Birmingham may be the beating heart of the Midlands, but step just outside the city and you’ll find rolling countryside, charming towns, and hidden gems that are just as camera-ready. At PicTours, we run guided Instagram walking tours in cities across the UK and Ireland – and our Birmingham tour is perfectly placed for exploring the Midlands’ most photogenic locations beyond the city.
Whether you’re travelling with a school group, heading out on a weekend day trip, or just looking to explore somewhere new through your lens, here are the most Instagrammable spots in the Midlands – all within reach of Birmingham.
🌳 1. Stratford-upon-Avon
Location: Warwickshire
The birthplace of William Shakespeare is as charming as you’d imagine. With half-timbered buildings, swan-filled riverside views, and old-world streets, it’s a dream setting for storytelling through your photos.
Instagram tip: Visit early morning for soft light and quiet streets, especially by the river Avon.
🏰 2. Warwick Castle
Location: Warwick
This stunning medieval fortress offers dramatic towers, manicured gardens, and sweeping countryside views. Whether you’re capturing the ancient stonework or the peacocks roaming the grounds, it’s a guaranteed feed highlight.
Instagram tip: Climb the towers and shoot through the battlements for cinematic landscape shots.
🌿 3. Cannock Chase Forest
Location: Staffordshire
A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cannock Chase is packed with lush walking trails, pine-scented air, and peaceful clearings. It’s perfect for moody woodland shots and outdoor lifestyle content.
Instagram tip: Use golden hour or overcast skies for atmospheric forest shots with depth.
🛶 4. Bourton-on-the-Water
Location: Cotswolds
Nicknamed “The Venice of the Cotswolds,” this picture-perfect village has low stone bridges, babbling brooks, and flower-covered cottages. Every corner feels like a postcard.
Instagram tip: Frame your shots with hanging flowers or get low to the water for a mirror-like reflection.
🎡 5. The Big Wheel & Beach at Sutton Park (Summer Only)
Location: Sutton Coldfield
One of the largest urban parks in Europe, Sutton Park transforms in summer with pop-up attractions including a mini beach, fairground rides, and live music – all within a natural landscape of heathland and lakes.
Instagram tip: Capture the fun from the top of the wheel or use drone angles for stunning scale.
🎨 6. Leamington Spa’s Colourful Parade
Location: Royal Leamington Spa
This elegant Georgian town surprises with its pastel buildings, riverside gardens, and boutique cafés. The main parade and Jephson Gardens are full of charming backdrops.
Instagram tip: Look for pastel doorways and floral shopfronts for that perfect Instagram aesthetic.
🌸 7. Coughton Court Gardens
Location: Alcester
Run by the National Trust, this Tudor mansion is surrounded by breathtaking gardens – especially in spring and summer. Think rose arches, orchard paths, and calm reflective pools.
Instagram tip: Go macro – close-up flower shots here are next level.
🚂 8. Severn Valley Railway
Location: Kidderminster to Bridgnorth
All aboard! This heritage railway line takes you on a photogenic journey through the countryside on a steam train. The vintage stations and carriages are perfect for nostalgic, cinematic shots.
Instagram tip: Capture the train pulling in with steam billowing for timeless travel vibes.
📍 Book Your PicTours Birmingham
At PicTours Birmingham, we combine creative photography, storytelling, and fun walking routes in the heart of the city – the perfect starting point for your Midlands adventure. Whether you’re planning a school outing or just love filling your feed with unique content, we’ve got you covered.
Perfect for:
- GCSE and A-Level art students
- Language school groups
- Friends, families, and solo travellers
- Content creators and explorers
📅 Tours available daily
📍 Start in Birmingham city centre
📷 Learn photo techniques using your phone or camera
💡 Top Tip: Tag Us to Be Featured!
Exploring the Midlands with us or on your own? Tag your photos with #pictoursbirmingham and mention @pictours_ for a chance to be featured on our Instagram.
PicTours – Capture Stories, Not Just Selfies.
✨ Book your Birmingham tour today and discover the Midlands through a photographer’s lens.
