Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arts-amp-culture">ARTS &amp; CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Ikon-gallery.jpg" alt="Ikon Gallery exterior" class="wp-image-68633" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Ikon-gallery.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Ikon-gallery-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Ikon-gallery-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Ikon-gallery-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Looking for an artsy fix without the eye-watering price tag? Warwickshire and West Mids have a bucketload of purse-friendly culture on offer. Head to <a href="https://www.ikon-gallery.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ikon Gallery</a>, Birmingham&#8217;s leading contemporary art gallery, tucked inside a rather dramatic Victorian building &#8211; complete with a singing lift (yes, really). Catch the final days of Donald Locke&#8217;s exhibition <a href="https://www.ikon-gallery.org/exhibition/donald-locke" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resistant Forms</a> before it closes on Sun 22 Feb, showcasing his sculptures, paintings and ceramics from across the years. Then mark up your diary for <a href="https://www.ikon-gallery.org/exhibition/angela-de-la-cruz-upright" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upright</a>, opening Wed 25 March, as Angela de la Cruz takes over the space &#8211; including a rather fancy collab with Birmingham Royal Ballet. Expect bold works exploring the human body, vulnerability, and physical realities of everyday survival – which, frankly, feels very on brand for 2026. 



Next up, housed in a gorgeous Grade II* Listed building in the heart of the city, is <a href="https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/birmingham-museum-and-art-gallery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birmingham Museum &amp; Art Gallery</a>. With more than 40 galleries (plus a tearoom for strategic refuelling), you can happily while away an entire day here. On display until Sun 27 Sept is <a href="https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/exhibitions/working-class-hero" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Working Class Hero</a>, celebrating the global awards and solo achievements of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne &#8211; a must for music fans. Or, for something truly timeless, book a free guided view of one of the museum&#8217;s most beloved Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, <a href="https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/events/the-star-of-bethlehem-guided-view" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Star of Bethlehem</a>. Available on Thursdays and Saturdays, it&#8217;s your chance to gawp up close at a real showstopper. 



Over at <a href="https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/qXc-takuro-kuwatatea-bowl-punk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mead Gallery</a> at Warwick Arts Centre, you&#8217;ll find the first UK solo exhibition of internationally celebrated Japanese ceramicist <a href="https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/qXc-takuro-kuwatatea-bowl-punk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Takuro Kuwata</a>, on until Sun 15 Mar. Expect gloriously distorted silhouettes, explosive textures and colour that absolutely refuses to behave. Hooked? Pop along to a talk by <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/scapvc/arthistory/people/smith/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Paul Smith, </a> who uses Kuwata’s vivid ceramics as a jumping-off point to explore the traditions of colour &#8211; and the theories behind it &#8211; across Europe and Japan. Just the thing to keep the culture buffs happily ticking along. 



<a href="https://www.ragm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rugby Art Gallery &amp; Museum</a> is something of an unexpected cultural hotspot &#8211; and with free entry to both the museum and galleries, even better. From Sat 21 Feb – Sat 6 Jun, don&#8217;t miss <a href="https://www.ragm.co.uk/unveiled-the-rugby-collection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unveiled</a>, bringing together more than 250 works spanning eight decades of modern and contemporary art, tracing post-war optimism, shifting social values and emerging voices along the way. There&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.ragm.co.uk/en/50objects" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A History of Rugby in 50 Objects</a> a fascinating snapshot of the town told through everyday items and local treasures — proof that culture doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/10/4-Herbert-Art-Gallery-.jpg" alt="Herbert Art Gallery" class="wp-image-65453" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/10/4-Herbert-Art-Gallery-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/10/4-Herbert-Art-Gallery--800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/10/4-Herbert-Art-Gallery--1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/10/4-Herbert-Art-Gallery--768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



If you&#8217;re feeling cash-conscious &#8211; or simply love a cultural bargain &#8211; make a beeline for <a href="https://www.theherbert.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum</a>. Have a wander through its brilliant permanent <a href="https://www.theherbert.org/visiting/galleries/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galleries</a>, packed with local history, art, natural wonders and even dinosaurs (a guaranteed win if you&#8217;ve got kids in tow). 



Dive into exhibitions like <a href="https://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/1714/warwickshires-jurassic-sea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warwickshire&#8217;s Jurassic Sea</a> on display until Sun 21 Feb 2027, or <a href="https://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/1852/stories-that-made-us-roots-resilience-representation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stories That Made Us </a>on until Mon 25 May. There are also creative trails and <a href="https://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/1639/create-and-craft-caf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Create and Craft café workshops</a> to get stuck into – not free, but a very reasonable £5, which really isn&#8217;t too shabby. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoors">OUTDOORS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Stratford-Upon-Avon-Canal.jpg" alt="Stratford-upon-Avon canal" class="wp-image-68630" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Stratford-Upon-Avon-Canal.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Stratford-Upon-Avon-Canal-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Stratford-Upon-Avon-Canal-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Stratford-Upon-Avon-Canal-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stratford-upon-Avon canal</figcaption></figure>



