Places to visit in the West Midlands

Tour around the bombed-out ruins of Coventry’s old Cathedral, left as a reminder of the waste of war. Take the 180-step tower climb and you’ll be rewarded by 360-degree views from the roof of this Gothic masterpiece. Visit the new cathedral, regarded as a supreme example of Brutalist architecture, whose stained-glass ceiling creates an amazing wall of colour.

Discover a world of entertainment under one roof at Resorts World, home to a Cineworld Cinema with an IMAX screen, stellar shops and plentiful drinking and dining options. Browse fashion from household names, including the North Face, Skechers, Levi’s and Nike. Other temptations include Sony for tech, plus the Fragrance Shop for new and classic scents.

Having heroically resisted the call of Vietnamese cuisine, cocktails and French macarons at Resorts World (or maybe you couldn’t resist!), treat yourself to a fine-dining lunch at Cheal’s in Solihull. Pick from a two or three-course set menu (with optional wine pairings for added oomph). Savour dishes such as game consommé with mushroom parfait, or hake with cauliflower and lemongrass purée.

After an adventure-packed day, bed down in style at The Forest Hotel, in the peaceful village of Dorridge. The hotel has 12 smart-but-comfy ensuite bedrooms, ranging from twin rooms to deluxe doubles. If lunch already feels like a long time away, have a light dinner in the award-winning bar and restaurant.

Follow in Tolkien’s footsteps to historic Sarehole Mill and discover the rural setting that inspired Middle-Earth. There has been a mill on this site since 1542; the current building dates from the mid-18th century. Go for a ramble in The Woodland Realm, a patch of forest next to the Mill Pond, home to enchanting creations by local sculptor Graham Jones.

Calling all chocoholics! From its chocolate-making zone and cocoa-filled cafe, to sweet theme park rides and the planet’s biggest Cadbury shop: every inch of Cadbury World is dedicated to our favourite treat. You can peek inside the famous Cadbury factory, too.

Combine two of the West Midlands’ favourite treats – curry and beer – at The Vine. Classic British pub on the outside; Indian grill restaurant on the inside. Popular dishes include goat curry, chicken tikka and anything from the indoor barbecue. Treats for veggies include soya tikka spring rolls, onion bhajis, samosas and paneer naan wraps.

The open-air Black Country Living Museum recreates regional life in the 19th century, with actors providing realistic glimpses of the past. Visitors can interact with the actors and enjoy traditional food and street games. Afterwards, stroll around Sutton Park, a 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve with heaths, woodlands, wetlands, lakes and marshes; wave at the grazing cattle and wild ponies.

A 50-minute drive away in Lichfield, Michelin-approved Larder promises casual dining with ‘all flavour, no pomp’. There’s a great-value Spanish tasting menu (five courses for under £50 per person), with highlights including braised pig cheek with Manchego custard and chorizo crumb, or glazed tomato with Iberico crisp, parsley, anchovy and fennel salad. Save room for leche fritta (fried milk custard).