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.
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.
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.
Saddlers Centre is a two-floor shopping centre in Walsall featuring retail access from main shopping streets, a railway station entry, and multi-level parking, reflecting the town's heritage.
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.
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.
Ropewalk Shopping Centre is a modern indoor shopping mall in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, featuring two floors of retail stores under a glass roof and a large car park for visitors.
Nuneaton is a historic market town in Warwickshire, England, known for its association with author George Eliot, rich industrial heritage, and cultural venues including theatres, museums and a museum dedicated to George Eliot.
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.
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.
Letocetum is a Roman settlement site in Staffordshire featuring ruins of bath houses and mansio buildings, representing a historic military and civilian posting station. Visitors can explore both outdoor ruins and indoor museum displays managed by the National Trust and English Heritage.
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.
Halesowen Abbey is the ruins of a Premonstratensian abbey founded in 1218 in Halesowen, West Midlands. The site is a scheduled monument and Grade I listed, managed by English Heritage. Visitors can view the ruins from nearby footpaths, though there is no direct public access to the site itself. It reflects medieval monastic history and architecture, with its surrounding lands forming important historical estates.
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.