Explore Birmingham and the West Midlands
Less than five miles from Britain's exciting second city, the ancient village of Smethwick is a great base from which to discover the very best that Birmingham and the West Midlands has to offer. For shopaholics, there's lots to do at the Bullring, with over 160 shops and 40 plus restaurants. Those craving art and culture should head over to speciality museums such as Coffin Works and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, or take in a music concert at the Symphony Hall.
Things to do in Smethwick
Though often overshadowed by its cosmopolitan neighbour, there's still plenty to see and do in Smethwick. Pop along to the Galton Valley Canal Museum (limited opening hours) to learn the story of the development of the Galton Valley canals and those who designed, built and worked on them. Take a tour of Guru Nanak Gurdwara, the largest Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Europe.
Get back to nature
Sandwell Valley Country Park is an award winning Green Flag park. Kids will love Sandwell Park Farm, a fully restored working Victorian Farm with grazing meadows, a traditional farmyard and walled kitchen gardens. Visit the Forge Mill Nature Reserve, and glimpse a variety of wildfowl and other species around the lake, or follow the footpath down to the Sandwell Valley RSPB Reserve. The visitor centre can be found on the Forge Mill Farm - a working dairy farm with free admission where the kids can learn about and feed a variety of rare breed farm animals before letting off some steam at the outdoor play area.