We’re so lucky to have so many fantastic attractions right here on our doorsteps here in the Midlands, from 12th century medieval castles to 21st century theme parks… and everything in between!
With a glorious long summer ahead of us, here are some of our favourite places to visit right here in the Midlands with the family…
1. West Midland Safari and Theme Park
Address: WMSP, Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF
The perfect family day out for the whole family.
The Park is also home to southern white rhino including white rhino calf, Granville.Journey on a four-mile Safari Drive-through and come face-to-face world’s most extraordinary and beautiful animals such as the gentle giraffe, impressive rhino, inquisitive African wild dog, incredible African elephants and magnificent lions and tigers.
Have a wander around the Discovery Trail and discover the Reptile House, Twilight Cave, Creepy Crawlies, Aquarium, Lorikeet Landing, Sea Lion Theatre and Penguin Cove.
Visit African Village to see the cheeky meerkats and the playful lemurs in Lemur Woods. There are daily hands-on animal encounters, Sea Lion Shows, lemur talks and hippo feeds all included in the admission price!
Step back in time as you journey through Land of the Living Dinosaurs and Ice Age, showcasing prehistoric creatures that once roamed the earth! Boj’s Giggly Park is an immersive, multi-sensory children’s play area which is perfect for younger visitors. Purchase wristbands to enjoy rides in the Adventure Theme Park.
Book tickets on the website: www.wmsp.co.uk
2. Warwick Castle
Address: Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 4QU
Experience one thousand years of jaw-dropping history at Warwick Castle; great battles, ancient myths, spellbinding tales, pampered princesses and tales from the past.
The critically acclaimed Wars of the Roses LIVE! Returns to Warwick Castle and will run for 100 days of spectacular jousting this summer.
Set in a purpose-built River Area against the backdrop of the castle’s South Front, and complete with stunning equestrian stunts, world-class jousting and a brand-new, fearless finale – Wars of the Roses LIVE! is truly the UK’s ultimate jousting experience.
Book tickets on the website: www.warwick-castle.com
3. The Bear Grylls Adventure
Address: The Bear Grylls Adventure, National Exhibition Centre, Marston Green, Halls B40 1NT
Put your wilderness survival skills to the test without leaving the city in the Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC Birmingham. From climbing to archery, high ropes to indoor skydiving, enjoy plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities to choose from, while keeping safe with all equipment and professional supervision included. Develop new skills as you complete the course alone or with friends, and receive digital photographs as a special memento of your day.
Book tickets on the website: www.beargryllsadventure.com
4. Black Country Living Museum
Address: Black Country Living Museum, Discovery Wy, Dudley DY1 4AL
Experience sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Black Country as you explore shops, houses and industrial workshops rebuilt in our canalside village. From the Industrial Revolution to post-war prosperity, discover the history of a small region that made a big impact on the people, culture and industry of the world as you say “ow am ya” to the people that made this place home, from metalworkers and miners to nurses and schoolteachers – and even a pub landlord or two.
All of this included in one price for general admission and what’s more, when you pay for just one day, we give you a ticket to return as many times as you would like for a whole year with our UnChained Annual Pass – at no extra charge!
Book tickets on the website: www.bclm.com
5. Cadbury World
Address: Cadbury World, 69 Linden Rd, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR
Uncover a world of chocolate delights and enjoy a fascinating, fun-packed day out at Cadbury World. From learning how your favourite confectionery is made and uncovering the fascinating story of Cadbury chocolate, to playing in chocolate rain and adding your favourite treat to a delicious pot of warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk. You’ll discover the origins of the cocoa bean amidst trees and waterfalls in the Aztec Jungle, before jumping on board the magical Cadabra ride and visiting the brand new 4D Chocolate Adventure zone, a 4D cinema experience featuring Cadbury’s most popular characters. Cadbury World is located in the grounds of the original Cadbury factory, but isn’t a tour of the factory itself. Instead, you’ll discover the history, the making and the magic of Cadbury confectionery as you journey through our chocolatey zones.
