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20 Awesome Day Trips from Birmingham You Need to Do

Let us show you some of the best day trips from Birmingham to keep you busy in 2023, all located within an hour or two of the city.

Birmingham – aka England’s second big city – is brimming with restoration and urbanisation projects. Gleaming shopping malls have popped up alongside beautifully touched up Victorian architecture; the Metro is getting an extension and glitzy buildings are becoming the norm. There’s no arguing the variety of sights, from canals to museums to cool cocktail bars and factories-turned-creative hubs. 

Yet in spite of this cultural rebirth, sometimes you just need to get out of the city. Let’s take a look at the other Midlands offerings, beyond Birmingham’s borders. 

Staying in the city, and then using it as a base for more day trips from Birmingham is a great way to see the Midlands .

Heritage sites pepper the region, ranging from irresistible landscapes to literary-themed towns like Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire . We get to enjoy spa days at Leamington and learn about industrialisation in The Black Country.

With so much to see, you just need to choose your favourite day out from Birmingham to get started!

19 Best Best Day Trips from Birmingham

If you’re looking for day trips near Birmingham, these are some of the best to make the most of the city surrounds. All of these places are easy to reach on a one day trip from Birmingham.

1. Stratford-upon-Avon

Take a day trip from Birmingham to the medieval town that birthed Shakespeare, cradled in the Midlands like a treasured book – Stratford-upon-Avon.

Just one hour from central Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon is a classic day out in the Midlands. 

Over 800 years of history can be seen in the Tudor houses, cobbled streets and dated pubs like Old Thatch Tavern. The quintessential meandering river and green livery is the perfect complement to the bustling, compact town centre.

Surprisingly, Shakespeare’s birthplace is quaint and comfortable unlike his dramatic works. We highly recommend catching a show by the Royal Shakespeare Company between your Butterfly Farm visit and catching glimpses of Anne Hathaway’s cottage. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, enjoy a boat hire for some gentle water time.

Book a tour while you’re in Stratford Upon Avon to really get to know the area.

Makes for a delightful day out from Birmingham!

2. Black Country Living Museum

The Black Country Living Museum is an open-air collective of over 50 relocated historic buildings (both residences and shops), where the industrial vestiges of the 18 th -century coal and iron mines remain strong.

Exhibitions detail stories from the past, showcasing how crafts used to be made. You’ll see cast iron wares, locks, glassworks and more.

At the Black Country Living Museum, actors reenact life back in the Victorian times, throwing out random facts as they do so. You can explore the underground mine here, which is pretty cool. One of the most popular things however, isn’t so much geographical than navigational; step on the tram which will take you around the site and onto the canal arm. 

Just 25 minutes away by car from the city, the Black Country Living Museum is one of the most popular day trips from Birmingham.

3. Peak District

One of our top picks for a Birmingham day trip is definitely a day out in the Peak District . It’s a further drive out, about 90 minutes, but totally worth it. If you can stay for the weekend, then do it – the many towns and villages offer both cultural delights and hiking opportunities.

Ashford-in-the-Water and Edensor are absolutely stunning villages that capture the British country vibe. If you are planning on hiking or cycling, Castleton is the perfect base. You’ll also want to drop by Chatsworth Estate, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire; not only is it royal property and one of England’s most popular stately homes , but also features a working farm, adventure play park and all-year events.

You should check it out at Christmas time !

Foodies will want to drive by Bakewell, where pudding reigns supreme.

The Peak District is honestly one of those places you can visit over and over again without running out of things to see.

4. Worcester

Visiting Worcester is like wandering into a fairytale. Even en route, you’ll come across spreads of hilly landscapes and half-hidden relics. There’s so much to see here, with Worcester Cathedral being the most well-known. The stunning structure rises in floor-to-ceiling stretches of glass, a grandiose tower with spires and intricate window alcoves. The Royal burial place of King John of England, this forest-wrapped church is lovely and restful.

Worcester is also the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar; you’ll find a museum named after this famous composer. Still, craft beat out arts in reputation. Make sure to visit the ceramic museum which houses top-tier Royal Worcester porcelain wares and fine china.

If you like walking, you’ll love a stroll on the Malvern Hills too!

The panoramic views are worth the walk; you can even take sips from the spring of Malvern which supplies the Queen with her royalty-approved water.

Worcester is about a 45-minute drive away – the perfect distance for a relaxing day trip from Birmingham.

5. Lichfield

Lichfield offers more of that gorgeous English countryside but what it’s most known for is the three-spired Lichfield Cathedral. Not exactly what you’d expect to find in such a green-woven city – but that’s what makes it such a great day trip from Birmingham. The detailing on the façade is as dramatic as the spires, so make sure to get close up.

Other notable residents include Erasmus Darwin (the forefather of the Darwin we hear most often), who resided here in the 18 th century; his house is open to the public. Literary figure Samuel Johnson is another celebrated person of interest (he wrote one of the first English dictionaries in the world); drop by the museum which showcases his life and works. 

There’s also Drayton Manor Theme Park some 20 minutes away if you’d like to add some thrill to your day trip from Birmingham.

6. Cheddar Gorge

For breathtaking nature, hit up Cheddar Gorge for a fascinating day out. The cave system is amazing – it isn’t just an adventurer’s dream but industries have developed alongside it. For instance, the famous cave matured cheddar cheese!

The temperatures within are just right for aging cheese; sample some at the shops right outside the caves or bring some home as souvenir. 

Cliff sports are available if you want to explore them in a more hands-on manner. Otherwise, visit the Cheddar Man Museum of Prehistory for artefacts and human remains that have been discovered. In any case, dress comfortably in trainers and a backpack because Cheddar Gorge is one of the most ‘outdoorsy’ days out from Birmingham. You can read about some of the best Cheddar Gorge walks here.

It is a 2-hour drive from Birmingham, making it one of the furthest trips on this day trips from Birmingham list, but if you want a fun road trip with an adventure at the end of it – it’s perfect!

Book your tickets for Cheddar Gorge in advance , here.

7. Leamington Spa

No need to travel all the way to Bath for a spa – just 30 minutes out of Birmingham is the striking royal town of Leamington Spa, which is home to an elegant collection of Regency architecture and the flowing River Leam to match. For a quick glimpse of the neighbourhoods, hire a rowing boat for some prime viewing. 

Indie shops run abundant, punctuated by lovely parks and gardens. The Royal Pump Rooms Art Gallery and Museum doubles (or is it triples?) as a famous 18 th -century healing spa, while the Loft Theatre offers post-meal productions to wind down your day. We recommend joining the geological walk for a thorough exploration of the town centre, where your guide will explain the different types of stone involved in the town’s construction. 

Such a quaint town – we love it!

8. Warwick Castle

Say yes to yet another British gem – the fun and exciting Warwick Castle , near Leamington Spa. If you’re a fan of everything medieval, this is a must-do experience. 

Sitting on the banks of River Avon , the castle is made for families. Tours will take you up to the towers for marvellous views and down below to the drafty dungeons and secret hideouts.

A host of actors make this a trip back in time; there are frequent themed events and live action shows across the grounds. Spend some time in the aromatic Rose Garden too. With 60 acres of estate, there’s plenty of space for you to discover.  It’s one of the most impressive castles in England.

A lovely, historical day out from Birmingham for you!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO WARWICK CASTLE BEFORE YOU GO TO SAVE TIME & MONEY

9. Cadbury World

In at number nine on this list of best day trips from Birmingham is Cadbury World – anyone who loves chocolate will find it a place to die for. Even if you aren’t a chocolate fan, you’d have heard of this brand.

Interestingly, the Cadbury family actually started their business in 1831! They ended up building a village for their workers because production expanded on a massive scale. Now, Cadbury World is nestled within the original 1990 factory.

Take yourself around the premises to learn about the history of chocolate. There are 14 multi-sensory zones (and plenty of sampling stations), starting with the Aztecs discovery of chocolate and its subsequent spread. You can visit the first Cadbury shop on Bull Street too.

Stock up on your (premium priced) sweets before heading home; maybe even order a customised choccy plaque.

Book your tickets to Cadbury World in advance to save the faff on the day!

10. Coventry

Coventry is one of our favourite Birmingham day trips because its cultural hodgepodge is finally being recognised. Did you know Coventry is the 11th biggest city in England by population?

With so many famous attractions, Coventry is tailored to every preference and interest. Coventry Cathedral definitely belongs on the list, having preserved ruins from WWII. Plenty of award-winning galleries have set up shop around town alongside museums with outstanding displays. To juxtapose the heavy history, there are gardens where you can while away the hours amid manicured hedges and blooms.

Seeking sports events? Check.

A cosy pub for a friendly hang out? Check. 

Plenty to do in Coventry on one of your day trips from Birmingham!

11. Alton Towers 

Alton Towers is somewhat of a British icon and the largest theme park in the UK, home to over 40 rides that include thrilling rollercoasters. Besides its theme park, Alton Towers boasts an indoor and outdoor water park, a hotel complex and a luxury spa. 

Almost all Brits are familiar with rollercoasters like Oblivion and Nemesis, where you’ll travel through loops, spins and corkscrews at 50 mph. Less iconic but no less fun is The Smiler, which was the first 14-loop rollercoaster on the planet. 

From Birmingham, you can drive to Alton Towers via the A38 or M6 in under 90 minutes. Parking charges start at £6 for the day. If you don’t want to drive, you can still visit Alton Towers on a day out from Birmingham with the kids by taking the train to Sheffield and then riding a bus to Farley Gates. 

Alton Towers remains open from March through November, and the water park stays open year-round. It’s without a doubt one of the most impressive places to visit on a day out in Staffordshire . 

It was also recommended the BEST day out in England according to our readers in our  recent travel trends survey . This makes it the number ONE  tourist attraction in England !

BUY YOUR ALTON TOWERS TICKETS HERE

It’s £65 at the door, but £42 on that link!

Buy in advance to save time in line, and help you budget for the day.

12. Malvern Hills 

From the top of the Malvern Hills at an elevation of 425 metres, you can take in panoramic views of the Severn Valley, the spa town of Great Malvern and countryside vistas in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. 

Plenty of trails take you through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the 30-mile Worcestershire Way that follows the Malvern Ridge from Great Malvern to Bewdley. If you’d prefer a shorter hike, there are plenty of trails in the Malvern Hills covering a distance of a mile or so. 

When you need a break from hiking on your day out from Birmingham to the Malvern Hills, venture into Great Malvern to check out the impressive spa architecture. Notable landmarks include the 11 th -century Great Malvern Priory and the 19 th -century Saint Anne’s Well, which is now a café that gives a nod to the town’s spa heritage. 

It only takes around an hour to drive from Birmingham to the Malvern Hills via the M5. Alternatively, you can take a train to Great Malvern from Birmingham New Street, which takes about an hour. There’s also a train from Birmingham Snow Hill that takes about an hour and 20 minutes. 

By the way – the Malvern Hills are just one of the best places to visit on a day out in Worcestershire . 

13. Ironbridge Gorge 

Want to visit a UNESCO-listed landmark on your day out from Birmingham? Ironbridge Gorge became the world’s first cast-iron bridge in 1779, which – according to many – marked the start of the Industrial Revolution. 

In the nearby village of Ironbridge on the banks of the River Severn, you can browse museums that tell the story of the bridge, the Industrial Revolution, and its impact on cities that include Birmingham. 

Museums in Ironbridge that give you an insight into 18 th -century England include the Museum of The Gorge, the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and the open-air Blists Hill Victorian Town. You can get an annual family pass to visit all those museums and more for as little £82. 

The Ironbridge Gorge is located around 30 miles away from Birmingham. If you don’t want to drive, take the train from Birmingham to Telford Central, which is about six miles from the bridge. 

While you’re in the area, you might want to check out more of the best days out in Shropshire . 

14. The Cotswolds 

With its charming villages scattered amid rolling hills and stunning countryside vistas, the Cotswolds is one of England’s most popular holiday destinations, particularly with families that love the outdoors. 

As the Cotswolds covers an area of around 800 square miles, it’s best to pick just a few destinations to visit on your day out from Birmingham. Some of our favourite towns and villages include Winchcombe, Broadway, Chipping Campden and Bibury. Read our guide to the Cotswolds to find out what to see and do while you’re here. 

Many Cotswolds towns and villages have train stations, but you might want to drive to squeeze as much as possible into your day trip from Birmingham. The drive from Birmingham to Broadway on the northern edge of the Cotswolds takes about an hour. 

15. Shropshire Hills

Despite being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Shropshire Hills are usually less touristy than other countryside destinations in England. For us, that’s even more reason to visit. 

Located in western England not far from Wales, the Shropshire Hills are picture perfect, ideal for hiking, cycling and horse riding. The walking trails of the Shropshire Hills vary in difficulty, and many include stops at traditional pubs. Given the area’s relative remoteness and vast size, you might need a car to really explore the place on your day out from Birmingham, which is about 60 miles away. 

During your day out in Shropshire , you can also visit attractions that include Stokesay Castle, Benthall Hall and the RAF Museum at Cosford. 

16. Ludlow 

Another place in Shropshire worth visiting on your day out from Birmingham is Ludlow, a medieval walled town that played a prominent role in repelling the Welsh Marches and the English Civil War. 

Overlooking Ludlow from a cliff above the River Teme is the 11 th -century Ludlow Castle, which is best seen from Dinham Bridge during a walk along the riverbanks. There’s also a charming market that takes over the town’s main square every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 

You can drive to Ludlow from Birmingham in about an hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, take the train to Ludlow Station from Birmingham Central Station, which takes around an hour and 45 minutes and includes one change. 

17. Twycross Zoo 

Situated in Leicestershire just 40 minutes away from Birmingham by car, Twycross Zoo is home to many of the world’s adorable and critically endangered species. In our opinion, it’s one of the best zoos in England . 

Some of the rarer animals include snow leopards, tiny antelopes and Sumatran tigers. You’ll also find just about every type of great ape, including chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans. 

Besides wonderful animals, Twycross Zoo hosts the Gruffalo Discovery Land, where the kids can meet their favourite mouse and monster. For more awesome encounters, read about England’s best Gruffalo trails . 

18. Trentham Monkey Forest 

If you still haven’t had your fill of admiring adorable monkeys after visiting Twycross Zoo, we don’t blame you – which is why we’ve included the Trentham Monkey Forest on our list of best day trips from Birmingham. 

Here, you can traverse a mile-long trail through the woodland of the Trentham Estate near the River Trent, which is easily one of the most scenic rivers in England . Better still, you can walk alongside free-roaming Barbary macaques. 

It only takes about an hour to drive to the Trentham Monkey Forest from Birmingham. Public transportation is possible, but it includes two buses and a train journey.  

Ticket prices for Trentham Monkey Forest start at £11.50 for adults and £9 for children, with concessions available for students and senior citizens (children aged 2 years and under can visit for free). Buy Trentham Monkey Forest tickets online for discounted prices. 

19. Go paddleboarding

Check out these great places to go paddleboarding in the West Midlands for another fun day out from Birmingham.

20. Ackers Adventure, West Midlands

Located near Birmingham  in the West Midlands, Ackers Adventure is one of the best places in the area for ski lessons. Whether you’re starting to learn the basics for the very first time or picking up where you left off from a previous lesson, the team at Ackers Adventure can help you. It’s one of the best places for skiing lessons in England.

Their range of courses and lessons means there is something to suit all levels and needs, plus you can switch to snowboarding if you prefer. With floodlit synthetic bristle matting slopes, the lesson area can be used at any time during the year (not just when it’s snowing!). If you’re worried about getting in the way of the pros on their 100 metre main slope, don’t panic. Ackers Adventure also has a 30-metre nursery slope which is where any beginners will have their lessons.

Unmissable Days Out from Birmingham

So, there you have it! A day out from Birmingham can include rollercoaster rides, countryside walks, monkey encounters, history lessons, and much more. With so much variety in attractions located just an hour or so from Birmingham, there’s no reason to waste a second of your holiday time in the Midlands.

Have we missed any attractions you think deserve a mention? Let us know in the comments below.

FAQ about days out from Birmingham

With so many day trips from Birmingham available, you won’t struggle to fill your trip to the West Midlands with a bunch of fun-filled activities. To help you make the most of your time, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about trips from Birmingham.

What are the best Birmingham day trips by coach?  

If you don’t want to worry about parking, countless Birmingham coach trips make getting out of the city straightforward. You can take Birmingham day trips to theme parks including Alton Towers, Drayton Manor and the West Midlands Safari Park. You can also embark on a coach trip from Birmingham to heritage attractions like Warwick Castle, Stowe Gardens and Charlecote Park. 

Fancy exploring a new city on a day trip from Birmingham? York, Chester, Gloucester and Oxford can all be seen on a guided coach tour. Birmingham day trips by coach even visit seaside resorts like Blackpool , Skegness and Weston-Super-Mare. 

Can you recommend Birmingham days out for couples?  

Romantic Birmingham days out for couples include trips along the canal and strolls through greenspaces like Sutton Park. If you want to treat your better half to something special, explore the Jewellery Quarter. In the evening, catch a performance by the Birmingham Royal Ballet after indulging yourself in the city’s incredible dining scene.

What are the best Birmingham days out for toddlers?  

If you’re travelling with toddlers on a day out from Birmingham, we suggest heading to the West Midlands Safari Park to encounter animals ranging from giraffes to big cats. Cannon Hill Park has parks and playgrounds to keep the kids entertained. To sip hot drinks while the kids create works of art, head to Café Craft in Bearwood. 

The best things to do in Birmingham city with toddlers include visits to the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre , the National SEA LIFE Centre and the Teenie Weenies indoor soft play area. 

Where are the most scenic viewpoints near Birmingham?  

Nothing beats a day out in Birmingham like a good view – of Birmingham. Beyond its vast urban centre, Birmingham is home to country parks, bogs, countryside vistas and much more.  

