The heartland of Britain’s industrial revolution has a smorgasbord of household sights. From animal experiences to historic castles and exquisite parklands to hands-on days out that can depart your little explorers exhausted and overflowing with new data. However what are one of the best days out within the Midlands?
Let’s have a look. Perhaps it will encourage your future days out and household adventures?
*This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
Discover extra days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Eire in my large spherical up of 101 UK sights for households.
Days out within the Midlands for households
If you’re searching for issues to do within the Midlands – an enormous space – I can assure this put up is simply tip of the ice berg!
Right here’s the place to search out the Midlands household sights listed on this put up:
When you have a favorite place to go to in Birmingham, Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincoln, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, the Peak District, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands or Worcestershire, that’s not talked about let me know!
Within the meantime, listed here are few to get you going:
1. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
If you need an out of doors day trip close to Birmingham then take a look at the Botanical Gardens. They had been based in Edgbaston in 1829.
The gardens embody 4 spectacular glasshouses showcasing tropical, sub tropical, Mediterranean and arid crops, in addition to plenty of out of doors area to get pleasure from along with your youngsters.
Head to the Kingdom of the Inexperienced Man space to search out the kids’s discovery backyard and playground.
Discover out extra about visiting Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
2. Nationwide Area Centre Leicester
Children impressed by the adventures of UK astronaut Tim Peake can be over the moon (sorry, not sorry) with a visit to the Nationwide Area Centre in Leicester. To be honest, so would I – I’ve all the time been fascinated by area.
Among the many Centre’s many displays and interactive shows are an actual Soyuz capsule, spacesuits and the prospect to expertise a visit to the sting of the universe within the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium.
Better of all, inquisitive youngsters will discover out the reply to that each one necessary query: how do you go to the bathroom in area?!
Discover out extra about visiting the Nationwide Area Centre at Leicester.
3. West Midlands Safari Park
This wildlife park is far more than a zoo: there’s a drive-through safari, a land of animatronic dinosaurs and theme park rides. It’s a day trip within the Midlands for the entire household!
The four-mile drive-through safari permits you to see free roaming giraffe, zebra, elephants and tigers from the consolation of your personal automobile. You possibly can then stroll the indoor Uncover Path to see penguins, reptiles and bats.
When you’ve had your fill of contemporary day beasts step again in time in UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur attraction, the Land of the Dwelling Dinosaurs. There are 40 life-size shifting and ‘respiratory’ dinos on this fearsome exhibition.
And, for those who haven’t run out of time throughout your go to, there’s the Safari Park’s theme park, which has rides appropriate for tiny tots by means of to teenagers.
Discover out extra about visiting West Midlands Safari Park.
4. Nationwide Forest Journey Farm
This fun-packed household attraction in Burton-upon-Trent brings collectively farm actions, journey play and small rides. It’s a terrific place to go to with younger kids who love assembly animals in addition to tackling assault programs and indoor comfortable play.
That will help you refuel in-between enjoyable actions there’s a restaurant, chippy, ice cream parlour and grill. In fact, you can too deliver your personal picnic.
Particular occasions occur within the college holidays all year long.
Discover out extra about visiting the Nationwide Forest Journey Farm.
5. Black Nation Dwelling Museum
This open air museum at Dudley tells the story the West Midlands over the previous 300 years and is an eye-opening day trip for the entire household.
Have a chat with costumed characters from the previous, wander down a Victorian avenue and see forge demonstrations bringing alive the heritage of the world’s first industrial hub.
It’s also possible to enterprise down the nineteenth Century mine, journey a tram or take a journey on the classic fairground.
Dad and mom can end their day with a pint within the conventional spit and sawdust pub.
Discover out extra about visiting the Black Nation Dwelling Museum.
6. Ironbridge Gorge
One other place the place historical past speaks loud is Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire.
That is someplace I bear in mind visiting as a child and being fascinated by unbelievable collectible figurines within the Coalport China museum and the enduring iron bridge itself.
In fact there’s a lot extra to do at Ironbridge Gorge, like experiencing residing historical past at Blists Hill Victorian Village and experimenting on the Engenuity science centre.
Discover out extra about visiting the sights of Ironbridge Gorge.
7. Eastnor Fort
Get your fill of Medieval splendour at this fairytale fort on the sting of the Cotswolds in Herefordshire.
The home, which remains to be a household residence, is packed filled with fits of armour for each folks and animals, ornately embellished ceilings, tapestries and unbelievable chandeliers.
Within the 5,000 acres of parkland you’ll discover an journey playground, a tree high walkway, maze, and a junior assault course.
Discover out ore about visiting Eastnor Fort.
8. Twinlakes
This theme park in Nottinghamshire has rides and experiences for the entire household. There’s seven zones together with a waterpark, rollercoasters and toddler-friendly rides.
That is additionally a high day trip for wet days within the Midlands, with loads of issues to do indoors like comfortable play, a curler skating rink and indoor rides.
Discover out extra about days out within the Midlands at Twinlakes.
