This is a lovely and massive green open space for everyone to enjoy. First opened in 1874, it now spans 170 acres and includes Hatherton lake, the country park and the extension. The park includes gardens, green spaces, play areas, and sports facilities like cricket and football pitches, bowling greens and more. There’s also a wwide range of flora and wildlife. It has over 10,000 different species of trees and shrubs. Walsall is only a short distance away from Birmingham. (Photo - Kelly Marie Smith - stock.adobe.)placeholder image
This is a lovely and massive green open space for everyone to enjoy. First opened in 1874, it now spans 170 acres and includes Hatherton lake, the country park and the extension. The park includes gardens, green spaces, play areas, and sports facilities like cricket and football pitches, bowling greens and more. There’s also a wwide range of flora and wildlife. It has over 10,000 different species of trees and shrubs. Walsall is only a short distance away from Birmingham. (Photo - Kelly Marie Smith - stock.adobe.) | Kelly Marie Smith - stock.adobe.

The 21 best towns, villages, castles and more to explore this year in the West Midlands

Emma Walker
By Emma Walker

Editor

Published 22nd Jan 2026, 10:40 GMT

Discover the top 21 places to visit in the West Midlands, including charming towns and historic castles perfect for a getaway

If you don't fancy jetting off to foreign shores and instead stay near home - there are several amazing places near Birmingham to explore.

These destinations, including historic villages, castles, hills and more will keep you on your toes. Whether you’re looking for a walking holiday or an activity based trip - there are several destinations close to Birmingham. Some take less than an hour to reach.

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With Birmingham being well-connected to the rest of the West Midlands and beyond - the options are limitless.

Have we missed any from our list? Get in touch at [email protected]

If you have been unable to decide where to head off to, here are 21 amazing towns, villages, castles and more you can visit in 2026:

This interesting place of beauty is not to be missed. The limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, near the village of Cheddar, is the site of the Cheddar show caves, where Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be 9,000 years old, was found in 1903. It is less than two hours from Birmingham by car. (Photo - AdobeStock)

21. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset - around 120 miles

This interesting place of beauty is not to be missed. The limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, near the village of Cheddar, is the site of the Cheddar show caves, where Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be 9,000 years old, was found in 1903. It is less than two hours from Birmingham by car. (Photo - AdobeStock) | AdobeStock

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