Central Birmingham brims with designer shops and independent boutiques, and also boasts lively nightlife and numerous attractions, from the National Sea Life Centre aquarium to the new Legoland Discovery Centre. Here are some of our favourite highlights.
This ancient woodland is primarily made up of oak and beech trees and, at 20 acres, forms a significant nature reserve, complete with a natural pond. A good site for bats and a wonderful place for you to stretch your legs and feel rejuvenated.
Merrions Wood LNR, Merrion’s Close, Walsall, Birmingham, B43 7AS. woodlandtrust.org.uk
Premier Inn Birmingham (Great Barr), Birmingham Rd, Great Barr, Birmingham, West Midlands, B43 7AG. 500 metres
Perfect for a weekend walkabout, this old watermill has been operating for over 250 years (though nowadays only on Wednesdays and Sundays). The shop sells its flour and the tea room is great for fuelling up on cakes. But its chief appeal is ‘Lord of the Rings’-related – JRR Tolkien lived nearby and the mill and its surroundings helped inspire Middle-earth. Regular events include Tolkien walks, food fairs and family activities.
Sarehole Mill, Cole Bank Rd, Hall Green, Birmingham, B13 0BD. birminghammuseums.org.uk
Premier Inn Birmingham South (Hall Green), Stratford Rd, Hall Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B28 9ES. 1.2 miles
Whether you want to admire, create or buy works of art, this internationally acclaimed contemporary art space is a great place to visit. There’s an exciting calendar of free exhibitions, while the shop is great for stunning picture books and coffee-table tomes, as well as stationery, artists’ materials and limited-edition prints.
Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HS. ikon-gallery.org
Premier Inn Birmingham Broad Street (Brindleyplace), 80 Broad St, Birmingham, B15 1AU. 500 metres
All that glitters in not necessarily gold: it could be shimmering silver, premium platinum or dazzling diamonds. You’ll find all manner of treasures in Birmingham’s popular Jewellery Quarter, home to 500-plus jewellery businesses, from diamond specialists and master watchmakers to creators of cool one-off contemporary designs. The richly historic area also hosts year-round special events, including walking tours, family activities, and music and dance performances.
Jewellery Quarter, Vyse St, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6LE. jewelleryquarter.net
Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (New Street Station), Birmingham Exchange Buildings, Stephenson Place, Birmingham, B2 4NH. 1 mile
If you like your fine dining with a Michelin star attached, chef and owner Adam Stokes’ city-centre restaurant serves up exquisite contemporary British cuisine fully deserving of its many accolades. On top of the lunch and dinner options, there’s a tasting menu should you prefer something more extravagant.
Adam’s, New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo St, Birmingham, B2 5UG. adamsrestaurant.co.uk
Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (Waterloo Street), 3-6 Waterloo St, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 5PG. 300 metres
If you’ve got young family members to entertain, this award-winning theme park is a life-saver. Not only are there some great thrill rides, but it’s also the home of Thomas Land, a section of the park devoted to that famous tank engine and his friends. There’s even a zoo on site, too.
Drayton Manor, Near Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW. draytonmanor.co.uk
Premier Inn Birmingham North (Sutton Coldfield), Whitehouse Common Rd, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B75 6HD. 6.3 miles
One of the UK’s biggest and most fascinating outdoor museums, the BCLM is dedicated to the area’s rich industrial heritage. The site recreates a Black Country village featuring costumed characters you can chat to, shops, and fun activities that all help bring history very much to life.
Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Rd, Dudley, DY1 4SQ. bclm.co.uk
Premier Inn Birmingham Oldbury (M5, Jct 2), Wolverhampton Rd, Oldbury, West Midlands, B69 2BH. 2.6 miles
Everything chocolate-related is here, from the history of the Cadbury brand to the science and skill of making the stuff, presented through interactive galleries, a 4D film and costumed talks. Perfect for sweet tooths young and old. The entry plus afternoon tea ticket is great value.
Cadbury World, Linden Rd, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1JR. cadburyworld.co.uk
Premier Inn Birmingham South (Longbridge Station), 2 College St, Longbridge, Birmingham, B31 2US. 3.8 miles
From the top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, from vibrant cities to the wilds of Wales, find what you’re looking for in Premier Inn’s brand new UK One Great Thing guide. Whatever your idea of the perfect weekend away is, you’ll find it here.
