Britain’s Film and TV by region: The West Midlands
Stop 1 - Birmingham
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
Explore the history of the Midlands at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley. Part of an area known as the ‘Black Country’ for the soot produced by its many iron foundries, this open-air museum is just a 20-minute train-ride from Birmingham New Street. It also served as a vivid backdrop for Peaky Blinders, with its authentic reconstructions of period buildings and local landmarks, including Charlie Strong’s scrap metal yard and the Workers’ Institute, all of which appear throughout the series.
Cadbury World, Bourneville
Clients can channel their inner Wonka at Cadbury World, where the story of Britain’s famous chocolate brand comes to life. Located in Bournville – the model village built by the Cadbury family for their workers in 1893 – the attraction offers a 4D Chocolate Adventure ride, and a walk through the Aztec Jungle. This an immersive experience takes clients through a reproduction of a Mayan rainforest where they discover cocoa origins and learn about the cocoa, before they can stock up on sweet souvenirs in the shop.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Set in a grand Grade II listed building, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is packed with masterpieces. Its collection of more than 58,000 objects spans everything from 14th-century Gothic ivory and Pre-Raphaelite paintings to contemporary British art. Recent highlights include a temporary exhibitions on the legacy of British rock legend Ozzy Osbourne (until 18 January 2026), as well as seasonal workshops and events – from comedy nights to lunch-time recitals. Drop into the Round Room to discover artists’ renderings of places that are meaningful to them – from David Cox to Bridget Riley – or explore different facets of Birmingham through ‘Made in Birmingham’, a new display in the Industrial Gallery.
The Locationist Walking Tour
Walk in the footsteps of TV heroes on this two-and-a-half-hour Locanionist film locations tour through Birmingham led by former BBC and ITV tour guide, Lee Perkins. Starting on Lower Temple Street, near New Street, clients will discover where scenes from Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning were shot and where Peaky Blinders was brought to life – plus plenty of other spots that show the city’s cinematic side. Interactive quizzes keep things lively, while a free digital tour booklet with timecodes for scenes lets clients compare real-life locations with the on-screen action.
Digbeth
Explore the vibrant district of Digbeth, known for its industrial heritage, lively food and drink scene, and its TV connections. Home to Digbeth Loc Studios, where scenes from The Immortal Man were filmed, the area also served as a backdrop for Peaky Blinders, immersing fans in 19th-century Birmingham. Today, Digbeth has transformed into a cultural hub, boasting an eclectic mix of street art, independent shops and lively food markets. Clients can explore its artistic flair and enjoy trendy bars and music venues.
Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter is another area of Birmingham which stars in Peaky Blinders, with its architecture used to portray the city’s post-war industrial landscape. This historic area is renowned for its jewellery making heritage, boasting more than 100 independent jewellery businesses and workshops. Today, visitors can explore its cobbled streets, which are lined with artisan shops, cafes and intriguing museums, including the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.
Official Peaky Blinders Escape Rooms
Step into Tommy Shelby’s world in this immersive escape room experience by Escape Live, which is officially licensed by the creators of Peaky Blinders. In a group of two to seven players, your clients have to crack codes and solve puzzles as they race against the clock to find anything which incriminates the Shelby family before Major Campbell’s raid.
The Bullring and Grand Central
Used to depict an airport terminal in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Birmingham’s Grand Central station, along with the Bullring, is the largest shopping destination in the city. Home to major brands such as Selfridges, Calvin Klein and Mango, clients can shop as they please before tucking into an array of dining options, including Indian-inspired street food at Mowgli, Mrs Chew’s Chinese Kitchen and spicy flavours at Wingstop.
Birmingham Royal Ballet
For a night of world-class dance, take a seat at the Birmingham Hippodrome to experience a performance by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, one of the UK’s leading dance companies. Headed by the renowned dancer, Carlos Acosta, expect everything from Swan Lake to Black Sabbath-The Ballet, alongside contemporary pieces created especially for the ensemble.
