Birmingham, often considered the UK’s second city, is a youthful, dynamic metropolis enjoying a cultural rebirth. However, if you venture outside the confines of the city, there is a wealth of sights in the surrounding Midlands awaiting exploration.
From Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon to the medieval walls of Warwick Castle, or the remarkable engineering at Ironbridge Gorge, a day trip from Birmingham can transport you to illustrious heritage sites that illustrate how this region of central England has influenced the world.
Enjoy Spectacular Scenery in the Malvern Hills
For the most scenic experience on a day trip from Birmingham, head to the Malvern Hills in rural Worcestershire. The hills rise to 425m (1394ft) above the pretty spa town of Great Malvern, offering sweeping panoramas of the Severn Valley and beyond. Photographers should target the golden hours of sunrise and sunset to capture the breathtaking vistas, which 17th-century diarist John Evelyn described as “one of the godliest vistas in England.”
Moreover, for those wishing to immerse themselves in urban history, the historic towns of Worcester and Hereford are conveniently located within 20 miles of the hills.
Getting to the Malvern Hills from Birmingham: It’s a 40-mile drive by car, which is the most efficient means of transportation in these rural areas. Great Malvern is also accessible by train from both Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill stations. The journey from New Street takes approximately one hour, while travel from Snow Hill takes one hour and 20 minutes.
Discover Medieval Britain at Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a true medieval gem, reminiscent of tales from movies and adventure novels. Your imagination can thrive here with visions of kings, queens, and valiant knights; the castle’s rising turrets and formidable walls are visible from the train as it approaches Warwick, evoking a sense of excitement in visitors.
Historically, fortifications have existed at this location for over 1000 years, witnessing numerous battles, fires, and ownership changes. Today, the castle serves as a family-friendly attraction featuring jousting contests, themed evenings, and an eerie dungeon.
Getting to Warwick Castle from Birmingham: Regular trains depart from Birmingham Moor Street to Warwick, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. Upon arrival at Warwick train station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the castle.
Get to Know Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
Located approximately 30 miles south of Birmingham, The Bard’s medieval hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in history, showcasing cobbled streets, charming Tudor houses, and a picturesque, winding riverside. The compact town center can become busy with tourists; therefore, a leisurely stroll to Shakespeare’s final resting place at Holy Trinity Church, along the banks of the River Avon, provides a peaceful escape.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace undeniably entices visitors; however, those desiring a complete experience should also visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to witness a performance from the world’s greatest dramatist.
Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon from Birmingham: Trains depart from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon twice per hour, with a travel time ranging from 40 to 50 minutes.
See the Birth of the Industrial Revolution at Ironbridge Gorge
The Industrial Revolution significantly shaped the Midlands, and Birmingham wouldn’t have earned the title of “city of a thousand trades” without it. The Iron Bridge in Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire, stands as the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the region and signifies a pivotal moment in engineering as the world’s first cast-iron structure.
While Ironbridge is a small town, it offers a plethora of activities for day-trippers. The Museum of the Gorge and the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron provide rich insights into 18th-century life and illustrate how Ironbridge carved its important place in British history.
Getting to Ironbridge Gorge from Birmingham: Ironbridge Gorge is about an hour’s drive from Birmingham via the M6 and M54 motorways. Alternatively, you can take a train to Telford Central from Birmingham New Street and then travel approximately 6 miles to Ironbridge by local bus (numbers 4 and 8) or taxi.
See History Come Alive in the Black Country
The clue lies in the name at the Black Country Living Museum. It’s an unparalleled experience — a vast open-air museum that allows visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in local life at the turn of the 20th century. Covering 26 acres, the streets are lined with meticulously recreated shops and homes, complete with heritage vehicles and local characters who narrate their lives from a century ago.
While Ironbridge Gorge illustrates the origins of the Industrial Revolution, a visit to this unique location in the heart of the Black Country showcases the resultant changes. The museum also hosts special events themed around Peaky Blinders, making it a great spot for fans, as numerous scenes from the series were filmed here.
Getting to the Black Country Living Museum from Birmingham: The museum is around 10 miles from Birmingham by car. By train, it’s a brief trip from Birmingham New Street to Tipton, followed by a one-mile walk or an 8-minute bus ride on the 229 service.
Admire Three Soaring Spires at Lichfield Cathedral
Lichfield presents a unique treasure; it boasts the only medieval three-spired cathedral in the UK. Turning the corner from Bird Street onto The Close and witnessing its magnificent rise in the distance is an enchanting sight — almost worth the visit by itself.
This dramatic 800-year-old cathedral wasn’t the only notable figure to call this city home over the centuries. Erasmus Darwin, a member of the Lunar Society, an influential thinker of the Midlands Enlightenment, and grandfather of Charles Darwin, lived here during the 18th century. His residence, conveniently situated next to the cathedral, welcomes visitors. Additionally, the town center features the birthplace of writer Samuel Johnson, renowned for creating one of the world’s first standard English dictionaries in 1755.
Getting to Lichfield from Birmingham: Frequent trains from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City run throughout the day, taking about 35 minutes.
This article was first published on October 10, 2019, and updated on January 26, 2022.
