West Midlands

Britain, places to visit, attractions, heritage
Find places to visit in Britain by name, location, type of attraction, or other keyword.

This listings directory of over 950 entries is being phased out.
It now excludes places and things of interest in the North of England, including Yorkshire.
These can be found in ABAB’s Places.
Places to visit in England’s East Midlands are currently being moved to ABAB’s Places.

Tap/Click ‘find listings’ for a detailed search – or just have a browse. 

WARWICK CASTLE

The original castle at Warwick was built of wood in the 11th century, possibly on or near an earlier Saxon fortification. It evolved to become one of England's pre-eminent castles, home to the powerful Earls of Warwick. In 1604, it passed to the Greville family, who occupied it until 1978. Warwick is an exceptionally complete picture-book castle, now run by an entertainments company. In addition to the building's undoubted historic merits, there is something of the theme park about it and all manner of things aimed at children. Attractions include a dungeon experience, a trebuchet, birds of prey, daily activities and extensive gardens/grounds.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Warwick
County
Warwickshire
Post Code
CV34 4QU
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Stratford on Avon
Primary Management
Merlin Entertainments
WHITE LADIES PRIORY

The evocative ruins of the Augustinian Priory of St Leonard, founded in 12th century and suppressed in 1535. A timber-framed house was built on the site - no trace of this remains. The future King Charles II hid briefly at White Ladies Priory whilst trying to evade Parliamentary forces following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

The easiest way to find this property is to follow the path from Boscobel House.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
In a clearing off a woodland path on Shackerley Lane, between Boscobell House and White Ladies Farm.
County
Shropshire
Post Code
WV8
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Boscobel House
Primary Management
English Heritage
WITLEY COURT

Not long ago, in the great scheme of things, Witley Court was a Palladian mansion with a staff of over 100 servants, where the great and the good - including the Prince of Wales (Later Edward VII) attended lavish parties. Jewellery was hung from Christmas trees for lady guests. In 1937, it was burnt to a shell in an accidental fire. Its ruins echo with the past and its ornate gardens, including two astonishing fountains, have been lovingly restored. The Perseus and Andromeda fountain, in particular, needs to be seen in action - it is 'fired up' at particular times. There are also woodland walks, lakeside views, places to picnic and a play area for kids.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Worcester Road
Great Witley
County
Worcestershire
Post Code
WR6 6JT
Main Historic Period
Edwardian
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Great Witley Parish Church next door and the nearby tearoom - both not to be missed.
Primary Management
English Heritage
WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

The medieval Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin, Worcester, perches beautifully over the river Severn. It was founded in the 7th century, rebuilt by St Oswald in the 10th century and the present building was begun by St Wulfstan in 1084. The Norman crypt is particularly worth seeing.  Worcester Cathedral was badly damaged during the Civil War in the 17th century and has been subsequently restored, notably by the Victorians. It is the burial place of King John, Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales (Henry VIII's older brother) and Stanley Baldwin, three times Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Chapter Office
8 College Yard
Worcester
County
Worcestershire
Post Code
WR1 2LA
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Link to featured article
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Worcester City Centre attractions, riverside walks, Worcester County Cricket
Primary Management
Church Authorities
Wroxeter Roman City

Viroconium - Roman Wroxeter - was the fourth largest Roman city in Britain, equal in size to Pompeii and with a population of maybe 10,000 people. It began as a frontier fort, then a legionary fortress and went on to have a 500-year history before fading away. Now, it largely lies under the Shropshire countryside. But the excavated bath complex provides a fascinating insight into Romano-British urban life, with tantalising glimpses into the post-Roman period - the Dark Ages. There is also a reconstructed Roman town house on the site, built using Roman methods. Down the road, along Watling Street, is the modern village of Wroxeter. St Andrew's church has re-used Roman columns as gateposts and an adapted column base as its font.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Wroxeter
County
Shropshire
Post Code
SY5 6PH
Main Historic Period
Roman
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Ironbridge, Shrewsbury
Primary Management
English Heritage

If your favourite attraction is not listed yet, and you have a good quality digital photograph of it that you are able to freely send, please get in touch

Scroll to Top