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Birmingham, host city of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, is renowned for its majestic waterways, pioneering architecture, enviable shopping and award-winning restaurants. Then there’s Coventry, the UK City of Culture for 2021, birthplace of two-tone music and the British motoring industry (not to mention one of Britain’s most striking Cathedrals). The north of the region houses Stoke-on-Trent. Known as The Potteries for its rich ceramic-making past, it’s also home to southern expanses of the Peak District National Park, with its lush forests and sparkling lakes. Literature lover? Experience a taste of Shakespeare’s England at his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, or see history come alive while wandering the battlements of Warwick Castle. Alternatively, why not walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I at Kenilworth Castle, a vast medieval fortress built for royalty.
Located in the centre of England, the West Midlands is served by Birmingham Airport, which has direct routes to more than 150 destinations, as well as connections to hundreds more cities around the world. Trains from the airport (Birmingham International) to Birmingham New Street station take 10-15 minutes.
The region is home to the cities of Birmingham, Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton and Worcester, as well as major towns including Dudley, Hereford, Solihull, Shrewsbury, Telford and Walsall.
A range of train routes connect the region with Manchester Airport in under two hours. The West Midlands can also be reached in less than three hours from Bristol Airport and the main London flight hubs of Heathrow and Gatwick. Direct trains into Birmingham from London Euston take from around 90 minutes.
The West Midlands is incredibly well connected to Britain’s road network, as major motorways including the M6, M6 Toll, M5, M40 and M42 cross the region. A vast public transport network can also help you get around, while the main town and city centres in the region can all be explored on foot.
Numerous bus operators run services across the West Midlands, including Arriva, First Bus, Diamond Bus, National Express Coventry, National Express West Midlands and Stagecoach. The network serves all of the major towns and cities, and the majority of operators accept contactless payments, enabling quick and convenient travel.
The West Midlands Metro tram connects central Birmingham with West Bromwich and Wolverhampton. Tickets can be purchased via the MyMetro app or from an on-board conductor using cash or contactless payment.
West Midlands Cycle Hire operates a 24/7 bike hire scheme in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Stourbridge, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Docking stations can be found at major transport hubs and attractions, with bikes unlocked using the Beryl cycle hire app.
University of Birmingham Squash and Hockey Centre – Trains from Birmingham New Street to University station take around five minutes.
The NEC – Various train operators run services between Birmingham New Street station and Birmingham International (the airport), taking around 20-30 minutes. The NEC is a short walk from Birmingham International station.
Edgbaston Stadium – From Birmingham city centre, National Express buses 45 and 47 serve Pershore Road, a two-minute walk from the ground.
Arena Birmingham – Located in the centre of Birmingham, the arena is just a short walk from New Street, Moor Street, Snow Hill and Five Ways stations.
Alexander Stadium – The 51 bus connects central Birmingham with this stadium in Perry Barr, taking around 30 minutes.
Sandwell Aquatics Centre – Train services operate from Birmingham New Street Station to Smethwick Rolfe Street, with bus connections to the centre.
Coventry Stadium and Arena – Trains serve Coventry Arena train station from Coventry city centre, alongside several bus routes.
Smithfield – Located in central Birmingham, Smithfield is a short walk from New Street and Moor Street stations.
Victoria Park – A 15-minute walk or short bus journey from Leamington Spa station, which has direct connections with London, Birmingham and Coventry.
West Park – Served by several bus routes from Wolverhampton station, which has connections to Birmingham via rail and the West Midlands Metro.
St Nicholas Park – A 10-15-minute walk from Warwick station, which has direct connections to London and Birmingham.
