Don’t get us wrong. You won’t be bored in Birmingham.
As the UK’s second largest city, it’s got plenty going on to fill your free time between lectures and seminars. But Birmingham is one of the best-connected cities in the country, and the allure of the wider area is tempting.
So, whether you’re gathering mates for a group expedition, or heading out on a solo adventure, get these day trips from Birmingham on your bucket list.
The Cotswolds
This dreamy region is the England you see on postcards (and almost every British rom-com).
It’s got honey-coloured cottages. It’s got gently rolling hills. And it’s almost certainly got cheerful robins on bright-red post-boxes.
In the northern Cotswolds, Moreton-in-Marsh is just over an hour from Birmingham New Street.
From here, stride out on a circular walk, taking in pretty villages and cosy pubs. Otherwise, simply mooch about the town’s independent shops and eateries, camera at the ready.
How to get there: Catch a train from Birmingham to Moreton-in-Marsh, changing at Worcestershire Parkway.
Journey time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Bristol
Free-spirited Bristol is an easy train-ride away, for a full day getting to know this colourful city in the South West.
Perhaps challenge yourself to find every Banksy artwork in the city, painted on street corners by the UK’s most legendary (and elusive) street-artist. Or explore the harbourside for trendy bars, restaurants, and shops with a view across the water.
Feeling energetic? Make the climb up the hill to Clifton Suspension Bridge and admire the leafy banks of the Avon Gorge from up high.
How to get there: Take a direct train from Birmingham straight to Bristol.
Journey time: 1 hour 25 minutes.
Kenilworth Castle
In 1575, Queen Elizabeth I stayed in Kenilworth Castle with the man who hoped to become her husband and King of England (spoiler: he didn’t). Today, all that remains of this centuries-old castle is a sprawling ruin.
Clamber up the stone steps and let your imagination take over. Amble amongst the Elizabethan Garden and grab a slice of cake at the tearoom.
This is the perfect escape from the modern city. Think romantic ruins, Insta-worthy views, and stories from the castle’s medieval heyday.
(Top tip: Show your train ticket for a discount on entry!)
How to get there: Catch the train to Leamington Spa, then swap onto the number 11 bus and jump off at the Holiday Inn stop in Kenilworth.
Journey time: Around 1 hour 10 minutes.
London
It may not look it on the map, but London is ridiculously easy to reach from Birmingham by train.
In less than an hour and a half, you and your course mates can be ticking off the sights in the UK’s dazzling capital.
You can’t go wrong here.
Take your pick from some of the best museums in the world (like the V&A and the Natural History Museum), immerse yourself in Britain’s royal story at Buckingham Palace, or dedicate yourself to some serious shopping down Oxford Street.
And it’s close enough that you don’t have to see everything in one day. Come back to soak up London in all seasons, and be home in time for tea.
How to get there: Hop on a direct train from Birmingham to London.
Journey time: Around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Kinver Edge
It doesn’t get much more unique than a day out to Kinver Edge.
What looks like just a craggy rock face surrounded by trees and greenery, is actually… houses. These historic homes built into the red sandstone have been restored by the National Trust, and are now open to tourists for a peek inside.
Duck into dollhouse-like dwellings to discover who lived in the rock houses. Continue your adventure up the hill for big views across the countryside. Keep an eye out for the remains of an Iron Age hillfort to boot.
How to get there: Jump on the train from Birmingham to Stourbridge Town, changing at Stourbridge Junction, then take the 242 bus to Meddins Lane.
Journey time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Bakewell
The joy of being based in Birmingham is that you’re pretty much in the middle of the country.
That means south and north are easy enough to get to – even without a car.
Case in question: Bakewell. This chocolate-box town is a beautiful introduction to the Peak District National Park’s heady hills and dramatic valleys.
Pack a rucksack and tackle an afternoon’s hike past the incredible Chatsworth House, or slow things down and treat yourself to a laidback day in Bakewell itself (home of the iconic Bakewell tart!).
How to get there: Take the train from Birmingham to Matlock, changing in Derby, then catch the TRANSPEAK bus to Bakewell.
Journey time: Around 1 hour 55 minutes.
Lickey Hills Country Park
Birmingham rightly gives big city vibes, but the great outdoors is closer than you think.
With over 500 acres of wood and grassland to explore, Lickey Hills Country Park is only 10 miles from the city. You’ll feel fully lost in the wilderness here (in all the best ways!).
Plan a day exploring with newfound uni friends, and pack a picnic to enjoy along the way, while listening out for birdsong. Come in late spring to experience otherworldly swathes of bluebells all across the forest floor.
How to get there: Hop on the X20 bus to Leach Green Lane, then walk 15 minutes into the park.
Journey time: Around 45 minutes.
The best thing about these day trips?
They’re all super accessible from Vita Student Gough Street. Here, you’re just five minutes away from Birmingham New Street – the city’s major transport hub.
At Gough Street, you can relax knowing that your weekday breakfast is taken care of, with a 24/7 gym, games area, and regular events to keep things social between studying.