For the best views of Birmingham’s skyline, visit the Beacon Hill Toposcope or the Birmingham Panorama. You’ll find amazing natural viewpoints at Frankley Beeches, Moseley Bog and Licky Hills Country Park. Head to the Airport Viewing Area to watch planes taking off and landing. 

Are there any major cities near Birmingham?  

The list of Birmingham nearby places is long – lot’s opportunities for a day away from England’s second-biggest city. Close places to visit include Wolverhampton (12 miles), Coventry (16 miles) and Leicester (35 miles). Cities such as Derby, Stone-on-Trent, Nottingham and Milton Keynes are less than 60 miles away from Birmingham. 

How to get from London to Birmingham?  

Birmingham is about 120 miles away from London, but getting between the cities for a day trip is straightforward. Driving from London to Birmingham will take just over two hours, while the bus (which can cost as little as £7) takes just under three hours. 

The fastest way to get from London to Birmingham is to take the train, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tickets tend to cost between £40 and £150, though you can pick them up from The Train Line for under £20 if you book far enough in advance. 

What is the closest beach to Birmingham?  

Be prepared to travel a fair distance if you want to visit the beach on a day out from Birmingham. The nearest significant beach to Birmingham is located in Weston-Super-Mare, which is about a two-hour drive away. It might not be on the doorstep, but Weston-Super-Mare provides a welcome retreat for landlocked Brummies.

Quick list of the best days out from Birmingham

• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Black Country Living Museum
• Peak District
• Cheddar Gorge
• Leamington Spa
• Warwick Castle
• Cadbury World
• Alton Towers
• Malvern Hills
• Ironbridge Gorge
• The Cotswolds
• Shropshire Hills
• Twycross Zoo
• Trentham Monkey Forest
• Go Paddleboarding
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The Black Country is an area of the country, the Black Country Living Museum is a tourist attraction. They are totally different things!

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The 25 Best Day Trips From Birmingham That Are A Must In 2024

Looking for the best one day trips from Birmingham? Then read on!

As a Birmingham local I’m very familiar with all the fantastic day trips you can take from the second city and I have taken many over the years.

The great thing about living in central England is that it’s very easy to travel to any other part of the country in a short amount of time. Whether you’re looking for a day trip to another big city , a day out in nature or a beautiful village nearby, there’s so many options.

In this blog post I’m going to share with you the best day trips from Birmingham, how to get to each destination, what you can do at each place and more!

Short on Time? My Day Tour Recommendations From Birmingham: ⭐ Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour ⭐ Cotswolds Full Day Tour From Birmingham

25 best day trips from birmingham.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at what are the 25 best day trips from Birmingham, in no particular order:

1. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the most famous historical tourist attractions in the world and is definitely worth a day trip from Birmingham!

Stonehenge is a prehistoric megalithic structure near Salisbury, consisting of a ring of 13 foot standing stones which is absolutely awe inspiring to see in person.

There is also a fantastic one day tour to Stonehenge and Bath direct from Birmingham to the site that will give you all the fascinating facts about this monument that dates back to around 4,500 years.

➡️ Book A One Day Tour of Stonehenge and Bath here

Distance from Birmingham: 124.5 miles – 2 hrs, 36 minutes by car, 4 hrs by train and bus. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

2. The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a region in the southwest of England, not too far from Birmingham that is often voted as the prettiest area of the country and for good reason too.

The area of the Cotswolds covers six different counties in total and is full of really beautiful, charming market towns, lovely villages and showcases the best of the English countryside.

The most popular places to visit in the Cotswolds include: Stow-on-the-Wold , Castle Combe and Burton-on-the-Water .

It’s possible to take a full day tour of the Cotswolds from Birmingham , which is absolutely unmissable if you want to discover the most quaint, picturesque part of England.

➡️ Book A Full Day Tour of The Cotswolds Here

Distance from Birmingham: 60 miles, 1 hr 20 mins by car, around 1hr 30 by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

3. Warwick Castle

Within easy reach from Birmingham is Warwick Castle, which is one of the most impressive castles you can go and visit in England.

Dating back to 1068, this castle is a stunningly beautiful piece of medieval architecture and it is full of amazing history.

There are also some really awesome shows that take place at the castle – such as a brilliant Flight of the Eagles show that runs twice daily and a fireball show that uses the world’s largest working catapult !

➡️ Book Your Admission Ticket to Warwick Castle Here

Distance from Birmingham: 33.6 miles – 43 mins by car, around 1 hour by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

4. Alton Towers

If you fancy an adrenaline rush for your day trip then you most definitely should visit Alton Towers close by from Birmingham. Alton Towers is the UK’s biggest theme park and is also considered the best.

With several thrilling rollercoaster rides to choose from, such as ‘ Oblivion ‘, ‘ Wicker Man ‘ and ‘ Nemesis ‘, you are absolutely spoilt for choice for rides – that’s if you’re brave enough!

I’ve been on a day trip to Alton Towers and the place is great fun. There’s so many rides and attractions to keep you busy all day and it is a memorable experience!

➡️ Book Your Admission Ticket to Alton Towers Here

Distance from Birmingham: 60 miles – 1 hr 20 mins by car, 2-3 hours by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

5. Stratford-Upon-Avon

One of the most popular tourist places near Birmingham is the medieval market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. It is a lovely place to visit and its claim to fame is for being the birthplace of the world’s most famous playwright; William Shakespeare.

For any literary fans of ‘the Bard’ then Stratford-Upon-Avon is a must place visit, and the town attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world throughout each year.

It’s possible to visit Shakespeare’s childhood home here, and there are plenty of other places to visit. Other top attractions include the Royal Shakespeare Theatre , Anne Hathaway’s cottage and Stratford butterfly farm .

➡️ Book A Walking Tour of Stratford-Upon-Avon here

Distance from Birmingham: 38 miles – 53 minutes by car, around 1 hour by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

6. Ironbridge Gorge

Based in Shropshire not very far away from Birmingham is a world heritage site which is well worth visiting; Ironbridge Gorge.

Ironbridge Gorge is known to be the birthplace of the industrial revolution and its main attraction is the Ironbridge bridge, which is the world’s first cast-iron bridge that was built in 1779.

The town of Ironbridge is a beautiful place as well; you can visit the Ironbridge Gorge museum as well as experience Blists Hill Victorian Town ; an open air museum that recreates what life was like during the Victorian era.

Distance from Birmingham: 36 miles – just over 1 hour by car or 2 hours by train and bus. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

7. Peak District

If you’re in the mood for a day out in nature and to do a spot of hiking, then I highly recommend a visit to the Peak District.

The Peak District is a fantastic national park that offers stunning countryside views, wildlife, historical sites and several great hiking routes.

It’s a large park that attracts over 13 million visitors a year, with some of the best places to visit including; Hope Valley , Dovedale and Kinder Scout , which is the park’s highest peak.

I’ve been hiking in the Peak District on several occasions and it makes for an absolutely brilliant day out.

Distance from Birmingham: 57 miles, 1 hr 24 mins by car or 2-3 hours by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

8. Black Country Living Museum

One of the best open air living museums in the whole of the UK is just up the road from Birmingham; the Black Country Living museum .

Based in Dudley, the Black Country Living museum covers 26 acres and is full of rebuilt historical houses from the Victorian era that you can explore and interact with costumed characters that bring to life the industrial revolution period.

There are numerous events and countless activities you can participate in; you can see live industrial demonstrations, have a tour of a boat dock and of course try some traditional fish and chips!

Distance from Birmingham: 16.5 miles – just 44 minutes by car or 40 mins to 1 hour by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

9. Shrewsbury

In my opinion, Shrewsbury is one of the most beautiful towns in the whole of England and is majorly underrated.

Based in Staffordshire not too far away from Birmingham, Shrewsbury is a medieval town full of history and it is a really beautiful place too.

You can visit Shrewsbury Castle , Shrewsbury Abbey , take a boat cruise down the River Severn or enjoy one of the top restaurants or bars in this delightful place.

I’ve visited Shrewsbury several times over the years on a day out and highly recommend a day trip there; it’s offers a relaxed, cosy vibe compared to the busy hectic life of a typical UK city.

Distance from Birmingham: 47 miles – 1 hr 10 mins by car or around 1 hour by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

10. Malvern Hills

Probably your best option to go for a hike in the West Midlands is to visit the stunning Malvern Hills in Malvern, Worcestershire.

The Malvern Hills offer really beautiful views of the surrounding countryside area and landscapes and is considered an area of outstanding beauty .

I’ve hiked the Malvern Hills several times and can confirm that it is a beautiful walk. To walk the entire route of the hills takes around 5 hours and it’s not too strenuous if you’re in good physical condition.

The views from the top of the hills are breath taking and it makes for a brilliant day of hiking, especially during the sunny summer months.

Distance from Birmingham: 47 miles – 1 hr 12 mins by car, around 2 hours by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

Oxford is one of the most famous cities in the UK, well known for it’s world renowned University that has attracted some of the brightest minds to study there.

The city of Oxford itself is an absolute delight to visit and one of the best cities in the UK in my opinion. It has some absolutely stunning architectural buildings worth seeing such as the famous Radcliffe Camera , the Bodleian Library and the University grounds too.

It’s a recognisable place having featured in several movies like the Harry Potter series and Saltburn , and a visit there makes for an ideal day trip, especially if you want to learn all about its fascinating history.

➡️ Book A Walking Tour of Oxford University Here

Distance from Birmingham: 81 miles – 1 hr 50 mins by car, or just over 1 hour by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

Another top English city that is full of historical wonders is Bath, based in northern Somerset, very close to Bristol.

It’s a very popular city with tourists, attracting around 6 million visitors per year and it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage city.

The reason why its such a popular place is because of the Roman Baths there, which date back to 70AD and is one of the UK’s most fascinating historical sites.

There’s plenty of other places worth visiting in Bath, such as Bath Abbey and the beautiful Royal Crescent houses . I’ve visited Bath and was very impressed by its gorgeous architecture – its definitely worth visiting for at least a day trip, ideally longer.

Distance from Birmingham: 109 miles – 2 hrs 26 mins by car, around 2 hours by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

Of course, the most popular destination for tourists when visiting the UK is the capital city; London and it’s easily reachable from Birmingham.

You can catch a train from Brum and be in London by 2 hours, meaning it’s possible to enjoy a full day in the capital if you plan wisely. London is by far the bigger city of the two, with a larger population as well, and there is so much to do there.

Yes, a lot of people think that London is overrated and too expensive, but there are a surprising amount of things you can do that are cheap or free , such as the following recommendations:

• Take a stroll around one of the city’s major parks ( Hyde Park is my favourite)
• Go on a food tour at one of the city’s top food markets – I recommend Old Spitalfields market .
• Visit one of the many free museums in the city – the National Portrait Gallery is ideal if you’re an art lover.

Distance from Birmingham: 118 miles – 2 hrs 26 minutes by car, or 1 hr 50 minutes by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

14. Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a glorious town in Gloucestershire and is famous for its many spas as well as the Cheltenham Festival , a world renowned horse riding event that takes place over 4 days every year in March.

It’s a lovely town full of historical architecture and is known for being a ‘festival town’ as it hosts a lot of festivals each year – including music, science, food and drink festivals and more.

Distance from Birmingham: 60 miles – 1 hr 28 mins by car, around 45 minutes by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

15. Manchester

Manchester is one of the top major UK cities after London, with many people having the opinion that it is really England’s second city, rather than Birmingham.

There’s so much to see and do in the city, here are my top recommendations when visiting:

• Take a tour of one of the famous Manchester football clubs’ stadiums; either Manchester United’s Old Trafford or Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium .
• Visit Manchester Cathedral , which features beautiful architecture.
• Take a tour of the John Rylands Library , an amazingly impressive neo-Gothic building dating back to the year 1900.

Distance from Birmingham: 86 miles – 2 hrs 8 mins by car, 1 hr and 30 mins by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

16. Worcester

Worcester is a very pretty city in central England which makes for an ideal day trip from Birmingham.

It is close to the River Severn and has several historical sites worth seeing such as: Worcester Cathedral , the Tudor House museum and the Guildhall Worcester , a building that dates back to 1721.

Distance from Birmingham: 38 miles – 1 hr 10 mins by car, around 1 hour by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

17. Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton is a smaller city not too far away from Birmingham and many people don’t consider it as a great place to visit, due to it’s poor economic status in recent years.

But as a Wolverhampton local, I believe it has plenty to offer and makes for a nice day trip from Birmingham.

Wolverhampton has a great music scene with some awesome concert venues such as the newly reopened The Halls . It also has an historic Grand Theatre and several traditional pubs that date back hundreds of years.

Distance from Birmingham : 16.8 miles – 30 minutes by car or around 20 minutes by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

18. Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

Cannock Chase is one of my favourite forest parks to go to in the whole of the UK and a place I visit whenever I get the chance.

It is designated as an outstanding place of natural beauty and an absolute must if you want to experience some beautiful nature for the day from Birmingham.

Covering over 2684 hectares , it’s a huge place with plenty of trails that make it ideal for a nice hike over the course of a day. There’s also a Go Ape adventure activity place which includes a treetop rope course – which is ideal for youngsters!

Distance from Birmingham: 23 miles – 33 minutes by car or an hour and half by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

19. Nottingham

Nottingham is located in the East Midlands and is fairly easy to get to from Birmingham. It’s probably the most major city in the Midland region after Birmingham and is famous for the legend of Robin Hood.

Here are my top 3 things to do on a day trip to Nottingham:

• Nottingham Castle – Dating back to 1068 and was known to be one of the most important royal castles in England.
• Sherwood Forest – Home to the legend of Robin Hood and a beautiful place to explore on a walk.
• City of Caves – This is an amazing historic site made up of a network of original underground sandstone caves, over 800 caves in total!

Distance from Birmingham: 50 miles – 1 hr 21 mins by car, just over 1 hour by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

20. Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Another delightful town worth visiting that’s not too far away from Birmingham is Royal Leamington Spa.

Based on the River Leam, its famous for its mineral springs since that date back hundreds of years and it is full of impressive architecture.

You can visit the Royal Pump rooms which was once home to several spa baths in the 18th and 19th centuries which the town is renowned for and is now a dedicated museum.

Distance from Birmingham: 37 miles – 51 minutes by car, around 30 minutes by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

21. Lichfield

Lichfield is a historic city based in Staffordshire and is over 800 years old! It is most known for its’ medieval Cathedral, which is a stunning piece of architecture and dates all the way back to 656 AD.

The city is also well known for its’ beautiful parks and museums and other historical landmarks such as the Wall Roman Site – which is the ancient remains of a Roman settlement.

Distance from Birmingham: 23 miles – 31 minutes by car, 30 mins to 1 hour by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

22. Clent Hills, Worcestershire

If you want to see some of the best panoramic views of the West Midlands region then you must visit the Clent Hills.

Based near Stourbridge, it’s possible to see Birmingham which is just 10 miles away and it’s a beautiful place for a walk on a nice day. There’s plenty of benches to enjoy the views as well as free parking and play areas for children.

Distance from Birmingham: 12 miles – 32 minutes by car, around 2 hours by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

23. Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth Castle dates back to the Norman Conquest of England and is based in Warwickshire.

Although the castle is now in ruins, it is surrounded by beautiful Elizabethan gardens that has been lovingly recreated by the English Heritage. You do need to book your entry tickets to the castle in advance to avoid disappointment.

Distance from Birmingham: 22 miles – 34 minutes by car, just over 1 hour by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

24. Liverpool

Another top major city in north of England which is well worth a day trip to is Liverpool. Just over 30 miles away from Manchester, Liverpool is just as culturally rich and diverse. Here are my top 3 recommendations of things to do when visiting:

• The Cavern Club – see some live music where the Beatles first performed in the early 1960’s.
• The Royal Albert Docks – the cultural centre of Liverpool where you can find several top museums, art exhibitions, restaurants and more.
• Anfield Stadium – visit the home of Liverpool football club, one of the most famous historical clubs in world football.

Distance from Birmingham: 99 miles – 2 hrs 21 mins by car, around 2 hours by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

Instead of going on a day trip from Birmingham to another part of England, you could take a day trip to another country instead; Wales!

Wales is very close to Birmingham and is such a beautiful country with several top cities, seaside towns and natural sites worth visiting. Here are my top 3 places to visit in Wales:

• Cardiff – the capital city of Wales and a very lively place, full of history such as Cardiff castle and so much more.
• Snowdonia National Park – Wales’ largest park, you can go on a mountain railway ride to the top of Wales’ highest mountain; Mount Snowdon.
• Aberystwyth – a beautiful seaside town on the Welsh coast, ideal for a seaside day trip from Birmingham!

Distance from Birmingham to Cardiff: 115 miles – 2 hrs 30 mins by car, 2 hours by train. How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

Recommended Day Tours From Birmingham

Let’s look in a little bit more detail at the best one day tours you can take from Birmingham:

✅ Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour

This is an awesome full day coach trip from Birmingham to two of the best UK destinations: Stonehenge and Bath.

You can expect to spend plenty of time at both destinations and learn all about the amazing history of these two sites by an expert guide.

⭐ Read this 5 star review from Selina: “Booked this for my mom and aunt who were visiting UK from Malaysia. They really enjoyed it and everything was on time, Daniel was a very kind and good guide, kept them well informed and everything.”

➡️ Click here to book your ticket to Stonehenge and Bath

✅ cotswolds full day tour from birmingham.

This is an amazing day trip from Birmingham to the heart of the English countryside.

Get to explore the Cotswolds fully and discover 4 of the best villages that the Cotswolds has to offer; Burford , Bibury , Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold .

➡️ Click here to book your tour of the Cotswolds

Best day trips from birmingham faqs.

Still not sure which day trip from Birmingham is best for you? Let’s answer some commonly asked questions about this topic:

What are the best seaside day trips from Birmingham?

