Travel on the train to Solihull with London Midland, just a short train ride from Birmingham. Situated in the geographical centre of the country – marked by a stone cross on nearby Meriden village green – Solihull was first recorded in the 12th century, in the Red Book of the Exchequer. The name derives from Anglo Saxon times and means muddy (or soily) hill. The heritage of the town is beautifully preserved, in the 15th century Manor House and the medieval parish church of St Alphege in the high street. Home to Touchwood a modern shopping centre with a number of great stores including John Lewis, a cinema and lots of restaurants and bars.
