Things to do & places to visit in West Midlands, United Kingdom

West Midlands #15 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.33 based on 70.3k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 4:26.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Birmingham Back to Backs (3.884 reviews)
- Excellent, informative and interesting tour
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 13, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

*Visits to the Birmingham Back to Backs houses are by guided tours only and must be booked in advance. Accessible ground floor tours are also available. Please book your visit through the website.* Experience 200 years of working people's lives in the heart of the city. An atmospheric glimpse into the lives of the ordinary people who helped make Birmingham an extraordinary city. On a fascinating guided tour, step back in time at Birmingham's last surviving court of back to backs; houses built literally back-to-back around a communal courtyard. Moving from the 1840s through to the 1970s, discover the lives of some of the former residents who crammed into these small houses to live and work. The Birmingham Back to Backs are cared for by the National Trust. Please note, the houses have steep winding staircases. A ground floor only tour is also available which is accessible by wheelchair. See more..
5.0 Villa Park Stadium Tour (1.505 reviews)
- Top Stadium Tour
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

How do you fancy looking out onto Villa Park's hallowed turf? Or would you love to check out the first team dressing room? If the answer is yes, join us for an unforgettable day out at one of English football's most historic venues. Soak up the atmosphere and walk in the footsteps of Villa's finest players, both past and present, in an amazing experience which highlights the club's proud history. Take the manager's position on the bench and give your verdict on the game in the post-match interview room. Imagine the roar of the crowd as you emerge from the players tunnel and out into the 42,640 capacity stadium. Get a real feel for how the players prepare in the hours leading up to a match by paying a visit to the players lounge and dressing rooms. This exciting and informative tour allows access to areas that are only available to players and officials. We promise you a tour you will never forget, so have your cameras ready for those personal mementos of your visit. See more..
5.0 The Coventry Music Museum (1.221 reviews)
- There's more to Coventry than SKA
Monday: Speciality Museums

Our multi awatd winning museum celebrates music from Coventry and Warwickshire in all its forms. Not just 2-Tone. From Delia Derbyshire to King, from The Specials to The Enemy, Hazel O'Connor, The Primitives and even the famous John Lennon Yoko Ono visit to Coventry are all exhibited here. It's here you can sit in the actual Ghost Town Car. We are open Thursday to Saturday 10 to 4.00 (last entry ar 3.30) and on Sundays from 10 to 3.00 (last entry at 2.30). See more..
5.0 Wild Zoological Park (1.050 reviews)
- Great couple of hours out!
Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Wild Zoological Park is located at Halfpenny Green Vineyards in Bobbington. We aim to deliver a once in a lifetime, memorable, hands on experience to educate guests about animals. Animals from around the world can be found in each of our 5 themed lands. Reptiles Unleashed, Wild Australia, Amazon, Asia and Africa. Demonstrations and hands on experiences are available each day. See more..
5.0 Coffin Works (945 reviews)
- Fascinating social history
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

A Victorian Coffin Fittings factory, restored by Birmingham Conservation Trust and opened as a museum in October 2014. The shelves and workbenches at Newman Brothers are full of original stock and tools of the trade. With the original machinery working again, you can truly experience how this old Jewellery Quarter firm once operated on a day-to-day basis, producing some of the world's finest coffin furniture, including the fittings for the funerals of Joseph Chamberlain, Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother. See more..
5.0 Birmingham Back to Backs (3.884 reviews)
- Excellent, informative and interesting tour
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 13, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

*Visits to the Birmingham Back to Backs houses are by guided tours only and must be booked in advance. Accessible ground floor tours are also available. Please book your visit through the website.* Experience 200 years of working people's lives in the heart of the city. An atmospheric glimpse into the lives of the ordinary people who helped make Birmingham an extraordinary city. On a fascinating guided tour, step back in time at Birmingham's last surviving court of back to backs; houses built literally back-to-back around a communal courtyard. Moving from the 1840s through to the 1970s, discover the lives of some of the former residents who crammed into these small houses to live and work. The Birmingham Back to Backs are cared for by the National Trust. Please note, the houses have steep winding staircases. A ground floor only tour is also available which is accessible by wheelchair. See more..
5.0 Villa Park Stadium Tour (1.505 reviews)
- Top Stadium Tour
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

How do you fancy looking out onto Villa Park's hallowed turf? Or would you love to check out the first team dressing room? If the answer is yes, join us for an unforgettable day out at one of English football's most historic venues. Soak up the atmosphere and walk in the footsteps of Villa's finest players, both past and present, in an amazing experience which highlights the club's proud history. Take the manager's position on the bench and give your verdict on the game in the post-match interview room. Imagine the roar of the crowd as you emerge from the players tunnel and out into the 42,640 capacity stadium. Get a real feel for how the players prepare in the hours leading up to a match by paying a visit to the players lounge and dressing rooms. This exciting and informative tour allows access to areas that are only available to players and officials. We promise you a tour you will never forget, so have your cameras ready for those personal mementos of your visit. See more..
5.0 The Coventry Music Museum (1.221 reviews)
- There's more to Coventry than SKA
Monday: Speciality Museums