It is relatively easy to go on a seaside day trip from Birmingham. You can reach seaside towns in Wales such as Aberystwyth , Llandudno or Swansea from Birmingham within a few hours.

The nearest English coastal town from Birmingham you can reach is Weston-Super-Mare , which takes around 2 hours by car or train.

What are the best day trips from Birmingham by train?

You can reach all of the 25 day trips listed in this blog post from Birmingham by train. Most are direct trains but some you have to catch multiple trains and can take longer.

Ideally you want a train ride that doesn’t last longer than 2 hours each way, such as a train journey from Birmingham to Shrewsbury , Nottingham or Oxford .

Are there any steam train day trips from Birmingham?

It is possible to travel on a vintage steam train from Birmingham to a few different locations, which is definitely a unique and memorable experience.

You can take steam train rides such as: ‘ The Shakespeare Express ‘ to Stratford-Upon-Avon, ‘ The Red Dragon ‘ that travels to Cardiff, and: ‘ The White Rose ‘ which goes to York and Scarborough. Click here for more info on these rides.

Conclusion: Best Day Trips From Birmingham

So that concludes everything you need to know about the 25 best day trips from Birmingham in 2024.

I’ve enjoyed many day trips from Birmingham over the years – there are so many options to choose from. It’s relatively easy and straightforward to reach some of the best cities, villages and tourist destinations that England has to offer.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through this post and that it’s inspired you to plan your next day trip from Birmingham!

You might also like these blog posts about Birmingham: ➡️ Discover The Top 13 Birmingham Walking Tours In 2024 – Reviewed By A Local ➡️ 15 Top Things To Do In Birmingham Alone: The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide (From A Local) ➡️ Birmingham vs London: Which City Is Better To Visit? A Surprising Answer From A Birmingham Local ➡️ Is Birmingham Overrated? A Local’s Verdict On Visiting England’s Second City ➡️ Where To Go For The Best Whisky Tasting Experience in Birmingham, Recommended By A Brummie ➡️ 6 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Digbeth: Birmingham’s Trendiest Neighbourhood Reviewed By A Local ➡️ Is It Better To Visit Wolverhampton or Birmingham? Why This Answer From a Local May Surprise You ➡️ Is Birmingham Worth Visiting? Top 27 Things To Do In England’s Second City Recommended By A Local

Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources: 🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best place to stay with Booking.com 🚗 Rental Car – Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices ❤️ Travel Insurance – I recommend using Visitors Coverage ✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com for the best prices

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Hi! I’m Mark from Wolverhampton in England and I’m a travel blogger! Back in 2013 I decided to quit my boring day job and travel the world solo for nine months. Ever since then I’ve continued my travels whenever possible and so far I’ve visited over 40 countries, mostly as a solo traveller!

20 TOP Day Trips From Birmingham By Train, Car & Coach!

Categories England , U.K

With Birmingham’s wonderful central location, there are so many day trips from Birmingham that can be done.

Whether you are looking for day trips near Birmingham that you can drive to with the family and have some fun at, or you are looking for day trips from Birmingham by train to a different part of the country for cities and culture, I’ve got you covered in this post full of days out in Birmingham!

Coach trips from Birmingham are also incredibly popular so below I have noted popular day trips from Birmingham by coach too!

From historical cities like York and Bath , iconic sights like Stonehenge and family fun attractions like Alton Towers , the Harry Potter Museum and Leicester National Space Centre .

This list of Birmingham day trips has been put together with the help of my fellow travel bloggers to help you explore the best of the Midlands and beyond on a Birmingham day trip!

Day Trips From Birmingham

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Map of Day Trips from Birmingham

Sometimes, it helps to see places on a map so here is a map with all of the below Birmingham day trip ideas on it so you can see how far you want to travel.

Day Trips Birmingham

1. malvern hills.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to a beautiful nature spot just a 1 hour drive out of Birmingham, there is no better place to visit than the Malvern Hills.

Stretching across the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire , there are plenty of different walks to choose from in the Malverns. You can walk the five hours end to end following the top of the Malvern Ridge from Chace End to North Hill taking in the main summits!

How to do a Malvern Hills day trip from Birmingham ?

The Malvern Hills are pretty easily accessible by train so they make one of the great day trips from Birmingham by train !

A train from Birmingham New Street takes you directly to Colwall, Great Malvern or Malvern Link from which you can walk onto the hills pretty easily. However, a car is best if you want to park at the base of the hills for a really easy walk.

The best car parks are at British Camp, Gardiner’s Quarry, or Upper Beacon Road car park.

Suggested by: Faraway Lucy

2. Bibury Village, Cotswolds

One of the best day trips from Birmingham has to be the  beautiful Cotswolds village  of Bibury. This riverside village is often dubbed the prettiest village in England and is famous for being home to Arlington Row.

Owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row, is a small but picturesque row of houses , so quintessentially English that they even feature on the inside cover of the British passport.

Other than this beautiful row of houses, Bibury is also home to Bibury Trout Farm. Spanning 15 acres of land, the trout farm is one of the oldest in England and visitors even have the opportunity to catch their own dinner! If you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, you can always purchase one of the deli products to take back to Birmingham.

How to do a Cotswolds day trip from Birmingham?

Bibury is south of Birmingham and takes 1 hour 20 minutes to reach by car via the M5. If you prefer to visit the Cotswolds by train from Birmingham you can travel to Cheltenham Spa Station and get a 30-minute taxi for the rest of the way.

Suggested by: Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

TRAINS FROM BIRMINGHAM

When it comes to day trips from Birmingham by train , I really recommend booking your tickets in advance on The Train Line so you can get the best price! Tickets are always cheaper further out from your trip date rather than on the day itself. Check out train times and tickets on The Train Line here now!

COACHES FROM BIRMINGHAM

For your coach trips from Birmingham, you can also use The Train Line to make bookings with all the top UK bus and coach providers and the best thing is, coach tickets are often much cheaper than train tickets so this will help you book a cheap Birmingham day out!

Check out coach times and tickets on The Train Line here now!

3. Warwick & Warwick Castle

Warwick is a small town located along River Avon which forms part of the West Midlands Region in England. The very first thing that comes to one’s mind when we hear Warwick is its magnificent castle founded by William the conquerer. To be very honest, Warwick is more than that, and there are many interesting things to do, considering how small the town is.

Seep through thousand years of jaw-dropping history as you walk through the rooms of Warwick Castle.  The castle is huge, sits right next to River Avon and is an unmissable attraction in Warwick. You come to Warwick to marvel at the Warwick Castle and hear about the stories of heroes and warriors.

Right next to the castle is the adorable The Mill Garden – a privately owned garden that allows public access. A great place to take a stroll or catch a glimpse of the castle.

Walk around the town centre admiring the half-timbered houses and myriad cafes and restaurants.  If you are looking for an indoor activity, St. Johns House and Market Hall Museum are lovely little museums that you can spend time in with your family.

How to get to Warwick Castle from Birmingham ?

 Warwick can be explored by car or public transport. It is only 45 minutes drive from Birmingham.

Alternatively, there is a direct train service by Chiltern Railways that connects Birmingham and Warwick and takes around 1 hour to reach. By coach from Birmingham , Warwick is just 30 minutes away.

Suggested by: Country Hopping Couple

4. Shrewsbury

Are you looking for a lovely relaxing place to visit on your day out from Birmingham? Shrewsbury is the perfect place to relax and wander.  The entire town centre is now within easy walking distance, bounded on all sides by the river loop.

The buildings in Shrewsbury are of all ages, many mediaeval and Georgian – and new ones too, all huddled together in a tiny half-square kilometre of space .  Much of the town centre is occupied by local shops, cafes, wine bars and restaurants. 

Some specific Shrewsbury highlights include The High Street , with bookshops, and cafes, Wyle Cop – steeply sloping and lined with jewellery shops, and others specialising in cookware, and fine foods, the vast Quarry Park with tree-lined lawns, and the river, and Mardol : an ancient street where you will discover the town’s most quirky old timber-framed structures, some dating back to the 13th Century.

Find time to enjoy a cup of tea on this Birmingham day trip before catching one of the many trains back to Bham.

How to get to Shrewsbury from Birmingham ?

There is a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury making this one of the easy and cheap day trips from London as the ticket cost is low, and Birmingham to Shrewsbury is around a 1-hour drive too.

It’s also one of the great coach trips from Birmingham because it takes just 1 hour by coach from Birmingham to Shrewsbury .

Suggested by: The Travelling Twins

CAR HIRE FROM BIRMINGHAM

If you need to hire a car for the day so you can go on the perfect day trip from Birmingham, have a look on Rental Cars here as they check for car rental with all off the big companies like Budget, Hertz & Aviv so you only need to check once to get the best price!

The list is long of things to do in Ludlow in this walled medieval town including a river walk, a castle, markets, and great food to try. You will notice the people who live there take very good care of their home with beautiful baskets of flowers everywhere and they keep it neat and tidy.

The castle square market is open daily, except Tuesday . They do vary the stalls with speciality markets on Thursdays and Sundays. The stalls are full of local produce and handmade items. You will find many tempting treasures that may be difficult to resist.

The walk along the river is beautiful, with great views of the castle from Dinham Bridge . There is a circular walk called the two bridges (or for the old times the bread walk) if you like to walk it is highly recommended. 

Ludlow is one of the great Birmingham day trips to enjoy a small-town, great food, beautiful surroundings, and so much more.

How to get to Ludlow from Birmingham ?

It is easier to reach Ludlow from Birmingham by car with a drive of about 1 hour 30 minutes.

There is a train from Birmingham New Street to Ludlow Station with 1 change which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and Ludlow train station is a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

Suggested by: Blue Bag Nomads

6. The Black Country Living Museum

You don’t have to travel far out of Birmingham to have a fun Birmingham day out. For a unique day trip from Birmingham, head to The Black Country Living Museum . The Black Country Living Museum does what it says on the tin; it’s an open-air living museum dedicated to historical life in the Black Country. 

You can walk around Victorian-style houses and speak to its inhabitants (museum staff who are in character and experts on their subject), experience a class from 1912 or visit an old-fashioned pub and have a pint (!). You can even visit the sweet shop and get some vintage sweets!

This museum works almost like a functioning town. The cherry on top is a visit down into real coal mines. After a full day of time travel, you’ll need some fish and chips from the fish shop… they’re genuinely delicious.

The first time I visited the Black Country Museum , it blew my expectations out of the water, I could have wandered around there for days making it a great family day trip from Birmingham.

How to get there from Birmingham ?

You need to head to Dudley which is just a 30 minute drive from Birmingham , or this works as a great day trip from Birmingham by train because you can catch a train from Birmingham New Street to Tipton which takes around 20 minutes. Once you’re in Tipton, you need to walk about 15 – 20 minutes to the museum .

Suggested by: Ambers Destinology

7. Bourneville

Bourneville is the perfect day trip for families , or in fact, anyone with a love of chocolate! The area was created in the late 18th century when the Cadbury family relocated their chocolate factory there.

The family named the area Bourneville after the local river Bourn and added the French word for town ‘ville’. The area soon grew with the creation of a model village similar to that of Saltaire built by Titus Salt in Yorkshire.

In this village, the Cadbury family built housing, schools, parks, and even a village green for their workers to enjoy. This was revolutionary at the time as it meant the workers at the Cadbury factory were well paid and looked after by their employers. 

Today you can enjoy a stroll through the leafy streets and parks in this popular area of Birmingham .  

You can of course also visit the main attraction in the area – Cadbury World. Enjoy an interactive tour and learn all about chocolate production! And of course, enjoy lots of samples on your way around. Booking is essential especially during school holidays as this is a popular destination for families and chocolate lovers everywhere! 

How to get to Bourneville from Birmingham:

Only 12 minutes after leaving Birmingham New Street station by train you arrive at the pretty suburb of Bourneville.

Suggested by: UK Travel Planning

8. Harry Potter Studio

The   Harry Potter Studio Tour  in Watford is an absolute must for Harry Potter fans. This is where the actual Harry Potter films were made and is now a popular attraction full of old sets, costumes, props and more.

It’s a self-guided tour but it is perfectly designed so you follow the route through some of the most iconic Harry Potter sets including the Gryffindor Common Room , Snape’s Potions Classroom , The Great Hall, The Ministry of Magic and more.

The studios lift the veil on the magic so you can see exactly how they brought Harry Potter to life and it’s a thoroughly insightful and unforgettable experience. There’s a huge amount to look at and read as they’ve covered every little detail down to the sketches that brought these sets to life. What’s more, you get to experience some magic for yourself such as flying a broom in front of a green screen and sipping on Butterbeer. 

It’s estimated that the tour takes anywhere from 3 – 5 hours depending on how long you spend on the optional activities, lunch, gift shop etc, so it makes for the perfect Birmingham day trip!

How to get to the Harry Potter Studios from Birmingham ?

You can go from Birmingham to Watford where the Studios are in just 1 hour 40 minutes by train!

Suggested by: Laura of What’s Hot?

The gorgeous city of Oxford is easily visited on a day trip from Birmingham . The beauty of Oxford is its small, compact nature which means you can easily explore the whole city in just a day.

Oxford is a city with plenty of fascinating history and several buildings dating back over 1,000 years like the Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate. This would have been the viewpoint from the city walls that protected Oxford from its enemies.

Other things to see during a day trip from Oxford include the Radcliffe Camera , Christ Church College where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed, the Bodleian Library which holds a copy of every book in the UK, The Sheldonian Theatre designed by Sir Christopher Wren and the Ashmolean Library, home to the lantern used by Guy Fawkes in the Gunpowder Plot.

While there are lots of things to keep you busy, one of the best things to do is relax in one of the many excellent Oxford cafes , sip a speciality flat white and watch this picturesque city go about its day.

How to do an Oxford day trip from Birmingham?

There is a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Oxford which takes just over 1 hour. Alternatively, you can drive from Birmingham to Oxford down the M40 in around 1 hour 20 minutes making it an easy day trip from Birmingham.

And for coach trips to Oxford from Birmingham you can get a coach there in 1 hour 10 minutes!

Suggested by: Where Goes Rose

10. Castle Combe Village, Cotswolds

One of the top day trips from Birmingham is Castle Come Village in the Cotswolds! Without a doubt, Castle Combe is one of the most beautiful villages in England so it has to be visited at least once.

In fact, in 2001 Castle Combe has even named the most picturesque village in Great Britain so if you are planning a day trip from Birmingham with friends or family – this beautiful village will be really a great choice!

Well-preserved medieval stone houses and a beautiful market square perfectly define the character of the village. No wonder this Cotswold gem is very known amongst photographers from the whole country. Go for a walk around the village, have a pub lunch or one of the local tea rooms for the afternoon tea.

Castle Combe village, with its surrounding beautiful countryside, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Cotswold – a perfect place to visit from Birmingham during summer.

How to get to Castle Combe from Birmingham?

Car is the best way to get from Birmingham to the Cotswolds. The 100 miles journey from Birmingham will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive by car.

Suggested by: Darek and Gosia

11. Stratford Upon Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a medieval town located in the West Midlands . The town is also famous for being the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare is the most famous English writer who is left with an impressive legacy including the plays ‘Romeo and Juliet ‘ and ‘ Hamlet ‘. Therefore, Shakespeare’s Birthplace is the most famous landmark in Stratford-upon-Avon and is also the main reason why many tourists visit the town.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes a wonderful day trip from Birmingham , especially for Shakespeare lovers. Not only can visitors visit his birthplace but they can also watch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The theatre has contemporary plays of Shakespeare and as well as plays written by modern writers.

However, not everything in Stratford-upon-Avon is Shakespeare’s related; The charming town also has local shops, a beautiful church called Holy Trinity Church, a cool museum and even a butterfly farm. Indeed, the town has something to offer for everyone whether you are travelling with friends, kids or as a couple.

How to a Stratford day trip from Birmingham ?

Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon from Birmingham is relatively simple, it is a 45 minutes journey by direct train or you can drive and it will take roughly 45 minutes too . Be sure to use the Stratford Park and Ride option to get into the centre easily.

Suggested by: Luxury Voyager

Only one and half hours away on the fastest train, London is one of the best day trip destinations from Birmingham . There is so much to do and see in London that you will leave wishing you had more than just one day. But sometimes time is short, and luckily, a lot of the main attractions in London are quite close to each other, so it is possible to cover quite a bit of ground in one day. 

If this is your first time in London, you’ll have to start at the Palace of Westminster or Houses of Parliament , of course. Aside from having Big Ben, you will be able to visit Westminster Abbey in the vicinity. Head to Trafalgar Square straight after that, where you will find the National Gallery, and walk through the Admiralty Arch down Pall Mall towards Buckingham Palace.  From the Palace, walk through Green Park to Piccadilly, Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. All these famous areas are within a short distance from each other. 

If, however, this is not your first time in the capital and want to do something a bit different, there are some fun and unique ways to see London . You could have afternoon tea or a gourmet meal on board a bus while you tour London’s famous landmarks.

Or if you are a thrill-seeker , why not take a Thames Rocket and enjoy London from the river with an adrenaline-inducing boat ride? It’ll take you all the way from the London Eye to Tower Bridge. Whichever way you decide to spend a day in London, there are plenty of options on how to do it.

How to do a London day trip from Birmingham?

Getting the train to London is the best and quickest way to get from Birmingham to London and the fast train takes just 1 hour 30 minutes from Birmingham New Street Station to London Euston Station.

Suggested by: Brogan Abroad

13. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the most popular day trip destination s in the United Kingdom. The mystery behind the prehistoric monument’s origins and purpose is a major draw for tourists.

When you arrive at Stonehenge, take a trip to the visitor’s centre where you can find an exhibition dedicated to the history of Stonehenge and life during the times when Stonehenge was constructed.

After learning a little bit more about the monument’s history, grab a picnic lunch from the café and hop on the shuttle to the Stone Circle. Enjoy your lunch in view of the stones (also a great spot for people watching!) before getting a bit closer to admire the mysterious stones. 

