Top ten things to do within an hour of Birmingham
7th Dec 2017
One of the greatest things about being in the West Midlands is that you’re never too far away from something to see and do all year round! We’ve compiled a guide to some of our top attractions that are within an hour of Birmingham and suitable for all the family.
Cadbury World
Cadbury World is one of the area’s biggest leisure attractions, with over 500,000 visitors each year. The attraction continues to expand, with 14 zones for visitors to explore, ranging from a 4D cinema experience to walking through the factory itself.
Entry for a family of four costs just under £50, and it’s recommended you pre-book your visit.
Cadbury World, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2LU – https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/en
Sealife Centre
The National Sealife Centre in Birmingham city centre is a firm favourite for families to visit and always has something new there to see. Its most recent addition is Beverley, a Giant Pacific Octopus.
Get into the festive spirit this Christmas at The National Sealife Centre, with appearances from Santa until 23rd December.
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, The Water’s Edge, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 2HL – https://www.visitsealife.com/birmingham/
Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens has an array of stunning gardens and glasshouses that are home to a menagerie of unusual exotic plants, which are sure to spark curiosity from people of all ages.
The Gardens also host a wide variety of events, from photography courses to a festive illuminated trail at Christmas time.
Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR – https://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
The Conservation Park at Cannon Hill is home to a wide variety of animals including red pandas, European lynx and lemurs, as well as domestic animals such as goats and pigs.
Entry to the park is just £6.25 for adults and with Cannon Hill Park a stone’s throw away, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained here.
Pershore Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7RL – http://www.cannonhillpark.co.uk/nature-centre
Resorts World
With 18 dining options to choose from and more than 40 shops, including designer outlets, Resorts World has something to please every taste. Resorts World is also home to Vortex Gaming, a state of the art family entertainment centre that offers everything from retro gaming to virtual reality experiences. There is also an IMAX screen at the Cineworld there, too.
Pendigo Way, Birmingham, B40 1PU – https://www.resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk/
Alton Towers
Always a popular choice, Alton Towers is perfect for both adrenaline junkies and those after a more relaxing day out, offering a vast array of different rides all set within the beautiful grounds of the Towers themselves.
A new thrill ride is set to open early 2018, with the only details known about ‘Secret Weapon 8’ is that it will be a large wooden rollercoaster – perfect for those with thrillseekers in the family!
Farley Lane, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DB – https://www.altontowers.com/
Black Country Living Museum
The living museum is a unique and thought-provoking experience that transports you back to Black Country life between 1850-1950. The Museum features a village, 1930s fairground, electric trams and a school, all ran with staff in period costume demonstrating how people lived during these times.
Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ – https://www.bclm.co.uk/
Coombe Country Park
With 500 acres of gardens, woodlands and lakeside walks, the country park is great for explorers who are keen on nature and those who just want to enjoy a relaxing picnic in beautiful surroundings.
The park features some great spots for bird watching and there is also a pottery studio on site at weekends should you fancy getting creative on your visit.
Brinklow Road, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2AB – http://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/136/coombe_country_park/498/coombe_country_park
Trentham Monkey Forest
140 Barbary macaques live at the Monkey Forest and with just 8,000 left in the wild, this is a unique opportunity to get up close to them and watch how they live.
Set in a beautiful 60-acre woodland, the Monkey Forest is also a bargain day out, with ticket prices for adults at £8.50.
Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Trentham, Staffordshire, ST4 8AY – http://monkey-forest.com/
Ash End House Farm
The children’s farm situated in Tamworth, just 13 miles from Birmingham, offers children the chance to get up close with lots of furry friends including sheep, cows, rabbits and ducks.
There are also birds of prey, a shire horse centre, a farm café and shop and a big play barn, meaning a day out here is sure to be jam-packed!
Middleton Lane, Tamworth, B78 2BL https://www.childrensfarm.co.uk/