West Midlands Accommodation Guide
The West Midlands (sometimes abbreviated to just ‘West Mid’ or ‘West Mids’) is a ceremonial county in the central area of England called the Midlands. After Greater London it is second most populous county in England. Like London, the West Midlands county is made up of a series of metropolitan boroughs including Wolverhampton, Coventry, Dudley, Birmingham, Walsall, Solihull and Sandwell.
Many people visiting the West Midlands get confused between the county ‘The West Midlands’ and the wider ‘West Midlands’ geographical region which includes Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. The West Midlands county is situated in the centre of the West Midlands region. The two share the same name but their geographical boundaries are very different!
To further add to the confusion, the county is often referred to as the “West Midlands Metropolitan Area” or the “West Midlands Conurbation” or just as “Greater Birmingham”. Interestingly though, each of these descriptions refer to slightly different boundaries.
In this brief guide, we will focus on the West Midlands county which incorporates the UK’s second largest city (Birmingham). With so much to see and do, we will explore some of the region’s most famous attractions. We will also look at the county’s best accommodation options including some key recommendations for each major city.
Whether you are looking for a self-catering apartment for a business trip or for a holiday home for a city break, our accommodation search engine will help you find the perfect place. From plush hotels near the main conference centres to city centre apartments, we have a range of accommodation options to suit every need and budget.
As ‘Britain’s Second City’, Birmingham attracts tourists from all over the world. It is also served by its own international airport (Birmingham Airport) thereby bringing international visitors to the region. The wider West Midlands region attracts over 130 million visitors every year.
Many people visit Birmingham to attend a conference or exhibition thanks to some of the best venues in the UK including the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the International Convention Centre (ICC) and the National Indoor Arena (NIA). We have hotels and apartments close to each of Birmingham’s key exhibition venues.
Of course, you may be looking for accommodation near to the county’s principal sporting grounds including the Molineux Stadium (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Ricoh Arena (Coventry Football Club), The Hawthorns (West Bromwich Albion), St. Andrew’s (Birmingham City FC), Villa Park (Aston Villa FC), Wolverhampton Racecourse (horse racing) and Edgbaston Crickey Ground. We can you find the perfect place to stay overnight.
Given the many cities that lie within the county, the area is becoming increasingly popular as a city break destination. Some of the UK’s best shopping can be found at the Birmingham Bullring shopping centre. Theatre goers are very well catered for with the Birmingham Hippodrome, Symphony Hall (Birmingham) and the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre featuring leading shows from all over the world.
Despite a high degree of former industrial land use and heavily urbanised terrain, the West Midlands has a number of open green spaces. The “Meriden Gap” is one such area. Essentially a ‘green belt’ to stop urban sprawl between Solihill and Coventry, the ‘Gap’ has protected many beautiful villages and hamlets. Even areas within the former ‘Black County’, so called for the black soot that many of the coal mines and iron foundries churned out, now have many green areas to enjoy.
Villages such as Pickford Green, Corley Moor, Eastcote, Hampton-in-Arden, Berkswell, Barston, Temple Balsall, Bradnocks Marsh and Millisons Wood are well worth a visit if you are in the area. Similarly, many of the market towns in the region are a nice place to spend a day. These include Sutton Coldfield, Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Wednesbury, Netherton, Allesley and Bourneville.
West Midlands / Tourist Information
- County Town: Birmingham
- Land Area: 902 km2 (348 square miles)
- Population: 2,916,458 (2019)
- Population Density: 3,235/km2 (8,380/square miles)
- Average Temperature: (Summer 22°C)
- Days Of Rain: 171 days of rain / 195 dry days per year
Best Attractions In West Midlands
Cadbury World: Lovers of the book ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ will love this interactive museum in central Birmingham which charts the history of both chocolate and the Cadbury brand through the ages. Perhaps you will meet Willie Wonka there too!
Aston Hall: Aston Hall is a Grade I listed stately home located in Aston near Birmingham. Built between 1618 and 1635, Aston Hall is one of the leading examples of Jacobean style architecture in the UK. It is now owned by Birmingham City Council and serves the local community as a museum. Following a major renovation in 2009, the house and its stunning grounds are open to the public in the summer months.
Coventry Transport Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of British Road Transport, this incredible museum is located in Coventry city centre. The museum contains the largest collection of British-made road transport vehicles in the UK (owned publicly) and pays tribute to Coventry’s central role in British car manufacturing over many decades. There are more than 500 vehicles on display!
Best Accommodation In West Midlands
Lower Ford Street (Coventry): This former coach house in the centre of Coventry sleeps 7 people across 4 bedrooms in style! Located just a stone’s throw from the city centre, this incredible holiday house has the added benefit of having outside space in the form of a courtyard and patio. Parking is also included (rare for holiday accommodation in Coventry) and there is also a charging point for electric vehicles.
Finwood Cottage (Rowington): Finwood Cottage is one of two adjacent holiday cottages that provide accommodation for 4 people when combined. Both cottages are former farm buildings and feature open plan living spaces with stone flagged floors. There is also a lovely indoor swimming pool and gym area for guests to enjoy!
Trostrey Road (Birmingham): This is a good option for people looking for self-catering accommodation in Birmingham with good transport links into the city centre. Sleeping 10 people across 5 bedrooms this modern and spotlessly clean holiday home is also perfect for business travellers. It is also close to the world-famous ‘Cadbury World’ and the Black Country Living Museum.
More coming soon…
Stay In Britain is the ultimate guide to places to stay and things to do in Great Britain. Whether you are looking for a luxury self-catering cottage, a cheap B&B for a weekend stay, a short break in a caravan park or a business-friendly hotel in the West Midlands area, we have everything you need. Enjoy your stay in Britain!
