Five 'under-the-radar' market towns in the West Midlands that are perfect for a peaceful day out

These are places that locals love but rarely make the “top 10” tourist lists. If you find yourself at the weekend wondering what to do, why not take a drive to one of the market towns below? 

It will be a lovely peaceful day out and you will be pleasantly surprised at how stunning these areas are!

Shipston-on-Stour

This market town has rolling hills and independent shops, and is a hidden gem compared to its more famous Cotswolds neighbours Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh and Broadway. It has fewer crowds and inflated prices.

It has a long, wide high street lined with gorgeous Georgian and earlier buildings in that golden limestone, packed with more than 50 independent shops, delis, butchers, bakeries, antiques and galleries. Almost zero chains - it feels authentically English rather than a theme park.

Shipston gives you the full Cotswolds experience - stunning architecture, great food - but feels real rather than staged. Locals call it “the Cotswolds’ best-kept secret” for a reason.

Alcester 

Alcester is one of those classic English market towns that feels like it’s been lifted straight out of a postcard: beautiful, historic, and mercifully free of the tourist hordes that swamp nearby Stratford-upon-Avon. Walk down the main street and you’re surrounded by crooked Tudor half-timbered houses, elegant Georgian brick townhouses, and barely a chain store in sight.

Alcester sits on the Roman road Ryknild Street and is one of the best-excavated small Roman towns in Britain (more than 100 digs!). The free Roman Alcester Heritage Centre packs an impressive collection of everyday Roman artefacts in a tiny space. 

There are great independent cafés (try Huffkins or the Alcester Bakery for proper cakes and sausage rolls), traditional pubs (The Turks Head, The Roebuck, Royal Oak), and nearby farm shops.

Kinver

A small village located in South Staffordshire with a population of about 7,100, Kinver punches well above its weight in history and tradition. While Kinver has experienced some changes, you can still feel its charm and village appeal. 

If you’re up for a quirky taste of the past Kinver is the perfect place to visit, being only a 45-minute drive from Birmingham, offering a lovely respite away from busy city life.

Broadway

A quaint community with a population of about 2,000 residents, the area has earned a reputation for its ancient buildings, gorgeous high street, and breath-taking views from Broadway Tower. It is considered a very peaceful, picture-perfect village, and is often called the "Jewel of the Cotswolds".

Many of the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Evesham

Evesham is a charming, historic market town located on the banks of the River Avon. It is a peaceful day out as it is surrounded by the scenic Vale of Evesham.

The River Avon flows through the town, providing tranquil, scenic walks and relaxing boating opportunities. The town boasts beautiful, historic, and characterful buildings, including the 14th-century Almonry Museum.