With holidays abroad proving tricky over the last 18 months, in between those dreaded lockdowns, many saw the overseas travel ban, and the difficulties that came when it was possible again, as a great excuse to turn their attention to home soil and the bountiful treats it has to offer its residents.
Even though restrictions are being eased and the government’s green list is getting healthier with each passing week, many keen travellers have caught the staycation bug, and it’s no surprise given the amount of exciting days out, stunning landscapes, luxurious accommodations, high-end restaurants and cultural hot spots that are to be found right here on UK soil.
Comprising the counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire and notable cities including Birmingham and Coventry, the West Midlands area of England has a lot to offer any visitor and below we are going to highlight five fanciful ways to spend time in this region for a holiday on home soil to remember.
Head to Birmingham
The city that is central to it all, Birmingham is a great place in which to base yourself for a holiday of exploration in and around the area. Within the city, you will spot plenty of Industrial Revolution era landmarks that are a nod to the city’s past as a manufacturing powerhouse, canals littered with trendy cafes, and shopping opportunities galore. Those who enjoy hedonistic evenings will be pleased to learn that Birmingham has a vast array of fancy bars to frequent in the night-time alongside restaurants ready and waiting to serve delectable meals.
Stay in a luxury hotel
Of course, in between your travels, you will no doubt be wishing to luxuriate in lavish surroundings, and the area is packed with an array of retreats in which to base yourself. In Birmingham, you will find plenty of big-name hotels with a range of facilities, and we particularly like Hotel du Vin Birmingham which boasts the popular French-style bistro, an open-air courtyard and a cocktail and Champagne bar. Park Regis Birmingham is another great option and offers elegant interiors and a good selection of amenities to guests, but it is Hampton Manor in Solihull that wows every time. Peel’s Restaurant holds a Michelin Star and uses certain ingredients from the hotel’s 45 acres, while the 19 rooms and sophisticated interiors are sure to please any discerning guest.
Head to a Michelin Star restaurant
As mentioned, you will find a Michelin-starred restaurant at Hampton Manor, but where else can you book in for some high-class cuisine? Adam’s in Birmingham offers modern cuisine in a stylish setting, while Purnell’s in Birmingham – from Great British Menu favourite Glynn Purnell – provides unforgettable dishes. Opheem serves up Indian cuisine in the city, Simpsons offers modern cuisine in a modern setting and Carters of Moseley, also in Birmingham, provides creative modern British cuisine. The common factor between all restaurants? They have all be blessed with a Michelin Star, therefore you know they are worth travelling for.
Immerse yourself in nature
Lovers of animals, sea life, nature and the great outdoors will be in their element in the West Midlands with the selection of parks, gardens and attractions to visit. Saltwells Local Nature Reserve, Priory Park, Handsworth, Park, Allesley Park, Mary Stevens Park and Kings Heath Park are all worth heading to when you need a bit of fresh air in natural surroundings. Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a 16-acre site with Victorian glasshouses containing a wonderful selection of flora, while Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, West Midlands Safari Park and the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham will wow any animal lover or keen sea creature spotter.
Indulge in your passion at a museum
Whether it’s chocolate you can’t get enough of, motorcycles, science or art that please, or perhaps a little history of the area in which you are visiting that you are keen to learn more of, there will be something for all type of culture vulture to immerse themself in. The Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury’s world, Black Country Living Museum and, of course, the home of Shakespeare in Stratford upon Avon all come highly rated.
