Solihull: A Complete Local Guide to Living, Visiting and Exploring in Style

Located just 7.5 miles southeast of Birmingham city centre, Solihull is widely regarded as one of the best places to live in the UK. With its perfect blend of cosmopolitan convenience, leafy surroundings, exceptional schools and a buzzing local business scene, Solihull offers something for everyone — from young professionals and families to day-trippers and soon-to-be-weds.

Whether you’re planning a move, visiting for the weekend, or looking for trusted local services, this comprehensive Solihull guide will point you in the right direction.

🌍 Solihull at a Glance

  • Location: Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, West Midlands
  • Population: Approx. 123,000
  • Vibe: Affluent, family-friendly, well-connected
  • Key Highlights: Great shopping, excellent schools, top-tier green spaces, and fast transport links

Solihull is a town of contrast: modern yet traditional, dynamic yet peaceful. It’s also home to leading UK brands like Jaguar Land Rover, giving the area a strong economic backbone.

🎯 Must-See Attractions in Solihull

📍 Malvern & Brueton Park

A large and tranquil green space ideal for dog walks, weekend runs, and family picnics.

🎭 The Core Theatre

A cultural gem in the town centre featuring drama, live music, film screenings, and children’s shows.

🛍️ Touchwood Shopping Centre

One of the Midlands’ premier retail destinations, with flagship stores, restaurants, and a cinema.

🏰 Baddesley Clinton & Packwood House

Two stunning National Trust properties nearby offering insight into Tudor life and elegant countryside gardens.

👰 TDR Bridal – The Heart of Bridal Fashion in Solihull

For brides-to-be in and around Solihull, there is one name that stands above the rest:
 👉 TDR Bridal

Located just a short drive away in Halesowen, TDR Bridal is a luxurious, award-winning bridal boutique offering:

  • An exceptional range of designer gowns
  • Expert bridal stylists with years of experience
  • Beautiful, private fitting suites
  • A personalised and stress-free shopping experience

💍 Don’t settle for average — discover the TDR difference:
 Visit TDR Bridal near Solihull →

🍴 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Solihull

Solihull is a rising star in the Midlands food scene. Whether you’re craving modern European or a pub classic, there’s something for everyone:

  • Toffs by Rob Palmer – Michelin-recommended modern British fine dining
  • The Farm – Modern country pub serving hearty, seasonal dishes
  • Indian Edge – Award-winning Indian cuisine with fine presentation
  • The Beech House – Casual hangout spot with brunch, pizza and craft beers
  • Vita – Stylish Italian with al fresco options in summer

🛠️ Top Local Services & Businesses in Solihull

🚗 Best Car Mechanics in Solihull

  • Tom Walker & Sons Auto Services – Family-run garage with over 50 years of experience, specialising in MOTs, servicing and diagnostics.
  • MK Garage Services – Reliable and highly rated for honest, reasonably priced repairs and excellent customer service.
  • Solihull Vehicle Service Centre – A Bosch-approved service centre with expert technicians and fast turnaround.

🏠 Home Repairs & Trades You Can Trust

  • DMG Maintenance & Building Services – Highly regarded for quality work on bathrooms, kitchens, and general home improvements.
  • Rightio Plumbing & Heating – 24/7 emergency plumbers and gas engineers operating in and around Solihull.
  • Solihull Windows & Doors – Specialists in double glazing, conservatories and home security upgrades.

Want to be featured in our Best of Solihull Businesses? Contact us today to showcase your services to a local audience.

🛍️ Shopping in Solihull

Solihull is a shopper’s dream, combining big-name brands with charming independent stores:

  • Touchwood Shopping Centre – Home to John Lewis, Zara, Apple and Superdry
  • Mell Square – Great for fashion, gifts, and lifestyle outlets
  • Solihull High Street – Scattered with boutique fashion stores, cafes and galleries

🏫 Schools & Education in Solihull

The area is famed for its top-performing schools, both state and private:

Primary & Secondary

  • Tudor Grange Academy
  • Arden Academy
  • Langley School
  • Greswold Primary

Independent Schools

  • Solihull School – Co-ed day school from ages 3–18 with superb academic outcomes

🥋 Birmingham Martial Arts Centre – Self-Defence & Fitness Near Solihull

For those in Solihull looking to build confidence, improve fitness, or learn practical self-defence skills, the Birmingham Martial Arts Centre is a top local choice.

Located just a short drive from Solihull, the centre offers expert-led classes in:

  • Karate, Kickboxing & Jiu-Jitsu
  • Ladies-only self-defence classes
  • Children’s martial arts and confidence building
  • Private and group sessions for all ages

With a welcoming atmosphere and professionally trained instructors, it’s a fantastic place for individuals and families to stay active, disciplined and empowered.

🥋 Learn more and book a class at Birmingham Martial Arts Centre →

🚉 Transport Links and Connectivity

Getting in, out and around Solihull is a breeze:

  • Train: Direct services to Birmingham, London Marylebone, and Leamington Spa
  • Road: Minutes from M42, M40 and M6
  • Air: Birmingham Airport is just 10 minutes away, ideal for international travel

Commuters love Solihull for its relaxed pace and easy access to city jobs.

🏡 Living in Solihull: Property & Lifestyle

Solihull’s property market is diverse and sought-after, offering Victorian terraces, modern townhouses and country estates.

  • Popular areas: Knowle, Dorridge, Shirley, Hillfield
  • Average property price: ~£410,000
  • Rentals: From £1,100/month for 2-bed flats
  • Lifestyle: Clean streets, low crime, and a real sense of community

Whether you’re a young couple or a growing family, Solihull offers the perfect base for balanced living.

🎉 Events and What’s On in Solihull

Solihull is home to a packed calendar of community and cultural events:

  • Solihull Summer Fest
  • Christmas Light Switch-On
  • Food & Drink Festivals
  • Heritage Week and Open Gardens

You’ll also find farmers’ markets, local music nights, charity runs and more.

🌟 Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

  • Wyndley Garden Centre Café – Hidden café with a charming vibe
  • The Courtyard Gallery (Knowle) – Showcasing work by West Midlands artists
  • Java Lounge – Excellent independent coffee and workspace in the town centre
  • Dorridge Park – Peaceful green space away from the crowds

❓ Solihull FAQs

Is Solihull a good place to live?

Absolutely. It’s clean, safe, family-friendly and packed with amenities.

Roughly 15–20 minutes by car or train.

High quality of life, excellent schools, Jaguar Land Rover HQ, and being one of the most affluent towns in the UK.

At the award-winning TDR Bridal Boutique — the region’s premier bridal destination.

🚀 Ready to Explore More?

Solihull is more than a town — it’s a lifestyle. And with BirminghamExpert.com, you’ve got the ultimate guide to make the most of it.