Solihull Travel Guide
City City in England, United Kingdom
Outside Birmingham, Solihull mixes Tudor inns and St. Alphege church with green parks and the Touchwood shopping quarter. Day visitors appreciate village pubs, tree-lined walks and quick access to the National Exhibition Centre and nearby Warwickshire countryside.
Why Visit Solihull? #
A compact English town prized for easy access to both countryside and the West Midlands urban scene. The historic town centre features Tudor-style buildings and independent shops, while Touchwood shopping centre and the nearby National Trust manor at Baddesley Clinton cater to different tastes. Pleasant parks and short trips into Birmingham or Shakespearean Warwickshire make it a convenient base for varied day trips.
Who's Solihull For?
Solihull is a popular family suburb with green spaces like Brueton Park, family-friendly neighbourhoods and good schools. Touchwood shopping centre and local leisure centres add easy indoor options, making it comfortable for parents and children.
Close to Birmingham Airport, the NEC and major motorway links, Solihull is convenient for business travellers and conferences. A range of mid- to upper-market hotels and corporate facilities in Bickenhill and the town centre support commercial stays.
Affluent villages around Solihull (Dorridge, Knowle) offer boutique hotels, gastropubs and upmarket dining. High-end independent shops and well-maintained suburban streets make it pleasant for a more refined short stay without the bustle of Birmingham.
Local green spaces and canal towpaths provide easy walking and cycling; nearby Warwickshire countryside and the Arden areas are a short drive away. Good for relaxed outdoor days rather than dramatic wilderness adventures.
Top Things to Do in Solihull
All Attractions ›
- Tudor Grange Park - Large riverside park with sports facilities, playgrounds, meadowland, and seasonal events.
- Touchwood Shopping Centre - Principal shopping and dining hub in Solihull town centre, cinema and restaurants.
- Brueton Park - Victorian park surrounding a boating lake, wildflower meadow, and children's play area.
- National Exhibition Centre (NEC) - Major events complex near Birmingham Airport hosting trade shows, concerts, and exhibitions.
- Packwood House (National Trust) - Tudor manor with an iconic yew garden and richly furnished period rooms.
- Baddesley Clinton (National Trust) - Moated medieval manor with informal gardens and intriguing priest-holes worth exploring.
- Elmdon Park - Parkland near the airport, with mature trees, walking trails, and peaceful views.
- Dorridge Park - Small riverside green with play areas, tennis courts and a quiet atmosphere.
- Solihull Moors / Damson Park - Local National League club; lively matchday atmosphere and community-focused events.
- Stratford-upon-Avon - Birthplace of Shakespeare with timbered streets, theatres, and riverside walks around the Avon.
- Warwick Castle - Fortified medieval castle with live shows, reconstructed rooms, and extensive ramparts to explore.
- Broadway (Cotswolds) - Picturesque village framed by honey-stone houses, independent shops, and rolling countryside walks.
- Oxford - Historic university city with colleges, museums, and punting along the River Cherwell.
- Coventry - Cathedral city rebuilt after WWII, featuring the modern Coventry Cathedral and Transport Museum.
Where to Go in Solihull #
Town Centre
Solihull Town Centre is compact and easy to navigate - shops, cafés and a couple of parks within walking distance. It suits people who want a quieter base close to Birmingham Airport and good rail links without city chaos.
Top Spots
- Touchwood - The main shopping centre with high-street stores, restaurants and a cinema.
- St. Alphege Church - Historic parish church at the heart of Solihull town centre.
- Tudor Grange Park - Large green space popular with families and weekend walkers.
Knowle
Knowle feels like a classic West Midlands village: pretty streets, cafes and a handful of good pubs. It’s the kind of place you visit for a slower day, antiques browsing and a proper Sunday lunch.
Top Spots
- Knowle High Street - A pleasant village high street with independent shops and pubs.
- Knowle Village Pubs - Characterful local pubs that do proper food.
- Village Events - Seasonal markets and community events in the village centre.
Shirley
Shirley is the residential side of Solihull where you’ll find everyday services, parks and relaxed cafés. It’s handy if you want a suburban feel with quick access to the town centre and wider West Midlands transport links.
Top Spots
- Shirley High Street - A local high street with everyday shops and takeaway options.
- Shirley Park - Community green space for walks and weekend sports.
- Local Cafés - Several reliable cafés and bakeries popular with residents.
Plan Your Visit to Solihull #
Best Time to Visit Solihull #
Visit Solihull from late spring through early autumn (roughly May-September) for the mildest weather, long daylight and pleasant outdoor exploring in parks and canals. Winters are cool and often wet, so outdoor sightseeing is more limited then.
Best Time to Visit Solihull #
Solihull's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (746 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 76 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Solihull
Solihull is a commuter town in England's West Midlands with easy access by air and rail. Birmingham Airport (BHX) and Birmingham International station are the nearest hubs; Solihull railway station provides frequent local rail links into Birmingham and Stratford directions.
Birmingham Airport (BHX): Birmingham Airport sits on the eastern edge of Solihull and is the most convenient airport. A free Air-Rail Link connects the terminal to Birmingham International railway station in 2-3 minutes; from Birmingham International a West Midlands Railway train to Solihull takes about 3-5 minutes (single fares typically around £2-4). Taxis from the terminal to Solihull town centre take roughly 10-15 minutes and cost approximately £10-15 depending on traffic.
