We think Birmingham is a pretty beautiful place, but sometimes the hustle-and-bustle of the city can be a bit too much. Luckily there’s acres of countryside near Birmingham and the West Midlands is full of quaint and picturesque spots that are well worth leaving the city for, even just for the day. These nice villages and towns near Birmingham offer a gentle and calm escape that us city-folk won’t find at home. So check out our guide to the most pretty villages near Birmingham, all less than an hour’s drive away.
1. Wombourne
This rural village, south of Wolverhampton, is old enough to have medieval roots. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, Wombourne was once an agricultural village, but you can also find traces of its more recent industrial past here. On a dry day, taking a walk down the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal is a must. You’ll likecly come across the Bratch too, a cluster of canal buildings which also include a pump house and locks.
🚗 How to get there: 40 minutes by car.
2. Henley-in-Arden
In the centre of the country, just a few miles north of Stratford-upon-Avon, is Henley-in-Arden, a medieval town steeped in tradition. You may have accidentally stumbled upon this town en route to Stratford or Birmingham, but you’ll have been pleasantly surprised by the selection of quaint pubs, boutiques and its legendary Henley Ice Cream.
We’ve got our eye on a few flavours like banana and fudge, blackcurrant sorbet and walnut and maple syrup, but the parlour has over 50 flavours to choose from. Enjoy a scoop as you wander down Henley-in-Arden’s mile-long high street (1.6km), which is a conservation area with more than 150 buildings listed as being of special architectural or historical interest.
🚗 How to get there: 32 minutes by car.
3. Earlswood
Of all the nice villages near Birmingham, none have a nature reserve like Earlswood. Situated just south of Solihull, Earlswood Lakes is made up of three 22 acre reservoirs that you can wander round – Terry’s Pool, Windmill Pool and Engine Pool.
Visitors can take in the stunning scenery, try a spot of fishing and maybe spot a rare woodpecker. When you’re done with the outdoors, there are country pubs and a craft centre nearby. With water, wildlife and wonderful walking trails – what’s not to like about Earlswood?
🚗 How to get there: 35 minutes by car.
4. Alvechurch
Lying in northeast Worcestershire, not far from the Lickey Hills, the village of Alvechurch is around 12 miles from Birmingham and easily accessible by train. Many aren’t looking for pretty villages near Birmingham in this part of the West Midlands. But they should be. It has pubs, canals perfect for walking, as well as Alvechurch Marina, which pulls in narrowboat owners. There are plenty of cosy cottages dating back 200 years and more in the heart of the village, which is just east of the bustling town of Bromsgrove.
🚗 How to get there: 30 minutes by car.
SEE ALSO: 10 Stunning Villages And Towns In The UK That You’ve Just Got To Visit
5. Kinver
Kinver is a large Staffordshire village that boasts a wealth of history. Situated just a few minutes’ drive from Stourbridge, it is one of those chocolate-box villages that are almost too pretty to be true. Its most popular visitor attraction is Kinver Edge – a 300-acre National Trust-owned site.
As well as the fantastic views from its summit, Kinver Edge’s tall woodland ridge boasts some amazing homes that were carved into the sandstone rock, which were inhabited until the 1950s. They look as though they are the English equivalent to the Lord of the Rings set of Hobbiton, actually located in New Zealand, making this easily one of the most pretty villages near Birmingham.
🚗 How to get there: 44 minutes by car.
6. Tanworth-in-Arden
That Tanworth-in-Arden was the childhood home of renowned musician Nick Drake – known for his lush folk numbers – might give you a clue to its quaint nature. This village boasts an impressive amount of history too. It may only have a small population of about 3,000, but Tanworth-in-Arden is very popular with tourists who are in search of an escape from the city.
It includes country pubs, walking trails and festivals such as the Lunar Arts and Music Festival. Don’t forget to check out Packwood House, a 16th-century manor house with gardens, around six miles away from Tanworth-in-Arden.
🚗 How to get there: 32 minutes by car.
7. Clent
Just 12 miles away from Birmingham, Clent is one of the smallest towns near Birmingham. No visit to this area in Worcestershire would be complete without a trip to the National Trust’s Clent Hills. This site is perfect for walks and panoramic views of Birmingham, and you may even spot bright carpets of bluebells depending on the season. Plus you’ll find the Clent Hills pinnacle, the Four Stones – a mysterious sham megalithic site. Don’t miss out on a trip to the many wonderful country pubs and restaurants within Clent and the surrounding areas.
🚗 How to get there: 30 minutes by car.
8. Wishaw
With a population of just 125 in the 2011 census, the Warwickshire village of Wishaw is a far cry from the bustle of Birmingham. Many visitors come here to visit the quintessential country pub The Cock Inn, while the Belfry Hotel & Resort is also popular with locals and celebrities who come for the world-class golf facilities. Less than a 10-mile drive away from Wishaw is Kingsbury Water Park with 15 lakes in 600 acres (240ha) of land. As well as the lakes, the water park also offers picnic areas, bike hire and a miniature railway.
🚗 How to get there: 20 minutes by car.
As you can see, the West Midlands is packed with some of the nicest towns and villages in Britain. And thanks to us sitting so central in the country, you’re likely to come across nice towns near Birmingham in any direction you travel. We can’t list them all unfortunately, but let these eight offer you quick escapes from the city first. Who knows, you might discover more pretty villages near Birmingham on your travels!