How to get to Stonehenge from Birmingham ?

Stonehenge is just a little bit over 2 hours from Birmingham by car, making it easily visited on a day trip from Birmingham by car. It is possible to visit with public transportation; however, the journey can take around 1 hour longer.

When driving from Birmingham to Stonehenge, the majority of the trip is done by taking the M5 down to Salisbury.

If you’d prefer to use public transportation, you can take a train from Birmingham New Street to Bristol Temple Meads and from there to Salisbury before taking a taxi to the monument.

Suggested by: A World in Reach

14. Bristol

If you’re looking for one of the most exciting cities in the south of England, then Bristol will tick all the boxes and Bristol is an easy day trip from Birmingham! The maritime city is steeped with history, particularly around the dockside. If you’re after something a bit more urban, then you’ll love the street art scene.

Bristol is famous for loads of things beginning with B; Blackbeard, Brunel, Balloons and Banksy. The notorious pirate Blackbeard is said to have resided in Bristol (under the name of William Teach), there are quite a few trails around the city about Bristol and pirateology.

Moving forwards a couple of hundred years, you can’t miss how much street art there is in the city. Bristol is home to Banksy, you can find his work dotted all over the city. However, the biggest hub of street art is in the   autonomous underbelly of Stokes Croft . Each year Bristol hosts UPFest: The Urban Paint Festival.

How to do a Bristol day trip from Birmingham ?

Bristol city is situated just under 90 miles south of Birmingham , journey times should be around 1 hour 30 minutes. You could also travel to Bristol by train, this takes around 1 hour 20 minutes .

Suggested by: Meet Me In Departures

15. Peak District

Get away from it all and escape to the open landscapes of the Peak District National Park on a day trip from Birmingham. The Peak District is split into the green rolling hills of the White Peak and the dramatic escarpments and moorland plateaus of the Dark Peak.

The best way to spend your day in the Peak District from Birmingham is with a long walk in the hills. Dovedale is a popular choice for those visiting from the South, but it can get awfully busy at weekends. Instead, drive a little further into the National Park to Hartington or Monyash. Or if you want dramatic escarpments, head to Curbar or Stanage Edge.

If you prefer a more relaxed day out, head over to the Chatsworth Estate, one of the grandest houses in the country. Or ride the cable car up to The Heights of Abraham and explore the old mining caverns, amongst other  things to do in Matlock .

However you choose to spend your day, the best way to finish up is at a local pub with a pint of Peak Ale. 

How to do a Peak District day trip from Birmingham ?

From Birmingham, the heart of the White Peak is only an hour and a half drive away and if you don’t have your own car you can visit on one of the organised coach day trips from Birmingham.

Suggested by: Jenny from Peak District Kids

York is our favourite city and it would make for a great day trip from Birmingham. The beauty of York is not only its history but its diversity. There is so much to do in York, there really is something to suit everyone.

As a family, we love the free National Railway Museum near to the train station. Other favourites include a visit to the Castle museum that has a historically recreated Victorian street. You can relive the lives and smells of Viking York on a ride through time at Jorvik Viking Centre.

Young and old will love finding out about something with a strong connection to York, chocolate. At the Chocolate story, you will learn all about the history of chocolate in the City and you not only get to taste different kinds of chocolate but you can make your own chocolate lollipop. If that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth how about booking an afternoon tea at the popular Betty’s tea-room.

For lovers of water, you can catch a boat ride down the main river running through the City. For lovers of history, you can visit the stunning York Minster. If you are visiting with teenagers they can be scared silly in York Dungeons. Once you’ve worn yourselves out exploring there is a huge and varied choice of places to eat out. From Italian to Indian and from tea rooms to pubs. You will never go hungry on a visit to York.

How to do a York day trip from Birmingham ?

Birmingham New Street to York is just 2 hours 30 by direct train or you can drive from Birmingham to York in around 2 hours 15 minutes.

Suggested by: Yorkshire To Do With Kids

Bath works well as one of the day trips from Birmingham because once you are there it is easy to walk around Bath and explore this historical city.

Things to do in Bath on a day trip include visiting the Roman Bath Museum, and visiting the iconic circular houses in the Royal Crescent . Take a boat trip or a walk along the River and shop in Bath’s many independent shops.

If you are ready for a full day out you can combine a trip to Bath with a stopover in the Cotswolds or Stonehenge because they are all so close by.

How to do a Bath day trip from Birmingham ?

Birmingham to Bath by car is around 2 hours, it is also 2 hours by train from Birmingham New Street Station to Bath Spa Station with a change in Bristol making it an easy Bham day trip.

Suggested by: The Wandering Quinn

18. Alton Towers Theme Park

Theme Parks in the UK are loved for their world-class rollercoaster rides , and they don’t come much bigger than Alton Towers , the largest theme park in the country and being just over an hour’s drive from Birmingham, Alton Towers is an absolute must-visit for adventure junkies on a day trip from Birmingham !

Situated near the village of Alton near Stoke-On-Trent , the site consists of a sprawling theme park, an indoor and outdoor tropical lagoon-themed water park , a luxury oasis spa, an extraordinary golf course, and a hotel complex.

Alton Towers is arguably the best adventure park in the UK , and boasts The Smiler – the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster , and the Nemesis, perhaps the most memorable rollercoaster ride of my childhood, that carries dangling thrill seekers around 250 tonnes of tangled steel through corkscrews, spins and loops at 50 miles per hour. 

Get your tickets to Alton Towers here and start planning your day trips to Alton Towers from Birmingham!

How to get to Alton Towers from Birmingham ?

By car via the M6 the journey from Birmingham to Alton Towers is around 1 hour and 15 minutes. To get to Alton Towers by train from Birmingham , board the Newcastle-bound Cross Country train from Birmingham New Street Station to Derby which takes 33 minutes.

From Derby Railway Station, catch the X52 bus and step off at the 8th stop at Alton Towers Entrance. The journey is 2 hours and 10 minutes in total.

Suggested by: BRB | Gone Somewhere Epic

19. Bear Grylls Adventure

One of the fun day trips from Birmingham is to the Bear Grylls Adventure , located at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre).

There is a wide range of adventure activities to choose from. If you’re after a whole day experience, you can book ‘ The Big 5 ’ which takes around 9 hours to complete! In this package, you’ll be able to learn archery , go indoor skydiving , scuba diving in a tank with sharks , test your nerves on a high ropes course and climb on an indoor rock climbing wall. All the activities can also be purchased separately, so you can build your own perfect package or just choose one!

All bookings also include free entrance to the ‘ Royal Marines ’ style timed assault course! It’s really tough going with some really tricky obstacles! Most of the activities to require a certain level of fitness, especially if you pick The Big 5 package, it’s like a full-body work out which you’ll definitely feel when you wake up the next day!

The Bear Grylls Adventure is a great day out if you want to challenge yourself and try something new!

How to get to Bear Grylls Adventure from Birmingham ?

Ideally located in the NEC it is really easy to reach from Birmingham city centre.

You can either drive for approximately 20 minutes or take the train to Birmingham International statio n, for approximately 20 minutes from Birmingham New Street and walk the last little bit.

Suggested by: Between England & Iowa

20. Leicester National Space Centre

The National Space museum is an outstanding attraction easily accessible from Birmingham.

The first thing that strikes you about the Leicester National Space Centre is the rocket tower. The tower is 42 m (138 ft) tall and claims to be the only place to house upright space rockets indoors. It is an impressive introduction to the museum! The real star of the show is Sir Patrick Morre Planetarium.

The Leicester Museum has 6 interactive galleries that explore and educate about Space. Our Solar System gallery has an amazing model of the Mars Rover that you can drive. There are enough fun stuff and learning experiences here to keep kids and adults entertained for a good few hours which is why it makes one of the best day trips from Birmingham!

How to get to Leicester National Space Centre from Birmingham ?

When driving via the A6 from Birmingham you can reach the National Space Museum in around 1 hour .

Suggested by: Wyld Family Travel

FAQs About Day Trips from Birmingham:

Where can i go on a day trip from birmingham.

Because of Birmingham’s brilliant central location in the UK there are lots of places to go on a day trip from Birmingham like Bristol, Bath, Warwick, Cotswolds and the Peak District.

What places are 1 hour away from Birmingham?

For places that are 1 hour away from Birmingham or less you can go to Bourneville, Cadburys World, the Black Country Museum, The Cotswolds, Stratford Upon Avon, and Warwick.

What city is 2 hours from Birmingham?

Cities that are 2 hours away from Birmingham that are good to visit are Bristol, Bath, London by train, York, Sheffield, and Manchester.

I hope you now have lots of ideas of coach trips from Birmingham, day trips near Birmingham and some top Birmingham days out ideas!

If you need to hire a car for the day so you can go on the perfect day trip from Birmingham, have a look on Rental Cars here as they check for car rental with all off the big companies like Budget, Hertz & Aviv so you only need to check once!

• More posts of mine that you will help you see the best of the UK:
• Things To Do On A Day Trip To Oxford!
• Things To Do on a Day Trip to Bath!
• 25+ Day Trips from London By Train Ideas To Cities, Beaches & Europe!

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The 6 best day trips from Birmingham: see how the Midlands shaped the world

Jan 26, 2022 • 5 min read

From the Malvern Hills to the medieval wonders of Warwick Castle, here are the best day trips from Birmingham © Neil Bussey / Getty Images

Birmingham , often considered the UK's second city, is a youthful, dynamic metropolis enjoying a cultural rebirth. And, if you venture outside the confines of the city, you'll find there’s a lot to see in the surrounding  Midlands too.

From Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon to the medieval walls of Warwick Castle , or the feat of engineering at Ironbridge Gorge, a day trip from Brimingham can take you to illustrious heritage sites that tell the story of how this region of central England shaped the world. 

Enjoy spectacular scenery in the Malvern Hills

For the most scenic experience on a day trip from Birmingham, head to the Malvern Hills in rural Worcestershire. They rise 425m (1394ft) above the pretty spa town of Great Malvern, offering sweeping panoramas of the Severn Valley and beyond. Photographers should aim to get here for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset to capture what 17th-century diarist John Evelyn called “one of the godliest vistas in England”.

For those who want to get back to more urban exploring, the historic towns of Worcester and Hereford are both within 20 miles of the hills.

How to get to the Malvern Hill from Birmingham:  It’s a 40-mile drive by car, which is the best way to get around these rural areas. Great Malvern can also be reached by train from both Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill. From New Street it’s a one-hour journey, from Snow Hill it takes one hour and 20 minutes. 

Discover medieval Britain at Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is a proper, bona fide castle, the sort you see in movies or read about in adventure books as a child. Your imagination can run wild here with visions of kings, queens, and knights in shining armor; the castle's rising turrets and formidable walls are visible from the train as it approaches Warwick, bringing a palpable sense of excitement.

There have been fortifications at the site for over 1000 years and in that time the castle has seen attacks, fires and 36 different owners. These days it’s a family-friendly attraction featuring jousting contests, themed evenings, and an eerie dungeon.

How to get to Warwick Castle from Birmingham:  Regular trains depart Birmingham Moor Street to Warwick and the journey takes around 30 minutes. From Warwick train station it’s a 15-minute walk to the castle.

Get to know Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon

Around 30 miles south of Birmingham, The Bard’s medieval hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon is drenched in history, with cobbled streets, quaint Tudor houses and an attractive, meandering riverside. The town center is compact and can get busy with tourists, so a gentle walk out to Shakespeare’s final resting place at  Holy Trinity Church , on the banks of the River Avon, is a welcome escape.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace has an understandable lure – those looking for the full experience should also head to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to take in a play by the world’s greatest dramatist.

How to get to Stratford-upon-Avon from Birmingham:  Trains depart Birmingham Moor Street for Stratford-upon-Avon twice per hour and the journey takes between 40 and 50 minutes.

See the birth of the Industrial Revolution at Ironbridge Gorge

The Industrial Revolution arguably made the Midlands what it is today, and certainly Birmingham wouldn’t have gained its "city of a thousand trades" nickname without it. The Iron Bridge at Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire is the only Unesco World Heritage Site in the region, and marked a turning point in engineering as the world’s first cast-iron structure.

Although Ironbridge itself is a small town, there are plenty of things to do during your day trip. The Museum of the Gorge and the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron both give a comprehensive insight into life in the 18th century and tell the story of how Ironbridge took its well-earned place in British history.

How to get to Ironbridge Gorge from Birmingham:  Ironbridge Gorge is about an hour away from Birmingham by car via the M6 and M54. You can also take the train to Telford Central from Birmingham New Street. It’s about 6 miles from there to Ironbridge – take the local bus (numbers 4 and 8 go there) or pick up a taxi outside the station.

See history come alive in the Black Country

The clue is in the name at the Black Country Living Museum . It’s an experience like no other – a vast open-air museum allowing visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in local life at the turn of the 20th century. Spanning 26 acres, the streets are lined with faithfully recreated shops and houses complete with heritage vehicles and quirky local characters who’ll explain about their lives 100 years ago.

If Ironbridge Gorge tells the story of how the Industrial Revolution started, a day trip to this unique place in the heart of the Black Country shows what it became. There are also special events themed around Peaky Blinders , which is unsurprising as scenes from every season of the popular TV show have been filmed here. 

How to get to the Black Country Living Museum from Birmingham:  The Black Country Living Museum is around 10 miles from Birmingham by car. By train it’s a short trip from Birmingham New Street to Tipton, and then a one-mile walk or an eight-minute journey via the 229 bus.

Admire three soaring spires at Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield offers a striking rarity that nowhere else in the country can match – it’s home to the only medieval three-spired cathedral in the UK. Turning the corner from Bird Street onto The Close and seeing it rise up in the distance as you approach is almost worth the visit alone.

The dramatic 800-year-old cathedral wasn’t the only notable resident of this city over the centuries. Erasmus Darwin (Lunar Society member, key thinker of the Midlands Enlightenment and grandfather of Charles), lived here during the 18th century and his residence , handily situated next to the cathedral, is open to visitors. In the town center is the birthplace of writer Samuel Johnson, most well-known for creating one of the world’s first standard English dictionaries in 1755. 

How to get to Lichfield from Birmingham:  Trains from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City are frequent throughout the day and take around 35 minutes.

You might also like: Lonely Planet reveals the 10 best travel experiences in the UK    How to get around in England this winter    Bards and Roman baths: best places in England   

This article was first published October 2019 and updated January 2022

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The Best Day Trips From Birmingham, England

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Because of its location right in the center of England, Birmingham is close to many interesting attractions and national parks. The city's train station connects it with its neighboring towns, as well as areas like the Cotswolds and the Shropshire Hills, and it's within an easy driving distance to place like Stratford-upon-Avon . Whether you're looking for a hike in nature or to immerse yourself in the history of the region, there's a day trip from Birmingham for you. Here are the best places to consider when you're looking to get out of town.

Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare's Birthplace

This historic market town is best known as the birthplace of Shakespeare, and it's the Bard's presence that typically draws visitors. There are several attractions worth seeing here, including Anne Hathaway's Cottage , Shakespeare's Birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre , which regularly puts on performances. Be sure to take a boat trip on the Avon river to get fully immersed in the town. Avon Boating does 40-minute cruises in Vintage Edwardian passenger boats; another great option is Bancroft Cruisers .

Getting There:  Stratford-upon-Avon is about an hour by car from Birmingham, or you can opt to take a direct train from Birmingham Moor Street station. Trains leave several times an hour, so it's an easy option for those who don't want to deal with parking or traffic.

Travel Tip: Grab lunch or a drink at The Dirty Duck , a pub that's been around since the 1700s. It's a favorite with Royal Shakespeare Company actors.

Peak District: Mountain Hikes and Scenery

The Peak District is one of England's favorite national parks, and it's filled with cute villages and scenic walks. Don't miss  Chatsworth House , a stately home from the 16th century, and  Lyme Park , and be sure to go on a walk to beautiful Dovedale . The park is well-known for its hiking and there are numerous trails, depending on your skill level and needs—some of the most popular include the Ridge Walk and the Monsal Trail. If you are coming just for the day, plan to hike or explore an attraction in the morning and then find a pub in one of the quaint small towns, like the Cheshire Cheese .

Getting There:  Drive north about 90 minutes to reach the Peak District from Birmingham (depending on your specific destination). It's possible to take a train, either via Sheffield or Macclesfield, but renting a car is the best way to explore the national park.

Travel Tip: Plan your walk ahead of time using the Peak District's trail maps online . Be sure to bring along comfortable shoes and rain gear to hike.

Leamington Spa: Architecture and Shopping

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Known for its Regency architecture, Leamington Spa (sometimes known as Royal Leamington Spa) makes for a great day trip from Birmingham. It boasts several popular attractions, like the Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum and Jephson Gardens , as well as plenty of shopping opportunities. Head over to the town's high street to find everything from designer shops to local boutiques. Those in the market for something more unique should look in Gallery Photiq and Nova Fine Art for artwork, or browse the home furnishings at Collective .

Getting There:  Leamington Spa is a quick drive south from Birmingham (about 27 miles), or visitors can take a direct train from Birmingham Moor Street. The train is less than 30 minutes, making it the recommended option to explore Leamington Spa.

Travel Tip: Leamington Spa's town center is very compact and very walkable. The town has a few self-guided trails visitors can follow with downloaded maps , including a trek around Old Town Leamington.

Worcester: A Famous Cathedral

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Worcester is synonymous with its historic Worcester Cathedral , but there is a lot to discover in the town. After exploring the cathedral, visit the City Art Gallery and Museum , Greyfriars’ House & Garden and the 500-year-old Tudor House Museum , which showcases life in the Tudor era. There are also several parks, including Gheluvelt Park , which borders the picturesque River Severn.