Our multi awatd winning museum celebrates music from Coventry and Warwickshire in all its forms. Not just 2-Tone. From Delia Derbyshire to King, from The Specials to The Enemy, Hazel O'Connor, The Primitives and even the famous John Lennon Yoko Ono visit to Coventry are all exhibited here. It's here you can sit in the actual Ghost Town Car. We are open Thursday to Saturday 10 to 4.00 (last entry ar 3.30) and on Sundays from 10 to 3.00 (last entry at 2.30). See more..
4.5 Black Country Living Museum (5.955 reviews)
- Lovely day out, with or without kids!
Speciality Museums

Covering 26 acres of former industrial land, Black Country Living Museum is uniquely placed to tell the story of the creation of the world’s first industrial landscape. Over fifty authentic shops, houses and workshops have been carefully reconstructed to preserve the character of the region when its manufacturers bought worldwide fame to Black Country Towns. Take a trip on the tram to explore the canal-side village, where you can meet and chat to the costumed characters. Explore the underground mine and experience the authentic sights, sounds, smells and tastes from the past. See more..
4.5 Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (4.037 reviews)
- Open but still renovating. But still worth a look
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Art Museums

This place is temporarily closed. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is currently closed for essential infrastructure works. BMAG is planned to re-open to visitors in 2024 – the exact date is to be confirmed. See more..
4.5 Coventry Transport Museum (3.865 reviews)
- Ticket allows annual admission.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

If you're looking for a truly unique day out for all the family, you can't beat Coventry Transport Museum. In the heart of Coventry city centre, this huge Museum is home to the world's largest collection of British road transport in public ownership. You'll discover the stories behind the people who made Coventry the centre of the world's motor and cycle industries, and get up close and personal with the actual vehicles that defined some of history's most important moments. The Museum is laid out as a journey through time - you'll wander 19th Century streets and discover the first bicycles, carriages and cars, then explore the first car factories and gasp as you witness their wartime destruction in the Blitz Experience. Moving through the rise and fall of the city's largest industry, you will come face to face with the world's fastest car - Thrust SSC. No where else on Earth will you find such a unique experience for the whole family. See more..
4.5 Library of Birmingham (3.800 reviews)
- Great free exhibits and views of the city
Monday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Libraries

Definitely recommend visiting here! The library interior is very stylish and riding up the escalators seeing all the books is breathtaking. Be sure to stop at both of the terrace gardens for a good view or just a nice place to sit and relax. The higher level in particular has a nice view over a neighbouring park. On the 9th floor is the Shakespeare memorial room and an indoor viewing platform, which are both worth a visit. Be aware that the library can get very busy, and you might have to wait a while to take the lift up (or else climb a lot of stairs). The library also has some displays showing the history of Birmingham and a more artistic style exhibit on the ground floor. I'd recommend budgeting about 30-45min for the library. If you're coming here on a weekend trip, note that it's shut on Sundays. See more..
4.5 Birmingham Hippodrome (3.505 reviews)
- Great show.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Theaters

Birmingham Hippodrome is an independent, not-for-profit, registered charity. The unsubsidised Hurst Street based venue averages over 500,000 visits annually making it the most popular single auditorium in the UK. With no public revenue funding, it is home to Birmingham Royal Ballet and DanceXchange, presents all of Welsh National Opera's repertoire, welcomes the best in international dance, West End and Broadway musicals and is home to the world's biggest Pantomime. Birmingham Hippodrome is currently expanding its Creative Programme building on its successful work in schools and in the community, and with free outdoor performances. With partners including Arts Council England, Birmingham City Council and private funders, the Hippodrome has recently enjoyed co-producing and producing new events including Six Summer Saturdays, International Dance Festival Birmingham, The Voyage (for the London 2012 Festival) and Summer in Southside. See more..
4.5 Symphony Hall (2.771 reviews)
- Lovely venue and a great experience
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Symphonies

Birmingham's world-famous acoustically refined 2262 capacity concert hall presents a diverse programme of jazz, world, folk, rock, pop and classical music concerts, organ recitals, spoken word, dance, family, educational and community performances each year, as well as conferences, graduation ceremonies, business meetings and major broadcasts.Symphony Hall is managed alongside sister venue Town Hall, by the registered charity Performances Birmingham Ltd, and is home to the Birmingham International Concert Season and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. See more..
4.5 Coventry Cathedral (2.318 reviews)
- Iconic cathedral
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

