Solihull grew from a small market town into one of the West Midlands’ most notable areas. Located eight miles southeast of Birmingham, it maintains its own distinct identity through careful town planning and preservation of green spaces.

The town’s history dates to the 13th century when it received its market charter. Medieval buildings still stand in the historic core, including the Grade I listed St Alphege Church, built in 1220. The arrival of the railway in 1852 sparked growth, transforming Solihull from a rural settlement into a sought-after town.

Getting around Solihull and beyond is straightforward, with numerous options available…

• Car & Road: The M42 motorway runs along Solihull’s eastern edge, connecting to the M40 and M6, putting Birmingham (20 minutes), Coventry (25 minutes), and Warwick (30 minutes) within quick reach. Birmingham Airport sits just 10 minutes away.
• Bus: Regular bus services run throughout Solihull, with routes connecting to Birmingham city centre, Birmingham International Airport, and nearby towns. The main bus interchange sits next to Solihull railway station.

The area contains Tudor-style houses from the 1920s and 1930s, particularly around Hampton Road and Streetsbrook Road. Post-war detached homes line streets like Widney Road, while new homes occupy spots near Dickens Heath. Georgian-influenced properties stand proudly in the prestigious St. Alphege district.

Some of Solihull’s most sought-after properties sit along Hampton Road, Streetsbrook Road, and Lovelace Avenue, where substantial detached houses occupy generous plots. The St. Alphege area contains many larger family homes with extensive gardens.

Developments: New housing schemes near Blythe Valley Park bring modern apartments and houses to the area. The Touchwood Shopping Centre expansion plans include additional residential units, adding to central Solihull’s appeal.

Solihull’s landmarks span many centuries of local history. Here’s a few of the landmarks to look out for…

• St Alphege Church – Norman church with medieval architecture and stunning stained glass (New Road, B91 3RQ)
• Brueton Park – Grade II listed parkland with wetland nature reserve
• The Manor House – Tudor building housing Solihull College School of Music (Manor Square, B91 3RG)
• Malvern Park – Historic grounds featuring ornamental gardens
• Touchwood Heritage Gallery – Displays telling Solihull’s story (Touchwood, B91 3GJ)

Solihull offers excellent shopping alongside green spaces and leisure facilities. Here’s a brief snapshot of what’s on offer in the area…

• Shopping: Touchwood Shopping Centre holds 80 stores and eateries (Solihull B91 3GJ). Mell Square Shopping Centre provides additional retail options (Solihull B91 3AY). High Street hosts independent shops alongside major retailers.
• Leisure: Tudor Grange Leisure Centre features swimming pools, gym facilities, and sports courts (Tudor Grange Park, Blossomfield Road, B91 1NB). North Solihull Sports Centre offers additional fitness options (Conway Road, Fordbridge, B37 5LA).
• Parks: Tudor Grange Park spans 42 acres, featuring a woodland walk and nature area. Brueton Park joins Malvern Park, creating an extensive green space with lake and nature trails (B91 3EN).
• Places to eat and drink: The White Swan serves traditional fare (Station Road, B91 3SB). The Beech House offers modern British dining (Hampton Lane, B91 1AL). Tap & Tandoor provides Indian cuisine (29 Warwick Road, B92 7HS).

Solihull’s employment landscape centres on automotive manufacturing, retail, financial services, and tourism. Jaguar Land Rover‘s main factory provides substantial employment, while the National Exhibition Centre generates hospitality and events-related positions.

The town centre supports retail roles through Touchwood Shopping Centre and Mell Square. Professional services firms maintain offices near the station, offering financial and legal sector opportunities. Birmingham Business Park and Blythe Valley Business Park host technology companies and corporate headquarters, providing roles in IT and management.

Future growth focuses on sustainable transport technology, with JLR’s electric vehicle programmes creating specialist engineering positions. The planned HS2 Interchange will likely stimulate additional employment in construction and eventually transport services. Healthcare jobs continue expanding through private clinics and NHS facilities.