Solihull Colour Palette

The greyhound on Solihull’s coat of arms, granted in 1975, symbolizes the region’s heritage and pays tribute to the Daybreaks Trust Greyhound Rescue and Rehoming Charity in Elmdon. Solihull town centre warmly welcomes dogs, showcasing its love for our four-legged friends. John Hampson’s 1931 book, Saturday Night at the Greyhound, adds a literary touch, and the Birmingham Dogs Home further highlights the town’s dedication to dog welfare.

Horace the Hedgehog is the charming mascot for Solihull Council’s Love Solihull Parks environmental initiative. You’ll spot Horace on park signs, reminding the community to care for hedgehogs and support local biodiversity. Solihull Council also partners with ‘Solihogs’ Hedgehog Rescue to spread awareness about hedgehog conservation.

Additionally, Hetty the Hedgehog proudly represents Birmingham Business Park and Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, further highlighting the region’s commitment to protecting these delightful creatures.

Touchwood is the go-to spot in Solihull for all your shopping needs. With a great mix of stores, dining options, and entertainment, it’s the place to be for locals and visitors alike. Fun fact: years ago, you might’ve spotted a young Jack Grealish, now a football star, kicking his ball up the side of Touchwood. It’s exciting to think that this iconic shopping centre was part of his early days. Touchwood blends modern vibes with a bit of local history, making it a special part of Solihull’s community.

Edith Elizabeth Holden (1871–1920), born in Moseley, is renowned for her 1906 naturalist’s diary, “The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady,” which beautifully captures the British countryside. In her honour, Olton features a wooden owl sculpture by Robot Cossey, carved in 2018. The owl, perched on books, symbolizes Holden’s career as a naturalist, artist, and illustrator.

Knowle Library also boasts an owl sculpture by Cossey in its Elizabethan Knot Garden, dedicated to Dr. Ronald J. Bower, Knowle Society’s founding father. The owl sits on books, including “Gray’s Anatomy,” reflecting Dr. Bower’s service as a GP.

If walls could talk, they’d have a lot to say about the wild nights and scandals at The Snooty Fox on Solihull High Street. From 1978 to 1993, this town centre venue was known for its lively atmosphere and unforgettable moments. After 1993, it transformed into Rosie O’Brien’s, keeping the party spirit alive until 2004.

Knowle Locks on the Grand Union Canal were originally constructed in the 1790s by ‘navvies’ and later rebuilt in the 1930s. The remnants of the 1790s locks can still be seen today, functioning as weirs to assist in water management, while the locks from the 1930s remain in active use. This picturesque stretch of the Grand Union Canal runs through Solihull and Catherine-De-Barnes, offering stunning views and opportunities for leisurely strolls. Additionally, the local canoe club provides an exciting way to explore the canal from a unique perspective.

The metal poppies in the centre of the roundabout on Stratford Road in Shirley were originally installed for Remembrance Sunday in 2017. They quickly became a beloved landmark and, thanks to their popularity with residents, have now become a permanent fixture. These striking poppies not only serve as a beautiful tribute to those who have served but also add a touch of art and remembrance to the heart of Solihull.

Solihull Moors FC, founded in 2007, is a key part of Solihull’s community. The team plays at Damson Park (also known as the ARMCO Arena) which hosts various events and matches, including games for Birmingham City Women’s team and reserve matches for Birmingham City FC. Beyond football, Solihull Moors is deeply community-focused, offering youth teams and community events. Damson Park has become a hub for local sports and activities, making it a significant venue for both sports and social gatherings.

Birds Custard has a rich history intertwined with Solihull. The company’s founder, Alfred Bird, not only revolutionised the dessert world but also called Solihull home. The Bird family estate, Tudor Grange, was generously donated for public use, adding to the area’s charm and heritage.

Dorridge blossomed into a charming ‘railway town’ after the Great Western Railway opened in 1852. By 1864, the iconic brown and cream livery had been introduced for passenger coaches, adding a touch of elegance to the journey. If you’re looking for a great spot to relax, check out the Railway Inn pub in Dorridge. It’s a local favourite that celebrates the town’s rich railway history.

The National Cyclist Memorial, crafted from Cornish grey granite ashlar, is an elegant obelisk unveiled in May 1921. It stands as a tribute to the cyclists who lost their lives during the Second World War. Located in Meriden, this site holds great significance for Solihull, as Meriden is recognised as the historical centre of England. This important landmark symbolizes the strong community spirit and heritage of Solihull, honouring both local history and the memory of those who served.

The Solihull Barons, our beloved ice hockey team, call Planet Ice in Hobs Moat their home. Hobs Moat is not only significant as the home of the Barons but also as a vibrant area with rich history and a strong sense of community. From exhilarating ice hockey matches to the local charm of its surroundings, Hobs Moat offers a unique blend of sports and heritage for all to enjoy.

Norton Motorcycles, headquartered in Meriden, Solihull, has been a leading manufacturer for over 125 years. Petrol heads can revel in Norton’s craftsmanship and rich history at The National Motorcycle Museum in Bickenhill. There, you will find the world’s largest collection of British motorcycles, featuring 350 iconic machines from all the leading brands.

The National Motorcycle Museum shares its home with the National Conference Centre (NCC), hosting various events and further contributes to the local economy. Norton’s presence, along with the National Motorcycle Museum and the NCC, helps draw visitors and keep the area vibrant and lively.