Getting There:  Worcester can be found southwest of Birmingham, about an hour by car or 40 minutes by train. Trains run frequently throughout the day from Birmingham New Street and are typically inexpensive.

Travel Tip: Worcester Cathedral has specific opening times for visitors, with paid tours running twice per day. Be sure to check the cathedral's website for currently hours before visiting.

Warwick Castle: Medieval History

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Warwick Castle was originally a wooden fort built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and now stands as an impressive example of 12th century architecture. The castle is located in Warwick and features lots to see and do, especially for families with kids. There are live demonstrations, such as a performance showcasing the Wars of the Roses, as well as activities and entertainment that changes throughout the year. Plan your visit around a holiday-themed event, which include The Haunted Castle at Halloween.

Getting There:  Take a direct train to Warwick from Birmingham Moor Street and then walk about 15 minutes to the castle grounds. Those who prefer to drive (it's about 45 minutes from central Birmingham) can find parking on Stratford Road in Warwick.

Travel Tip: It can take an entire day to see everything at Warwick Castle, but aim for at least four hours. Some activities or events may need to be booked in advance online.

Coventry: A Charming Cathedral Town

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Take a day trip to Coventry to discover some of England's most interesting history. Its medieval Coventry Cathedral was left in ruins after a World War II bombing, which visitors can explore alongside its 20th century replacement. There are also several museums, including the Coventry Music Museum and the Coventry Transport Museum , and Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden can be found not far from Coventry. For something more modern, head to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum .

Getting There:  Coventry can be found just outside Birmingham, making it an especially easy day trip option. Visitors can drive, take a 20-minute train ride or take a bus from Birmingham Coach Station. Because Coventry is less than 20 miles away, adventurous travelers can even choose to cycle there.

Travel Tip: Coventry and Leamington Spa are located within a short driving distance of each other, which means visitors can combine both into a single day trip.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, a popular holiday destination in England, are made up of charming villages and rolling hills. There are tons of different villages to visit , so pick a few when planning a day trip to the area. Some popular spots include Chipping Norton, Moreton-in-Marsh, Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water, most of which are best accessed by car. Don't miss the  Chedworth Roman Villa  and  National Trust Snowshill Manor and Garden , as well as  Blenheim Palace , known as the Versailles of England.

Getting There:  A car is helpful when journeying around the Cotswolds, although many of the villages have train stations. How you get there depends on your chosen destination, but some of the more northern towns can be reached via train or taxi from Cheltenham Spa. Opt to drive to make the most of your day trip.

Travel Tip: Technically, the Cotswolds comprises nearly 800 square miles, which is a lot to see. Your best bet is to pick one or two attractions or villages to explore in a day.

Shropshire Hills: Natural Beauty

The Shropshire Hills are a hidden gem in western England. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the region is located close to Wales and within driving distance of Birmingham. It's a great place to experience the outdoors, whether you want to hike, cycle or horseback ride, and it's also home to part of the River Severn. There are lots of walks and hikes, of varying difficulty, so check out the maps ahead of time to plan for the best route . Many of the walks include pub stops along the way.

Getting There:  You'll need a car to get to and around the Shropshire Hills area. Plan to rent a car in Birmingham and then drive west (about 60 miles) to your chosen destination in the Shropshire Hills.

Travel Tip: Shropshire Hills offers a weekend shuttle bus service that runs from Church Stretton to Long Mynd and the Stiperstones. Tickets can be purchased from the driver.

Alton Towers: Rides and Waterpark

Alton Towers

Alton Towers is famous among English people. The amusement park and water park boasts over 40 rides and attractions, and it's especially popular with families. Day passes are available for both the theme park and the water park, as well as Alton Towers' beloved mini golf. Purchase tickets online in advance to save on admission.

Getting There:  Follow the A38 north to Stoke-on-Trent, where Alton Towers is located. By car, the journey is about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. If you prefer not to drive, take a train from Birmingham to Sheffield and then a bus to Farley Gates.

Travel Tip: Alton Towers Theme Park is open from March through November, but the water park remains open year round. Be sure to checking opening dates and times online ahead of your trip.

Ironbridge Gorge: The Origin of the Industrial Revolution

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Pay a visit to Ironbridge Gorge , home to the world’s first iron bridge, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town boasts several small museums that detail aspects of the British Industrial Revolution, and all are family-friendly. Many of the museums are open-air and interactive, including the Blists Hills Victorian Town , which showcases life in Queen Victoria's era.

Getting There:  Driving is the best way to access Ironbridge Gorge and its museums (the town is about 30 miles from Birmingham). Travelers can also take a train to Telford Central, where a bus or taxi will bring you to the town.

Travel Tip: Most of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums are open daily, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although the hours of each one may vary. If you want to visit the Tar Tunnel, it's only available on Sundays by guided tour.

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• Birmingham to Cannock
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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
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• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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8 of the best day trips from Birmingham

JAN 11, 2024

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Rich in local history and boasting theme parks, tourist attractions and rolling countryside hills, there’s lots to discover on day trips from Birmingham. From Shakespeare’s home to RAF aircraft hangars, where will your travels take you?

Take a look at our eight best day trips you can take from Birmingham , including why you should visit and how to get there by train:

• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Royal Leamington Spa
• The Cotswolds
• Alton Towers, Staffordshire
• Peterborough
• Water World, Stoke

Keep reading to discover what's in store at each of these great day-trip destinations.

There are lots of interesting sights in and around Telford, making it the perfect day trip from Birmingham for all ages. The community Exotic Zoo is great for little ones, with birds, amphibians, mammals and even mini-beasts to learn about in this education centre. Don't miss your chance to also come face-to-face with amazing aircraft in the hangars of The Royal Air Force Museum , which offers free admission. Finally, a landmark not to be missed, the famous Ironbridge and Museum of the Gorge pay tribute to the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Getting there – It takes approximately 45m to travel to Telford by direct train from Birmingham to Telford station.

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2. Stratford-upon-Avon

Immerse yourself in the life of William Shakespeare on a day trip from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon. Join the many visitors from all around the world, starting with his family home to marvel at. Nearby the romantic setting of Anne Hathaway’s cottage must be visited, before making your way to Holy Trinity Church – Bard’s final resting place. Book tickets in advance to the Royal Swan Theatre to see one of the many illuminating performances in this historic market town. Complete your day with a drink in the oldest pub in town, the beautiful Old Thatch Tavern.

Getting there – The train from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon takes around 40m.

3. Royal Leamington Spa

With scenic walks, historic sights and modern shops, there are many ways to spend a day in Royal Leamington Spa. Head to the Parade and Regent Court Shopping Centre for boutique and high-street shops galore. From here it’s easy to get to the beautiful gardens of Jephson Park , be sure to stop by the Glasshouse and its world of tropical plants. Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Mallory Court or learn more about the local art scene at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum in the Royal Pump Rooms. While in the area, Warwick Castle is a quick train ride away, with the nearest station to Warwick Castle being Warwick. This iconic fortress was built for William the Conqueror and is brought to life with displays and shows held regularly here.

Getting there – Hop on a train from Birmingham to Lemington Spa , taking around 35m.

4. The Cotswolds

The sprawling acres of The Cotswolds have various entry points. Some of the easiest to access on a day trip from Birmingham by direct train are Cheltenham , Gloucester and Dursley . Another option is the charming Chipping Campden, where scenic walkways and beautiful greenery await you, along with quaint local shops in and around Sheep Street. Check out the Court Barn Museum for local pieces of handcraft work. Take a long walk through the countryside towards the formidable Broadway Tower – the second-highest point of the Cotswolds standing 65 feet high.

Getting there – To get to the Chipping Campden, the train from Birmingham Snow Hill to Stratford-upon-Avon takes around 43m, then a bus to Chipping Campden is 20m from the station. Trains from Birmingham to Cheltenham take around 46m.

5. Alton Towers

For the perfect family day trip from Birmingham, pay a visit to Alton Towers – the UK’s biggest theme park. There’s something for everyone, with over 50 rides to enjoy. Little ones will love CBeebies Land complete with a Peter Rabbit attraction and Postman Pat adventure. Thrill-seekers can enjoy an adrenaline rush on Wicker Man and Galactica rides, or perhaps try a different kind of scary at its very own dungeons. Generally open from 10:00 to 17:00 most days during the summer, book in advance for tickets to bypass the queues.

Getting there – Take the train from Birmingham New Street to Derby, changing here for Uttoxeter, the nearest station to Alton Towers , which takes 1h 20m. Once there, it’s a quick 15m taxi ride to the park.

6. Peterborough

The perfect mix of countryside walks, heritage sites and boat rides, add Peterborough to your list of places to visit on a day trip from Birmingham. For culture and heritage, head to Elton Hall, a beautiful piece of Gothic architecture dating back to 1660. If you enjoy this, you may also like Peterborough Cathedral . Enjoy the great outdoors at Nene Park , with walks, trails and cycle paths, as well as water sport activities like windsurfing. This is also a good place to jump on a boat for a relaxing ride on Overton Lake. Finish your day with a local brew overlooking the River Nene, there’s plenty of watering holes on the riverside, including Charters.

Getting there – The train from Birmingham New Street to Peterborough takes 1h 52m.

7. Water World

While there may be lots to discover in Stoke, Water World is a day out in itself! The UK’s leading Tropical Aqua Park provides thrill-seeking rides from the Space Bowl to the ominous Black Hole. But, if you prefer to watch from the sidelines, there’s plenty of sun loungers to kick back on. With 30 rides and activities to enjoy, it’s one of the best day trips from Birmingham by train!

Getting there – The train from Birmingham New Street to Stoke-on-Trent takes 46m, from here take a bus to Hanley in under 10m.

Explore the hidden depths of Derby on a day trip from Birmingham. Start at Derby Industrial Museum , one of the oldest factories in the world and former silk mill, built in 1702. Take a walk to the Eagle Centre market, offering lots of local produce, a great place to haggle for some picnic nibbles. There’s plenty of green spaces to enjoy lunch, however, Markeaton Park is one of the largest. Here you’ll also find a sizeable kids playground and remains of a Second World War army camp. Before the day ends, stop by Bryer’s Heritage Farm for afternoon tea at the Parlour Rooms.

Getting there – Take the train from Birmingham New Street to Derby in around 42m.

Ready to book your tickets?

The 30+ best day trips from Birmingham, UK

By Discover More UK

Published: 30 May 2022

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From one Midlands local to another, it can sometimes feel like there’s nothing interesting to do closer to home, just because you’ve spent so much time there. However, we’re ready to change that feeling with this round-up of the best day trips from Birmingham to help you maximise your next day off or weekend adventure.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a family day out, a National Trust adventure, an AONB, coach trips from Birmingham or a road trip in the countryside, here are 30 ideas for a one day trip from Birmingham.

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The best days out from Birmingham

Warwick and warwick castle.

Distance: 35 miles / 40 minutes

Not only is Warwick Castle one of the most spectacularly preserved castles in the country, but they also offer a whole host of events, activities and themed days out that are perfect for a family day trip from Birmingham.

However tickets to visit the castle can be very pricey, especially for a whole family. But Warwick itself is still a beautiful city to explore, don’t miss:

• Lord Leycester’s Hospital
• Wander the charming streets around Castle Lane
• Visit the Market Hall Museum
• Get dinner at Dough & Brew, maybe catch one of their movie afternoons!

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Distance: 40 miles / 50 minutes

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare then of course a visit to the playwright’s birthplace is a must. But even if you’re not a fan of the Olde English playwright, there’s still plenty to see and do in Stratford for a day out.

• Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Shakespeare’s New Birthplace
• Tudor World – interactive and great for children
• Magic Alley – a magical emporium for curiously themed purchases and events
• Take a walk along the River Avon
• Visit the Butterfly Farm
• Enjoy a river cruise with Bancroft River Cruises

Kenilworth Castle

Distance: 22 miles / 32 minutes

Kenilworth Castle ruins are located in Kenilworth and protected by English Heritage, so it’s not necessarily cheap to visit!

But the castle ruins are open to explore extensively, as are the stunningly restored Elizabethan gardens.

The castle itself is over 900 years old and was the site of the longest siege in Medieval History, which lasted for 6 months. Robert Dudley, aka the Earl of Leicester resigned significant areas of the castle to suit Queen Elizabeth I in an attempt to woo her, he was ultimately unsuccessful and Queen Elizabeth I remained unmarried.

Kenilworth Castle was also the seat for the Lancaster House operations during the War of the Roses. The castle was purposefully destroyed by the English government in 1649 to prevent it being taken during the English Civil War.

There’s so much fascinating history to explore here, you can easily spend a good portion of the day here if you’re looking for day trips near Birmingham.

Distance: 38 miles / 1 hr 10 minutes

Obviously the Cotswolds are a large area and not all are doable in a day, but North Cotswolds favourites like Broadway is just over 1 hour away, Stow on the Wold is 1 hour 20.

This means you can easily spend a day exploring the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on a Birmingham to Cotswolds day trip .

Don’t miss the famous Broadway Tower, the market town of Chipping Campden, the fantastical tree-flanked door of St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold that’s said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien or the sumptuous farm shop at Daylesford Organic.

And that’s just a handful of suggestions in the north of the Cotswolds. If you’re keen to explore further or perhaps plan weekend trips from Birmingham to the Cotswolds, check out:

• Bourton on the Water – called Venice of the Cotswolds
• The Slaughters – stunning neighbouring hamlets
• The Chedworth Roman Villa ruins

Adrenaline fuelled day trip to Alton Towers

Distance: 56 miles / 1 hr 15 minutes

Alton Towers day trips from birmingham are a classic day out for adults and kids!

Whether you prefer the plummeting vertical drop at Oblivion, the flying sensation of Air, The terrifying Smiler or the water park, there’s so much to do at Alton Towers, with rides and attractions available for all ages.

Again, this isn’t a cheap day out, but it’s a lot cheaper if you buy your ticket online in advance. Also check out any of their special offer days or festivals or discounts such as student discounts.

National Trust – Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

Distance: 20 miles / 45 minutes

New Zealand might have the Hobbit houses, but did you know we have something very similar in the UK at the Kinver Edge Rock Houses.

The dramatic Kinver RIdge is home to a fort and also these unique houses which have been carved straight into the rock face and were inhabited as early as 1777, all the way up to the 1950s!

In fact, the rock houses here were the last inhabited cave dwellings in England.

The house interiors have been restored to give you a feel for what it was like to live in them. The houses are maintained by the National Trust so there’s a small fee to visit – unless you’re a National Trust member.

West Midlands Safari Park

This is a Zoo and Safari Park that lives up to its name!

The West Midlands Safari Park is the first zoo in the UK to have all the African Big Five animals in residence. You can see them on the 4-mile self-drive safari drive through the park.

With over 165 species and 1700 animals, a theme park, shows and encounters available every day, you can easily spend a full day here.

While tickets aren’t cheap, anyone arriving by car gets a ticket to come back again for free in the future!

Cadbury World easy day trip from Birmingham

Distance: 6 miles / 15 minutes

Just a short drive from Birmingham city centre is Cadbury World, a really easy option for family day trips from Birmingham by train as the West Midlands Train line stops directly at Bournville station.

Learn about the history of Cadbury and interactive tours and displays at the home of world-famous Cadbury chocolate. And of course buy some souvenir chocolate for the journey home too!

Admission is £21 per adult and £15.50 for children.

Book online and save 5%.

National Trust – Brockhampton

Distance: 45 miles / 1 hour 5 mins

With 1,700 acres of parkland, walking trails and rolling hills to explore, the Brockhampton Estate is easily a whole day out and perfect for day trips from Birmingham by car. 

The National Trust property often gets overlooked in Herefordshire despite having numerous walking routes on the property. Check out the marked trails and walks on the Estate website to plan your walk.

Just 1 hour from Birmingham into Herefordshire, Brockhampton is a medieval farming manor house, built in the 1530s. The house’s unique white timber frame and charming white timber gatehouse stand out against the lush gardens that surround the property. 

You can tour through the house and there’s also the standard National Trust cafe on site at the stables if you need some refreshments.

Entry is free if you’re a National Trust member. Otherwise, entry is £9.50 per adult, £4.75 per child or £23.75 for a family ticket.

Village hopping – north of Cotswolds

Distance: 44 miles / 1 hour

Thinking about planning road trips from Birmingham this summer? A Cotswolds village hopping trip is the perfect Cotswolds day trip from Birmingham if you’d like to see lots of quaint villages, keep costs down (except fuel) and pack lots into your day.

But there’s also plenty of hidden gem villages that are just north of the Cotswolds if you’d like to escape the crowds, explore some pretty villages, pack some sandwiches and enjoy a countryside picnic.

Here are a few villages to visit:

• Welford-on-Avon
• Lower Quinton
• Broad Marston
• Ashton under Hill

The Confetti Fields

Distance: 33 miles / 45 minutes

An easy drive down the M5 is the Confetti Fields on the Wyke Estate in Pershore.

The Confetti fields are huge fields of delphiniums that flower every summer and are owned by the Real Flower Petal Confetti Company who produce real petal confetti for weddings.

Prior to them harvesting the petals, you can visit and wander among the stunning fields of purple, pink and white.

They also have a wild flower meadow and you can buy bunches to take home too.

Their opening times vary depending on when the flowers will bloom, but it’s usually late June to early July. Tickets go on sale on their website in June and are usually around £6 – a great option for a cheap and beautiful day out!

Their sunflower fields also bloom in August, so you’ve got a few options for beautiful days out this summer.

Cotswold Lavender fields

Distance: 53 miles / 1 hour 10

Cotswolds Lavender opens every year as their lavender fields bloom in July.

The farm itself opens the fields from mid-June to early August, but check their website for reliable opening dates as they do change depending on the progress of the crop.

Tickets are purchased on arrival and cost £7 per adult.

Cotswolds Distillery

Distance: 45 miles / 1 hour 10

A really unique option for day trips around Birmingham is a trip to one of the few distilleries in England that produce English Whisky.

