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You are here > Home > Inspire Me > Regional itineraries > history and heritage in the West Midlands
Embark on a captivating two-day visit that takes you through the heritage West Midlands, exploring the rich history and cultural gems of Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Warwick. Discover compelling heritage sites and pop into unique museums and galleries as you explore the region.
Day 1
8am– 10am – Breakfast in Birmingham: Medicine Bakery is an beautiful artisan bakery and café in the heart of Birmingham city centre serving up breakfast, brunch and lunch with cakes and pastries available to takeaway. It’s a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street Train Station.
17 minute walk to the Jewellery Quarter
10.30am – 11.30am – Explore the Jewellery Quarter: Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter is completely unique - there is no other historic townscape like it in the world. It is an area rich in heritage, but what makes it so special is that it is still also a living, working community. It’s home to over 700 jewellers and independent retailers, a thriving food and drink scene and an area steeped in incredible history.
11.30am – 12.15pm – The Pen Museum: A unique museum, dedicated to preserving the history of the pen trade in Birmingham. Discover the fascinating story of how Birmingham became a global centre for pen manufacturing and see a wide array of vintage pens, nibs, and related artifacts.
2 minute walk to The Button Factory
12.15pm – 1pm – Lunch at The Button Factory: Renovated Victorian factory now housing a contemporary venue featuring coffees and robata grills.
8 minute walk to The Coffin Works
1.15pm – 2pm – The Coffin Works: This unique museum provides a fascinating insight into the city's industrial heritage. Restored by Birmingham Conservation Trust in 2014, the Grade II listed Newman Brothers Coffin Fittings Manufactory is now open to the public. The factory is where the fittings of Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales were made. Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience the factory as a time capsule, with its original machinery, unusual products and stories of 100 years of operation.
2 minute walk to St Paul’s Square
2pm – 3pm – Explore St Paul’s Square: The only surviving Georgian square in Birmingham, St Paul’s was developed in the 1770s and 80s on land belonging to the Colmore family. Known as the ‘Jewellers’ Church’, both Matthew Boulton and James Watt worshipped here.
5 minute walk to St Paul’s Metro
3pm – 3.40pm Travel from St Paul’s to Wolverhampton St George’s by Metro (36 minutes)
6 minute walk to Wolverhampton Art Gallery
4pm – 5.30pm – Wolverhampton Art Gallery: Explore more than 300 years of stunning art in this free gallery, located right in the heart of Wolverhampton city centre. Enjoy world-class touring exhibitions, permanent displays, a gallery café and a packed programme of activities to entertain the whole family.
6 minute walk to Wolverhampton St George’s
5.45pm – 6.30pm – Travel from Wolverhampton St George’s to St Chad’s by Metro (38 minutes)
4 minute walk to Indian Brewery Co
6.30pm - 8pm – Dinner at Indian Brewery Co: Experience a delightful fusion of refreshing craft beers from the Indian Brewery Company and mouth-watering Indian street food at this vibrant venue located beneath the arches of Snow Hill railway station. This must-visit destination is a haven for those who appreciate well-crafted spice-infused dishes. Pair your food with a pint of the locally renowned Birmingham Lager for the perfect combination.
Day 2
8am – 9.30am – Breakfast in Birmingham: York’s Bakery is a rustic cafe for homemade breakfast and cakes located in Birmingham
2 minute walk to Birmingham New Street
9.30am – 10am – Travel from Birmingham New Street train station to Coventry train station (22 – 28 minutes)
4 minute walk to Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
10am – 11am – Herbert Art Gallery and Museum: Begin your day at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry. Explore their diverse collections, including fine art, archaeology, and social history. Admire the contemporary art exhibitions and immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage. Currently home to the world-famous dino-star, Dippy the Diplodocus.
1 minute walk to Coventry Cathedral
10.30am – 11.30am – Coventry Cathedral: a must-visit for all visitors. A wonderful meeting of medieval and modern design, Coventry Cathedral is an international icon of hope that encompasses both the ruins of the old cathedral, destroyed during World War II, and the modern cathedral. Marvel at the striking stained glass windows, contemporary artwork, and the tranquil atmosphere within. Learn about its historical significance and the inspiring story of rebuilding and unity.
4 minute walk to Coventry Trinity Street
11.40am – 12.30pm – Travel from Coventry Trinity Street bus stop to Warwick Castle bus stop (49 minutes on X18 bus)
5 minute walk to Warwick Castle
12.40pm – 13.15pm – Lunch at Warwick Castle: Have afternoon tea at The Conservatory Tea House
13.15 – 4pm – Explore Warwick Castle: Warwick Castle is one of the most exciting historic locations in Europe, set in the heart of Shakespeare’s England with over 1,100 years of fascinating architecture and amazing views in 64 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds.
Experience jaw-dropping history; great battles, ancient myths, spellbinding tales, pampered princesses and heroic knights. At Warwick Castle we deliver the Castle of your imagination, whether you’re a 6 year old princess or a 60 year old re-enactor we provide a fun, action packed day out for all the family.
14 minute walk to Warwick Train Station
4.15pm – 4.45pm – Travel from Warwick Train Station to Birmingham Moor Street by train (31 minutes)
30 minute walk to JuJu’s Café
5pm – 7pm – Dinner Ju Ju’s Café: Ju Ju’s was born out of a love for good old-fashioned home cooked food made from fresh ingredients. Over the last decade we've become renowned for our breakfast and brunch trade at the weekends, our Sunday Roast and fabulous hug on a plate comfort food.
Please note that travel times may vary depending on transportation options chosen. It is advisable to check the schedules and plan accordingly. Our partner West Midlands Railway can help guide your journey.
These are just a suggestion, of course, and you can tailor the itinerary to your own interests. There are many other heritage sites, attractions, and museums in Birmingham and the West Midlands, so you're sure to find something to keep you entertained.
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