9. Dudley Zoo and Fort
There’s lots to occupy each animal and historical past loving households at Dudley Zoo and Fort.
Purchase one ticket and you may go to each together with assembly 1,300 animals and discovering out about Tudor life at Dudley.
Most of the zoo’s animals are linked to worldwide conservation and breeding programmes. The endangered species embody Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers and Bornean orang utans.
Dudley Fort tells the story of the Dudleys who had been on the sharp finish of Tudor life and, every so often, on the fallacious finish of the executioners’ axe.
The spoil is now utilized by historic reenactment teams and because the setting for ghost walks, music occasions and the zoo’s birds of prey shows.
Test Dudley’s what’s on information to see in case your go to coincides with a occasion.
10. Heights of Abraham
Admire the attractive Peak District above and beneath floor by visiting the Heights of Abraham at Matlock.
Journey the cablecar as much as the 60 acre hilltop park the place you will see journey playgrounds and caverns to discover.
The Masson and Rutland caverns had been shaped over 350 million years in the past and will be explored with a information. Excursions run at intervals all through the day.
Discover out extra about accessibility and opening hours at Heights of Abraham.
11. Coventry Transport Museum
Auto followers can be nicely impressed with the gathering of autos at Coventry Transport Museum.
Its exhibitions encompass vehicles, industrial autos, cycles and bikes, in addition to auto memorabilia, books and images collected because the Thirties.
Don’t miss the 2 quickest vehicles on this planet: Thrust SSC and Thrust 2.
Discover out extra about visiting Coventry Transport Museum.
12. Sandwell Valley Nation Park
Sandwell Valley Nation Park is a Inexperienced Flag Park is bursting on the seams with actions to go well with all tastes and skills. Go for a stroll, go to the farm or deal with the excessive ropes – the selection is yours!
Younger kids will get pleasure from a go to to 1 or each of the park’s farms the place they’ll meet the uncommon breeds animals, clamber across the journey playground and full the farm path.
In the meantime, older youngsters can harness up for the aerial assault course or whizz across the mountain bike path.
Discover out extra about visiting Sandwell Valley Nation Park.
13. Warwick Fort
Be a prince, princess, knight for the day and even Zog the dragon at Warwick Fort.
This extremely versatile household attraction in Warwickshire is about in 64 acres of grounds designed by Functionality Brown and sits on the banks of the River Avon.
In addition to exploring the fort you may see the UK’s largest chicken of prey show, go on an immersive dungeon tour and check out the 3D Zog path (new in 2021). Some actions are extra appropriate for teenagers, so test earlier than you ebook.
Discover out extra about visiting Warwick Fort.
14. Drayton Manor Theme Park
Drayton Manor is one other day trip within the Midlands with lots to supply.
Younger and younger at coronary heart will love Thomas Land, which has 20 totally different sights from rollercoasters to engine excursions that includes the characters from this a lot cherished kids’s sequence.
As if that isn’t sufficient to maintain you entertained all day the park has a zoo with 100 animals, a 4D cinema, and rides appropriate for all ages. Don’t overlook a mac for the water rides!
Discover out extra about visiting Drayton Manor Theme Park.
15. Severn Valley Railway
All aboard for a steam practice journey that takes you 16 miles alongside the attractive Severn Valley between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Bridgnorth.
Go to at totally different instances of 12 months and also you’ll discover particular occasions together with steam galas to mannequin railway occasions and Santa Specials.
Discover out extra about using the Severn Valley Railway.
16. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
If it’s worthwhile to escape the rain then there’s no higher place to take your LEGO-loving kids than the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
This indoor attraction in Birmingham combines brick constructing, inspirational fashions and rides. There’s even a LEGO-themed play floor and comfortable play.
Discover out extra about LEGOLAND Discovery Centre*.
17. Kenilworth Fort
Kenilworth Fort was as soon as luxurious residence to Robert Dudley, Queen Elizabeth I’s most bold courtier. Roll ahead a couple of centuries and it stands as a spoil. However oh, if these crumbling walks may discuss!
It’s nonetheless potential to climb the fort tower to the identical stage as rooms Dudley had constructed for the Queen and take a stroll within the recreated Tudor gardens.
Youngsters will benefit from the interactive shows in regards to the fort’s historical past within the stables exhibition and dressing up in Tudor garb.
Motor and aviation fans won’t wish to miss an exhibition about one of many fort’s more moderen residents, Sir John Siddeley – the founding father of Armstrong Siddeley Motors.
English Heritage members can go to without cost.
Discover out extra about visiting Kenilworth Fort.
18. Cotswold Farm Park
Countryfile followers won’t wish to miss a go to to Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park.
Fill a day discovering out in regards to the park’s uncommon breeds, go on a wheel-chair accessible tractor safari and get arms on with the farm’s new arrivals within the animal barn.
There’s additionally indoor and out of doors play for energetic children, plus a maze with animal-themed challenges and a wildlife stroll of both one or two miles relying on how a lot power you’ve got left.
Discover out extra about days out at Cotswold Farm Park.