F1® Arcade
Clients can channel their inner Lewis Hamilton at F1® Arcade, where cutting-edge simulators put them behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. They can race against themselves or others on virtual circuits or just soak up the atmosphere from the bar. To get some inspiration from the pros, catch a Grand Prix race on the big screen during one of the F1® Arcade’s Watch Parties, complete with live commentary.
getting around
Getting around: Birmingham is served by Birmingham Airport, to the south-east of the city, with train connections taking from 10 to 20 minutes. The city centre is easy to explore on foot, while for your longer journeys, clients can use an extensive bus network or the West Midlands Metro. Coventry is around 20 minutes by direct train from Birmingham New Street, with services running several times an hour. By car, the journey takes around 30 minutes.
Stop 2 - Coventry
Coventry Cathedral
Follow in the festive footsteps of teacher Mr Maddens and his primary school gang at Coventry Cathedral, a location in the original Nativity! film. This striking post-war building is joined to the ruins of the medieval cathedral, destroyed in the 1940 Blitz during the Second World War. Inside, marvel at Graham Sutherland’s 1962 tapestry, before visiting the Charred Cross made from two charred oak beams that had fallen from the roof after the 1940 attack. The cross on view is actually a replica, built in 1964 to stand in for the frail original which is kept in St. Michael’s Hall below the new cathedral.
Stoneleigh Abbey
Just 15 minutes from Coventry, Stoneleigh Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in 1154. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry XIII, it passed to Sir Thomas Leigh, Lord Mayor of London, who built a house on the site. Home to the Leigh family until 1990, the estate has hosted King Charles I, Queen Victoria, and Jane Austen. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of its elegant rooms and find out about the Leigh family’s fascinating history, including their links to Austen’s life and works. Outside, they can wander through parkland, landscaped by renowned gardener Humphry Repton in the 18th century.
Coombe Abbey Hotel
Coombe Abbey Hotel, a 15-minute drive from Coventry, is housed in a 12th-century Cistercian abbey surrounded by a moat and 500 acres of countryside. With ties to royalty and Guy Fawkes’s Gunpowder Plot of 1605, expect history at every turn in this historic building with 121 opulent rooms. Sleep like a lord or lady in luxury suites featuring four-poster beds, draped velvet curtains, stucco ceilings and Victorian rolltop bathtubs. Enjoy a moat-side walk before tucking into a cooked breakfast or book a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant cafe.
The Coventry Music Museum
Celebrate the city that gave the world two-tone music, the movement that launched British bands like The Specials and The Selecter. While two-tone is its headline act, over half of the Coventry Music Museum explores the wider musical story of Coventry and the surrounding area, including Rugby and Nuneaton. This volunteer-run museum is a love letter to local music, packed with rare records, memorabilia and even a recreated early-80s teenager’s bedroom.
Coventry Transport Museum
Marvel at the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world at The Coventry Transport Museum. Located in the city that was once the centre of the British car industry, it features everything from Victorian bicycles to the record-breaking Thrust SSC, the fastest car ever built. Don’t miss the Blitz Experience, which brings wartime Coventry to life in an immersive multimedia display.
Kenilworth Castle
Take in the royal period charm of Kenilworth Castle, where Robert Dudley, the first Earl of Leicester, once tried to woo Elizabeth I with lavish parties. Just a 20-minute drive from Coventry, its Norman keep dates to 1120, while clients can climb up to the Queen’s apartments for sweeping views, and explore the recreated Elizabethan garden, including a Renaissance aviary and water feature. Look out for seasonal events including live music in the garden, Halloween Trails and Christmas fun.
Go Ape Coventry
Located in the grounds of Coombe Abbey, Go Ape is a treetop adventure course that offers an adrenaline-fuelled contrast to historic sightseeing. Swing through the forest canopy, tackle rope crossings, and zoom down zip lines with views of Coombe Abbey Park. A range of packages are available for those travelling in small groups, as well as for couples and families.
FarGo Village
Step into one of Coventry’s hippest corners. FarGo Village is a creative quarter built in repurposed industrial buildings, packed with indie shops – selling everything from vinyl at Just Dropped In to Pagan crafts at Curlicue –, craft breweries, vegan cafés, and street art. It hosts regular makers markets, club nights and live music. Think Camden Market vibes with a Midlands twist.