London Heathrow (LHR) - alternative international gateway: Heathrow is an option if you need more flight choices; driving takes about 1.5-2 hours (depending on traffic). National Express coaches run direct services from Heathrow to Birmingham coach station in roughly 2-3 hours with fares often from around £10-£25; from Birmingham coach or Birmingham New Street station you can transfer to a local train to Solihull (10-15 minutes).
Train: Solihull is served by Solihull railway station (on the Birmingham - Stratford-upon-Avon route) and is one stop from Birmingham International. West Midlands Railway operates frequent local services: Birmingham New Street to Solihull is about 10-12 minutes, Birmingham International to Solihull about 3-5 minutes. Single fares on these short journeys are typically in the £2-£6 range depending on ticket type and time of travel.
Bus: Local buses around Solihull are mainly run by National Express West Midlands and other local operators, linking the town with Shirley, Chelmsley Wood and Birmingham. Journey times to Birmingham are typically 30-45 minutes depending on route and traffic; single fares are generally around £2-£4, with day tickets and operator m-tickets available for frequent travel.
How to Get Around Solihull
Solihull is best navigated by train for fast links to Birmingham and the airport, and by local buses for neighbourhood coverage. Taxis are practical for off-hours or direct door-to-door trips, while the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.
- Train (West Midlands Railway) (£2-6) - West Midlands Railway runs the main local services through Solihull station and Birmingham International. Trains are the fastest way to reach Birmingham New Street (about 10-12 minutes) and the airport connection at Birmingham International (3-5 minutes). Services are frequent through the day; buy tickets at the station or via the operator app and check peak/off-peak restrictions for the cheapest fares.
- Local bus (National Express West Midlands & local operators) (£2-4) - Buses provide local coverage across Solihull borough, linking residential areas, Shirley and outlying villages with the town centre. They're slower than trains for trips into Birmingham but useful for neighbourhood connections; expect journey times of 10-45 minutes depending on route. Use operator apps or pay on board - day tickets can save money if you'll be making several trips.
- Taxi & rideshare (black cabs / Uber) (£8-20) - Taxis and app-based rideshares are widely available and useful for door-to-door travel or late-night journeys when buses and trains are less frequent. Short trips in town are typically quick; fares to nearby points (including the airport) vary with time of day and traffic. For airport pickups book in advance if possible - licensed local firms and apps both operate in the area.
- Driving & parking (£1.50-3.50/hr (parking)) - Solihull sits next to the M42 and has good road links across the West Midlands, making it convenient by car. Town-centre car parks (for example Touchwood shopping centre) are plentiful but charges apply and can vary by location and time; expect to pay per hour in most public car parks. Allow extra time at peak hours and check individual car park websites or signs for up-to-date tariffs.
- Cycling (free-£5 (hire)) - Solihull has a mix of quieter roads and signed cycle routes that work well for short trips and leisure rides; bike parking is available in the town centre. Formal public bike-hire schemes are centred in Birmingham (e.g. Santander Cycles), so hiring may be easier if you plan to combine trips into the city. Helmets, lights and basic route planning are recommended - some suburban stretches can be busy at peak times.
- Walking - The town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot: the High Street, Touchwood shopping centre and nearby parks are all walkable. Walking is often faster than short bus trips within central Solihull and is the best way to discover local shops, cafes and landmarks.
Where to Stay in Solihull #
Where to Eat in Solihull #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Solihull's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Solihull #
Solihull’s nightlife is a polished mix of gastropubs, cocktail bars and a few late-night clubs, concentrated around the town centre and the Touchwood/High Street area. Expect lively pub scenes on weekends and smart-casual dress at nicer cocktail bars. Transport runs late but not all night - check last train/bus times; taxis are easy for late returns.
Best Bets
- Touchwood and High Street area - Central cluster of bars, restaurants and cinemas
- The Prince of Wales (pub) - Traditional pub with food and weekend buzz
- Malt House (pub/restaurant) - Local gastropub with seasonal dishes and ales
- Independent cocktail bars - Small cocktail spots for after-work drinks
- Town centre nightclubs - Late-night dancing on weekends; check dress codes
- Hotel bars (town centre) - Quieter, reliable places for evening drinks
Shopping in Solihull #
Solihull is a solid shopping town just outside Birmingham with a mix of high-street names and independent retailers. Touchwood is the modern shopping centre in the town centre; around it you’ll find Mell Square and the High Street with boutiques, cafes and regular markets. Expect mid-range brands, department stores and weekend markets-no hard bargaining, just typical UK retail etiquette.
Best Bets
- Touchwood Shopping Centre - Principal mall with brand stores, dining and a cinema.
- Mell Square - Open-air square with shops, cafes and occasional events.
- Solihull High Street - Independent boutiques, jewellers and specialist shops.
- Solihull Market - Regular outdoor market selling food and household goods.
- The Borough (independent retailers) - Cluster of small businesses and artisan stores.
- Shirley Road & local parades - Local grocers, bakeries and convenience shops.
