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:

Located near the Clent Hills, this village offers stunning countryside views and great walking trails. The village itself has charming cottages and a welcoming pub, perfect for a relaxing visit.

17. Clent

Located near the Clent Hills, this village offers stunning countryside views and great walking trails. The village itself has charming cottages and a welcoming pub, perfect for a relaxing visit. | Nick Macneill Photo: Nick Macneill

Nestled in Worcestershire, Barnt Green is a favourite among the rich and famous. This village boasts stunning properties, lush green spaces, and a thriving high street. Notable residents have included footballer Jack Grealish, singer Jamelia, and Gymshark founder Ben Francis. The local pubs, such as The Barnt Green Inn and Victoria Inn, are popular spots where you might catch a glimpse of these high-fliers.

18. Barnt Green

Nestled in Worcestershire, Barnt Green is a favourite among the rich and famous. This village boasts stunning properties, lush green spaces, and a thriving high street. Notable residents have included footballer Jack Grealish, singer Jamelia, and Gymshark founder Ben Francis. The local pubs, such as The Barnt Green Inn and Victoria Inn, are popular spots where you might catch a glimpse of these high-fliers. | The Clock House (Formerly Twatling Farm)

Known for its picturesque streets and the annual Scarecrow Festival, Belbroughton is a delightful village with a strong sense of community. There are lovely country walks to enjoy in the surrounding area.

19. Belbroughton

Known for its picturesque streets and the annual Scarecrow Festival, Belbroughton is a delightful village with a strong sense of community. There are lovely country walks to enjoy in the surrounding area. | Jeff Gogarty Photo: Jeff Gogarty

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. It’s only 22 miles from Birmingham and great for a day visit.

20. Stratford-Upon-Avon

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. It’s only 22 miles from Birmingham and great for a day visit. | Emma Walker

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