The Wave Coventry
Make a splash at The Wave, Coventry’s indoor waterpark located in the city centre. Tackle six thrilling slides, including The Cyclone, which whirls riders around an open bowl before plunging them into the pool below. There’s also a family flume, wave pool, Lazy River, and a dedicated splash zone for little ones.
getting there
Getting around: Direct trains run from Coventry to Stratford-upon-Avon, taking from 35 to 45 minutes. By car, it takes around 45 minutes.
Stop 3 - Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the restored half-timbered Tudor house on Henley Street where William Shakespeare was born in 1564. Wander through rooms filled with historic artifacts and exhibits tracing the early life of the Bard. Actors bring history to life with regular short performances in the garden, while the shop has a range of Shakespeare-themed gifts. Ticket bundles for multiple Shakespeare properties can represent best value for clients wishing to visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, alongside Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s New Place Gardens and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom. Pre-booking is recommended.
Shakespeare and Hathaway locations tour, Brit Movie Tours
Fans of the TV series Shakespeare and Hathaway: Private Investigators can follow in the footsteps of Stratford’s on-screen detectives with the Shakespeare and Hathaway Locations Tour by Brit Movie Tours. This two-and-a-half-hour self-guided audio walking tour visits filming locations, local landmarks and hidden corners that appear in the series, while sharing anecdotes from the production. Just download the app and follow in the footsteps of Luella Shakespeare, Frank Hathaway and Sebastian as they solve crimes around this historic town.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Walk through the romantic gardens and rooms of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the timber-framed 16th-century family home of Shakespeare’s wife. Explore the orchard, meadows and historic rooms where Shakespeare’s wife lived before their marriage. Period furnishings and original features paint a picture of Tudor life and William and Anne’s courtship. As with Shakespeare’s Birthplace, ticket bundles for multiple sites may provide the best value for money.
Shakespeare Gin Distillery/Gin Cruise
Combine history with a deep-dive into the craft of gin-making at the Shakespeare Distillery. Book a 60-minute River Avon Gin Cruise for a floating tasting experience, sampling botanicals while gliding past the riverside sights including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church, Shakespeare’s burial place. Your clients can learn about distilling techniques and pick up a bottle or two from the shop to continue the experience at home.
Escape Live - ‘Chalice of Champions’ room
Budding wizards and witches can immerse themselves into Stratford-upon-Avon’s interactive side with Chalice of Champions, a magic-themed escape room from Escape Live. Players solve riddles and race against the clock to recover an ancient relic. This is a hands-on adventure for families and groups who love puzzles and interactive fantasy games.
Magical Alley
Dive into Stratford-upon-Avon’s wizarding corner at Magical Alley, an immersive experience inviting visitors to move through a series of themed game rooms with magical props on a quest to solve a mystical puzzle. The shop is an attraction in itself, selling everything from crystal balls, spells, magic tricks and books to magical objects and curiosities, while the castle café serves up Magical Milkshakes and Butterbeer.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Experience world-class theatre at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. From Shakespearean classics to contemporary productions, the riverside venue offers cutting-edge performances with scenic views of the River Avon. Tours reveal behind-the-scenes areas, offering a glimpse into the magic that brings the performances to life.
MAD Museum
Clients can unleash their creativity at MAD, the UK’s only Mechanical Art and Design Museum, a quirky gallery of interactive kinetic sculptures, mechanical art and automata. Exhibits by artists from all over the world invite hands-on exploration – press buttons to set marble machines rolling, watch 3D faces come to life and mechanical birds spread their wings, or get mesmerised by sand pictures.
Tudor World
Clients can immerse themselves in 16th-century Stratford-upon-Avon at Tudor World, living history museum set within a historic grade II listed building in the centre of town. Discover historic crafts and learn about daily life in Shakespeare’s time. Costumed guides, hands-on exhibits, and interactive displays bring Shakespeare’s era to life – from quill writing in the schoolroom and a mock witch trial, to perching on a throne or lying on a four-poster bed.