Book tickets on the website: www.cadburyworld.co.uk
6. Stratford Butterfly Farm
Address: Stratford Butterfly Farm, Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7LS
The UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise! Come rain or shine enjoy the unique pleasure of discovering hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies flying in an exotic environment of tropical blossom with splashing waterfalls and fish filled pools. Situated in the historic market town of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Book tickets on the website: www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
7. Drayton Manor
Address: Drayton Manor, Drayton Manor Dr, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth B78 3TW
Enjoy over 50 rides and attractions including Europe’s only Thomas Land, Adventure Cove, Vikings, the 15-acre zoo and much more! Along with our fantastic 4-star onsite hotel. Not only are there incredible theme park rides but also a zoo. Drayton Manor Zoo is a fascinating place to explore with 15 acres of open plan zoo. It’s home to over 500 animals from all over the world, including endangered species.
Book tickets on the website: www.draytonmanor.co.uk
8. Severn Valley Railway
Address: Severn Valley Railway, 1 Comberton Place, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX
Step back into the golden age of heritage rail travel at the Severn Valley Railway! For more than 50 years, the Severn Valley Railway has been creating memories for millions of people from all over the world. Join us for your unforgettable day of adventure and travel by vintage steam and diesel-hauled trains, on the UK’s leading heritage railway.
Book tickets on the website: www.svr.co.uk
9. Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings
Address: Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR
An open-air museum of 30 rescued historic buildings and structures, covering 700 years including a Medieval Town House a Pre-Fab and a Windmill from around the counties of the West Midlands. Set in 19 acres of rural Worcestershire these buildings show how the people of the region have lived, worked and played, with tours talks and reenactment events or volunteer inhabitants. Avoncroft is also a fabulous Wedding Venue, a festival and event site, a place for school visits and bookings and meetings. Home of the National Telephone Kiosk Collection and has a miniature steam railway, run by the Bromsgrove Model Engineer Society. With tearooms and a gift shop, areas to picnic, are dog friendly have two play areas for children. They also put on some exceptional events so be sure to check out their events calendar.
Book tickets on the website: www.avoncroft.org.uk
10. Hatton Adventure World
Address: Hatton Adventure World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XA
Set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, Hatton Country World is two individual attractions in one. Hatton Shopping Village houses masses of individual retailers in old farm buildings selling ‘The Unusual, The Unique and Definitely Not On the Highstreet’! Hatton Adventure World is a family extravaganza of Farm Animals, Exotic Creatures, Shows, Seasonal Events and masses of outdoor and indoor Adventure Play. With plenty of parking and so much going on it really is a full and enjoyable day out for the whole family!
Brontosaurus-sized blooms – Children pick sunflowers among the dinosaurs at Hatton Adventure World.Book tickets on the website: www.adventure.hattonworld.com
11. Tudor World
Address: Tudor World, Sheep Street, Stratford upon Avon CV37 6EE
Tudor World living history museum is situated right in the centre of the beautiful Town of Stratford upon Avon, just metres from the world famous RSC, and set within an historic 16th century grade 2* building. Using historical settings, discover the secret lives of the Tudors and what life was really like during the time of William Shakespeare; Francis Drake; Elizabeth I, Henry VIII and everyday people. Not for the faint hearted, make sure you also check out the ghost tour. Ghost tours take place after the museum is closed and the lights switched off! The live guide will relate stories and sightings within the building by lantern light.
Book tickets on the website: www.tudorworld.com
12. National Sea Life Centre
Address: National Sea Life Centre, The Water’s Edge, Eleven Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2HL
There is so much to see at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham! Dive in and you’ll discover: The UK’s Only 360° Ocean Tunnel where you can marvel at our sharks, a giant turtle, rays and hundreds of tropical fish swimming overhead and underneath as you walk through the sea in this truly unique experience. Meet the UK’s First Sea Otters, Ozzy and Ola, as they settle into our Marine Mammal facility. Penguin Ice Adventure – Marvel at the cheeky antics of our feathered friends, the Gentoo penguins, as they dive beneath the freezing waters and play in their icy home… Dive in!
Book tickets on the website: www.visitsealife.com
ARE WE MISSING A GREAT DAT OUT? We love our listicles at this newspaper, so if you think we’re missing a great day out for the kids here in the Midlands, please email Andy Baker on [email protected] and we’ll be sure to do another feature soon.
DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR A LISTICLE? Best Worcestershire Restaurant, Best Warwickshire Pub Garden, Best West Midlands hair Salon, Best Midlands Plumber… Let us know and we may just feature you or your business in our next listicle. Email Andy or call 01527 588688.
