The town was established in the early Middle Ages. Since then, it has been developed during Roman and Saxon times and during the reigns of Elizabeth and Victoria. Though an agricultural market town it is also renown for its glass-making. Less than 40 minutes from Birmingham, the Hagley Hall is located here and is worth a visit apart from the various glass centres. placeholder image
The town was established in the early Middle Ages. Since then, it has been developed during Roman and Saxon times and during the reigns of Elizabeth and Victoria. Though an agricultural market town it is also renown for its glass-making. Less than 40 minutes from Birmingham, the Hagley Hall is located here and is worth a visit apart from the various glass centres. | Nicola - stock.adobe.com

I skip the Cotswolds for these underrated West Midlands market towns and villages

Emma Walker
By Emma Walker

Editor

Published 20th Oct 2025, 10:30 GMT
Updated 20th Oct 2025, 22:17 GMT

These underrated market towns in the West Midlands offer autumn magic, away from the crowds.

Skipping the postcard-perfect stops everyone talks about turned out to be the best travel decision.

The smaller market towns and tucked-away villages of the West Midlands are pure autumn magic — without the crowds or the contrived charm.

Lanes wind past cottages, smoke curling from chimneys, and locals chatting outside butchers and bakeries that haven’t changed in generations.

Here, the season feels unfiltered. Farmers’ markets sell fresh produce, and every pub fire feels like an open invitation to stay longer than planned.

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There’s something deeply grounding about these places — an honesty that big-name destinations can’t fake.

It’s not curated beauty; it’s lived-in, working, and quietly proud of it. Autumn strips everything back to essentials, and that’s where these towns and villages shine. They’re not trying to impress. They just are. And that’s exactly what makes them better.

Here’s our gallery of top autumn spots to visit in the West Midlands:

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)

5. Bromsgrove

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) | Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0

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)

6. Leek

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) | Charlesdrakew, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Tamworth is known for its historic castle and family-friendly environment. It offers good schools and beautiful parks, Tamworth offers a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to Birmingham.

7. Tamworth

Tamworth is known for its historic castle and family-friendly environment. It offers good schools and beautiful parks, Tamworth offers a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to Birmingham. | simonXT2 - stock.adobe.com

Kinver is known for the Kinver Edge, a National Trust site with rock houses carved into the sandstone. The village itself has charming shops, tea rooms, and a friendly atmosphere.

8. Kinver

Kinver is known for the Kinver Edge, a National Trust site with rock houses carved into the sandstone. The village itself has charming shops, tea rooms, and a friendly atmosphere. | Roger Kidd Photo: Roger Kidd

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