SUP River Avon tour
Paddle along the River Avon on a SUP Tour (stand-up paddleboard). Aimed at beginners and experienced paddlers, guides provide instruction before clients glide past riverside landmarks and through Warwickshire countryside on the shallow river. Complete novices can book a special SUP Tuition session to familiarise themselves with the equipment. All necessary equipment and safety guidance is provided.
Middle England Farm, Henley in Arden
Experience rural Warwickshire at Middle England Farm, where clients can meet farm animals, explore outdoor play areas, and take part in seasonal events. With hands-on activities, including award-winning alpaca walking experiences (90 minutes) and other animal encounters – from Llamas to goats and guinea pigs –, it’s a countryside retreat just outside Stratford-upon-Avon offering a taste of English country life.
getting around
Getting around: By car, it’s a 35 to 40-minute drive from Stratford-upon-Avon to Worcester city centre or Stock Heath, home of the Avoncroft Museum.
Stop 4 - Worcestershire
Arley Station, Severn Railway, Worcestershire
Hop aboard the Severn Valley Railway for a journey through time. Passengers can board at stations including Kidderminster, Bewdley, Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade, hopping off at Arley Station – a beautifully preserved stop surrounded by Worcestershire countryside. Its period charm has made it a popular filming location, appearing in Enola Holmes and The Chronicles of Narnia. Your clients can admire the heritage architecture and original signage before crossing the footbridge over the River Severn to Arley Arboretum. Established around 1800, it’s home to more than 300 tree species, numerous walking trails, and the longest laburnum arch in Britain (Seven Valley Railway ticket holders get 15% off entry).
Lygon Arms, Broadway
The Lygon Arms in Broadway is a 14th-century coaching inn brimming with history. Its striking Tudor architecture has welcomed royalty, military leaders, and Hollywood stars alike, from Charles I and Oliver Cromwell to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The 86-room hotel features two eateries: the fine-dining Grill by James Martin, serving seasonal, local dishes, and the cosy Tavern, offering small plates, local ales and seasonal treats. Guests can also relax in the luxury spa, complete with an indoor pool and a wide range of treatments.
Avoncroft Museum, Stock Heath
Take a festive detour to Avoncroft Museum, a living history museum showcasing more than 30 rescued historic buildings which have been re-built across 22 acres of land. Fans of Nativity 2 will recognise key locations from the film. Dating from the 13th century to the mid-20th century, clients can explore timber-framed cottages, air raid shelters, chapels and a windmill. Look out for seasonal events, craft demonstrations and hands-on experiences here too.
Worcester Cathedral, Worchester
Step inside the Gothic splendour of Worcester Cathedral, whose origins date back more than 1,000 years. In addition to its Norman crypt and fan vaulting, clients can admire medieval tombs, the Chapter House, and the cloisters. Regular guided tours offer insights into its history and architectural wonders. Book a Tower Tour and climb up to the top to enjoy far-reaching views over the city and surrounding countryside.
Broadway Village
Step into a storybook scene in Broadway, one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages, located on the south-east corner of Worcestershire. Its tree-lined high street, golden stone cottages and flower-filled gardens look straight out of a period drama. Potter through independent shops and galleries, then relax over afternoon tea while watching the world go by.
Broadway Tower
Climb Broadway Tower, an 18th-century folly designed by Capability Brown, perched at the top of the Cotswold escarpment. On a clear day, the views stretch across several counties and 200 acres of parkland. Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the tower with a multimedia guide, explore the private estate now owned by the Will family (ticketed), then refuel at one of two on-site cafés or browse the estate’s interiors and clothing shop.
Treeopia, Tenbury Wells
Escape to the treetops at Treeopia, Worcestershire’s award-winning adults-only hideaway. Nestled among ash trees on four acres of historic Kyre Park grounds, treehouses ‘Vivianna’ and ‘Eathelin’ offer unique luxury stays within nature. Each treehouse boasts a super-king bed, private hot tub, fire pit and kitchen, with panoramic lake and woodland views. Unwind with yoga or massage, explore nearby fine dining at Mortimers of Ludlow or the sustainable Sow, then return to the canopy to stargaze under a sky full of stars.