Stretch your legs and grab a dose of fresh spring air. Wander through <a href="https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20312/jephson_gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jepheson Gardens</a>, Leamington&#8217;s glorious Victorian park, where colourful flowerbeds, quirky sculptures and a tranquil sensory garden make even the simplest stroll feel delightfully posh &#8211; and entirely free. Pop into the exotic <a href="https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20312/jephson_gardens/704/the_glasshouse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glasshouse</a> to admire tropical blooms, feed the goldfish, or pause for tea beneath the ornate canopy at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheLarderInThePark/?_rdr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aviary Café</a>. Just a stone&#8217;s throw away, the <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21035415348&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADgqJb9H_H0a3aTSOoo-wINrm7TL7&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1BTlO01WDUmDhk9YlsZdTFmK8Ney7ZEw1_RrjYzhiV8Sc-iEn7c73xoC_lwQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stratford-upon-Avon canal</a> stretches for 25 miles of peaceful towpaths, scenic waterways, and quintessential English countryside. It&#8217;s perfect for dog walks, bike rides, and dreamy, wallet-friendly views. Just don&#8217;t forget the wellies and a trusty brolly &#8211; this is England, after all. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Draycote-Water.jpg" alt="Draycote Water" class="wp-image-67246" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Draycote-Water.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Draycote-Water-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Draycote-Water-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Draycote-Water-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Draycote Water</figcaption></figure>



For another scenic escape, <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/places-to-visit/hatton-locks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hatton Locks</a> is a peaceful haven where you can watch narrow boats tackle the famous flight, picnic on the grassy banks, or refuel at the nearby café. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.stwater.co.uk/our-visitor-sites/draycote-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draycote Water</a> is a playground for all ages. Wander or cycle the trails, spot wildlife and blow the cobwebs away in that bracing winter air. Fishing, sailing, and the refurbished visitor centre offer small-ticket adventures for just a few pounds, but those wide-open spaces and shimmering river views? Completely free (with a generous side of Insta-worthy pics). 



For more riverside views and lungfuls fresh air, take a stroll along the <a href="http://www.riveravontrail.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River Avon trail</a>, an easy, relaxing walk through the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. You&#8217;re only five minutes from the town centre too, so cafés and restaurants are on standy-by when it&#8217;s time to warm up and unwind. Just nearby, <a href="https://visitstratforduponavon.co.uk/attractions/bancroft-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bancroft Gardens</a>, sits pretty beside the iconic <a href="https://www.rsc.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Shakespeare Theatre</a>. Think neat lawns, pretty planting park and the occasional open-air performer adding to the atmosphere. Summer plans pending? Absolutely. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">MUSIC </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Jazz-Music-1000x667.jpg" alt="Jazz Music" class="wp-image-68625" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Jazz-Music-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Jazz-Music-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Jazz-Music-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/Jazz-Music.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Brum&#8217;s beating cultural heart is serving serious vibes for precisely zero pounds. B:Music hosts <a href="https://bmusic.co.uk/free-jazz-fridays" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free Jazz Fridays</a> from 5pm at Symphony Hall on the Jennifer Blackwell stage &#8211; expect slick sounds and the ultimate after-work wind-down. Still got room in the diary? Swing by at lunchtime for <a href="https://bmusic.co.uk/events/celebrating-sanctuary-iryna-muha" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Celebrating Sanctuary: Iryna Muha</a> on Thurs 26 Feb at 1pm &#8211; a musical escape that won&#8217;t dent your bank balance. And watch this space – more free lunchtime performances are set to pop up. Prefer punchlines and passion to sax solos? <a href="https://bmusic.co.uk/events/poetry-jam-live-14" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Poetry Jam Live</a> takes over the Justham Family Room &amp; Jane How Room on the first Thursday of every month – an open-mic style session where fresh voices and seasoned wordsmiths share everything from belly laughs to heart-felt verses (tissues optional, but advised). Culture, community, and a bucketload of talent – all for the grand total of&#8230;nothing. 



If you just can&#8217;t get enough of jam nights and jazz, Warwick Arts Centre has you covered with its weekly <a href="https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/Ur8-jazz-fridays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jazz Fridays</a> – a campus highlight. The evening kicks off with a smooth set from The Moloney Trio, before things loosen up as the night rolls on and open jam sessions take over, with local musicians dropping in to show off their talent. What better way to unwind after a long day in the office than with a little jazz and a laid-back Friday vibe? 



Looking to shake off the winter blues? If you&#8217;re craving a little more groove in your life, the<a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/classic-sunday-soul-rare-groove-party-tickets-1981934657914" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Classic Sunday Soul &amp; Rare Groove Party</a> at Temper &amp; Brown might be just the ticket on Sun 22 Feb. Expect the very best soul beats, classic tracks and a few glorious hidden gems thrown in for good measure. More of a skank-your-heart-out type? There&#8217;s a<a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ska-night-tickets-1982076497159" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Ska Night</a> on Sat 28 Feb, bringing upbeat rhythms, and seriously unmissable grooves. The price? Nish. Just bring yourself &#8211; and your dancing shoes.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">In the mood for more?</h2>



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