The distillery produces whisky, gin and other liqueurs and offers tours, experiences and tastings. The standard tour and tasting is just £20 and they run 3 times a day!

There’s also whisky and gin blending masterclasses available.

Of course if you’re driving here, make sure you have a designated driver who isn’t driving, the distillery kindly offers takeaway samples for those not drinking on the day but who still wish to try the product.

Find more info here .

Weston-super-Mare day trip to the beach

Distance: 105 miles / 2 hours

Looking for day trips from Birmingham to seaside destinations? A two hour drive down the M5 will bring you to Weston Super Mare, a seaside town on the Somerset coast.

With a traditional Victorian pier, plenty of family activities and restaurants, as well as the beachfront of course, there’s easily enough to do in Weston for fun beach day trips from Birmingham.

Don’t miss:

• The Big Wheel
• The Water Park
• The donkeys on the seafront
• The Grand Pier
• A trip to Clevedon Pier
• Weston Woods
• Tiffany’s Tea Room
• Fish & Chips on the beach

Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studios

Distance: 102 miles / 1 hour 45 minutes

For Harry Potter fans, a day trip to the Harry Potter studios from Birmingham is a must!

The easiest way to get there is to drive but you can also take the train from Bimingham to Watford Junction and take a bus to the studios.

Book your tickets he r e .

Little Malvern Court & Gardens

Distance: 43 miles / 1 hour

Little Malvern is a fascinating historic house which was once a Benedictine Monastery and then a 15th century Prior’s Hall until the dissolution of the monasteries, since then it has been the home of the same family.

The house is only open for a short window each year between April-July and tickets cost £9 for adults, £3 for children.

You can do a house tour or visit the Gardens only. The Gardens are stunning and spend the afternoon exploring, with 10 acres, views of the Severn Valley, lakes, ponds and the tea room to enjoy.

Malvern Hills day out in Nature

Distance: 40 miles / 1 hour 10

The Malvern Hills are a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK and are the ideal Birmingham one day trip, if you have longer, it’s also an amazing area for weekend trips from Birmingham UK.

The Malverns are made up of hills and commons, offering countless opportunities for walking, cycling, hiking or just simply enjoying nature.

This is the perfect budget-friendly day trip from Birmingham by car, you can easily park somewhere cheaply and enjoy a day out on one of the many walking trails in the area , take a picnic and enjoy spending time in nature with family, friends or solo.

Distance: 54 miles / 1 hour 10

Another great option for a Birmingham day out is to nearby Ledbury in Herefordshire , just over 1 hour away.

Ledbury is a great option for keeping things budget friendly too. You could easily drive here, spend a cheap afternoon wandering around the charming streets and black and white timber frame houses, especially if you’re a photographer – Ledbury is beautiful to photograph! Don’t miss the Market House or Church Street.

Don’t miss the charming high street either, and if you’re looking for some refreshment ,check out coffee and brunch at Cameron & Swan!

If you’re looking for a really fun and unique activity here that’s great for adults and children, just outside Ledbury is Eastnor Pottery where you can try your hand at making your own pottery, using a potter’s wheel and taking your creation home when you’ve mastered your skill.

Outdoor Adventures in the Wye Valley

Distance: 60 miles / 1 hour 10 minutes

The beauty of the Wye Valley is that there’s so much to do in this area for any kind of day trip.

If you’re looking for an active day out, how about walking trails or kayaking on the River Wye?

If you prefer exploring towns and villages, don’t miss Symonds Yat or charming Ross on Wye.

Book lovers can’t miss the numerous bookshops in Hay on Wye.

Plan your Wye Valley trip.

Herefordshire cider tasting orchards

Distance: 58 miles / 1 hour 15

Did you know Herefordshire is famous for its cider orchards?

Summer is the best time to see the orchards in full bloom before the autumn harvest.

As well as cider orchards, there’s also perry farms (made from pear) and you can visit many of the orchards for a tour and tasting.

This is a great option for a summer day out in England to enjoy a tipple in the sunshine at Gregg’s Pit Cider & Perry or Little Pomona Cider & Perry .

But even in the winter you can visit the big producer, Weston’s who run tours of the factory all year round, with information about the history of cider and a tasting afterwards.

Shropshire Hills

Distance: 52 miles / 1 hour 10 minutes

The Shropshire Hills are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and they cover a quarter of the county of Shropshire so you’re guaranteed to find plenty of outdoor activities for an adventurous day trip from Birmingham.

From bluebell woodland walks to walking festivals, Iron Age forts and cycling routes, there’s so much to do in the area for families, couples, kids, big groups and the elderly.

Plan your trip.

Wollerton Old Hall Garden

Distance: 48 miles / 1 hour

This is a day trip for gardening enthusiasts and green-fingered folk!

The Wollerton Old Hall Gardens are famous as being some of the most spectacular gardens in the UK, winning multiple awards.

Covering 4 acres, the gardens are English Countryside formal modern gardens surrounding the Old Hall, which sadly is not open to visitors.

The National Brewery Centre

Distance: 30 miles / 50 minutes

This is a day trip for beer and brewing enthusiasts!

Located in Burton on Trent, north of Birmingham, the National Brewery Centre is a museum, tasting room and interactive tourist attraction next to the Bass Brewery – which was once the largest producer of beer in the UK.

From the history of beer and brewing to the development of beer as we know it, this is a really fun day out for beer lovers. 

Tickets are just £12.95 and include a token for a beer at the end. There are often events and festivals held there too. Check out their website for details.

National Trust – Little Moreton Hall

Distance: 55 miles / 1 hour 10

This beautiful, historic Tudor manor house is a lesser known National Trust house north of Stoke-on-Trent.

This unique timber framed manor house was added to so many times that it looks like it’s permanently listing to one side. Fortunately the National Trust has secured the property and you can now explore the interior and the surrounding moat and gardens.

Little Moreton Hall has a fascinating history of why it is such a well preserved example of Tudor architecture and there are plenty of staff on hand to give you more information about the property.

There’s also an onsite tea room.

Tickets are £12 per adult or free for National Trust members. Check the opening times here .

National Trust – Powis Castle and Garden

Distance: 70 miles / 1 hour 25 minutes

How about a day trip to Wales from Birmingham?

While you obviously can’t cover the whole of Wales in a day, there are plenty of options just over the border into Wales and particularly in North Wales that are great for a day out!

Powis Castle and Gardens is a National Trust property and it’s a really cool fortified 13th-century fortress built on a rock vantage point above the gardens.

The Castle has a fascinating history to learn about and also houses really interesting collections at the Clive Museum.

Click here for opening times and prices.

Foxton Locks

Distance: 48 miles / 1 hour 5 minutes

Foxton Locks is a great free day out from Birmingham by car.

Foxton Locks are a series of 5 locks on the Grand Union canal which runs through Leicestershire, making it the largest lock staircase on the UK canal system.

Park at the car park at the top or the bottom (both are pay and display) and you can walk along the towpath. This is a great, easy day out that’s something a little different and perfect for families or couples. 

With over 4000 boats passing through the lock staircase each year, it’s fascinating if you catch one moving through when you visit. 

There’s also a Canal Museum, a cafe and a pub which are lovely to sit outside by the locks if the weather is good. There’s also nearby Market Harborough to visit if you want to make more of a day from it.

Distance: 58 miles / 1 hour 40

Hereford is a real underrated gem for a day trip in the West Midlands!

From the beautiful black and white timber frame buildings to the museums, markets or restaurants, you can easily plan a fun day out in the city. Here are a few ideas:

• Black and White House Museum
• Hereford Butter Market
• Hereford Cathedral
• Walk along the River and Bishops Meadow
• Hereford Cider Museum Trust
• Try Herefordshire beef burgers at Beefy Boys

A day trip to another city is always a fun idea and the best part is that cities tend to be well connected with public transport. So coach day trips from Birmingham or day trips from Birmingham by train are all great options if you don’t have a car.

Check out Nottingham Castle after their multi-million pound renovation, do a Robin Hood walking tour or visit the oldest pub in England – The Olde Trip to Jerusalem built into the cliffs below the castle. Check out the independent shops, cafes and bars in Hockley and the Lace Market area of the city. Here are some more Nottingham ideas for your itinerary.

Distance: 42 miles / 55 minutes

Derby is an easy day trip from Birmingham by train or by car, with both modes of transport taking under 1 hour!

There are also plenty of options for coach day trips Birmingham to Derby with National Express.

Derby has lots of parks and gardens to explore, including Hopton Hall Gardens, Darley Park or Markeaton Park.

For those looking for shops, head to intu Derby.

If you’re travelling with the family, don’t miss the Midlands Aeropark just outside of Derby, or the Bluebell Dairy Farm.

Crich Tramway Village is another alternative option just north of Derby, close to Matlock. Home to the National Tramway Museum and over 60 trams through the decades, the periods have been recreated in a village complete with a cafe, working pub and tram stops.

Distance: 80 miles / 1 hour 40 minutes

Oxford is a bit of a further day trip but still under 2 hours away and has so much to do on a day trip from Birmingham.

Oxford can be an expensive city but taking the train or using the city’s park and ride car parks. There’s also plenty of free things to do in the city:

• The Ashmolean Museum
• The Pitt Rivers Museum
• Walk around Christchurch Meadow
• Explore the University Buildings
• See the view of the city of spires from Varsity Bar

Of course you can also go punting on the river for £25 for a self-drive punt.

Distance: 50 miles / 1 hour 10 minutes

Cheltenham is famous for its horse racing, but there are also plenty of things to do in this pretty Georgian spa town to the west of the Cotswolds.

Take a dip at the Sandford Parks Lido, or a ride on the Gloucestershire Steam Railway.

For a bit of culture and history, check out The Wilson gallery and museum, or visit Sudeley Castle.

For things to do on a day out with kids, check out the Cotswolds Farm Park or enjoy a picnic in Pittville Park.

Cheltenham is also home to the famous Cheltenham Festivals which happen throughout the year, from Science to Literature, there’s a huge range of fascinating events which happen over a 2 week period.

One of the longest day trips on this list but there’s so much to do in Chester that it’s a great option if you can make an early start.

Explore the charming historic streets of Chester including seeing the Eastgate Clock, you can climb the steps at the side and view this Georgian clock from the walls.

Take a stroll along the River Dee or Chester City Walls. You can also take a boat trip on the River.

Chester Zoo, located just outside the city has an incredible collection of animals and you can book experiences with some of them, including a meerkat feeding experience, a giraffe experience, a komodo dragon experience, breakfast with the lions experience, elephant experience and more. Check out the options here.

Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea at the Chester Grosvenor or The Townhouse. 

If you’re in town for the races, don’t forget to check them out if you’re a racing fan!

Distance: 88 miles / 1 hour 40 minutes

Bristol is such a fun day out, it’s a vibrant city packed with loads of cool stuff to do.

Spend the morning wandering around the Old City and enjoy a coffee at one of the numerous cafes and coffee shops while checking out all the independent shops. Don’t miss St Nicholas Market and the Christmas Steps.

Brandon Hill is a lovely park to wander in and you can climb Cabot Tower for great views.

Spend the afternoon along the harbour and check out the independent stores and cafes at Wapping Wharf. The Wharf is also where you’ll find the M Shed museum and the famous Brunel’s SS Great Britain.

Bristol is also great for a spot of vintage shopping, loads of independent food stops and don’t miss the viewpoint over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Enjoy a pint on a boat in the harbour at the Grain Barge.

Bletchley Park

Distance: 73 miles / 1 hour 20 minutes

This fascinating place to visit is great for history buffs, couples, families and friends alike.

The facility was top secret throughout the Second World War as it housed the codebreakers who deciphered the German’s coded messages to ultimately help win the war. It’s said that their efforts shortened the war by two years!

You should spend a minimum of 3 hours here with fascinating talks and exhibitions, interactive areas and such knowledgeable staff.

The country house itself is also beautiful!

If you’ve seen the film, The Imitation Game, Bletchley Park is what it’s based on!

Summary: the best day trips from Birmingham, UK

Bimingham is such a well-located city and a well-connected city to reach lots of areas of England and Wales. 

Hopefully this list has given you plenty of inspiration for day trips near Birmingham that are perfect for you, whether you’re travelling with friends, family or alone.

Don’t forget to regularly check train companies for any ticket sales or coach ticket sales which could also be great inspiration for your next trip!

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Best Day Trips from Birmingham

Officially the second biggest city in the United Kingdom, hence the moniker “UK’s second city” (next to London), Birmingham is an exciting metropolis that has seen a cultural renaissance in recent years, making it a popular destination for domestic and international travelers. The city is located within the Midlands and serves as the commercial, financial and cultural heart of the region.

Visitors of Birmingham are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities; the vibrant city provides opportunities for shopping, dining, sporting, sightseeing and much more. With plenty to do, you can easily spend days discovering the best of Birmingham. However, if you want to take some time away from the city, there also several options for day trips from Birmingham.

Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in the Midlands’ colorful history or check out the beauty of the outdoors, there is a day trip destination that will suit your interests. If you’re interested to venture outside city limits, check out this compilation of the most fun day trips from Birmingham.

Before heading out, don’t forget to safely store your bags at a Bounce luggage locker in Birmingham ; this way, you won’t have to tote your bags with you on your Birmingham day trip. Additionally, have a plan B in place in case the weather does not cooperate; a good back up plan is to visit the best museums in Birmingham so you can stay dry while still keeping yourself occupied.

How to Get Out of Birmingham

Even if you decide to stay within the confines of Birmingham and use it as your base, you can still easily discover the beautiful Midlands region. This is possible because of the city's location in the heart of the region as well as the highly-efficient public transport system. Getting around via metro is simple (see our guide How to Get Around Birmingham for more information ). Birmingham Moor Street, Birmingham New Street Station and Snow Hill are the city’s primary train stations and can get you anywhere in the country. Train tickets are also reasonably priced but it is ideal to book them well in advance as they can sell out easily.

Aside from the metro, Birmingham also has a network of buses that can bring you outside of the city; there are plenty of coach trips available to take you to nearby sites and regions. However, if you want total flexibility with your schedule, the ideal option is to rent a car and drive to the different day trips from Birmingham on your list.

From Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon

Undoubtedly one of the most popular day trips from Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic market town situated in the West Midlands, about 30 miles south of the Birmingham city centre, and is best known as the birthplace of English playwright and poet William Shakespeare. Because of the famous writer’s connection to the town, it’s no surprise that the most visited attraction in Stratford-upon-Avon is Shakespeare's birthplace.

Another noteworthy landmark in town is the Holy Trinity Church, situated by the River Avon, where you can find the burial spot of Shakespeare. You can also visit Anne Hathaway's cottage, which served as the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife. Once you're done visiting these historic spots, stop by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company and catch a show featuring contemporary versions of the writer’s greatest works.

How to get to Stratford-upon-Avon

In order to get to Stratford-upon-Avon from the city, all you have to do is take a direct train from the Birmingham Moor Street station. Trains depart twice per hour and the ride takes around 45 minutes per way. Alternatively, you can drive your own car to town, which will also take roughly 45 minutes.

From Birmingham to Malvern Hills

If you want to see the lovely outdoors and natural wonders without going too far, then you should definitely check out Malvern Hills. Stretching across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, these picturesque hills rise up to 425 meters above the town of Great Malvern. There are plenty of hiking trails that will lead you to the summit, where you can get unparalleled views of the Severn Valley and surrounding areas.

How to get to Malvern Hills

Because it is a rural area, the ideal way to get to Malvern Hills is to drive; the journey is about 40 miles long and will take about an hour to complete. If you have no plans of driving, you can take a train from either New Street or Snow Hill station to Great Malvern.

From Birmingham to Warwick Castle

Warwick is a small town situated on the banks of the River Avon and is home to the famous Warwick Castle. Easily one of the best Birmingham day trips, this historic castle was a former wooden fort that was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror. The fortress has endured centuries of fires and attacks and there have been many renovations over the years.

At present, Warwick Castle is a beloved family-friendly destination that offers a range of activities for guests of all ages. Spanning 64 acres of space, the attraction has plenty of entertainment options, such as the Horrible Histories Maze, the Haunted Castle during Halloween, themed shows and other activities that change throughout the year.

Warwick Castle is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, though there are some days when they close so it's best to check their website for the opening hours. Tickets to the attraction must be pre-booked and can be bought online through the website or the official mobile app.

How to get to Warwick Castle

You can take a direct train from Moor Street to the town of Warwick. Once you arrive, the castle is about a 15-minute walk from the station. Those with a private car can drive from Central Birmingham direct to Warwick Castle and the journey will take about 45 minutes.

From Birmingham to Ironbridge Gorge

The British Industrial Revolution was an important period in the history of the Midlands, particularly Birmingham; in fact, it was even nicknamed the “city of a thousand trades” during this momentous time. If you want to learn about its history, you should definitely pay a visit to Ironbridge Gorge in the town of Shropshire.

Located by the River Severn, Ironbridge Gorge is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the iconic Iron Bridge, which was the first cast-iron structure in the world built in 1779 and the unofficial symbol of the Industrial Revolution. There are also a number of small museums in town, such as the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and the Museum of the Gorge , which provide an in-depth look into how the bridge was built and its significance in British history.

How to get to Ironbridge Gorge

Located just about 30 miles outside of Birmingham, the easiest and most convenient way to visit the Ironbridge Gorge is to go on an hour-long drive by taking the M6 and M54. Another option is to ride a train from New Street to Telford Central. From there, you can either take a bus or cab to town.

From Birmingham to Black Country Living Museum

One of the more unique Birmingham day trips is a visit to the Black Country Living Museum, located just around 10 miles outside of the city. As its name suggests, this massive open-air museum provides insight into the fascinating history of Black Country and the life of its inhabitants. Spanning 26 acres of land, visitors of the Black Country Museum are taken on a trip back in time, where the streets are filled with replicated houses, shops, pubs and heritage vehicles.

