Nothing is better than a weekend getaway. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a busy week and keeps life from getting too stale. Just two nights away, somewhere new, whether that’s a bustling city, a rustic village, or endless miles of untouched nature, can give you the refresh and reset you need to tackle the next week. Do exactly that at these best weekend trips from Birmingham. Here are five weekend getaways near Birmingham that you can easily fit into a weekend or the next bank holiday.
1. The Cotswolds
We have a problem: we can’t stop recommending the Cotswolds! It’s just so easy to reach, which is why it also made our list of weekend road trips from London. There is no better way to escape the bustle of daily life than to visit the Cotswolds. This place looks like it was ripped straight from a Disney fairytale, with thatched cottages, ivy creeping up walls, cobblestone paths, lush forests, and more. You almost expect the trees to have faces and the birds to start singing. This is easily one of the most romantic weekend getaways from Birmingham, ideal for anniversaries or special occasions.
Things to do in the Cotswolds:
-There is no doubt that the Cotswolds are one of the most dog-friendly places in the UK. You’ll find many great dog walking routes, such as Cleeve Hill, which is the highest point in the Cotswolds and offers incredible views over Cheltenham and the surrounding landscape. We’ve rustled up a complete dog-friendly guide to the Cotswolds for everything you need to know.
-Spend an afternoon exploring the ancient market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Cotswolds. While there, head to St Edward’s Church, which supposedly inspired J.R.R Tolkien’s Doors of Durin.
-Little ones and big ones alike will adore a visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. It features over 260 different species of wildlife across 160 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens.
2. Shropshire Hills
We’ll never understand how people aren’t flocking to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is especially ideal for weekend trips from Birmingham in the peak season, as it will be far less crowded than the Lake District or the Cotswolds. While it’s surprising people aren’t talking about this gorgeous landscape, filled with sloping hills, majestic castles, ancient ruins, and mysteries to be explored, we’ll take the peace and quiet! You’ll find plenty of charming market towns around, as well as great motorhome campsites in Shropshire.
Things to do in Shropshire:
-If you’re looking to dive into the rich history of Shropshire, you’ll find plenty of options nearby. The Soldiers of Shropshire Museum will take you through nearly 300 years of British Army Evolution, focusing on the campaigns and sacrifices of Shropshire Soldiers. The Shrewsbury Prison is a recently decommissioned Victorian jail where you can learn about life here for the incarcerated and guards; it was voted one of the Best Dark Tourism sites in the world.
-Or, for those seeking to cool off on a hot day, head to Shropshire Raft Tours for canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and more. Follow this by a tour and tasting at the award-winning Shropshire Distillery.
-Lace up your hiking boots and stretch your legs; it’s time for a hike! There’s no better way to enjoy this stunning region than hillwalking. For an easy walk, head to Onny Meadows, the Bog Mine or Carding Mill Valley. For something a little more challenging, try your hand at The Wrekin, Shropshire’s iconic hill.
3. Clwydian Range & Dee Valley
Let’s head over to Wales for our next weekend trip near Birmingham. Instead of visiting the obvious options of Eryri National Park or Bannau Brycheiniog, we’re going to the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. You’ll find it far less busy in the peak season, and just as good for hillwalking. You can expect historic towns and villages, heather-clad hills, dramatic summits, sprawling woodland and ancient forts.
Things to do in the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley:
-Coed Llandegla is a privately owned forest park located at the southeast end of the Clwydian Range. It attracts over 200,000 keen cyclists each year, all keen to try the swooping trails for riders of all abilities. You’ll also find a skills area to perfect your techniques on jumps, berms and timber bridges.
-Your trip to Wales wouldn’t be complete without visiting a castle. Denbigh Castle was built in the 13th century and is considered to be the most picturesque castle in all of Wales — let’s see if you agree! You can also visit the remains of Iron Age forts here, including Caer Drewyn in the southwest to Moel Hiraddug in the north.
-Now it’s time for some hiking. The Castell Dinas Bran Circular takes you past the ruins of a castle and is popular for both dog walkers and bird watchers. Or, for the more adventurous among you, challenge yourself to hike to Moel Fammau, which means ‘Mother Mountain’ in Welsh and is the highest summit in the range at 1818ft.
4. Peak District
For the next of our weekend getaways from Birmingham, we’re heading to Britain’s original National Park. The Peak District is known for its vast and unique landscape, with picturesque views, an abundance of wildlife, and a fascinating history. Parkhouse and Chrome Hill are known to be the most beautiful spots in the Peak District. You’ll find plenty of great campsites in the Peak District.
Things to do in the Peak District:
-Visit House of the Dragon filming locations. The Peak District National Park provided many scenic backdrops for episodes. For example, Cave Dale was used as the location of the crab kings' acolytes in those gruesome scenes.
-If you’re not afraid of enclosed spaces, it’s time to explore a cavern. Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton is renowned or its unique and large deposits of Blue John stone, and features some of the most beautiful cave formations in the UK. Or, in the gorge below Peveril Castle, you’ll find Peak Cavern, also known as the Devil’s Arse.
-If you’re travelling with little ones, definitely plan an afternoon at Matlock Farm Park. This family-friendly farm offers fun indoor and outdoor activities, including meerkat talks, wallaby encounters, and lessons on animal handling.
5. Manchester
This list of weekend breaks near Birmingham wouldn’t be complete without a classic city trip, and for that, we’ve chosen Manchester. We think Manchester is an amazing city to visit throughout the year, from warmer summer months to autumn getaways. Manchester offers a fantastic live music scene, culture and art, great foodie trails, and unique markets.
Things to do in Manchester:
-Despite being a bustling city, Manchester is actually filled with greenery. Soak up the sunshine at some of Manchester’s best parks, such as Peel Park, Heaton Park, and Chorlton Water Park.
-The only way to get the full experience of Manchester’s skyline is from a rooftop bar. Some great options include El Gato Negro, 20 Stories and BrickHouse Social.
-Have no fear if rainy days arise during your trip; there’s plenty to keep you entertained indoors. To sneak a little education into your weekend, head to the Science and Industry Museum. Or, to fill your cultural needs, spend a few hours strolling around the Manchester Art Gallery. Finally, big and little football fans alike will love visiting the National Football Museum.
Five weekend breaks near Birmingham, perfect for solo travellers, families, friends, or romantic getaways. Birmingham is an incredible city with plenty to do, but sometimes you just need a change of scenery for a few days. So head out on one of these weekend trips from Birmingham, the perfect escape while you wait for your longer holidays.
