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Quirky corners of Birmingham and the West Midlands hide in plain sight.
Some sit behind normal doors that lead into workshops frozen in time, complete with tools and half finished projects. Others celebrate everyday objects that shaped local life, turning small details into full stories. You might find unexpected art in old industrial spaces or quiet pockets of nature tucked between rows of busy streets.
There are also odd mechanical surprises that come alive on the hour and small galleries that hold far more beauty than their size suggests. Even the plainest building can reveal a strange past if you take a moment to step inside.
The joy is in the hunt. Skip the standard attractions and look for the strange, the overlooked, and the slightly eccentric.
That is where the region shows its true character.
See our top 26 picks below, let us know what we should add to the list at [email protected]:
9. Earlswood near Solihull
Earlswood is home to the three 22 acre reservoirs. At Earlswood Lakes there’s opportunities for sailing, fishing and walking. It is also home to a variety of birds and wildlife Photo: Submitted
10. Sarehole Mill Museum, Cole Bank Rd, Birmingham B13 0BD
A source of inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien, Sarehole Mill is a charming watermill that offers a glimpse into Birmingham’s rural past. | Sarehole Mill Museum