The Ultimate Midlands Summer Holiday Activity Guide

Every day we're getting closer and closer to the fast approaching summer holidays. It can be overwhelming thinking of how you're going to make the next 6 weeks count! So we've put together some fantastic ideas for days out and activities right here on your doorstep that you can't miss when planning your summer holidays this year.

Theme Parks & Attractions

For those days when you need a burst of excitement:

• Drayton Manor Resort, Tamworth, Staffordshire: Home to Thomas Land for younger children and thrilling rides for older kids and adults, plus a zoo. It's a fantastic full-day adventure with something for everyone.
• Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire: While a bit further north in Staffordshire, it's definitely worth a visit if you love rollercoasters. It also has CBeebies Land for little ones.
• West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, Worcestershire: Get up close with animals on a drive-through safari, then explore the on-foot attractions, including a theme park area and animal encounters. It's an educational and exciting day out.
• Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham: A delicious day out for chocolate lovers and always a hit with children! Explore the history of Cadbury, see how chocolate is made, enjoy rides, and of course, indulge in some tasty treats.

Nature & Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the great outdoors:

• Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire: Perfect for family walks, cycling trails (including mountain biking), adventure playgrounds, and often has a Go Ape tree-top adventure for those seeking a thrill.
• Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire: Step back in time at this iconic medieval castle. Enjoy live shows, explore towers and dungeons, and immerse yourselves in history. A fantastic outdoor adventure with plenty to see and do.
• Lickey Hills Country Park, Worcestershire: Just south of Birmingham, this beautiful park offers stunning panoramic views, woodlands, and heathland perfect for walks, picnics, and nature spotting.
• Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses, Staffordshire: Explore unique rock-cut dwellings carved into sandstone cliffs and enjoy expansive views across Worcestershire and Shropshire. A little bit different to a usual day out!
• Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, Telford: Shropshire's only zoo offers a mix of animal encounters, including smaller exotic animals, and a fantastic dinosaur world with animatronic dinosaurs. Great for younger kids!
• Sabrina Boat Tours, Shrewsbury: Enjoy a relaxing journey along the River Severn on the Sabrina Boat. See historic Shrewsbury from a unique perspective – a lovely way to spend an hour.

Rainy Day Rescues & Indoor Fun

This July has already brought us some rainy days. We're hoping the summer holidays won't have any of those, but England, being England, you never know! So, just in case, here are some fantastic indoor days out!

• Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum: Dive into science and technology with four floors of interactive exhibits. From a planetarium to a Spitfire gallery, it's engaging and educational for all ages.
• RAF Museum Midlands, Cosford: A fantastic free museum with an incredible collection of aircraft, vehicles, and interactive exhibits telling the story of the Royal Air Force. Pre-booking an arrival time is recommended for this one!
• National SEA LIFE Centre, Birmingham: Walk through the underwater tunnel and get close to sharks, turtles, and more.
• Weston Park, Shifnal, Shropshire: While featuring beautiful grounds, the house itself offers fascinating tours, and there are often indoor activities and exhibitions, particularly good for a mixed-weather day.
• Black Country Living Museum, Dudley: Step back in time and explore a recreated historic village. While it has outdoor elements, many of the buildings and workshops offer fascinating indoor experiences even on a damp day.