There are also actors that play local characters, which share the experiences of how life was during the turn of the 20th century. If you’re a fan of the British TV series Peaky Blinders, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy some of the themed events held at the museum, given that a number of scenes from the show were shot here.  

The Black Country Living Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM; although opening hours during the winter season are dependent on the weather. Tickets can either be pre-booked or bought on site. Do note, however, that there are only a limited number of same-day tickets available so the best option is to buy a ticket beforehand.

How to get to Black Country Living Museum

You can take a short 20-minute train ride from New Street to Tipton and then ride the 229 bus, which will take you to the museum. If you don’t mind walking, the museum is only about a mile away from Tipton and can be reached on foot within 15 to 20 minutes. If you have a car, drive for about 30 minutes to Dudley.

From Birmingham to Peak District National Park

One of the best day trips from Birmingham is Peak District, England’s oldest national park and an ideal escape from the busy city life. Among the UK’s biggest and most beloved parks, the Peak District stretches across west and south Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

There are numerous hiking trails and walking paths that one can tackle within Peak District; some of the most popular hikes include Thor’s Cave, The Roaches and Lud’s Church. After a day of outdoor fun, you can visit the nearby town of Buxton, which has some interesting gardens and independent cafes. Before leaving, don’t forget to stop by the town of Bakewell, which is famous for its signature Bakewell tarts.

How to get to Peak District National Park

The most convenient and ideal way to reach Peak District is to drive north of the Birmingham city center for about 90 minutes until you reach the park. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can get there by train via Macclesfield or Sheffield.

From Birmingham to Alton Towers Theme Park

One of Europe’s most famous theme parks, the Alton Towers is the largest in the United Kingdom and is undoubtedly among the best day trips from Birmingham. Located in the village of Alton, just a short distance from Stoke-on-Trent, the amusement park has more than 40 different rides suitable for visitors of all ages. Apart from the rides, the establishment has other incredible amenities such as a luxury spa, a lagoon-style water park, a hotel complex and sprawling golf course.

Each of the areas at Alton Towers is divided according to a specific theme, all of which have at least one thrilling ride. Perhaps the most iconic ride within the park is The Smiler, which is the first 14-loop roller coaster in the world. If you happen to visit during the month of October, don’t forget to check out the annual Scarefest , a Halloween-themed attraction that features creepy ghouls and scare mazes.

It is important to note that Alton Towers has a "season" wherein they are operational; the season generally falls from March to November, although this may vary from year to year. The opening hours also vary, dependent on the on and off peak operations, although the general hours are usually from 10 AM to 4 PM. It is best to check their website for the specific opening hours on the day of your preferred visit. Additionally, tickets need to be pre-booked and shown at the entrance before you can enter the theme park.

How to get to Alton Towers Theme Park

There is no direct public transportation that will take you to Alton Towers, which means that the ideal option is to drive your own car. The journey by car via the M6 will take around one and a half hours, depending on traffic. If you don’t have your own car, you can take the train to Newcastle from New Street and get off the Derby Railway Station. Then, ride the X52 bus and get off at the entrance of the Alton Towers; the train and bus journey will take about 2 hours.

From Birmingham to Leicester National Space Centre

Whether you have a knack for science or not, you will surely enjoy a visit to the Leicester National Space Centre. One of the easiest day trips from Birmingham, the space center is located in Belgrave, right next to the River Soar, and doubles both as an interactive museum and an educational facility that tackles the fields of astronomy and space science.

One of the first things you will notice at the space center is the 42-meter tall rocket tower, which is said to be the only place in the world where you can find upright space rockets located indoors. However, the crowning glory of the Leicester National Space Centre is the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium , the biggest domed planetarium in the United Kingdom, where you can find take a journey to space through interactive films and exhibits.

The Leicester National Space Centre is open on select days, depending on the on or off season. It is recommended that you check the calendar on their website to see which days and what hours they are open. You can book tickets to the facility online or on-site.

How to get to Leicester National Space Centre

The easiest way to get to the National Space Centre is by private car; take the A6 for about an hour until you reach the museum. If you want to use public transport, you can take the train from Birmingham to Leicester Station and then take the 54 bus or a taxi to the space center.

Plan a Birmingham Day Trip

Birmingham is an amazing destination and a great jump off point to seeing the West Midlands region. Its convenient location in the heart of the Midlands makes it accessible to some of the area's top tourist attractions. Whether you are a history buff, a hiker or an adrenaline junkie, you will surely enjoy planning a day trip from Birmingham to any of the destinations we've provided in this guide.

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Day Trips From Birmingham: 15 Fun-Filled Destinations (2022)

May 18, 2022

Birmingham UK is a city of gleaming shopping malls and beautiful Victorian architecture . There’s undoubtedly something for everyone, from the Birmingham Museum to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, canals, and its exhilarating nightlife.

Thanks to its central location, there’re many exciting destinations accessible as day trips from Birmingham as well!

So, hop onto a bus or train, or get behind the wheel — and we’ll point you to 15 locations you can plan as a Birmingham day trip. 

This Article Covers: 

15 Fun-Filled Destinations For Day Trips From Birmingham 

• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Black Country Living Museum
• Peak District National Park
• Malvern Hills
• Leamington Spa
• Warwick Castle
• Cadbury World
• Alton Towers Theme Park
• Harry Potter Studio
• The Cotswolds
• Iron Bridge Gorge
• Severn Valley Railway

15 Fun-Filled Destinations For Day Trips From Birmingham

Here are 15 superb day trip locations for your bucket list, especially if you’re in the city to watch the Commonwealth Games 2022 in July !

1. Stratford-upon-Avon

Cobbled streets and Tudor houses are legacies of the 800 years of history in Stratford-upon-Avon. There’s plenty to do on a day trip to this mediaeval town – the birthplace of William Shakespeare . 

Catch a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or visit the thatched cottage that belonged to Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife. 

Cruise the River Avon on Vintage Edwardian boats, then drop by the Dirty Duck, a pub that’s existed since the 1700s and is a favourite watering hole for the Royal Shakespeare Company actors.

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: It’s 40 minutes by train from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon or a 1-hour drive (40 km.)

2. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

The Black Country Living Museum is an open-air living museum comprising over 50 historic buildings. It showcases crafts with actors reenacting life during Victorian times. 

In many ways, the Black Country Museum functions almost like a real town! 

But that’s not all there is for a day trip. Explore the underground mine or ride a tram that will take you around the area and onto the canal arm. 

The Black Country Living Museum is a great option for school trips, too, as it’s not too far out from Birmingham and offers plenty of history.

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: Take a 20-minute train from Birmingham New Street to Tipton. It’s then a 15-20 minute walk to the Black Country Museum. 

Alternatively, you can drive about 30 minutes from Birmingham city centre to the Black Country Museum, which is 15km away. 

3. Peak District National Park

Peak District makes an invigorating Birmingham day trip amidst nature. Gorgeous rolling hills and dramatic escarpments are just some of what this national park has to offer. 

There’re different trails for varying skill levels, so no worries if your walking shoes haven’t seen much action. Visit the magnificent Chatsworth House, one of the grandest homes in the United Kingdom, or take a cable car up to The Heights of Abraham. 

We suggest exploring a Peak District attraction in the morning and end the day trip with a pint in one of the quaint local pubs. Plan your hikes ahead of time with Peak District’s online trail maps. 

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: Driving the 90km distance takes about 1.5 hours and is the best way to explore Peak District.

You could also take a train from Birmingham New Street to Edale (via Sheffield) or Chesterfield. Then grab a taxi or bus to the national park.

Day tours of the Peak District via coach trips are another option.

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4. Malvern Hills

If you enjoy walking, the panoramic views of the Malvern Hills offer a fine escape from the city bustle. Stretching across the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, you won’t run out of trails to explore in the Malverns.

Take a sip from the spring of Malvern (which supplies water to the Queen) while you’re there.

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: Take a train from Birmingham New Street or Birmingham Snow Hill to Great Malvern, Colwall, or Malvern Link. 

Or do the 62km drive from Birmingham, which takes about an hour. Best places to park include Gardiner’s Quarry, British Camp, or Upper Beacon Road to access the hills.

5. Worcester, Worcestershire

A Birmingham day trip to Worcester would be remiss without visiting Worcester Cathedral. This stunning structure paints a restful picture as it overlooks the River Severn.  

Check out Royal Worcester porcelain wares at the ceramic museum, or visit the City Art Gallery & Museum. For more views of the River Severn, you can stroll in Gheluvelt Park. If you’re a fan of composer Sir Edward Elgar, there’s a museum named after him.

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: A train From Birmingham New Street to Worcester is about 40 minutes. Driving takes 45 minutes to cover the 49km distance.

6. Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Royal Leamington Spa is a town of Regency architecture interspersed with beautiful parks and gardens . Its nearby location from Birmingham makes it great for a day trip.

Leamington Spa boasts several attractions, from the Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum to designer shops and art boutiques. You could download some self-guided trails as the town centre is very compact and walkable, including a trek around Old Town Leamington.

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: A train from Birmingham Moor Street or New Street to Royal Leamington Spa takes about 35 minutes. Alternatively, you could drive 50km to the town, which takes almost an hour. 

7. Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

Warwick Castle makes a fun and exciting day trip, from a tour of the towers to the secret hideouts and draughty dungeons below. 

Located on the banks of the River Avon, this West Midland castle is one of the most impressive in the United Kingdom and an unmissable attraction in the small town of Warwick. 

There are frequent live demonstrations and themed events. You can then walk around the town centre for its charming half-timbered houses and cafes, or stroll in the lovely Mill Garden next to Warwick Castle. 

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: There’s a 1-hour direct train to Warwick from Birmingham Moor Street, then a 15-minute walk to the castle grounds. 

It’ll take about 45 minutes (54km) from Birmingham city centre if you’re driving, and you can park around Stratford Road in Warwick. 

Coach trips take about 30 minutes. 

8. Cadbury World, Bournville

One of the most enjoyable day trips from Birmingham is Cadbury World in Bournville — whether you’re a chocolate lover or otherwise. The village was created in the late 18th century when the Cadbury family relocated their chocolate factory there. 

Cadbury World is now located within the original 1990 factory. Learn all about chocolate at the premises and stop by the many sampling stations. Then stock up on your chocolates before heading off!

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: Take a 12-minute train from Birmingham New Street to Bournville. Or you could drive the 9km distance, which takes about 17 minutes. 

9. Alton Towers Theme Park, Staffordshire

Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK, so you can anticipate plenty of thrilling rides to enjoy on a Birmingham day trip. There’s an outdoor and indoor tropical lagoon themed water park, a luxury oasis spa, and an excellent golf course. 

Hop onto The Smiler (the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster) or get an adrenaline rush on the Galactica ride. But if thrill rides aren’t your thing, don’t worry, as there’s something for everyone.

Make sure to book tickets ahead to bypass the queues. 

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: Take the train from Birmingham New Street to Derby, then change for Uttoxeter (the nearest station to Alton Towers.) This takes 1h 20m. Then grab a taxi for a 15-minute ride to Alton Towers. 

Driving 84km via the M6 to Alton Towers will take around 1 hour 15 minutes. 

10. Harry Potter Studio, Watford

What’s a better day trip than a visit to the Harry Potter Studio in Watford? It’s where the Harry Potter films were made and is now a favourite attraction packed with old sets, props, and more. 

The studio tour is self-guided but designed, so you get to explore some of the most iconic Harry Potter scenes like Snape’s Potions Classroom and The Great Hall. 

It’s an insightful experience as you see how the films were brought to life. You may even experience some movie magic yourself with a flying broom and a green screen. So, grab some butterbeer and be ready to spend 3-5 hours at the Harry Potter Studio.    

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: We’d all love to Apparate . But since that’s not possible, the next best thing is to hop on the train from Birmingham New Street to Watford Junction. From there, take the shuttle bus to the studio. 

Driving will take about 2 hours via the M6 and M1 routes, covering 164km. 

11. The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds covers almost 800 sq miles, so there’s plenty to explore for day trips from Birmingham. There are many villages to visit, so select a few when planning day tours to the area. Popular villages include Chipping Campden, Broadway, and Castle Combe.

In Chipping Campden, you can see lovely stone cottages, and if you’re up for a brisk, hour-long walk, you can get to the striking Broadway Tower. The Broadway Tower sits atop the site of an ancient beacon and offers an outstanding view. 

You should also drop by the Chedworth Roman Villa for its Roman mosaic floors and Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.   

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: Driving is the best option to make the most of your day trip. It’s about 1.5 hours from Birmingham to cover the 111km distance, depending on your destination village. 

However, many of the villages are reachable by train. For Chipping Campden, you can take the train from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon, then get a bus to the village. 

12. Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire

The town of Ironbridge Gorge is home to the world’s first iron bridge and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several small museums, many of which are open-air and interactive, including the Blists Hill Victorian Town. 

At Blists Hill Victorian Town, you’ll get to experience life in Queen Victoria’s era. Meet Victorians in their authentic shops and cottage, buy curious goods, and watch tradespeople from a bygone era in action. 

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: Ironbridge Gorge town is about 60km from Birmingham. Driving takes an hour and is the best way to get there for a day trip. 

You can also take a train from Birmingham New Street to Telford Central, then grab a bus or taxi to the town. 

13. Telford, Shropshire

There are lots of interesting sights in and around Telford for a perfect day trip from Birmingham. 

Telford Town Park offers a myriad of activities. Rock-climb or zipline at its Sky Reach adventures, or drop by the Exotic Zoo. The zoo is great for small children and school trips with its collection of birds, mammals, and amphibians. 

The Royal Air Force Museum is in nearby Shifnal, offering amazing aircraft exhibitions in its hangars. Entry is free , and you’ll learn plenty about aviation in the First and Second World Wars at this museum. 

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: Driving to Telford takes about 45 minutes (55km), and it is the best way to explore the area. The Royal Air Force Museum, for example, is a 13-minute drive from Telford.

A train from Birmingham New Street to Telford Central takes 36 minutes, and a bus from Birmingham Coach Station takes 55 minutes. 

14. Lichfield, Staffordshire

Lichfield is home to the dramatic three-spired Lichfield Cathedral, set amidst the gorgeous English countryside. The view from its approach is worth the visit alone. 

However, this 800-year-old cathedral isn’t all Lichfield has to offer. Erasmus Darwin (forefather of the Darwin we often hear of) lived here in the 18th century, and his house is open to visitors. 

Lichfield is also the birthplace of literary figure Samuel Johnson, and you can visit the museum that showcases his life and works.

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: A train from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City takes around 35 minutes. Driving will take you just over 30 minutes to cover the 30km distance.

15. Severn Valley Railway

Severn Valley Railway is home to steam trains in the West Midland. It’s a full-size standard-gauge railway line that regularly runs between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. 

If heritage trains fascinate you, you shouldn’t miss a trip on this vintage railway. 

A single journey takes about 70 minutes, and you can visit the Engine House at the Highley stop for interactive railway exhibits and impressive engines. 

How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time: Hop onto a train from Birmingham Snow Hill for a 40-minute ride to Kidderminster. You can also drive the 30km to Kidderminster, which takes about 45 minutes via the A456.

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15 exciting things to do in broad street, birmingham.

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15 Day Trips from Birmingham (+ how to get there)

Birmingham is often referred to as the UK’s second city, being the second largest city, urban area and metropolitan area in both England and in the United Kingdom.

It is located in the West Midlands region of England, and its relatively central location means there are plenty of beautiful, fun and interesting places to check out just a stone’s throw away.

2021 looks set to be another year of more local travel so here is the ideal guide to some of the best day trips from Birmingham for you to enjoy this year.

1. Telford and Ironbridge

First on the list of day trips from Birmingham is the large town of Telford, found in Shropshire. It’s around 28 miles from Birmingham and was named after engineer Thomas Telford in 1968. It’s one of the fastest-growing towns in the UK with consistent developments in the town centre, including the new Southwater Complex.

There’s plenty to do around this area including bowling, ice skating, shopping, eating, drinking and a cinema, as well as the Telford Shopping Centre.

Just 5 miles away from Telford is the village of Ironbridge, found at the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge. It takes its name from the 30m tall cast iron bridge – The Iron Bridge – that was built across the River Severn in 1779. Ironbridge and the Ironbridge Gorge form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The village of Ironbridge is home to various pubs, cafes and independent shops. The Merrythought Teddy Bear Company was established in 1930 and has been manufacturing at Ironbridge ever since. They now have their own museum here.

The Iron Bridge Gorge Museum Trust run ten museums within the world heritage site, including Blists Hill Victorian Town, Jackfield Tile Museum and Enginuity. The variety of museum and the scenery around this area means it has something to offer everyone.

How to get there: Driving, you can reach the centre of Telford in just under 40 minutes from Birmingham – the most direct route uses the M6 and thre M54. You can catch a direct 35-minute train from New Street Station to Telford. If you’re relying on public transport, you can get a bus from Telford Town Centre to Wyvern, which is a short walk from Ironbridge. This should take around 30 minutes.

2. Stratford Upon Avon

This market town in Warwickshire is found on the River Avon and is a popular attraction due to its association with William Shakespeare who was born and buried in the town.

The Royal Shakespeare Company has three theatres in Stratford – The Other Place, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and the Swan Theatre. You can also visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage here (Shakespeare’s mother, *not* the Hollywood actress), as well as Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Shakespeare aside, the canal basin in Stratford is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny afternoon of walking and relaxing, and the town is also home to UK’s largest tropical butterfly farm. If you happen to be around on a Saturday night, you could head off on an award-winning Ghost Walk learning all about Stratford’s ‘most haunted’.

How to get there: Driving it takes around 45 minutes via the M42 and the M40, or you can take a 40-minute direct train from Birmingham Moor Street.

