People may think it’s all about London being up there with places to go, but if you’re in the West Midlands there are so many hidden gems you must got to on your next visit to the region.
Each place has its own character and atmosphere, I just adore, and every one has so many reasons to make you want to visit each unique site.
Here’s my top 6 places you must visit in the West Midlands:
National Memorial Arboretum
Located in Alrewas, within the county of Staffordshire, the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) is the national modern centre for remembrance which features 400 memorials covering a wide range of topics and subjects. The NMA is incredibly calm, peaceful, and is certainly the perfect place to visit to spend some time of reflection. The atmosphere and vibe is surreal and respectful – I have never been to another place that is quite like it. Whether you have a personal connection to any of the memorials or not I would highly recommend paying a visit to the NMA.
The Electric Cinema
But sometimes new doesn’t mean better. Opened in 1909 on Station Street, in Birmingham, The Electric cinema is the world’s oldest working cinema. Once a month an old black and white movie is shown at the theatre, in addition to modern and current movies. As someone who loves vintage, I have taken every opportunity to experience the cinema. There is also the option to choose a normal cinema seat, an armchair or a sofa so you can watch your movie in comfort and style.
Think Tank, Birmingham Science Museum
The think tank is a science museum located in Millennium Point Birmingham which opened in 2001. There is a wide variety of topics covered at the Think Tank within the three floors of exhibitions. This is one you could visit alone or with all the family to enjoy. From spitfire and hurricane planes to the history of the NHS, to dinosaurs to industrial history, everything is covered there. My personal favourite has always been the spitfire, the hurricane, and the tram car, 10/10 recommend.
The National Sea life Centre, Birmingham
Sea Life Centre’s may be located all over the UK, but this one, located at Brindley Place in Birmingham, is the only 360° Ocean Tunnel within the UK. Step into the tunnel and find yourself with an amazing view of sharks, a giant turtle, rays, and hundreds of tropical fish as they swim all around you. If you love animals The Sea Life centre is for you. A personal favourite, since I was a child, is Molokai the turtle – but you can’t not love a fluffy penguin to look at.
Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel
If history and culture is your thing you have to head to Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel. This 17th century, grade II listed hotel, restaurant and bar, is located in Castle Bromwich, Solihull. Even with it’s age the hotel is beautifully persevered and maintained to provide a stunning location to any event or dinner – and there’s even the option to stay in one of it’s 40 bedrooms. This hidden gem is truly magnificent, incredible, and unique – you will not regret choosing to visit. Personally, I loved the hall so much that it became my wedding venue. Could that be anymore of a recommendation?
Black Country Living Museum
Want to travel back in time? Well, visiting the Black country living museum is as pretty close as you can get for now. Located on Tipton Road in Dudley this is the largest open air museum, at 26 acres, and takes visitors through 300 years of immersive hsitory. Visit the streets and shops at the site, talk to the staff dressed up as historic characters and get involved with the hands-on fun. A trip to the museum is fun for all ages. Make sure to visit the old shops that sell souvenirs to take away such as edible sweets and cakes or fish and chips. I visited as a child and recently visited again – I had forgotten just how much I love the place, you can truly loose yourself within the history.