Hello Solihull 👋

We’re heading into that lovely bit of May where the diary suddenly starts filling itself and next week looks like a scorcher!

Before we get into it, well done to Aston Villa, who won the Europa League last night. A big night for the region and a long-awaited trophy… I’m sure there were a few sore heads around Solihull this morning.

Half-term is around the corner, the bank holiday is nearly here, and Solihull has plenty going on if you know where to look, from family trails and new town-centre openings, to big events at the NEC, local clubs, summer festivals warming up and a few good excuses to get out of the house.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

A lovely bit of local good news from Shirley.

Sage Coffee House & Kitchen on Oxhill Road has been named Solihull West & Shirley Independent Business of the Year 2026.

The neighbourhood coffee house is run by Rachael and Wendy, two former education staff members who have built Sage into more than just a place for coffee and cake. Alongside brunch, homemade bakes and proper cosy café energy, Sage also hosts craft sessions, events, small business meet-ups and work pods for people who need a change of scene.

It’s exactly the kind of independent local spot that makes a neighbourhood feel warmer, so a big congratulations to the Sage team.

👉 Sage Coffee House & Kitchen

The great outdoors is coming indoors this half-term, as Solihull Scouts take over Jubilee Walk at Touchwood with a week of Scout Skills for local families.

Children aged 8+ can try paid activities including axe throwing, archery and a catapult range, with sessions costing £5.50 per child, including a kids’ hot chocolate from Cacao on the day.

There’ll also be free drop-in Scout activities for all ages, including s’mores making, paracord crafts, badge making, basic first aid, map reading and pioneering, so younger explorers can get involved too.

Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian and it’s a brilliant way to try something different, support Solihull Scouts and give the kids a proper little adventure in the middle of town.

👉 Scouts Activities at Touchwood

One thing that’s really stood out for us this week was lots of people messaging in about Solihull’s parks.

From favourite walking routes and picnic spots, to playgrounds, lakes, and running loops, it’s clear how much our local green spaces mean to people.

Solihull’s parks are one of the best things about living here. Whether it’s a morning lap around Malvern & Brueton, a family trip to Elmdon Park, a wander through Tudor Grange, a slower stroll around Dorridge Park, or simply somewhere to sit with a coffee and let the kids burn off some energy, these spaces do a lot for us.

We’re planning to turn this into a bit of a Solihull Spotlight project. Hit reply or tag us on Instagram @SolihullSpotlight and we’ll share your park recommendations.

Porto Douro brings proper Portuguese comfort food to the heart of Solihull, from pastel de nata and Douro Valley wines to traditional dishes with a modern twist. It’s also become a bit of a local business meeting spot, with the Solihull and Shirley Lunch Club recently hosting its networking lunch there, so whether you’re after dinner, a group meal or a working lunch with a bit more charm than the usual sandwich run, this one’s worth having on your radar.

👉 Porto Douro

A little countryside escape for this week’s food pick. The View sits at Hill Farm Marina in Wootton Wawen, just outside Henley-in-Arden, with breakfast, lunch, coffee and Sunday lunch served overlooking the Warwickshire countryside. It’s the kind of place that works nicely for a slower morning, a post-walk lunch, or a coffee stop that feels a bit more special than the usual high-street dash.

There are walking routes nearby too, including Austy Woods, the Edstone Aqueduct and Monarch’s Way, so you can very easily turn it into a “food plus fresh air” kind of plan.

Open 7 days a week, with breakfast and lunch menus that change regularly, plus gluten-free and vegan options available.

👉The View

Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden — Kenilworth
One to keep in your back pocket for half-term. Kenilworth Castle has its Mystery Mission running from Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May, with families invited to help crack clues around the historic ruins and gardens. A brilliant mix of fresh air, history and “please burn off some energy” exploring, just a short drive from Solihull. Tickets are from £8.10 for kids and £16.30 for adults. Family tickets are available and under 5s go free.

👉 Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden

Cirquoise Spectacular Circus Show — Melbicks Garden Centre
A half-term treat with a big-top feel, right over at Melbicks. Cirquoise Spectacular runs from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May, with tickets priced at £7.99 per person and babies under 18 months not requiring a ticket. Expect acrobatics, stunts and family-friendly circus energy, with exact show times available when booking.

👉 Cirquoise Spectacular at Melbicks

Let’s Fish — Blythe Waters — Tue 26 May
A calmer half-term activity for young anglers, or complete beginners who fancy trying something different. Let’s Fish is running at Blythe Waters in Solihull on Tuesday 26 May, with sessions taking place between 9am and 4.30pm. It’s designed to help children learn the basics of fishing in a relaxed, beginner-friendly setting, with coaches on hand to support them. Tickets are £5 and worth booking ahead if you want to secure a slot.

👉 Let’s Fish at Blythe Waters

Four Ashes Outdoor Adventure Golf — Dorridge
An easy outdoor family plan. Four Ashes has an 18-hole adventure golf course with water features, obstacles and challenges, plus a café bar on site if you want to turn it into a slower half-term outing. Current opening times are 9.30am–7.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm Saturday and 9.30am–5pm Sunday, with last entry one hour before close. Online booking is recommended. Tickets, £6 for kids and £7 for adults.

👉 Four Ashes Adventure Golf

Super Troupers with Kerry Katona — The Core — Wed 27 May
A big ABBA-style party night with a West End cast, singalong energy and Kerry Katona fronting the fun. It’s marked Limited Availability, so one to book quickly if you’re keen. It starts at 7.30pm, with tickets £36 full price / £33 concession / £70 VIP.

👉 Super Troupers with Kerry Katona

Gladiators Experience — NEC — from Wed 20 May
Contenders ready? The Gladiators Experience opens at the NEC this week and runs through the summer, giving fans the chance to step into the arena with a bit of Saturday-night-TV nostalgia. A good one for older kids, teens and grown-ups who remember shouting at the telly. Tickets from £40.

👉 Gladiators Experience

Doja Cat — Utilita Arena Birmingham — Tue 26 May
A proper big arena night in Birmingham, with Doja Cat bringing her Ma Vie World Tour to Utilita Arena. Doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 7.30pm, with Naomi Sharon supporting. Tickets from £54.

👉 Doja Cat

Seedhe Maut — O2 Academy Birmingham — Tue 26 May
A more niche city gig, but a strong one for hip-hop fans. Indian hip-hop duo Seedhe Maut play O2 Academy Birmingham on Tuesday 26 May. Tickets from £25.85.

👉 Seedhe Maut

• Bin collections: https://digital.solihull.gov.uk/BinCollectionCalendar/
• Council news + updates: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/news
• Travel disruptions (West Midlands): https://disruptions.tfwm.org.uk/

Thanks for reading Solihull Spotlight 💙 let’s chat again on Sunday! Hit reply and tell me what you want more of next week: family, events, food, deals, walking routes, live music, sport, or hidden gems.

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