Forget the stress of battling with other motorists over that last car parking space and instead choose to explore the region by bus. With world-class museums, historic castles and even zoos on our doorstep, National Express Bus has routes that will take your all over the Midlands.

Not only will you arrive fuss-free, but you’ll be travelling onboard an eco-friendly fleet, complete with free WiFi, USB points to charge your devices, comfier seats and extra leg room. There’s also crystal clear CCTV for passenger safety, bright LED interior lighting, improved soundproofing and audio next stop announcements.

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A DAY AT THE MUSEUM

We’re an area steeped in history so take a step back in time to discover our fascinating heritage.

The city’s famous Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery may be having a facelift at the moment but there is still plenty explore. Our favourite part? The Edwardian Tearooms, complete with its Press For Champagne service of course!

The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is an absolute gem … literally! It’s preserved workshop offers a unique glimpse into the working life of the Smith & Pepper manufacturing firm. While it’s currently closed, other than for special events, there are plans to re-open soon.

Several National Express Bus services travel into Birmingham city centre, plan your trip here

Showcasing more than 300 years of art, the free to visit Wolverhampton Art Gallery offers must-see pop-up exhibitions and permanent galleries. There’s even work by English landscape and portrait genius Gainsborough on show.

To visit this gallery hop on the following services 4, 5, 6, 6A, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 25, 27, 27A & X8

Housed in a beautifully preserved Victorian factory building, Walsall Leather Museum tells the story of the town’s historic trade, charting its rise from a small market town into an international saddle-making centre.

To visit this museum hop on the following services 4, 4H, 4M, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 19 & 31

From an original sound booth to a Rude Boy’s bedroom, Coventry Music Museum is the life-long vision of historian and journalist Pete Chambers and his wife Julie. Focussing on a whole host musical memorabilia its attracted visitors from nearly 60 countries since it opened its doors

To visit this museum hop on our X1 platinum service.

The National Motorcycle Museum houses the largest British motorcycle collection in the world – all 850 of them! Occupying an eight-acre site in Bickenhill, Solihull, the museum’s acts as a time capsule of history, industry and engineering prowess

To visit this museum hop on our X1 & X12 services

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A TASTE OF THE CITY

As one of the top food destinations in the UK, the city boasts a deliciously diverse dining scene – and it all comes together at Birmingham Restaurant Festival 2022.

Each participating restaurant has created a special set menu for the fortnight-long event and there’s plenty of supper clubs and masterclasses to sink your teeth into. Eateries taking part include The Blue Piano, Cosy Club, Qavali, Sabai, Asha’s, The Highfield and The Oyster Club and the festival runs from Monday August 22 until Sunday September 4.

If you’re planning on visiting any of the restaurants taking part in the festival make sure to check out the National Express Bus Journey Planner

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WORLD-CLASS MUSIC

We’re lucky to have one of the world’s greatest concert halls right in the heart of our city. Symphony Hall – a B:Music venue – boasts a 2,262 seat hall and plays host to nearly 300 events each year, from the biggest names in entertainment to rising local talent.

Officially opened by the Queen in June 1991, it is home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and over the next few months will see an eclectic programme from the like of Sarah Millican, Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Chris de Burgh, David Essex, Kim Wilde and Billy Joel take to its stage.

It’s also where you can get those toes tapping at this month’s week-long B:Jazz Festival, offering audiences free and low-cost performances with many funded by the B:Music’s Charity.

Several National Express Bus services travel into Birmingham city centre, plan your trip here

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A WALK IN THE WILDSIDE?

A tiger in Dudley and red pandas in Moseley … yes really! The region’s nature centres allow you to get up close and personal with some of our most endangered species.

At Dudley Zoo there’s 40 acres to explore, including an 11th century castle and limestone caverns. It was once owned by the third Earl of Dudley, who chose a team of Modernist architects to design the park. Today, its collection includes Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers, Bornean orangutans, Rothschild giraffes and Madagascan lemurs. There’s a strong focus on international conservation and breeding programmes, and several of its global projects have won awards.

Several National Express Bus services travel into Dudley, plan your trip here

And in leafy Moseley, on the edge of Cannon Hill Park, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park boasts a unique collection of animals from across the world, including red pandas, meerkats, otters, birds, wallabies and a large collection of monkeys.

To visit hop on the following services 1, 35, 50, & 82

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LEADING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

The region is home to some of the UK’s top attractions, welcoming millions of locals and tourists every year.

Bursting with a 1,000 years of history, the stunning Warwick Castle offers the ultimate historical day out. Discover action-packed live shows, including the UK’s largest birds of prey show and performances as well as more than 200 event days throughout the year. Over the summer, you can even enjoy an overnight stay within the castle grounds.

To visit the castle hop on the following services: 3, 11, 14, 14A & 12X

For a real-life Charlie & The Chocolate Factory experience, there’s Cadbury World in the beautiful Quaker Village of Bournville, four miles south of the city centre. You can enjoy a self-guided exhibition tour telling the history of chocolate and the famous family business, a 4D adventure onboard the virtual Crunchie rollercoaster and a gentle ride on a Beanmobile. Oh, and did we mention there’s also the world’s biggest Cadbury Shop?

To visit hop on our 27 service

From giant sea creatures to Birmingham’s iconic Mini, the award-winning ThinkTank offers an exciting day out whether your eight or 80. Highlights include The We Made It exhibition, which flies the flag for the city’s manufacturing heritage, more than 200 hands-on displays and the new 4K Planetarium.

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AND FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

Looking for a day out with a difference? With a region as diverse as ours, it’s easy to plan something out of the ordinary.

A garden centre like no other in the UK, Akamba boasts an impressive range of exotic, plants and shrubs as well as African style garden ornaments. There’s also a café, reptile house and bird walk, and a shop selling authentic gifts. All that tucked away in Tythe Barn Lane, Shirley

To visit hop on the following services: 4A, 5, 6, 31, 32, 49 & 76

Why not explore Birmingham’s canals and landmarks on a walking tour, and discover the Georgian, Victorian and modern influences on the cityscape. The two hour trips are available with guides or audios and offer an insight into our history and heritage. You’ll learn more about key landmarks – including the Library of Birmingham, Brindleyplace, Gas Street Basin, Victoria Square and The Cube – and it’s a great way to get those steps in.

Several National Express Bus services travel into Birmingham city centre, plan your trip here