shops and restaurants, including a landmark Selfridges store, and offers attractions and dining options suitable for families and visitors of all ages.
Martineau Place is a central Birmingham shopping centre offering diverse shops, restaurants, and bars within an indoor setting alongside a pedestrian route. The venue includes a hotel and is conveniently located near public transport.
Mailbox Birmingham is a mixed-use development in Birmingham city centre featuring luxury shopping, BBC studios with an accessible public area, restaurants by the canal, office spaces, hotels, and a cinema, offering a modern indoor urban experience.
Moseley Old Hall is a historic house and museum in Staffordshire, notable as a hiding place of Charles II during his escape in 1651. Visitors can explore the restored early 17th-century hall with period furniture and an enclosed 17th-century-style garden, all managed by the National Trust.
The Mander Centre is a prominent indoor shopping centre located in Wolverhampton City Centre, featuring a wide variety of stores including major department anchors, dining options, and entertainment facilities suitable for families and children.
8–13 Oct, 15–20 Oct…
Families with children aged 7–12 can use the Stranger Folk app to follow a folklore-themed adventure at Moseley Old Hall, completing magical tasks and solving a riddle together. The adventure can be played in around 20 minutes or spread throughout the day.
The Roundhouse in Birmingham is a rare Victorian industrial heritage site featuring a crescent-shaped former depot and stables, now hosting tours including kayaking, cycling, and walking on the adjacent canal, along with business enterprise spaces.
Merry Hill is a large indoor shopping centre in Brierley Hill, England, offering over 200 shops, a cinema, and a food court. It features a marina area with bars and restaurants and extensive free parking. The centre is family-friendly with a variety of food options and entertainment facilities.
Halesowen is a historic market town in the West Midlands with Norman-era church, abbey ruins, and a redeveloped town centre with shopping and cultural amenities. It offers access to nearby countryside and hosts local transport connections by bus.
Touchwood is a large indoor shopping centre in Solihull featuring a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and a cinema, providing a comprehensive shopping and leisure experience.
Grand Central is a large indoor shopping centre located above Birmingham New Street Station, featuring over 60 stores and a modern atrium roof, connected to the Bullring shopping centre forming the UK's largest city centre shopping complex.
Solihull is a historic market town in the West Midlands, England, known for its rich heritage, cultural attractions, and vibrant shopping centres like Touchwood and Mell Square. It offers diverse leisure and tourism experiences including parks, historic sites, and a strong automotive industry presence.
Wightwick Manor is a Victorian era Arts and Crafts house near Wolverhampton, showcasing original William Morris designs and a significant Pre-Raphaelite art collection, set in 17 acres of gardens and woodland with an additional De Morgan Gallery in the adjoining Old Manor. It is owned by the National Trust and open to the public with a café and shops onsite.
16 Oct (next Friday)
A photography workshop at Wightwick Manor and Gardens for learners and intermediate photographers, with guidance and support to develop their photography skills. Participants should bring their own camera.