Olton Travel Guide

Birmingham

The Grand Union passes Olton
Photo by Row17 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Olton Mere (3) Olton Mere is a large secluded expanse of water in the heart of Birmingham's eastern suburbs. The reservoir supplies water to the nearby Grand Union Canal and is also the home of Olton Mere Sailing Club. This photograph was taken by permission of British Waterways staff.
Photo by Andy F (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Olton railway station photo-survey (12) Looking in the down (northbound) direction at Olton station. Note the overgrown disused platform to the left of the photo (see below). Olton station is on the ex-GWR (Great western Railway) London to Birmingham line. It serves the suburbs of Olton and Ulverley Green about six miles east-southeast of Birmingham city centre. The line was originally built with double track and Olton station had two facing platforms, one either side of the two through lines. However, in the early 1930s the GWR quadrupled the track in the Birmingham area to cope with greatly increased suburban traffic. After quadrupling, Olton station had two island platforms, one serving the two down lines, the other serving the two up lines. Today, the route is reduced to two tracks again and one of Olton's 1930s island platforms (the one on the east side of the site) serves the up and down lines. The other island platform is no longer accessible and is very overgrown. Olton station is operated by London Midland as part of Network West Midlands and is a designated rail/bus interchange point. The majority of train services are operated by London midland but some Chiltern Railways trains call at Olton.
Photo by Andy F (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Olton Mere (12) Valve gear at Olton Mere, a large secluded expanse of water in the heart of Birmingham's eastern suburbs. The reservoir supplies water to the nearby Grand Union Canal and is also the home of Olton Mere Sailing Club. This photograph was taken by permission of British Waterways staff.
Photo by Andy F (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Olton Mere (4) Olton Mere is a large secluded expanse of water in the heart of Birmingham's eastern suburbs. The reservoir supplies water to the nearby Grand Union Canal and is also the home of Olton Mere Sailing Club. This photograph was taken by permission of British Waterways staff.
Photo by Andy F (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Popular places to visit

Sat outside NEC Birmingham

National Exhibition Centre

Learn about the events happening in National Exhibition Centre during your trip to Birmingham. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this walkable area.

National Exhibition Centre
Cadbury World featuring heritage architecture, cbd and signage

Cadbury World

Learn about the history of one of the world’s biggest chocolate manufacturers and sample various products at this interactive chocolate and entertainment center.

Cadbury World
The famous Holte End at Villa Park - home of Aston Villa. They didn't actually offer stadium tours, but I sweet talked security and was allowed to explore the whole place unattended!

Villa Park

Catch an event at Villa Park during your trip to Birmingham. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its entertainment choices.

Villa Park
Birmingham City University, UK - Margaret Street campus.; Shutterstock ID 245154784; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

University of Birmingham

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Birmingham during your travels in Birmingham. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its lively bars.

University of Birmingham
Bullring Shopping Centre which includes shopping and modern architecture

Bullring & Grand Central

An ultra-modern complex, this shopping destination is built on the site of a centuries-old marketplace, continuing Birmingham’s tradition of commerce and ambition.

Bullring & Grand Central
Birmingham Town Hall UK

Broad Street

During your visit to Birmingham, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Broad Street. Discover the lively bars and great live music in this family-friendly area.

Broad Street

Things to do

Picture 1 for Activity Birmingham: Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour

Birmingham: Victorian Canals and Modern-Day Birmingham Tour

฿628
per adult
Birmingham: Victorian Canals and Modern-Day Birmingham Tour
Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare's Birthplace Ticket

Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare's Birthplace Ticket

฿1,046
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare's Birthplace Ticket
Birmingham: Slogging Gangs Guided Walking Tour

Birmingham: Slogging Gangs Guided Walking Tour

฿837
per adult
Birmingham: Slogging Gangs Guided Walking Tour
Tudor World Ghost Tour by Lantern light inside the building

Tudor World Ghost Tour by Lantern light inside the building

฿387
per adult
Tudor World Ghost Tour by Lantern light inside the building
The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour

The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour

฿502
per adult
The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour
Stratford-upon-Avon: Tudor World Museum Entrance Ticket

Stratford-upon-Avon: Tudor World Museum Entrance Ticket

฿335
per adult
Stratford-upon-Avon: Tudor World Museum Entrance Ticket
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Top hotels in Olton

Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG

Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
Central Square, Holliday Street Birmingham England
The price is ฿2,202 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿2,202
฿2,862 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,150 reviews)
Our hotel stay was lovely staff very friendly and helpful, our room was on the 4th floor very quiet family room, beds very comfortable & pillows lovely sheets room clean good choice on teas coffees & hot chocolate with biscuits and mint chocolate coins. The TV channel choice was really good. Great ...

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG
The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club

The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club

3 out of 5
Coventry Road, Bickenhill Solihull England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,851 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
฿2,851
฿3,422 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Solihull. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,539 reviews)
Perfect for the NEC and decent leisure facilities and bar. It does feel a little dated but importantly was clean with great staff

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club
Redwings Lodge Wolverhampton

Redwings Lodge Wolverhampton

3 out of 5
45 Waterloo Road Wolverhampton England
Stay at this hotel in Wolverhampton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,166 reviews)
For the price we booked the room with breakfast included, it was excellent value for money. Great staff too.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

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Redwings Lodge Wolverhampton
Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club

Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club

4 out of 5
Maxstoke Lane, Meriden Solihull England
The price is ฿2,531 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
฿2,531
฿3,037 total
2 Apr - 3 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Solihull. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,116 reviews)
Stayed for Crufts, 4th/6th March. Returned first day from Arena at 3.45 pm and room had not been serviced. Tried to phone Reception to find out phone did not work! Had to go to Reception, told fresh towels would be sent within minutes. ONE HOUR later, returned to Reception to ask for Duty Manager. ...

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
19 Holiday Street Birmingham England
The price is ฿1,922 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
฿1,922
฿2,307 total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,982 reviews)
Had a lovely stay here. Staff friendly, rooms spacious and beds comfortable. Breakfast had a great spread, too. I would return to stay here.

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG
The Grand Hotel Birmingham

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

4 out of 5
Colmore Row Birmingham England
The price is ฿4,133 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿4,133
฿4,960 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,135 reviews)
Clean room, staff are really friendly.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

The Grand Hotel Birmingham
See all 4,633 properties in Olton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Olton

St Thomas More Church, Sheldon, Birmingham, England. This impressive Roman Catholic church is situated on the corner of Sheaf Lane and Three Horseshoes Lane.

Sheldon

Sheldon is well liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Birmingham area, you might plan a trip to bp pulse LIVE or Resorts World Birmingham.

Sheldon
Narrowboats moored on the Birmingham Canal at Tipton in summertime

Shirley

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Shirley might not have many top sights, but The Shire Country Park and Touchwood Shopping Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Shirley
Night lights of Moseley.

Moseley

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The bars and lake views are just a few features travellers like about Moseley. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Moseley Bog and Midlands Arts Centre are a few top places to visit.

Moseley
views from the towpath worcester and birmingham canal worestersh

Marston Green

Well liked for its restaurants and museums, Marston Green is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like bp pulse LIVE and Resorts World Birmingham, and jump on the metro at Air Rail Link Tram Stop to get around the city.

Marston Green
Digbeth showing outdoor art

Digbeth

Bars, shopping and historical sites are just a few things travellers enjoy about Digbeth. Check out Hurst Street or Shopping District while you're exploring the area.

Digbeth
Birmingham, England #myphotos #aroundtheworld

Eastside

Eastside is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Millennium Point or Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum.

Eastside

Olton Travel Guide