19. SnowDome
Do your youngsters love winter sports activities? Effectively, they’ll snow board, ski and ice skate all 12 months spherical at SnowDome in Tamworth.
There’s additionally a climbing centre and swimming pool, making this the proper day trip within the Midlands for energetic households. Don’t miss Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Christmas too.
Discover out extra about actions at SnowDome.
20. RAF Museum Cosford
This free museum close to Wolverhampton provides households the prospect to stand up shut with greater than 70 plane and discover out in regards to the first 100 years of RAF historical past. You possibly can even view an infinite Belfast Transporter from above within the excessive stage viewing gallery.
Different displays to intrigue children embody a show of pilots’ fortunate charms and a 1:1 scale Airfix Spitfire, as featured on the BBC 2 James Might Toy Tales sequence.
For these determined to get off the bottom you may expertise flight within the 4D Cinema. Buckle up to participate in a Pink Arrows aerobatic show or be part of a WWI fight mission with the Pink Baron.
Discover out extra about visiting RAF Cosford.
21. Trentham Monkey Forest
Monkey Forest in Staffordshire is residence to 140 free-ranging Barbary macaques who you may stroll amongst for a splendidly wild day trip within the Midlands.
Enter the woodland stroll, which is simply lower than a mile lengthy, and see the monkeys collect for feeding instances with out the barrier of cages or bars. There’s additionally playgrounds, a restaurant and picnic space away from the enclosure.
Discover out extra about days out at Trentham Monkey Forest.
22. Transport Museum Wythall
This seasonal attraction is an actual deal with for transport followers. The Museum has a set of greater than 90 buses, 30 electrical supply autos and a miniature steam railway.
Wander although three exhibition halls showcasing public and repair transport from the twentieth Century, get arms on with shows within the Energy Corridor or go for a journey on one of many classic buses.
Test the museum’s occasions programme earlier than visiting for different family-friendly actions and the provision of steam practice rides.
Discover out extra about visiting Wythall’s Transport Museum.
23. Lickey Hills Nation Park
Pack a picnic and head for Lickey Hills Nation Park for a day of enjoyable within the nice open air. The park has a number of strolling trails of various distances for which you’ll choose up a map on the customer centre.
For kids, there’s an journey playground and a mini golf course. It’s also possible to benefit from the open area and borrow a rounders set from the customer centre.
Discover out extra about visiting Lickey Hills Nation Park.
24. Cadbury World
It’s inconceivable to overlook the scent of chocolate as you method Cadbury World. I nonetheless do not forget that candy scent from my go to after I was a teen.
Cadbury World has turn out to be far more of a excessive tech household day trip within the Midlands since I went, however you may nonetheless learn how all of your favorite sweets are made.
Go on a guided tour from the early days of the chocolate maker, John Cadbury, and his first store, by means of to a 4D Cinema expertise that includes a number of the model’s finest recognized advertising characters and an indication by the chocolatiers.
On the finish of your tour you may let the youngsters burn off any indulgent treats from the store and cafe within the African Journey Play Space.
Discover out extra about visiting Cadbury World.
25. Alton Towers
The place do I begin with Staffordshire’s largest household attraction? With greater than 40 thrill rides and lots for youthful kids to get pleasure from in Cbeebies Land, in addition to the broader Alton Towers resort, it’s undoubtedly someplace you can spend a couple of days.
It is a day trip within the Midlands that can maintain the entire household entertained, from tiny tots to tenacious teenagers.
There’s all the time one thing happening for pre-schoolers in CBeebies Land with character exhibits scheduled each half an hour all through the day.
And in the case of rides for larger youngsters there’s all the pieces from vertical drops to digital actuality to get your adrenaline pumping.
Discover out extra about visiting Alton Towers.
26. Hardwick Corridor
Considered one of our all time favorite Nationwide Belief days out is Hardwick Corridor in Derbyshire. There’s simply a lot to do between the exceptional ruins of the outdated corridor and the beautiful interiors of the brand new corridor.
In fact, not all youngsters will recognize the Tudor historical past of Hardwick. However perhaps they’ll be intrigued to comprehend it was a location for the Harry Potter movies? Or, if they like dashing about forests, constructing dens and recognizing fairy doorways then there’s loads of this to be executed at Hardwick too.
Learn extra about what we found throughout our go to to Hardwick Corridor with youngsters.
Discover out extra about visiting Hardwick Corridor.
The place to remain within the Midlands
Considered one of our favorite locations to remain within the Midlands are the posh lodges at Darwin Forest Nation Park within the Peak District.
In the event you favor a lodge within the Midlands we are able to advocate looking Reserving.com.
Extra days out in England
Right here’s some extra of our really helpful issues to do in England with youngsters:
Do you’ve got any favorite days out within the Midlands that aren’t talked about right here? Drop me a line!
Disclosure: this put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. This implies for those who click on on a hyperlink and make a purchase order I’ll earn some fee. This doesn’t have an effect on the value you pay.
Discover extra days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Eire in my large spherical up of 101 UK sights for households.
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