This metropolitan county is the second most populous county in the UK after Greater London. Although the county only existed since 1974, there is a lot of history and culture to explore. From exciting attractions to immersive museums, here are some fantastic Easter activities in West Midlands.
Cadbury World
For all you chocoholics out there, a trip to Cadbury World should definitely be on your itinerary. One of Birmingham’s largest attractions, Cadbury World was built on the site where the Bourneville bar is manufactured. Although it doesn’t offer factory tours, you can learn about the history of chocolate and how the Cadbury company came to be. Make your way around the 14 zones of Cadbury World which feature interactive displays, staff demonstrations, 4D rides and multi-sensory cinema. You can even have a go at making chocolate yourself!
Black Country Living Museum
If you’re looking for engaging things to do in West Midlands this Easter, then visit the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley. This open-air museum takes you through 300 years of history and there is plenty to do in this specially built historic village. Play traditional street games, take a ride on some vintage vehicles, catch a film in a 1920s cinema and join an Edwardian school lesson. For a bite to eat, taste some traditional Black Country food at the Bottle & Glass, or try some old-fashioned fish and chips. You can also hear stories of people who worked during the Industrial Revolution and watch live industrial demonstrations.
Wightwick Manor and Gardens
Although not as grandiose as other stately homes, Wightwick Manor is still undeniably beautiful. This Victorian half-timbered manor house in Wolverhampton has been in the Mander family since it was built and is full of personal items like letters and photographs. There is also an impressive collection of Pre-Raphaelite art and William Morris designs and outside, there are 17 acres of woodland and gardens to roam around. You can also join in on special talks and workshops including botanical illustration, stone-carving, lino printing and photography.
Coventry Transport Museum
Coventry Transport Museum celebrates the city’s past as the centre of the car industry in Britain and the birthplace of the bicycle. The museum is home to the UK’s largest collection of British vehicles with more than 250 cars, 120 motorcycles and 300 bicycles. Highlights of the museum are the Thrust2 and ThrustSSC, the cars which broke the land speed record back in 1983 and 1997. Take a look at the Austin Metro which was previously owned by Princess Diana, or marvel at the kinds of cars you might be driving in the future.
Symphony Hall
Culture vultures will enjoy a trip to Symphony Hall in Birmingham. It’s the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and holds around 800 shows across the city throughout the year. Located in the same building as the International Convention Centre, the 2,262 seater venue has a wide range of performances including jazz, world, folk, rock, pop, classical, dance, comedy and spoken word. The stunning, luxurious interior is based on the Musikverein in Vienna and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and is generally considered as one of the finest concert halls in the country.