Solihull
A Comprehensive Area Guide
Birmingham is home to a diverse array of locations, some laidback, while others like Solihull can be best described as eclectic thanks to the mix of attractions available.
Located about half an hour from the city centre, Solihull is the administrative centre for the Borough of Solihull. It is simultaneously a market town with award-winning shopping centres, family-friendly entertainment options, and nearly endless attractions to explore such as the Land Rover Experience, and the Bear Grylls Adventure Park.
Additionally, the area is set in the Forest of Arden close to River Blythe meaning scenic green spaces and woodlands with scenic walks, and secret paths. Discover more about Solihull in our area guide below
Getting Around Solihull; Transport Links in the Area
Solihull is among the first towns to experience the positive impact of the industrial revolution in Bruhm. As a result, the area is well-srerved by road, rail, and even canals, allowing residents multiple commute options.
For personal car users have access to multiple main roads that pass through the area such as the A34, A41, the M42 and the M40. They provide direct and rapid links to the city centre, Warwick, Oxford, Cheltenham and many other destinations throughout the West Midlands, and Southwest England.
Public commuters in Solihull enjoy a long string of bus routes provided by bus operators like the National Express West Midlands, and Johnsons. The 2022 Commonwealth games have also fueled the construction of a new network of tram style buses that will greatly shorten the time it takes to travel between Solihull and the city centre.
If you prefer to take the train, Solihull Railway station offers 3 trains per hour to the city centre, Snowhill, Stourbridge Junction, Dorridge, Kidderminster, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Leamington Spa. Trains by Chiltern Railways also run the same line, and offer links to Birmingham Moor, London Marylebone, and Leamington Spa.
Want to commute in style, or looking for ways to kill time? Take the Grand Union Canal passes right through town, linking Solihull to the River Thames, and other popular waterways you’ll love exploring.
Schools in the Solihull Area
As an administrative center for the Borough of Solihull, the town of Solihull boasts a well-established public education system which includes both statefunded, and independent academic institutions.
There are over 50 primary schools, about 15 secondary options, and about ten special and alternative schools, all statefunded. For private primary school learning residents have options like Eversfield Preparatory School, and Ruckleigh School while for senior and special alternative schools they have:
- Solihull School
- Kingswood School
- The Island Project
For state-funded higher learning, area students attend either Solihull College, and The Sixth Form College.
Amenities in Solihull
Health Centres in Solihull
The Solihull Healthcare Partnership Centre on Grove Road is Solihullu’s largest general practice healthcare facility in the area. The facility offers NHS services to more than 55,000 registered NHS patients annually, and has multiple practices to ensure every resident enjoys seamless access regardless of their location in Solihull.
Solihull Hospital on Lode Lane is an NHS hospital offering a range of general practice healthcare services to Solihull residents. It joined the NHS in 1948, and is under management by the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS trust. Other NHS medical centres in Solihull include:
- Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust
- Good Hope Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth Hosptal Birmingham
- Heartlands Hospital
For NHS dentistry, Solihull residents have options like 606 Dental Practice, Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic, Eternal Smiles Dentral Centre, and Solihull Manor Road Dental Care.
Sport Centres
Living in Solihull means there’s no excuse not to be active, as the area boasts two sports centres with subsidized costs to ensure affordability. The Tudor Grange Leisure Centre on Blossomfield Road is the newer of the two.
The facility features a 150-capacity statate of the art gym, a massive eight-lane public swimming pool, dance studios, multiple indoor tennis courts, a first-class track, and a long string of other facilities you’ll love. It even features a spa and steam room where you can unwind after a day on the track, gym, or any other facilities available on site.
The best part? They offer a free first day so you can try out the various resources available, and see what fits you. Also, residents under the age of 16 are allowed free gym,and pool access. The North Solihull Sports Centre on Conway Road also features similar facilities.
Parks
Solihull sits in the Forest of Arden with the River Blythe passing right through it. As a result, the area is not just picturesque, it’s endowed with an array of beautiful green spaces, parks and woodlands for resident relaxation such as:
- Alcott Wood Avenue
- Elmdon Park
- Malvern & Brueton Park
- Smith’s Wood
Foods and Drinks in Solihull
As an area whose popularity began in medieval times, Solihull doesn’t run short of great places to dine and drink. Peels Restaurant on Shadow Brook Lane is just one of the many fine-dining restaurants in the area. It is housed in Hampton Manor, a 19th century historic country house set on a 45-acres of breathtaking parkland featuring pleasant gardens, walks, and secret paths.
Check out The Forest, a Michelin-starred restaurant and bar for fine-dining with locals, and if you’re looking to enjoy the local scene, and some good food and booze, Mortons Kitchen Bar & Deli on Main Street should be next on your list.
In the mood for some cocktails? Paramo Lounge in Solihull’s town centre is a good place to quench your thirst, and if you want to dine out with kids, head to Resort World Arena, a multipurpose entertainment venue featuring a range of family-friendly dining, and entertainment options.
More Area Guides
Living in Solihull
Moving to Solihull is one of the best decisions you’ll make. It is a market centre meaning a plethora of dining, and retail choices, and is located near a forest offering plenty of parks and woodlands for relaxation.
The area is also an administrative centre with a variety of quality leisure centers, NHS hospitals, and statefunded academic institutions. Simply put, living in Solihull unlocks your access to everything you need, while allowing convenient access to Birmingham.