8 Activities
Quaint Escape: Exploring the Gorgeous Medieval Villages Outside Birmingham
Starts from
Birmingham
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
8
Duration
11 hours
Length
46 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Birmingham
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hours
Length
46 mi
Jon Glavinas
Travel Expert
- Get up close with the medieval canal buildings of Bratch Lock.
- Explore Arlechurch's many cottage houses and lively marina.
- Try one of England's most beloved ice cream parlours in Henley-in-Arden.
Whether you've got a spare day on the weekend, are eager to see some quintessential English towns or needed a break from the stress of the metropolis, this route is the perfect escape. Your day out will involve exploring three villages perched just outside of Birmingham city, starting with Wombourne where you'll get to wander through a landscaped garden and stroll along a medieval canal.
The route will take you to lunch in Alvechurch at a cosy pub before stretching your legs through the quaint village fille with old cottages and a marina where the narrow boat owners love to hang out. The third village, Henly-in-Arden, hosts a famous ice cream parlour so you can enjoy a delicious scoop while exploring the medieval and historical buildings before a fine-dining dinner experience to end the day off with a bang.
The route will take you to lunch in Alvechurch at a cosy pub before stretching your legs through the quaint village fille with old cottages and a marina where the narrow boat owners love to hang out. The third village, Henly-in-Arden, hosts a famous ice cream parlour so you can enjoy a delicious scoop while exploring the medieval and historical buildings before a fine-dining dinner experience to end the day off with a bang.
Categories
Whether you've got a spare day on the weekend, are eager to see some quintessential English towns or needed a break from the stress of the metropolis, this route is the perfect escape. Your day out will involve exploring three villages perched just outside of Birmingham city, starting with Wombourne where you'll get to wander through a landscaped garden and stroll along a medieval canal.
The route will take you to lunch in Alvechurch at a cosy pub before stretching your legs through the quaint village fille with old cottages and a marina where the narrow boat owners love to hang out. The third village, Henly-in-Arden, hosts a famous ice cream parlour so you can enjoy a delicious scoop while exploring the medieval and historical buildings before a fine-dining dinner experience to end the day off with a bang.
The route will take you to lunch in Alvechurch at a cosy pub before stretching your legs through the quaint village fille with old cottages and a marina where the narrow boat owners love to hang out. The third village, Henly-in-Arden, hosts a famous ice cream parlour so you can enjoy a delicious scoop while exploring the medieval and historical buildings before a fine-dining dinner experience to end the day off with a bang.
Jon Glavinas
Travel Expert
- Get up close with the medieval canal buildings of Bratch Lock.
- Explore Arlechurch's many cottage houses and lively marina.
- Try one of England's most beloved ice cream parlours in Henley-in-Arden.
Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
46 mi
A Very Villagey Venture
You'll explore some of the gorgeous villages around Birmingham for a wholesome escape away from the big city. You'll visit the leafy, quiet village of Wombourne, taste some of the country's best ice cream in the beautiful, historic town of Henley-in-Arden and check out the marina of Alvechurch.
Birmingham is one of the UK's largest cities, offering a diverse mix of people, culture, infrastructure and architecture. But we all need a break from this hustle and bustle from time to time. Luckily, some of the most gorgeous villages in England are just outside the city, so get ready for a day full of restorative activities.
Birmingham is one of the UK's largest cities, offering a diverse mix of people, culture, infrastructure and architecture. But we all need a break from this hustle and bustle from time to time. Luckily, some of the most gorgeous villages in England are just outside the city, so get ready for a day full of restorative activities.
10:001 hr
Himley Hall
Park
Open Details
Your first stop on the venture for serenity is to Himley Hall, an 18th-century building hall situated within a180 acres of landscapes gardens and park. Head for the hall first and then choose between wansdering around the lake, through the sculptured gardens and hedges or underneath the half-light of the trees. The first stop is a nature infusion to cleanse away any stress that the city loves to unload onto us.
3.1 mi
10 min
11:101 hr
Bratch Locks
Landmark
Open Details
After Himley Hall, you'll drive through Wombourne on the way to Bratch Locks so be sure to drive slowly and absorb the cute village town or get out and walk around if you find a street that draws you in.
Bratch Locks ooze medieval soul with their old-world towers and walls that border the canal. Park your car and walk down the canal to see a cluster of locks, cancel buildings pump houses and the beautiful natural scenery that the locks live in.
Leave Wombourne around midday and set your sails for Alvechurch where your first stop with be for lunch at a cosy and traditional English pub.
Bratch Locks ooze medieval soul with their old-world towers and walls that border the canal. Park your car and walk down the canal to see a cluster of locks, cancel buildings pump houses and the beautiful natural scenery that the locks live in.
Leave Wombourne around midday and set your sails for Alvechurch where your first stop with be for lunch at a cosy and traditional English pub.
27.7 mi
50 min
13:001 hr 30 min
The Crown Inn
Pub
Open Details
It's time for lunch. Whether you want a hearty pie, fish and chips, or something lighter, you'll find the perfect dish for your mood at this restaurant.
0.8 mi
5 min
14:451 hr
St Laurence Church
Church
Open Details
After lunch, set off for St Laurence Church in the heart of the Alvechurch village, where you'll see rows of cosy cottages over 200 years old. Walk around the church and cemetery for a uniquely calming experience that feels quintessentially English in its enchantment. Don't rush your departure, you can also leave the church area and stroll through the streets of this quaint little village filled with cottages to soak up the peaceful mood.
0.4 mi
5 min
16:0030 min
Alvechurch Marina
Pier
Open Details
Make on last stop in Alvechurch at its gorgeous marina where you can take a seat outside or in one of the stores to enjoy the serenity. The marina pulls in Alvechurch locals and narrowboat owners and makes for an authentic and calming experience.
13.9 mi
20 min
17:0030 min
Henley Ice Cream Limited
Ice Cream Shop
Open Details
When you drive to Henley-in-Arden, head straight to their nationally renowned ice cream parlour. It closes at 5.30 pm every day so pop in once you arrive and treat yourself to your favourite of their 50 options. You can even try something new like their famous walnut and maple syrup crowd-pleaser to get the full experience. Then grab your cones and take a stroll among the streets of Henley.
0.2 mi
5 min
17:501 hr 30 min
Henley-in-Arden Guild Hall
Historic Site
Open Details
After devouring a delicious scoop, walk down Henley's high street towards the Guild Hall. This medieval town is filled with tradition and the Guild Hall offers an excellent look into its history and marvellous architecture.
After visiting the building, take a slow walk down the high street to discover more of the medieval and heritage buildings within the conservation area.
After visiting the building, take a slow walk down the high street to discover more of the medieval and heritage buildings within the conservation area.
0.2 mi
5 min
19:301 hr 30 min
Cheal's of Henley
Restaurant
Open Details
End an enriching and soul-nourishing day the only way it deserves, with an outstanding meal that Cheal's of Henley promises to deliver. This restaurant has won awards for its food and paired with service that perfectly balances attention and space, it makes for a fine-dining experience that's impossible not to love.