Attractions Nearby Birmingham, Day Trips and Excursions

(Birmingham, West Midlands, England, UK)

Birmingham is perfectly placed for those intending to indulge in day trips and many superb attractions are to be found in neighbouring cities and towns such as Cheltenham, Derby, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Stoke on Trent, Warwick and Worcester.

Particularly notable attractions include the West Midlands Safari and Leisure Park at Bewdley, the Wedgwood Visitor Centre at Stoke on Trent and the ever-popular Snowdome at Tamworth, where you can actually ski down a lengthy slope on real snow. Also within driving distance of Birmingham are a number of stately homes, manor houses and medieval castles, including the likes of Arbury Hall, Benthall Hall, Boscobel House, Snowshill Manor, Warwick Castle and Witley Court. A number of these are now run by either English Heritage or the National Trust.

Snowdome

Address: Leisure Island, River Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7ND, England
Tel: +44 (0)8448 000011
Located in Tamworth, roughly a 30-minute drive to the north-east of central Birmingham, the enormous Snowdome opened in the spring of 1994 and instantly became England's very first indoor ski slope featuring real snow, boasting a 170-metre / 560-foot slope. Attractions at the Snowdome include snowboarding, tobogganing, ice skating, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, restaurants and bars. For fun and excitement, consider a 30-minute session of 'Adrenaline Tubing.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 23:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Royal Worcester Visitor Centre

Address: Royal Worcester, Severn Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 2NE, England
Tel: +44 (0)1905 23221
The Royal Worcester Visitor Centre is home to the famous porcelain factory, where many thousands of exquisite ceramics have been produced over the years. Visitors will be able to enjoy guided factory tours, a discount gift shop and a museum. Close by, the Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin may also be of interest, along with Cripplegate Park and the Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:30, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Severn Valley Railway

Address: The Railway Station, Bewdley, DY12 1BG, England
Tel: +44 (0)1299 403816
The Severn Valley Railway is located to the south of Birmingham and features lovingly restored steam trains that run throughout the year. Travelling from Kidderminster to Bridgenorth, the railway line stretches for some 16 miles / 26 km and has become a popular tourist magnet, featuring many steam-related events, including a Steam Gala each September, a Jazz Train and gala for Diesel Enthusiasts in October, and a Santa Train in December.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

West Midlands Safari and Leisure Park

Address: Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1299 402114
Opened in the early 1970s, the West Midlands Safari and Leisure Park lies in nearby Bewdley, close to Kidderminster and roughly a 45-minute drive to the south-west of Birmingham city centre. The safari park boasts more than 160 different species of animals, with the 4-mile / 6-km safari taking in many exotic creatures from all over Africa, Asia and Europe, such as white rhinos, giraffes, wildebeest and zebras. Interestingly, the park is home to the biggest pride of white lions in the whole of the United Kingdom. Visitors will be able to enjoy specific attractions such as the Sea Lion Theatre, the SeaQuarium, Mark O'Shea's Reptile World, Penguin Cove and a lengthy walk-through the Lemur Woods. There are also lots of fun rides if you have some spare time, including the Congo Carousel, the Wild River Rafting, the Zambezi Water Splash and the Venom Tower Drop.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00, reduced hours during the winter season
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Shrewsbury Abbey

Address: Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6BS, England
Tel: +44 (0)1743 232723
Shrewsbury Abbey is officially named the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul, beginning its life in the 11th century as a Benedictine monastery. The abbey resides on the eastern side of the town, being just a short walk from the English Bridge. Although much of the abbey has been remodelled over the years, the nave still boasts original Norman pillars, while the western side of the structure comes with a 14th-century bell tower.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 15:00, morning prayers at 08:30
Admission: free

Treak Cliff Cavern

Address: Castleton, Hope Valley, Derby, Derbyshire, S33 8WP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1433 620571
A stunning show cave situated close to Castleton, the Treak Cliff Cavern lies to the north of Birmingham, within the picturesque Park District. Highlights include guided tours of the cave - the source of the world-famous Blue John mineral, a gift shop and scenic walking trails nearby. Of note, the cavern is part of the Castleton Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Ludlow Castle

Address: Castle Square, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1584 873355
Founded in the 11th century, Ludlow Castle has played an important part in many historic events and was abandoned in the 17th century. Now ruined, Ludlow Castle is situated to the west of Birmingham, in the attractive town of Ludlow. Nearby, the Ludlow Visitor Information Centre resides on Castle Square, should you want to make a day of it and find other things to do.
Open hours: May to July, daily - 10:00 to 17:00, August, daily - 10:00 to 19:00, September, daily - 10:00 to 17:00, October to December, daily - 10:00 to 16:00, January, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Malvern Hills

Address: Malvern Hills, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR14, England
Tel: +44 (0)1684 892289
Famous for its best-selling spring water and designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the scenic Malvern Hills are situated to the west and are within comfortable driving distance, being located in northern Gloucestershire. Attractions at the Malvern Hills include walking trails, mountain biking, rock climbing, horse riding and hang-gliding, as well as some superb views.

