Let’s start with some fascinating facts about Redditch: it was once responsible for creating 90% of the world’s needles at its peak while at various times it’s dominated the fishing tackle and spring industries. Perhaps it’s most interesting – and relevant fact – is that it became a model for modern new towns in the 1960s. Thanks to its new town status, Redditch town centre is a real hub of culture and entertainment. The Kingfisher Shopping Centre is the leading retail space in the region, home to a modern Vue cinema complex, over 20 cafés and restaurants and a range of big brands. Nearby you’ll find the Palace Theatre, an impressive two-tier building that hosts a wide range of events covering live music, comedy, dance, drama and more. You’ll also find plenty of bars, cafés, pubs and restaurants in the town centre, covering everything from delicate cupcakes to gastropubs, Indian fine dining, all-you-can-eat Chinese buffets and more.
Heading out of the town centre, the history-rich area is full of traditional countryside pubs and restaurants, some stunning country estates, farm parks and even the largest soft play and trampoline park in the Midlands. And our hotels in Redditch are in the heart of the action, a short walk or drive from the town centre with easy access to the rest of the attractions.
Things to do in Redditch
Shopping
A large, modern shopping centre in the heart of Redditch packed with stores, food and drink outlets, a gym, state-of-the-art cinema and more, the Kingfisher Shopping Centre is the leading retail space for miles. Home to a wide variety of stores including Debenhams, JD Sports and River Island, the shopping centre also has over 20 cafés, restaurants and fast food joints including Prezzo, Costa and Nando’s. You’ll also find the seven-screen Redditch Vue cinema complex in the shopping centre, a Kids Club and a Pure Gym outlet, with late-night shopping running every Thursday until 7pm.
Running every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Redditch Open Air Market hosts over 50 different stalls spanning local produce, fashion, household goods, electronics, arts and crafts, artisan goods and more. The market runs from 9am–4pm each day and takes place in the grounds of the historic St Stephen’s Church a short walk north of the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
Getting Around
The closest airport to Redditch is Birmingham International, with the 20-mile journey taking just 25-minutes by car and just over an hour via a direct train service from Redditch. One of the busiest UK airports with over 13 million passengers each year, the airport has regular departures across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa via a range of operators including Flybe, Jet2, Ryanair, Emirates and TUI Airways. Although the airport is just a short drive from Redditch, you could make your journey even easier by staying the night at one of our hotels near Birmingham Airport.
With just one platform, it’s easy to navigate your way around Redditch Train Station which runs regular services to Birmingham New Street, Four Oaks and Lichfield City. The small station has a ticket hall, waiting room and shop and toilets and is part of the Kingfisher Shopping Centre next to the town’s bus station.
Shopping in Redditch
