Should I stay near Edgbaston or in Birmingham city centre?

Both have practical advantages. The city centre — particularly around New Street and Colmore Row — gives the widest accommodation choice, easy access to the main rail station, and more dining and evening options. Staying in the Edgbaston area reduces matchday travel and puts you closer to the ground, but with fewer accommodation and onward rail options. The right choice depends on how you are arriving and how much of the wider city you want to use.

Men's Ashes 2027 · Host City

Birmingham

Q: When is the Men's Ashes Test in Birmingham?

The Men's Ashes 2027 Third Test at Edgbaston runs from 8 to 12 July 2027.

Q: Where is Edgbaston in relation to Birmingham city centre?

Edgbaston is south-west of Birmingham city centre. It is outside the immediate city-centre core. Local buses and the West Midlands Metro network connect the two. A match-day shuttle service from central Birmingham has operated at previous major matches — check whether it is confirmed for the 2027 Test closer to the event.

Birmingham hosts the Third Test of the 2027 Men's Ashes at Edgbaston from 8–12 July.

Trip overview

Event: Men's Ashes 2027
Match: Third Test
Ground: Edgbaston
Dates: 8–12 July 2027
Main station: Birmingham New Street
Local planning: City centre to Edgbaston

Birmingham for the Ashes

Birmingham hosts one Men's Ashes Test in 2027: the Third Test at Edgbaston, from 8 to 12 July. The ground is south-west of the city centre, outside the immediate central core.

Most rail arrivals will come into Birmingham New Street, which sits at the heart of the city's transport network. From there, local transport connects to Edgbaston. Many visitors choose to stay centrally and travel out to the ground on matchdays, rather than staying beside the ground itself.

Birmingham is well placed within a wider England rail itinerary. The series sequence means the Third Test falls between the London Tests and Southampton — all connected by direct rail services.

Understanding Edgbaston

Edgbaston Stadium is south-west of Birmingham city centre. Accommodation directly beside the ground is more limited than in central Birmingham. Most visitors should weigh up proximity to the ground against access to the central transport network when deciding where to stay.

A match-day shuttle bus from central Birmingham has operated at previous major Edgbaston events. Whether it runs for the 2027 Ashes Test, the departure point, and any arrangements specific to this fixture have not yet been confirmed. Check official Edgbaston and Transport for West Midlands channels closer to the match.

For further ground detail, see the Men's Ashes 2027 Grounds page.

Getting to Birmingham

By rail

Birmingham New Street is the principal rail arrival point for most intercity journeys. Avanti West Coast operates services from London Euston. CrossCountry connects Nottingham and Southampton directly with New Street.

Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill serve other routes and may be relevant depending on where you are travelling from and where you plan to stay. Check operators and National Rail closer to departure for current timetables and fares.

Detailed intercity routing between host cities is covered on the Rail Travel page.

By air

Birmingham Airport connects to Birmingham International station via a free Air-Rail Link monorail. From Birmingham International, trains run directly into the city centre. Check current schedules when planning your transfer.

Overseas visitors travelling from destinations with limited direct Birmingham services may find it more practical to fly into London Heathrow or Gatwick and continue to Birmingham by rail. Do not assume specific routes will operate in 2027; check current carriers when booking.

By road

Birmingham is accessible by motorway, but matchday traffic near Edgbaston will differ significantly from normal conditions. The city also operates a Clean Air Zone, which may apply depending on your vehicle. Parking near the ground may be restricted or require advance arrangements that have not yet been confirmed for the 2027 Test. Check official Edgbaston and Birmingham City Council guidance closer to the event before making plans around a car.

Central Birmingham and Edgbaston

Edgbaston is south-west of the city centre. A match-day shuttle bus from central Birmingham has operated at previous major events at this ground. For the 2027 Ashes Test, whether this service runs and its exact arrangements should be confirmed via official Edgbaston and Transport for West Midlands channels closer to the Test.

West Midlands Metro and local buses also connect central Birmingham with the Edgbaston area. Taxis and private-hire vehicles are available from the city centre. Local journey times depend on traffic, service conditions and where you are staying.

On matchdays, allow extra time for the final journey to the ground. Roads and public transport near Edgbaston will be busier than usual before play and after the close of play.

Where to stay

There is no single best area. The right choice depends on how you are arriving, how many days you are staying, and whether proximity to Edgbaston or access to central rail connections matters more.

Birmingham city centre

Best suited to rail arrivals and those who want the widest accommodation choice. The area around New Street and Colmore Row gives easy access to intercity connections, and there are more restaurant and evening options here than near the ground. Reaching Edgbaston requires local transport on matchdays.

Around New Street and the central core

Useful for travellers with onward journeys to Southampton, London or Nottingham. Staying close to New Street keeps luggage handling straightforward and puts you within reach of the shuttle or Metro to Edgbaston.

Edgbaston and Five Ways

Staying in the Edgbaston area reduces matchday travel and puts you closer to the ground. The trade-off is a smaller selection of accommodation and fewer direct intercity transport options than the central core.