In 2012 Solihull-based artist Luke Burton created the 18-foot sculpture ‘Beyond All Limits’ using recycled aluminium, stainless steel, and titanium from the NEC. This stunning piece captures a diver in motion, poised to dive into the NEC’s iconic Pendigo Lake, where it now stands.

Pendigo Way is also home to the NEC campus and arena, a vibrant hub that hosts over 290 events each year, including Crufts, Horse of the Year Show, and Good Food Live! With 75% of the UK’s population within a three hour drive, Solihull is the ideal location for the NEC. In 2027, the NEC will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of unforgettable events and experiences!

Just a short walk from the NEC, you will find Resorts World – a lively destination brimming with shopping, dining, entertainment, and a luxurious hotel. This UK flagship venue is uniquely designed to resemble a cruise ship and spans an impressive 538,000 square feet over seven storeys.

Dive into aquatic fun at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre which boasts three swimming pools! The leisure centre honours Norman Green, the Mayor of Solihull from 1977 to 1978, who made significant contributions to local sports and continues to inspire many activities today. Solihull is buzzing with sports clubs and activities for all ages. To get involved, check out Solihull on the Move for all the information you need!

Located just a stone’s throw away from Solihull town centre, Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the seventh largest airport in the UK and serves over 12 million passengers per year, with forecasts predicting 18m passengers by 2033. With direct routes to over a hundred international destinations, offered by low cost, charter, scheduled and long-haul carriers, the airport has solidified itself as a major global transport hub for the West Midlands and beyond. As one of the region’s largest employers, BHX is also committed to supporting its neighbouring communities and has invested over half a million pounds in the past five years into community projects in local areas including Solihull.

The first-ever Land Rover prototype was built in Solihull in 1947 and laid the foundation for the iconic Series I, leading to the legendary Defender line-up. The original registration plate “HUE 166” – affectionately known as HUEY – remains a beloved piece of Land Rover history, symbolising the best of British engineering. A pastel green was chosen as its base colour out of necessity – there was a surplus of this colour available after the war.

In addition to its ten acre formal garden, parkland and wetlands, Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens has a beautiful avenue of horse chestnut trees, which runs from the west end of the gardens across the parkland. The gardens are expertly and sensitively looked after by The Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens Trust.

The River Cole is a tranquil 25-mile-long river running through the Midlands with Solihull at its heart. It bears a Celtic name derived from the old British word for hazel. In a local charter of AD 972 the river is called ‘Colle’ and has since had several different local names.

Before the post-war housing estate was built, Chelmsley Wood’s bluebell woods were an attraction for local day trippers from across Solihull, Birmingham and beyond.

Beautiful St Alphege church in the heart of Solihull town centre is made up from mostly sandstone. The church has stood at the end of the High Street for over 800 years and is an iconic, beloved sight in the borough.

A bold, vibrant green representing Solihull’s 17 green flag parks, and the ‘Friends’ volunteer groups who kindly give their time to look after open spaces across the borough. There is also an apple orchard at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens where they hold ‘waissailing’ and ‘hanami’ events in the calendar.

Continuing the outdoors and green theme, Solihull has several areas named after historic ‘greens’, among them Marston, Cheswick, Haslucks, Tidbury and Ulverley!

For the beautiful Manor House Tea Rooms building on the High Street, built by the Greswold family in 1495. The Grade II* Listed Tea Rooms and Gardens is just one of many wonderful places for a tea, coffee or bite to eat in Solihull, which includes award-winning dining at Hampton Manor, the Barn at Berryfields and the Fox, Hampton Lane.

For Kingfisher Country Park and Babbs Mill in the north of the borough. The country park opened in July 2004 and was created to care for an 11km stretch of the River Cole valley, improving the area for both people and wildlife.

A celebration of Frog Lane Country Trail – one of the newest walking routes in the borough. The new trail is a circular loop through Balsall Common, approximately 1.2 miles in length, and features new hedgerows made up of British native species including hawthorn, holly, spindleberry, and field maple. Frog Lane Country Trail is just one of several lovely walking routes around the borough, including the Green Man Trail, which connects Marston Green, Bickenhill, Hampton in Arden, Barston, Knowle and the town centre.

For one of Solihull’s newest open spaces, Lavender Hall Park, which boasts Green Flag Park status, offering a green haven for everyone living in and around Balsall Common village. Balsall Common is also home to the Grade II Listed Berkswell Windmill which is open once a month from Easter Monday to October.

When Solihull Central Library and Arts Complex was refurbished in 2016 and rebranded as The Core, the primary colour for its branding was set as purple. The purple swatch also represents the many arts and culture events and organisations hosting performances, exhibitions and workshops across the borough.

The home of Solihull College and University Centre and schools including Alderbrook, Tudor Grange, and St Peter’s Catholic School, Blossom Field is a bright, spring-like colour swatch for one of the most vibrant and youthful areas in Solihull borough.

For Hillfield Armed Forces Community Garden at Hillfield Park in Solihull. The concept behind the garden is one of ‘healing habitats’ and it is an eco-therapy project which comprises a series of therapeutic natural habitats for people to explore. These habitats aim to provide opportunities to improve and maintain the wellbeing of the armed forces community.

For the Elmdon Park Beacon, which stands on the site of the original Elmdon Hall. The beacon is lit for nationally important events and anniversaries including the 80^th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Queen’s Jubilee.

We finish our colourful tour of Solihull by going back to the 11^th century and a look at the meaning behind Solihull’s name, which is said to be derived from ‘soily’ (or muddy) hill. When it rained the hill quickly tuned muddy and over time, soily hill became known as Solihull.