Birmingham is the must-visit city in England's West Midlands. But for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, there are plenty of places with breathtaking scenery within easy reach to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. Not forgetting the charming towns and villages scattered throughout the region. Would you like to discover the many places of interest around Birmingham? Why not take the opportunity to plan a road trip by motorhome? The best way to go where you want, feel free and visit at your own pace. Here are 5 places that are sure to leave you with wonderful images and sweet memories.
1. Malvern Hills
Just over an hour's drive from Birmingham, the Malvern Hills boast magnificent landscapes of forests and mountain peaks. An incredible destination for enjoying nature and filling your lungs with fresh air. Kilometres of footpaths allow you to make the most of the beauty of the landscape. A paradise for hiking, cycling, climbing, fishing and horse riding. From the gentle curves of North Hill, you can climb to the summit of Worcester Beacon, where the rewards are sublime panoramas to be photographed from top to bottom. The Malvern Hills are also a great place to recharge your batteries. Like Great Malvern. The spa town awaits visitors to take advantage of its spas and the virtues of its local springs. An elegant town, you should also take the time to discover its Victorian architecture and warm up in a café over a cup of tea or coffee.
What a pleasure to explore the Malvern Hills in a comfortable motorhome like the new Carthago c-tourer T/I 145 RB LE. Its modern design and clever layout, with spacious sleeping accommodation, a shower cubicle, plenty of storage space, a functional corner kitchen and an L-shaped living room that allows several people to get together for meals, make the journey even more magical.
2. Ironbridge Gorge
Ironbridge Gorge is a place steeped in history in England. Quickly accessible on a motorhome trip from Birmingham, this tourist destination plunges visitors into the fascinating world of the Industrial Revolution, a period that changed the whole world. After driving through lush green countryside, the first stop is the majestic Iron Bridge, the world's first cast-iron bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooking the River Severn, it is the perfect symbol of the ingenuity of the time. The tour continues with the CoalBrookdale Museum of Iron, where we find out how iron, and particularly Coalbrookdale iron, changed the course of the world through stunning exhibits, exquisite art castings and functional cookware made from iron. We then travel back in time to Blists Hill Victorian Town, a village recreated in the Victorian era. Here you can interact with costumed craftsmen and discover what daily life was like in those days.
Many other experiences await the curious during your motorhome trip. Like the Coalport China Museum, where you can discover the art of fine porcelain and its impact on world trade. Not forgetting a peaceful stroll along the Shropshire Canal, surrounded by lush countryside. And don't forget to explore the surrounding hills. They offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Ironbridge Gorge.
3. Tewkesbury
Why not leave Birmingham for a moment and head south to the charming town of Tewkesbury? After an hour's drive, you'll find yourself in the heart of the medieval town, home to some superb buildings. The half-timbered and brick facades are remarkable. One of the town's jewels is its Romanesque abbey. But don't miss the details of the former Baptist chapel and the 17th-century building housing the town's museum. Water is an integral part of the scenery. After walking along the Severn, you can take a boat trip along the Avon on another day. Tewkesbury also has a number of pubs where you can enjoy traditional food and drink. If you're travelling by motorhome, the ideal option is to head off into the surrounding countryside. The town is surrounded by bucolic farmland and misty glens.
4. Shropshire Hills AONB
Stretching along the border between England and Wales, the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) offers a memorable experience in the heart of the British countryside. When travelling by motorhome, be sure to stop off and enjoy the diversity and beauty of the countryside on foot or by bike. Nature reveals lush green plains, mountain ridges, moorland landscapes, forests, rivers and streams. After walking the paths and climbing the hilltops to photograph the panoramas, head for the towns with their rocky heritage, such as Church Stretton, Ludlow or Bishop's Castle. The conflicts that took place over the centuries have left behind some remarkable buildings, such as Ludlow Castle and the fortifications on Offa Dyke. The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are a must-see destination for nature lovers, history buffs and those seeking tranquillity.
5. The Costwolds
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in England. A motorhome road trip in the Costwolds takes you through lush green valleys and to the edge of forests. The winding country roads lead to the honey-coloured houses, buildings and monuments that decorate villages that seem to be out of time. Bibury, the most mythical, but also Stow-on-the-Wold, Naunton or Castle Combe, await visitors to contemplate their stone facades and every detail that makes them bucolic. A bridge here, a river there, a fountain, a shop or a welcoming pub. Over 160 km long, the Cotswolds Way is a signposted and well-maintained path linking the town of Chipping Camden with Bath. A great route for experienced walkers to marvel at the rural scenery. Other not-to-be-missed walks in the area include a visit to Warwick Castle, where you can immerse yourself in over a thousand years of history, and a climb up the Broadway Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the region.
