This town is the gateway to the UK’s largest native woodland, Wyre Forest. It’s a Georgian town nestled on the River Severn. An official market was established in 1376 but a settlement is documented as far back as 1086. It’s less than an hour by car to get there from Birmingham and has much to see and experience. placeholder image
This town is the gateway to the UK’s largest native woodland, Wyre Forest. It’s a Georgian town nestled on the River Severn. An official market was established in 1376 but a settlement is documented as far back as 1086. It’s less than an hour by car to get there from Birmingham and has much to see and experience. | Neil - stock.adobe.com

8 best West Midlands towns to visit for a summer day out in 2025

Emma Walker
By Emma Walker

Editor

Published 13th Jun 2025, 12:50 GMT

Explore eight charming market towns in the West Midlands, perfect for a summer day trip, all within 90 minutes from Birmingham.

The West Midlands is packed with towns that have preserved their character and community spirit.

Once the heart of trade and gathering, open-air markets may be fading, but these places still keep that legacy alive.

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All under 90 minutes from Birmingham - and easy to reach by car or public transport - these market towns are perfect for soaking up some history, grabbing a bite, and wandering through streets that haven’t forgotten their past.

Here are eight historic market towns near Birmingham to explore in summer 2025.

This is a medieval market town and the birthplace of William Shakespeare. His home, school, and other sites linked to the playwright and his family have been preserved and open to the public. The town centre is beautiful and has many restaurants and independent cafes that shouldn’t be missed either.

5. Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire

This is a medieval market town and the birthplace of William Shakespeare. His home, school, and other sites linked to the playwright and his family have been preserved and open to the public. The town centre is beautiful and has many restaurants and independent cafes that shouldn’t be missed either. | Colin & Linda McKie - stock.adobe.com

Bromsgrove is a traditional market town located in north Worcestershire and only 30 minutes from central Birmingham. It is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside and a wide range of places to visit and things to see and do. The town was first documented in early 9th century. (Photo - George Street, Bromsgrove by P L Chadwick- Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic)

6. Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

Bromsgrove is a traditional market town located in north Worcestershire and only 30 minutes from central Birmingham. It is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside and a wide range of places to visit and things to see and do. The town was first documented in early 9th century. (Photo - George Street, Bromsgrove by P L Chadwick- Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic) | George Street, Bromsgrove by P L Chadwick- Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

It is an ancient borough and was granted its royal charter in 1214. Once famous for its ale, it became known as a textile town later. It’s located only 80 minutes away from Birmingham and has many historic sites and things to do. It’s located on the River Churnet and is great for fishing, canal rides and more. (Photo - Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported/Yarah)

7. Leek, Staffordshire

It is an ancient borough and was granted its royal charter in 1214. Once famous for its ale, it became known as a textile town later. It’s located only 80 minutes away from Birmingham and has many historic sites and things to do. It’s located on the River Churnet and is great for fishing, canal rides and more. (Photo - Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported/Yarah) | Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported/Yarah

Just 14 miles north-east of Birmingham, it began as a Saxon settlement in Staffordshire. It became an important place during the reign of King Offa of Mercia (a Saxon kingdom that roughly corresponded to the Midlands of England). Some of that heritage can still be seen and explored to this day.

8. Tamworth, Staffordshire

Just 14 miles north-east of Birmingham, it began as a Saxon settlement in Staffordshire. It became an important place during the reign of King Offa of Mercia (a Saxon kingdom that roughly corresponded to the Midlands of England). Some of that heritage can still be seen and explored to this day. | Atbphotography/Wirestock - stock.adobe.com

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