Celebrated as the UK's favourite 20th century building, Coventry Cathedral is known all over the world as a beautiful and unique venue. Designed by architect Sir Basil Spence following the bombing of the city in 1940 it was opened in 1962, and contains some of the finest examples of 1950's and 60's art and architecture in the country. See more..
4.5 Wightwick Manor and Gardens (1.539 reviews)
- Beautiful hidden gem
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Gardens

What a beautiful little hidden gem. I visited on 7th July 2022. I was amazed at everything I saw. Every staff member I spoke to was excellent, you could tell they enjoyed there job they spoke with such pride. I wanted to mention the lovely lady in the gallery she had such wonderful energy and gave me and my friend a wonderful talk about the paintings and the tile's. She really made our experience and was so passionate and we could tell she really enjoys what she does. Keep up the good work and never loose that energy. If I could give wightwick more stars I would. You definitely deserve it. For anyone who has a love of history and loves having a walk around beautiful gardens I would strongly recommend this place See more..
4.5 Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham (1.385 reviews)
- Nice and vibrant
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

A premium shopping and dining destination located in the heart of the city of Birmingham. Offering over 240 stores and restaurants as a combined centre with Grand Central, there is something for everyone. See more..
4.5 Coombe Abbey Park (1.353 reviews)
- Visit after weekend chill break
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

For a family day out, or a quiet little picnic in the open air, visit Coombe Abbey Park. It offers 500 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland, lakeside walks, and bird watching. Visitor Centre: Shop, Information Centre, Cafe, Toilets, Baby Changing Facilities, Discovery Centre, Disabled Access. Park Facilities: Picnic, Play Areas (Climbing Forest and Playground), Formal Gardens, Fishery, Bird Hide and SSSI, Duck and Swan Feeding, Pond Dipping Platforms, Woodland Trails, Family Events and Activities throughout the year - see our website for more details. Coombe Abbey Park is also home to Go Ape! Parking charges apply from as little as £1 for a 1 hour stay to £5 all day (over 4 hours). Annual car park season tickets are also available and represent excellent value for money. See more..
4.5 Museum of the Jewellery Quarter (1.231 reviews)
- A real treasure off a place (and definitely not just for girls!)
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Discover the skill of the jeweller's craft and enjoy a unique tour of an original jewellery factory, which traces the 200-year history of the ancient crafting skills that made Birmingham the centre of the British jewellery industry. See more..
4.5 Gas Street Basin (1.178 reviews)
- Worth a visit.
Neighborhoods

Once a thriving port, this area where several canals meet offers colorful canal boats, bars, cafes and restaurants. See more..
4.5 Winterbourne House and Garden (1.175 reviews) from $9.00
- Poor Start Good Finish
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • History Museums

Restored to its Edwardian Arts and Craft splendour, Winterbourne House is a unique heritage attraction – set within seven acres of beautiful botanic gardens. Only minutes from Birmingham city centre, Winterbourne is a hidden gem – home to beautiful antiques and over 6,000 plant species from around the world. Wander along the woodland walk, stroll through the hazelnut tunnel, cross the 1930’s Japanese Bridge or simply soak up the tranquillity of this perfectly English Edwardian home. See more..
4.5 National Motorcycle Museum (1.137 reviews) from $18.25
- Ride a classic bike.
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality Museums

The National Motorcycle Museums award winning facilities provides a truly unique venue for your conference, seminar, banquet or function. Breathtaking displays of literally hundreds of fully restored British motorcycles are on hand to provide an extra attraction to your delegates. We aim to offer more than a unique venue, however. We know that the success of any function is dependent upon the backing and support of an experienced and caring staff. 13 luxuriously appointed and newly renovated suites, ranging from just 5 to up to 1000 delegates offer the flexibility to suite most requirements. The National Motorcycle Museum is at the hub of the country’s motorway system and rail network, with Birmingham International railway station just five-minutes taxi ride away. Access from everywhere within the UK is direct and overseas visitors praise the excellent international services provided at Birmingham Airport, which is less than two miles in distance away. The National Exhibition Centre is also near the Museum complex and we offer vast car parking facilities.Many of our clients are ‘blue-chip’ companies from home and overseas. They come back to us time after time – we know you will too, and look forward to seeing you to discuss your requirements in the near future. See more..
4.5 David Austin Roses (949 reviews)
- A gardener's dream
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

