Some places just transport you. One minute you’re walking down the street and suddenly it’s like you’ve stepped into another country without ever handing over your passport.

Birmingham and the West Midlands are full of them. From sizzling spices to dreamy architecture and continental vibes, here are 7 places in Brum and beyond that’ll have you double-checking your location.
 


1. York Road, Kings Heath

Tucked behind Kings Heath high street, York Road is bursting with indie charm and serious Scandi vibes. There’s something about the laid-back coffee shops and creative spaces that hits the spot.

Grab an artisan sandwich and a glass of wine at Grace & James, browse vinyl at Polar Bear Records, and toast the day with a craft beer at The Juke. It’s all very ‘Copenhagen café culture’, but proudly Kings Heath at heart.
 


2. Brindleyplace

With its canal-side cafés, tree-lined boulevards and relaxed buzz, Brindleyplace brings a truly continental energy. Picture lazy lunches on sun-drenched terraces, galleries just around the corner, and boats gently gliding by. Spend the day exploring the Ikon Gallery, grabbing brunch by the water, and winding down with a riverside wine as the fairy lights flicker on.


3. Warwick Castle

Epic turrets? Check. Falconry shows? Absolutely. Giant feasts, suits of armour, and a view that stretches for miles? You bet. Warwick Castle is as dramatic and photogenic as any grand chateau.

Spend the day travelling through history, scaling towers, and watching sword fights. It’s immersive, it’s action-packed, and it’s everything you want from a castle adventure.
 


4. Birmingham’s Chinatown

Right in the heart of the city, Chinatown is alive with colour, culture, and incredible cuisine. Think lantern-lit streets, sizzling woks, and a mix of Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai flavours all within a few steps.

Start with dim sum at Look In, sip on bubble tea from Happy Lemon, and end with a show or karaoke session at the Arcadian. It’s buzzing, bright, and absolutely unmissable.
 


5. Stratford-upon-Avon

Yes, this is Shakespeare’s country, but Stratford is more than just literary heritage. With its half-timbered houses, winding river paths, and elegant charm, it feels like a timeless escape.

Row down the Avon, stroll cobbled lanes, visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and imagine life in a Tudor village. It’s every bit as magical as it sounds


6. Bournville

Leafy, peaceful, and brimming with character, Bournville feels like stepping into a perfectly designed chocolate village - because that’s exactly what it is.

Built by the Cadbury family as a model village, its tree-lined streets, arts and crafts houses, and neighbourly feel are pure charm - and wouldn't look amiss in Switzerland. Visit Cadbury World, stroll the canal, and soak up the sweet life.
 


7. Digbeth

There’s nowhere quite like Digbeth. Once an industrial heartland, now a creative playground, it’s a collision of street art, indie venues, a killer music scene, and big personality. If Berlin and Birmingham had a baby, it’d live here.

Brunch Mediterranean style at Cafe Lovelife, snap neon murals in the Custard Factory, sip world-class cocktails at Passing Fancies, then end the night at XOYO. It’s gritty, stylish, and totally unforgettable.


8. The birthplace of the Balti

This isn’t just dinner - it’s a full-on cultural experience. Sparkbrook is the home of the balti, a dish born in Birmingham and beloved around the world.

Wander down Ladypool Road, follow the scent of sizzling garlic and cumin, and take your pick of legendary restaurants. Order a fiery lamb balti, mop it up with naan the size of a duvet, and cool off with mango lassi.
 


9. Lickey Hills

You don’t need snow-capped peaks to feel miles away. Lickey Hills Country Park serves up sweeping views, pine forests, and that all-important sense of stillness. Climb to the top of Beacon Hill, unpack a flask, and breathe in the fresh air. Ideal for a Sunday reset or a solo wander with a forest soundtrack.
 


10. Moseley Farmers Market

Every last Saturday of the month, Moseley Village transforms into a feast of smells, sights, and samples, and is reminiscent of a sleepy village in Provence. Fill your basket with sourdough, cheeses, chutneys and cider. Sprawl on the green with your haul, and enjoy the live music drifting through the air.
 


Bonus: Hop on the West Midlands Metro

Throw on a good playlist, grab the window seat, and embrace that main-character energy on the West Midlands Metro. Hop on in the Jewellery Quarter, glide past street art and skyline views, stop off at Edgbaston Village for brunch and boutique shops, and feel like you're navigating a modern European city.
 


Who needs a plane ticket when you’ve got riverside cafés, medieval castles, and global food scenes right on your doorstep? The West Midlands is a place where cultures meet, history lives on, and every corner has a story. 

So go explore. Take the scenic route, try something new, and see just how far you can travel without ever leaving this amazing part of the world.

Discover more inspiration for your trip to Birmingham and the West Midlands.