Brindleyplace and Jewellery Quarter

These central areas offer accommodation close to the canal network and city-centre dining options. Both are within reach of New Street for rail departures, and local transport to Edgbaston is available from the central core.

For hotel and flight options, see the Men's Ashes 2027Hotels & Flights page.

Birmingham within a wider Ashes trip

The Third Test at Birmingham falls between the London Tests in the series sequence. The preceding Second Test is at Lord's in London (30 June–4 July), and the next Test after Birmingham is at Southampton (21–25 July). London and Southampton are both reachable from Birmingham New Street by rail.

Birmingham can also be combined with Nottingham, which hosts the First Test (18–22 June). CrossCountry connects Nottingham and Birmingham New Street directly.

Travellers planning a multi-city itinerary should book accommodation and rail tickets separately around the confirmed match dates. Intercity schedules for July 2027 should be checked closer to travel. For routing guidance between host cities, see the Men's Ashes 2027 Rail Travel page.

Matchday planning

Allow extra time for the final journey to Edgbaston on matchdays. Roads and public transport near the ground will be busier than usual before play and at the close of play.

Confirm local transport routes and any shuttle arrangements before leaving your accommodation. Service details for the 2027 Test have not yet been confirmed. Check official Edgbaston and Transport for West Midlands channels closer to the event.

Bag and entry policies, gate-opening times and any temporary road restrictions specific to the 2027 Test have not yet been published. These must be checked via official Edgbaston and ECB channels before you travel.

Ticket and entry information must come from official sources. Do not rely on third-party resellers or unverified secondary listings.

July weather in Birmingham can include warm spells and rain. If there is a chance of play being delayed or lost to weather, have a plan for the day regardless.

Building the wider trip

The other Men's Ashes 2027 host cities are Nottingham, London and Southampton. All four are connected by rail. Birmingham sits centrally in the series sequence.

Other host-city guides, intercity routing and accommodation options are all available in the sections below.

Nottingham

First Test, Trent Bridge, 18–22 June 2027.

London

Second Test at Lord's (30 Jun–4 Jul) and Fifth Test at Kia Oval (29 Jul–2 Aug).

Southampton

Fourth Test, Utilita Bowl, 21–25 July 2027.

Rail Travel

Intercity rail routes between Nottingham, London, Birmingham and Southampton.

Hotels & Flights

Accommodation and flight options for the Men's Ashes 2027 host cities.

Men's Ashes 2027 Tickets

Ticket details have not yet been announced. Check here for release information.

Men's Ashes 2027 Grounds

Ground information for all five Test venues, including Edgbaston.

All Host Cities

Practical guides for every Men's Ashes 2027 host city.

Back to Host Cities

Practical notes

Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
Language: English
Electrical plug: UK Type G (230V)
Emergency number: 999 (or 112)
Weather (July): Warm spells; rain possible
Clean Air Zone: Birmingham CAZ applies — check your vehicle

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and may change before 2027. See the Men's Ashes 2027 Visa page for entry guidance.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Men's Ashes Test in Birmingham?

The Third Test runs from 8 to 12 July 2027 at Edgbaston.

Which ground hosts the Birmingham Test?

Edgbaston Stadium, home of Warwickshire CCC, at Edgbaston Road, Birmingham, B5 7QU.

Where is Edgbaston in relation to Birmingham city centre?

Edgbaston is south-west of Birmingham city centre — outside the immediate central core. A match-day shuttle bus from central Birmingham has operated at previous major events. Check official Edgbaston and Transport for West Midlands channels closer to the 2027 Test to confirm arrangements.

Should I stay near Edgbaston or in the city centre?

Both are practical. The city centre has the widest accommodation choice, easy access to New Street for onward rail travel, and more dining and evening options. Staying near Edgbaston reduces matchday travel but offers fewer accommodation options and less direct access to intercity rail. The decision depends on your priorities.

Which Birmingham station is most useful?

Birmingham New Street is the main national rail hub. Most intercity services — including Avanti West Coast from London Euston and CrossCountry from Nottingham and Southampton — use New Street. Birmingham Moor Street and Snow Hill may also be relevant depending on your route.

Can I reach Birmingham by air?

Yes. Birmingham Airport connects to Birmingham International station via a free Air-Rail Link monorail, with onward trains into the city centre. Overseas visitors from destinations with limited direct Birmingham services may find it more practical to fly into London and continue by rail.

How should I travel to Edgbaston on matchday?

A match-day shuttle from central Birmingham has operated at previous major Edgbaston events. Whether it runs for the 2027 Test and where it departs from should be confirmed via official Edgbaston and Transport for West Midlands channels closer to the match. West Midlands Metro, local buses and taxis are also options. Allow extra time on matchdays.

Are tickets on sale?

Ticket details for the Men's Ashes 2027 have not yet been announced. Check the official ECB and Edgbaston ticketing channels for release information. See the Men's Ashes 2027 Tickets page for updates.

Can Birmingham be combined with another Ashes city?

Yes. Birmingham sits between the London Tests and Southampton in the series sequence. Direct rail services connect New Street with London Euston (Avanti West Coast) and with Nottingham and Southampton (CrossCountry). Check operators and National Rail for current schedules and fares.