Wedgwood Visitor Centre

Address: Barlaston, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST12 9ER, England
Tel: +44 (0)1782 282986
The Wedgwood Visitor Centre offers guided tours and demonstrations at this world-famous pottery, including figure making, pot throwing, enamelling, hand-painting and lithography. Established more than 240 years ago, the Wedgwood pottery is situated to the north of Birmingham. Children will enjoy the 'Have a Go' activities, where you can try your hand at pottery or painting a plate. Also available are factory tours, a discount factory shop, a museum with historic Wedgwood pieces, a self-service restaurant and workshops. The estate is particularly attractive and comprises some 245 acres / 100 hectares of glorious Staffordshire countryside.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for families, children five years old and under are free

Shugborough Hall

Address: Milford, Stafford, ST17 0XB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1889 88388
The 18th-century Shugborough Hall is situated to the north of Birmingham and is a vast country estate. Shugborough Hall is the home of Lord Lichfield and includes a farm with many rare-breed animals, a mill and a museum.
Open hours: March to September, daily - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Stokesay Castle

Address: Stokesay, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY7 9AH, England
Tel: +44 (0)1588 672544
Stokesay Castle, to the west of Birmingham, is a particularly grand 13th-century manor house with many impressive period features. This fortified manor house is currently an English Heritage property and regularly features themed events, such as historical re-enactments and outdoor theatrical performances.
Open hours: daily, April to September - 10:00 to 18:00; October - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Sudeley Castle

Address: Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD, England
Tel: +44 (0)1242 602308
Built in the mid-15th century, Sudeley Castle is situated in the Cotswolds, where it is set in more than 1,500 acres / 600 hectares of impressive grounds. Castle attractions include guided tours, a playground for children, picnic areas, landscaped gardens, a restaurant and a wildfowl sanctuary.
Open hours: March, Tuesday to Sunday - 11:00 to 16:30, April and May, Tuesday to Sunday - 10:30 to 17:30, June to September, daily -0 10:30 to 17:30, September and October, Tuesday to Sunday - 10:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Witley Court

Address: Witley Court, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR6 6JT, England
Tel: +44 (0)1299 896636
Grade-1 listed Witley Court is located in Worcester and was once one of the most impressive stately homes in the United Kingdom. Now sadly in a state of ruin following devastating fire damage in 1937, Witley Court remains a spectacular tourist attraction and comes with grand fountains, sculptures, open-air plays and many events throughout the year. The grandeur of the building is still very much present, while the formal gardens have since been restored to their past glory.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00, winter - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Snowshill Manor

Address: Broadway, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR12 7JU, England
Tel: +44 (0)1386 852410
Snowshill Manor, situated to the south-west of Birmingham, is an appealing National Trust property standing within Snowshill village and packed with traditional Cotswold charm. With large collections of interesting artefacts from around the world, Snowshill Manor dates all the way back to the 9th century and also features splendid landscaped gardens.
Open hours: March to October, Wednesday to Monday - 13:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Warwick Castle

Address: Castle Hill, Castle Lane, Warwick, CV34 4QU, England
Tel: +44 (0)870 442 2000
Warwick Castle is located to the east of Birmingham and was founded more than 1,000 years ago. This grand medieval castle is amongst the most impressive in the country and is full of detailed, period features, with many additions made over the years. These include Caesar's Tower in the mid-14th century and both the Bear and Clarence Towers in the 15th century.
Open hours: daily, April to September - 10:00 to 18:00, October to March - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children under fours years old are free

Tamworth Castle

Address: The Holloway, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7LR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1827 63563
Tamworth Castle is a small, historic castle situated close to north-east Birmingham and crammed full of interesting attractions. Dating back to the 15th century, the castle buildings are home to many authentic, period rooms and exhibitions.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:30, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Haddon Hall

Address: Bakewell, Derby, Derbyshire, DE45 1LA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1629 812855
Haddon Hall, to the north of Birmingham, dates back to the 11th century and has featured in many films and television productions, such as the 1998 Hollywood blockbuster Elizabeth, starring Cate Blanchett. Highlights at Haddon Hall include a rose gardens, period features and scenic views.
Open hours: April to September, Monday to Thursday - 10:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Letocetum Roman Baths / Wall Roman Site

Address: Watling Street, Wall, Near Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 0AW, England
Tel: +44 (0)1543 480768
The Wall Roman Site is situated in the northerly suburb of Lichfield, just past Walsall. This is an open-air National Trust site manned by a team of dedicated volunteers, established more than 2,000 years ago and abandoned in the 4th century. The ancient Roman inn now features audio tours, a museum and a gift shop.
Admission: charge, discounts available for children
Open hours: April to October, daily - 10:00 to 18:00, hours vary

