The West Midlands encompasses Birmingham and the surrounding region including Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, and the former industrial heartland celebrated at the excellent Black Country Living Museum. This is where Shakespeare was born, where the Industrial Revolution gained momentum, and where Cadbury created its chocolate empire. Today the region combines serious historical attractions with family favourites like Alton Towers theme park, atmospheric castles, and stories spanning medieval intrigue through Victorian innovation to Peaky Blinders gangster history.
These West Midlands travel articles cover the region’s highlights including the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, Cadbury World in Birmingham, plus practical guides to visiting Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle, Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, and Stokesay Castle in Shropshire. You’ll also find detailed Alton Towers guidance including tips for visiting with children, parking costs, and advice on timing your visit to avoid the worst crowds. Each guide includes parking information, opening hours, and honest visitor tips.
The West Midlands region suits families seeking theme park thrills combined with educational attractions, history enthusiasts exploring castle ruins and Industrial Revolution sites, and Shakespeare fans making pilgrimages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Birmingham provides a convenient base with excellent transport links, though many attractions work better with a car due to their scattered locations across the region.
- Review of the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.
- Guide to parking at the Black Country Living Museum.
- Guide to parking at Cadbury World in Birmingham.
- Is there free parking at Warwick Castle?
- Practical tips for visiting Kenilworth Castle.
- A practical guide to visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Visitor tips for Stokesay Castle in Shropshire.
- What you need to know before visiting Buildwas Abbey in Shropshire.
- Lichfield Cathedral: Ticket prices, opening hours & visitor guide.
- How to do Alton Towers with an 8-year-old.
- Alton Towers parking costs guide.
- Alton Towers weather: When is the best time to go?
5 great things to do near Birmingham 🏙️
- 🧢 Discover the sites from the gang stories – on a Peaky Blinders walking tour.
- 🌙 Take an after-dark walking tour – and learn Stratford’s ghost stories.
- 🔒 Experience life behind bars – on a tour of Shrewsbury Prison.
- 🎢 Head to Alton Towers – Britain’s biggest theme park.
- ⚔️ Watch jousting and trebuchets – at Warwick Castle.