Alongside the Plant Centre are David Austin's beautiful 2 acre rose gardens. They are home to over 700 different varieties of roses, including the National Collection of English Roses which flower in fragrant flushes from late May until the first frosts. From Monday 30th May until Sunday 4th September bookings are required to visit our Plant Centre and Rose Gardens. Visit our website and click 'Visit' to book. The rose gardens are open to the public 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm and entry is free. Check our website for special events (Lunches, Talks, Garden Design Days) during the season. See more..
4.5 Cannon Hill Park (826 reviews)
- Urban Animal Haven
Parks

This park features historic gardens that have been influenced by the gardenesque style of planting, which features exotic plants brought to the British Isles from all parts of the world. See more..
4.5 Sutton Park National Nature Reserve (796 reviews)
- Wonderful place.
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Delivering a sense of wilderness within an urban environment, visitors to Sutton Park can enjoy the captivating scenery, using an accessible network of paths.There are opportunities to enjoy walking, jogging, angling, nature watching, orienteering, play areas, restaurants and use bridle paths and cycling routes in the Park. Car parks are located at all the main entrances and the Park is linked to a variety of public transport routes.Sutton Park is an historic landscape that covers an area of over 2,000 acres and attracts over two million visits every year.In 1997, English Nature designated Sutton Park a National Nature Reserve and it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).Lying six miles to the north of Birmingham City Centre this landscape is a mosaic of open heathland, woodlands, wetlands, marshes and seven lakes each with their own rich variety of plants and wildlife, some rarely seen in the region. It is an important site for wildlife and conservation, containing fine examples of natural countryside that have survived for hundreds of years. These habitats are part of a working grazed landscape where cattle and wild ponies can be seen grazing during the year.This park is a natural area where animals roam freely. Please wash your hands with soap and water before eating or drinking. See more..
4.5 Jewellery Quarter (730 reviews)
- Wow!
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Jewellery Quarter is one of the oldest districts in Birmingham. Around a 15minute walk from the city centre and well connected with trains, trams and buses. The area has a reputation of high quality, bespoke Jewellery but is home to countless independent restaurants, bars and cafes. The Quarter is home to over 200 listed buildings including the Grade I* St Paul’s Church which sits on top of the last Georgian Square in Birmingham. We have three amazing museums, a handful of galleries and all sorts of interesting and unique attractions. We have an annual festival in July that celebrates everything Jewellery Quarter, this is something to highlight in your calendars. Whether it is shopping, sightseeing or enjoying a drink with friends, the Jewellery Quarter is the place to be. This page is managed by the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District. See more..
4.5 Black Country Living Museum (5.955 reviews)
- Lovely day out, with or without kids!
Speciality Museums

Covering 26 acres of former industrial land, Black Country Living Museum is uniquely placed to tell the story of the creation of the world’s first industrial landscape. Over fifty authentic shops, houses and workshops have been carefully reconstructed to preserve the character of the region when its manufacturers bought worldwide fame to Black Country Towns. Take a trip on the tram to explore the canal-side village, where you can meet and chat to the costumed characters. Explore the underground mine and experience the authentic sights, sounds, smells and tastes from the past. See more..
4.5 Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (4.037 reviews)
- Open but still renovating. But still worth a look
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Art Museums

This place is temporarily closed. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is currently closed for essential infrastructure works. BMAG is planned to re-open to visitors in 2024 – the exact date is to be confirmed. See more..
4.5 Coventry Transport Museum (3.865 reviews)
- Ticket allows annual admission.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

If you're looking for a truly unique day out for all the family, you can't beat Coventry Transport Museum. In the heart of Coventry city centre, this huge Museum is home to the world's largest collection of British road transport in public ownership. You'll discover the stories behind the people who made Coventry the centre of the world's motor and cycle industries, and get up close and personal with the actual vehicles that defined some of history's most important moments. The Museum is laid out as a journey through time - you'll wander 19th Century streets and discover the first bicycles, carriages and cars, then explore the first car factories and gasp as you witness their wartime destruction in the Blitz Experience. Moving through the rise and fall of the city's largest industry, you will come face to face with the world's fastest car - Thrust SSC. No where else on Earth will you find such a unique experience for the whole family. See more..
4.5 Library of Birmingham (3.800 reviews)
- Great free exhibits and views of the city
Monday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Libraries

Definitely recommend visiting here! The library interior is very stylish and riding up the escalators seeing all the books is breathtaking. Be sure to stop at both of the terrace gardens for a good view or just a nice place to sit and relax. The higher level in particular has a nice view over a neighbouring park. On the 9th floor is the Shakespeare memorial room and an indoor viewing platform, which are both worth a visit. Be aware that the library can get very busy, and you might have to wait a while to take the lift up (or else climb a lot of stairs). The library also has some displays showing the history of Birmingham and a more artistic style exhibit on the ground floor. I'd recommend budgeting about 30-45min for the library. If you're coming here on a weekend trip, note that it's shut on Sundays. See more..