Arbury Hall

Address: Arbury Park, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 7PT, England
Tel: +44 (0)24 7638 2804
Located in the sizeable town of Nuneaton, Arbury Hall lies to the east of Birmingham (north of Coventry) and is a spectacular Elizabethan mansion, with Gothic-style architecture. This grand country house is Grade-I listed and dates back to the 16th century, being set within some 300 acres / 120 hectares. Notable attractions at Arbury Hall include large collections of glass, ceramics, antique furniture and a number of historic paintings.
Open hours: April to September, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Benthall Hall

Address: Broseley, Telford, TF12 SRX, England
Tel: +44 (0)1952 882159
Benthall Hall is a grand 16th-century manor house than can be found in nearby Telford. With landscaped gardens and elaborate architecture, Benthall Hall is one of the most impressive buildings in this area. Of interest, the historic Ironbridge Gorge is just a few miles away.
Open hours: April to September, Wednesday and Sunday - 13:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Berrington Hall

Address: Leominster, Hereford, HR6 0DW, England
Tel: +44 (0)1568 615721
Berrington Hall dates back to the late 18th century and is located to the west of Birmingham. Full of antiques and period features, the hall also boasts gardens that were originally landscaped by Capability Brown, as well as walled gardens, tearooms, a restaurant, a gift shop and a playground area for children.
Open hours: Saturday to Wednesday, March to September - 13:30 to 17:30, October - 13:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families

Three Choirs Vineyard

Address: Newent, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL18 1LS, England
Tel: +44 (0)1531 890223
Gloucester's Three Choirs Vineyard has produced some of the finest wine in England since the Roman times. Visitors come from miles around to enjoy the guided tours and wine tasting sessions, and of course to buy a bottle or two of the vino itself.
Open hours: daily, April to December - 10:00 to 17:00, January to March - 10:00 to 16:00

Boscobel House and the Royal Oak

Address: Boscobel, Bishop's Wood, Brewood, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, ST19 9AR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1902 850244
Boscobel House, to the west of Birmingham, is the home of several descendants of the legendary Royal Oak tree where King Charles II hid from the battle in the mid-17th century. Managed by the English Heritage, Boscobel House is an attractive timber-framed house full of historic features, and over the past decades has been everything from a farmhouse and holiday residence, to a hunting lodge and now a tourist attraction in its own right.
Open hours: daily, 10:00 to 18:00, winter - 10:00 to 17:00, closed - January
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Bosworth Battlefield Visitor Centre

Address: Market Bosworth, Leicester, Leicestershire, CV13, England
Tel: +44 (0)1455 290429
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 13:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Cannock Chase

Address: Near Cannock, Stafford, WS11, England
Tel: +44 (0)1785 619619

Clee Hills

Address: Cleobury Mortimer, near Dudley, Shropshire, DY3, England
Tel: +44 (0)1384 812830

Clent Hills

Address: Clent Hills, Dudley, Worcestershire, DY8, England
Tel: +44 (0)1384 812830

Commandery Civil War Centre

Address: Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU, England
Tel: +44 (0)1905 355071
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:30 to 17:30

Elgar's Birthplace

Address: Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcester, WR2 6RH, England
Tel: +44 (0)1905 333224
Open hours: daily, May to September - 10:30 to 18:00, October to December, March and April - 13:30 to 16:30

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Address: The Railway Station, Toddington, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL54 5DT, England
Tel: +44 (0)1242 621405

Hanbury Hall

Address: Near Droitwich, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR9 7EA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1527 821214
Open hours: Sunday to Wednesday - 13:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families

Harvington Hall

Address: Harvington Hall, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 4LR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1562 777846
Open hours: April to September, Wednesday to Sunday - 11:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Hatton Country World

Address: Dark Lane, Hatton, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV35 8XA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1926 843411
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Heights of Abraham

Address: Matlock Bath, Derby, Derbyshire, DE4, England
Tel: +44 (0)1629 582365
Open hours: April to October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00

Kenilworth Castle

Address: Castle Green, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1NE, England
Tel: +44 (0)1926 852078
Open hours: daily, April to September - 10:00 to 18:00, October - 10:00 to 17:00, November to March - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Kinver Edge

Address: The Warden's Lodge, Kinver, near Stourbridge, Worcester, Worcestershire, DY7, England
Tel: +44 (0)1384 872418

Moseley Old Hall

Address: Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, WV10 7HY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1902 782 808
Open hours: March to May, Saturday and Sunday - 13:30 to 17:30, June to October, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday - 13:30 to 17:30, also Tuesdays during July and August
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families