Elliott Brown: At the Pershore Road in Edgbaston. Track for running or cycling. Large field for cricket or football games. Path goes over the River Rea bridge. Plinth of Robert Peel statue still here.
Great Charles Street Queensway (Old Snow Hill), Birmingham, West Midlands
Light Rail Station · 1 tip
Elliott Brown: A lift or steps gets you to the platforms. Or the walk past One, Two and Three Snowhill. Shelters not much cover from rain. Have to go from Birmingham Snow Hill Station Livery Street entrance.
Elliott Brown: Been aware of it for years since 2009. First visit in 2023. First floor extra seating. Window view to the Market Place. Free WiFi. Comfortable seating and tables.
Inside Premier Inn, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Coffee Shop · 1 tip
Elliott Brown: Replaced Caffe Nero on Henley Street. Ground floor and first floor. Views out of window ok. Closer to Shakespeare's Birthplace than the old venue. And next to the MAD museum.
Elliott Brown: Four hangers with retired RAF planes from 1918 to the late 20th century at least. WW1, WW2, Cold War etc. Also some uniforms. A couple of simulators (didn't go on them). Book free online tickets.
Elliott Brown: Station next to the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline canal. Island platform.Trains half hourly. Doesn't take long to travel from Birmingham New Street. Bit basic with subway exit to car park.
Elliott Brown: First time inside St Paul's Church other than a previous Belfry visit. Both for Birmingham Heritage Week (7 years apart). Georgian interiors. Some memorials and stained glass windows. In the JQ.
1 Dads Ln (opp Highbury pub), Birmingham, West Midlands
Fish and Chips Shop · Kings Heath · 12 tips and reviews
Elliott Brown: Restaurant on the 1st floor extension. Book for a large group in advance. Rear view of the Rea Valley near Selly Park. The fish & chips was nice. Desert like a sundae. Parking outside but limited.
Wolverhampton Train Station, West Midlands, West Midlands
Coffee Shop · 1 tip
Elliott Brown: Been two or three times since it opened. A bit small. Couldn't get the WiFi working here. This time in takeaway cups and cardboard warmer for the toastie.
Elliott Brown: Regular trains now from Avanti West Coast (previously Virgin Trains) and West Midlands Railway (London Northwestern Railway trains, previously London Midland). Long platforms but no benches.
Elliott Brown: Pre-booking your tickets for a guided tour is essential. As limited on the door tickets. Tour takes over an hour and a half. Narrow staircases and cramped rooms. Also special exhibition rooms.