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.
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.
9. Kinver
In winter, Kinver is a scenic and peaceful destination known for crisp, frosty walks on Kinver Edge, the unique, naturally insulated Rock Houses, and a cozy village atmosphere. | AdobeStock
10. Ombersley
A stunning chocolate-box village just 10 minutes from worcester city centre, Ombersley is a quaint little village with some great pubs and stunning timber frame buildings | Jeff Gogarty, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
11. Knowle and Dorridge, Solihull
These suburbs offer spacious homes, excellent schools, and a semi-rural feel. Just a train ride away from Birmingham, they provide a countryside illusion while keeping you close to urban amenities. | Flickr
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12. Bournville
The Cadbury name is synonymous with chocolate throughout the world. The business was developed further by his two sons and they went on to build the garden village of Bournville. Today, the Birmingham village is one of the most desirable places to live in the city and with some nice independent shops, cafes, and of course Cadbury World, it's also a great day out | Getty Images