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West Midlands

(34 Posts)
Nonnie Tue 15-Sept-15 13:54:05

Kenilworth Castle is worth a visit, imo better than Warwick. The back to backs don't take very long so suggest you plan something else in Brum that day. The museum is brilliant.

I can recommend Black Country Museum, we last went in 2014 and it is still as good as it was.

If you can get in a concert at Symphony Hall it is truly wonderful and I don't feel the least intimidated by the canal at night. Old perhaps but they are not in any way threatening. Just don't walk up Broad St on a Friday or Saturday night!

The Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston are good and if you want to treat yourself to a special meal Simpsons in Edgbaston is good. Apparently Brum has more Michelin starred restaurants than anywhere else outside London.

Hope you have a great time.

Anya Tue 15-Sept-15 13:53:34

,

Anya Tue 15-Sept-15 13:51:17

Why not try a night or two 'glamping' at Warwick Castle? (See photo) It's supposed to be a great exoerience and if you visit St Mary's Church, where I'm a guide, I can give you an exclusive tour and recommend a great place for homemade cupcake

KatyK Tue 15-Sept-15 13:09:20

Kate My DH used to be a tour guide for the Birmingham Back to Backs and I have done the tour a couple of times. If you decide to go you will need to book in advance. Also, you will need sturdy footwear as there are some winding narrow staircases. The canal area in the city centre is well worth a visit (not advisable at night with all the revellers but lovely in the daytime it's at the back of Symphony Hall). Symphony Hall is usually open in the day and you can pop in and have a look. The new library is certainly worth a look. It is located on Broad Street a few yards from Symphony Hall. There are several floors and they have little gardens on some of the floors where you can see right across the city. There are some nice National Trust places for instance Packwood House and Baddesley Clinton which are only about a mile apart (near Warwick).

NanKate Mon 14-Sept-15 20:30:30

I used to do my my courting in the Dorridge area Alea, but as it was before DH I think I shall keep schtum about that. grin

Thanks anyway for the recommendation I don't mind where we stay as long as it is nice.

Alea Mon 14-Sept-15 20:01:51

Is Dorridge too far out of your area? We liked the Forest Hotel there (and lunch at the Boot in Lapworth!)

NanKate Mon 14-Sept-15 18:59:10

Thanks Teetime I used to work in Warwick and know the area well, having said that it is 44 years ago, things will have changed. smile

Teetime Mon 14-Sept-15 18:10:11

Not sure if its the West Midlands but we had a weekend break this year in Kenilworth and stayed at the Loch Fyne restaurant and Boutique Hotel it was lovely and such a good centre for visiting Leamington Spa and Warwick and I LOVED Coventry Cathedral.

NanKate Mon 14-Sept-15 17:30:26

In preparation for when DH asks what I want to do for my 70th in 2016 I have been making a personal list of places I want to go in the UK whilst we are both hail and hearty. We have already organised a Do for the family in the South where we live now.

I originate from Birmingham and thought it would be nice to revisit the Black Country Museum (have been once and loved it), Dudley Zoo and I think there is a steam railway nearby. Maybe the National Trust Back to Back houses too.

I am having trouble finding a nice B & B/Hotel/Farm in the area. I don't mind if we are a bit west of Birmingham. I looked at the Premier Inn in Dudley but the reviews were pretty dire.

Can anyone suggest other places to visit or stay from personal experience?