Birmingham is a vibrant city found right in the heart of England. With a world-renowned shopping centre, picturesque canals, fascinating museums and galleries, and bustling nightlife, the city itself is a popular destination, both from the UK and abroad.
While the attractions and sites within the city will keep visitors occupied, those who dare to venture further afield will be rewarded with a range of other unmissable attractions. And because of Birmingham’s locations, it’s perfectly positioned to explore Central England.
There’s no easier way to get around all the sites and attractions in and around Birmingham than in your own vehicle. The good news for you is that Green Motion has a couple of car hire branches in the city, so you can travel in a low emission vehicle.
Whether you are looking for an exciting day out, or something more relaxing, here are our favourite sites around Birmingham that are worth a visit.
For the thrill-seeker amongst you, a trip to Alton Towers, the UK’s largest theme park, is a must! From child-friendly areas and obstacle courses to the fastest and modern of roller coasters and a waterpark, the site has something to suit everyone.
This trip will take you just over an hour but is certainly worth the journey. And there is plenty of accommodation for those who want to stay the night, too.
Stratford-Upon-Avon is a quintessentially British market town in Warwickshire. The town is best known for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare and, as you’d expect, there is plenty of history to explore.
You can go to the house in which the playwriter was born, the cottage where his wife Anne Hathaway lived and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to see a performance of a play.
Stratford-upon-Avon is about a 40-minute journey from Birmingham by car.
Built in 1068, Warwick Castle is a historic site that is been extremely well preserved. The medieval castle is one of the UK’s top historical attractions and there is so much for the family to do that you won’t know where to start.
There is over 1,000 years of history within the walls and the gardens and it’s all waiting to be explored. Watch live-action walk-throughs, climb a 500 step tower for a supreme view and witness birds of prey displays.
The castle is just under 40 miles away, taking around 45 minutes by car.
Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!
Cadbury was born in Birmingham in 1879 and it’s fair to say that the chocolatiers have certainly made an impact! Cadbury World, opened in the original Cadbury factory, takes visitors on trip that explores the history of chocolate and Cadburys itself. As well as chocolatey treats along the way, you can finish your trip by stocking up on goodies in the Cadbury Shop!
Cadbury World is around a 20-minute drive from central Birmingham.
Black Country Living Museum is an open-air museum of reconstructed historic buildings on a site that covers over 20 acres!
The Black Country emerged in 1830 and was the first industrial landscape in the world. The museum transports visitors back to the region’s past, including areas dedicated to the Victorian era, First World War, 1920s and 1930s. There are authentic shops, houses and workshops, a canal-side village, underground mine and plenty of historic vehicles for visitors to explore.
Found in Dudley, the museum is just a ten-mile drive away from Birmingham.
Green Motion has branches at the two main transport links of the city that make it easy for you to continue your journey. Our airport branch makes it easy to get from the airport and our Birmingham New Street Station branch makes it easy to get on the road from the city centre.
As experts in low-emission rental, Green Motion has a fleet of electric and hybrid cars with staff who can help you select the right vehicle. For more information, call us today on 0333 888 4000.