3. Royal Leamington Spa

Bath Spa might just be a bit too far to head for a day trip from Birmingham, but coming in at a close second is the much closer Royal Leamington Spa. Found in the heart of Warwickshire it’s just 20 miles from Birmingham, as the crow flies.

There’s such a variety of things to check out in Leamington, including a lovely shopping area consisting of lots of independent stores, the Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum, and the Jephson Gardens.

These gardens take up 14.6 acres and have won Green Flag awards consecutively since 2006. There are several Grade 2 listed buildings within the garden as well as a boating lake. With its combination of different tourist attractions, Royal Leamington Spa is certainly an idyllic Birmingham day trip.

How to get there: There are direct trains from both Birmingham New Street and Moor Street which both take around 30 minutes, otherwise it’s a 45-minute drive on the M42 and M40.

4. The Wrekin

Next on the list of day trips from Birmingham is a beauty spot found within the Shropshire Hills AONB. The Wrekin is a 407m high hill found around 6 miles outside of Telford. There is free parking around the foot of the hill and then it’s around a 1-hour climb.

The views at the top are totally worth it and it’s the ideal place to enjoy sunrise, sunset or a picnic on a clear sunny day. The Wrekin can be seen from Staffordshire, the Black Country and even from as far as Beetham Tower in Manchester. Some of the rocks found on the slopes of the Wrekin are approximately 680 million years old!

How to get there: The best way to get here is by car and the easiest drive is via the M6 and M54, which takes around 45 minutes.

5. The Cotswolds

This area of the south midlands has been an AONB since 1966 and is the largest of its kind, covering an area of 800 square miles. The Cotswolds lies across 5 counties – Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.

There are a variety of prominent places of interest within The Cotswolds, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Castle Combe, Cirencester, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Norton. These quintessentially English villages are a must-see on any UK travellers list.

There are plenty of beautiful walks to enjoy, plenty of independent cafes, shops and pubs and of course some amazing scenery to admire.

How to get there: There are varying places to visit in the area all at varying distances with different routes, therefore it’s easier to visit the Cotswolds by car. Of the places, I listed above the quickest to reach is Stow on the Wold, at 1 hour and 10 minutes. Bourton on the Water is a 1-hour 15-minute journey via the A429, whereas Castle Combe takes nearly 2 hours to reach via the M5.

6. Alton Towers Theme Park

For the adrenaline junkies amongst us this is a must on this list of day trips from Birmingham. Originally a private estate, the Alton Towers grounds were opened to the public in 1860 and it was transformed into a theme park in the late 20 th century. In 2019 it was the second most visited theme park in the UK. Some of its best-known rides are Nemesis, Oblivion – the third-fastest rollercoaster in the UK – and The Smiler – which holds the world record for the most inversions on a rollercoaster.

Alton Towers is also known for ‘Scarefest’ which operates during October, where the Halloween theme is synonymous throughout the park, with scare mazes and late-night opening. The Alton Towers gardens are a beautiful place to wander around if you need a bit of respite from being thrown around by a rollercoaster!

How to get there – it takes around an hour and a quarter to drive from Birmingham to Alton Towers via either the A38 or the M6. Accessing the park via public transport is more difficult, involving a train from New Street to Stoke on Trent, followed by a couple of buses.

7. Peterborough

Peterborough is a city in Cambridgeshire, perhaps best known for its impressive cathedral which is one of the best examples of Norman architecture in England. Wholly completed in 1237, it is usually it is open to visitors to have a look around at its stunning interior. Henry VIII’s first wife Catharine of Aragon is buried at Peterborough Cathedral.

Other attractions in the city include the Peterborough Museum which is home to the human and natural history of the city, the Nene Valley Railway, Nene Park & Ferry Meadows Country Park, Queensgate Shopping Centre.

How to get there  – the most direct route from Birmingham to Peterborough uses the M6 and A14, taking just over an hour and a half. A direct train from Birmingham New Street takes around 1 hour 50 minutes.

8. Peak District National Park

The beautiful Peak District is the closest national park to Birmingham so is the ideal day out from the city. The peaks spread over varying counties but the closest spots to Birmingham are found in Staffordshire in the southern Peak District.

Some of these include The Roaches at Upper Hulme, Ilam Park, Dovedale Stepping Stones, and Thor’s Cave at Wetton. Check out some of the best Peak District walks here.

How to get there – You can access the Staffordshire Peak District within 1 hour 30 from Birmingham. You can visit other areas of the Peak District in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire by getting a train from Birmingham New Street to Sheffield and then getting a bus towards Castleton, Hope Valley.

9. Warwick Castle

The wooden fort that developed into Warwick Castle was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Since 1978 it’s been open to the public and is now owned by Merlin Entertainments. There’s plenty to see and enjoy here including a Horrible Histories Maze, walking to the top of the castle to admire the views and visiting the castle dungeon.

How to get there – It takes around 40 minutes to get to Warwick Castle from Birmingham via the M42 and M40. You can take a train from Birmingham Moor Street to Warwick and then make the short walk to the castle. Altogether this journey takes around 45 minutes.

10. Leicester National Space Centre

The National Space Centre in Leicester opened in 2001 and is most notable for its 42m tall tower which claims to be the ‘only place to house upright space rockets indoors’. This award-winning attraction boasts six interactive galleries and the UK’s largest planetarium which was opened by Sir Patrick Moore in 2012. A free planetarium tour is included in your ticket.

How to get here – You can drive to the National Space Centre from Birmingham in under an hour via the M6 and the M69. You can get a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Leicester and from there can take local buses or a taxi to the space centre.

11. Malvern Hills

The Malvern Hills are an AONB in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and some parts of Gloucestershire. The highest summit of the hills gives an amazing panoramic view of the Severn Valley. The Worcestershire Way is an important recreation resource in the area. It runs 31 miles from Bewdley to Great Malvern.

There are varying trails to enjoy around the Malvern Hills and lots of different hills to climb.

How to get here – it takes around an hour to get to the Malvern Hills District from Birmingham via the M5. Alternatively, you can take a train from New Street to Worcester and then catch a bus.

12. Lichfield

Located 16 miles north of Birmingham is the city of Lichfield. It’s most poignant attraction is the cathedral, which is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires. Its gothic style dates back to the 12 th , 13 th, and 14 th centuries. Usually, the cathedral is open to the public to take a look around.

‘Cathedral Close’ which loops around the cathedral is adorned with grand old houses which are certainly worth checking out. More recently in January 2021, it became the first place of worship in England to act as a vaccination center during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Lichfield’s market square you can find the neo-gothic St Mary’s Church which is home to an exhibition about the history of Lichfield. Other attractions in the city include Beacon Park, Stowe Pool, and Minster Pool.

How to get there – It’s just over half an hour to drive to Lichfield from Birmingham, taking the A38, or you can jump on the 40-minute train from New Street Station to Lichfield Trent Valley.

13. Cadbury World

If you like chocolate this Birmingham day trip is for you! And who doesn’t like chocolate? Cadbury was founded in Birmingham in 1824 by John Cadbury.

Cadbury World opened in 1990 at Cadbury’s Bournville manufacturing site. It features a self-guided exhibition tour that tells the story of the Cadbury business and the history of chocolate.

One of the experiences within Cadbury World is the 4D chocolate adventure which opened in 2014. In 2003 another Cadbury World was opened in New Zealand however this closed in 2018.

How to get there – it’s just a 20-minute drive from Birmingham to Cadbury World but you can take a direct train from New Street to Bournville which leaves you just a 13-minute walk from the attraction.

14. Black Country Living Museum

This award-winning open-air museum ‘tells the story behind the world’s first industrial landscape’, portraying life from 1850-1950. It consists of rebuilt historic buildings and can be found at the centre of the Black Country in Dudley.

The museum takes up 26 acres of former industrial land including former railway goods yards and coal pits and disused lime kilns. The museum site contained 42 mine shafts, the majority of which have now been filled. The museum has been a filming set for Peaky Blinders and some scenes in the film Stan and ollie, a feature on the life of Laurel and Hardy.

How to get there – it shouldn’t take more than half an hour to get to the Black Country Living Museum from Birmingham. You can take a train from Birmingham New Street to Tipton and then walk around 20 minutes to the museum.

No list of day trips from Birmingham would be complete without a trip to London. You can make a trip from the UK’s second city to the UK’s capital in just an hour and a half on the train. You can spend a whirlwind day in London but don’t expect to get everything in. Some of my favourite areas are Camden, Covent Garden, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, Hyde Park, and Westminster.

How to get there – A direct train from Birmingham New Street to London Euston can take as little as 1.5 hours. The drive will take over 2 hours via the M40 or the M6 and M1. 

Fancy heading to the seaside from Birmingham?

If you’re based in the West Midlands or Birmingham check out this guide of some of the beaches closest to you!

Author Bio: Emma is the UK blogger behind The World by Emstagram . She specialises in writing about female, solo backpacking. She has experience solo backpacking Europe and Southeast Asia and shares her travel advice and destination guides on her blog. You can also find her on Instagram .

If you on a bigger trip exploring more of Europe check out my guides to France , Germany, Greece, Iceland , Italy , Portugal , Spain and United Kingdom .

My Travel Tips and Recommendations

To book flights, I always use flight search engine Skyscanner, I regularly use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest places to travel. It’s how I get to travel so much all around the world. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals. 

Accommodation

For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through  Booking.com.  I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb. If you haven’t signed up with Airbnb already, you can use  this link  to get £25 off your first visit!

Travel Insurance

Picking travel insurance that covers you in all eventualities is an essential part of planning a trip for every single person. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. You never know what’s around the corner. 

You can also find me on social media:  Facebook ,  Twitter,   YouTube  and  Instagram .

Did you know I also vlog my trips? Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel so you get alerted when all my travel videos go live… CHECK THEM OUT HERE

Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring! If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please  share it for me with all your friends and family!

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Best Day Trips From Birmingham For Families

Looking for the best day trips from Birmingham by train, car and coach?

Being a Birmingham local born and raised near the city means I know first-hand how this vibrant metropolitan area in the West Midlands has so much to offer families looking for great day trip destinations. 

As an experienced travel blogger and now a parent myself, I have explored many of the top family-friendly attractions and activities within an hour or two drive from Birmingham.

From adventures in nature and history to interactive museums and parks to the best eateries and cafes in the region, there are fantastic options across the region that allow kids and adults alike to make memories and have fun without traveling too far from home.

Planning your trip? Use my favorite resources!

🏨 Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com ✈️ Flights: for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner 🚗 Rental Car: I recommend Discover Cars 🛡️ Travel Insurance: for the best deals I rely on SafetyWing

Map of the Best Day Trips from Birmingham

Here’s a map with images of each of the attractions around the West Midlands region.

👉 Short on Time? Here are the Top 3 Day Trips from Birmingham for Families:

📍 1: warwick castle.

Discover over 1,100 years of history at Britain’s quintessential medieval castle with waxworks, activities, and spectacular grounds. Book your tickets HERE

📍 2: Alton Towers Theme Park

Ride thrilling rollercoasters at Britain’s #1 park like Nemesis, The Smiler and TH13TEEN, or enjoy family favorites like the log flume and carousel at this popular amusement park. Book your tickets HERE (with 33% Discount)

📍3: Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Wander the 16th-Century Tudor village of Stratford-upon-Avon and step into the home of Shakespeare, his old school, his mother Mary Arden’s house, his wife Anne Hathaway’s house, and much more. Book your tickets HERE

West Midlands Essentials Checklist:

✅ An excellent pair of walking shoes (for lots of walking) ✅ A hoodie or warm sweater (for chilly evenings especially in winter) ✅ A decent raincoat (it rains a lot here) ✅ A good quality compact camera (for taking great pics)

Birmingham: Best Day Trips with Family in 2024

Ultimate guide to all the best day trips from Birmingham for families by train, car and coach, suitable for kids, couples, young and old alike.

1. Warwick Castle, Warwick

One of my personal favorite picks is Warwick Castle, located under an hour’s drive from Birmingham in the historic town of Warwick. 

Warwick Castle brings history alive through daily jousting tournaments, battle scene recreations and wax sculpture displays capturing key moments from its 1,100 year past. 

Towering on a sandstone cliff above the River Avon, this remarkably well-preserved medieval stronghold lets visitors witness archers firing arrows from ramparts, kings & queens wandering ancient halls and ride by Dragon Slayer boat underneath the iconic portcullis. 

With an extensive green where families picnic beside cascading fountains, adventure playground, rose garden and peacock roaming lush grounds, it enthralls kids for hours while stunning parents with its grandeur and magic.

Warwick Castle is considered one of the hottest attractions in the West Midlands , so be sure to book your tickets in advance and at a discounted price using the link below.

Address: Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU Opening Times: Daily from 10am Admission Price: From £24.99. Book your tickets HERE Getting There: 50 minute direct train from Birmingham New Street or a 40 minute drive

👉 Insider Tip: On Sundays, Warwick Castle has special ‘Time Tower’ shows bringing different historical eras to life in fun interactive ways for families.

2. Alton Towers, Staffordshire

Home to some of the UK’s biggest and best rollercoasters, Alton Towers is a thrilling day out for the whole family.

At Alton Towers, my thrill-seekers get their adrenaline pumping on record-breaking rollercoasters like the mind-boggling Smiler coaster with 14 loop inversions. But little ones just as eagerly line up for gentler rides like the vintage carousel, Noddy train and Octonauts rollercoaster made especially for tiny tots. 

With shows, waterplay areas and 9 themed lands – including CBebbies Land and magical forests – over 100 family rides and attractions means every age finds delight at this theme park.

Alton Towers ranks number 1 of the UK’s best theme parks , so make sure you book tickets well in advance, and get 33% off when you book with the following link:

Address: Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB Opening Times: Open daily from 10am, closing times vary Admission Price: From £34 per person, get discounts when you book your tickets online HERE. Getting There: 50 minute drive from Birmingham

You can also read my guide on how to get to Alton Towers from Birmingham here:

3. Twycross Zoo, Atherstone

For close encounters with some of the world’s most awe-inspiring yet vulnerable creatures, Twycross Zoo’s conservation efforts span four decades. 

Walking trails transport families from snow leopard mountain habitats to wetlands filled with playful penguins, exploring equatorial environments under canopy domes as endangered primates like the chuckling gibbons swing through treetops. 

Special events like hands-on Animal Antics Days let kids get up close with snakes, frogs and bugs for memorable days bonding over bushbabies and lemurs.

Better still, Twycross Zoo ranks among the 20 Top Zoos and Safari Parks in the UK .

Address: Burton Road, Alrewas, Atherstone CV9 3PX Opening Times: Open daily from 10am Admission Price: From £21 per person Getting There: 1 hour drive from Birmingham

4. Kinver Edge Rock Houses, Staffordshire

This dramatic red sandstone ridge offers panoramic views over Staffordshire’s lush countryside from the mile-long clifftop walk. 

Kids will adore scrambling over the rock formations which have a mysterious history – from the 17th century, local families lived in the network of caves beneath to avoid paying taxes! 

Let imaginative young minds wonder what life was like living under the earth as you explore the cavern homes and winding woodland trails.

Address: Kinver Edge, off the A458, Kinver, DY7 6HJ Opening Times: Open daily, dawn until dusk. The Garden and tea room and Rock Houses are only open on Sat–Sun from 11am–3pm. Admission Price: £6.50; Children – £3.25; Family – £16.25; and Family (1 Adult) – £9.75. Getting There: 30 minute drive from Birmingham

👉 Pro Tip: Kids 5 and under go free on heritage railways like Severn Valley making steam trains an affordable family adventure. Make sure to wave out the window for the full experience!

5. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Step into William Shakespeare’s world wandering the picture-postcard Tudor streets that inspired his finest works.

Tour his impressive 16th-century childhood home and the cottage of his wife Anne Hathaway, imagining the village life that shaped the legendary playwright before seeing a performance at the stunning Royal Shakespeare Theatre. 

Away from the homages, families love punt tours drifting down the River Avon, picnicking in the riverside gardens while feeding swans and ducks, and browsing the boutique toy shops and cafes dotted through this historic town.

👉 You can book a Shakespeare’s England 3-Day Explorer Pass that gives you entry to 9 top attractions including Kenilworth Castle.

One of the highlights of Stratford for kids – and a personal favorite of mine – is the Butterfly Farm, an absolute must for families. Here, kids lose themselves in awe and excitement in the warm, tropical jungle environment packed with the most beautiful and colorful butterflies of all shapes and sizes, fluttering about, resting on leaves and sipping from freshly cut oranges.

Address: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 Opening Times: Attractions open daily Admission Price: Free to walk around, individual attraction prices apply Getting There: 45 minute direct train or 1 hour drive from Birmingham

👉 Stratford-upon-Avon day trips & excursions

Use the widget below to book the most popular tours in Shakespeare’s birthplace:

👉 Read more: Funny & Famous Quotes about England

6. Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

Covering 26 square miles, Cannock Chase Forest is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with wild deer, birds of prey, and vibrant purple heather moorlands waiting to be discovered on scenic hiking trails. 

Families enjoy navigating their way through vast pine forests to find the Gruffalo sculptures hidden along a storybook trail.

Be sure to stop at one of the pretty streams and ponds to spot dragonflies, roll down grassy hills and refuel with a hearty picnic before tired little legs trek back.

One of my fave activities here is the Go Ape Outdoor Adventure park – perfect for older kids, there’s thrilling zip-wire rides and climbing walls amongst other exciting stuff.

Address: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire Opening Times: Open daily Admission Price: Free entry Getting There: 30 minute drive from Birmingham

7. Malvern Hills, Worcestershire

For picture-perfect views across three counties, ramble up the floral pathways crisscrossing the majestic Malvern Hills.

At the peak, young explorers will feel on top of the world standing at the beacon hill iron age fort and counting the cows dotting the pastures below. 

Back at ground level there’s still plenty to keep families entertained in this pretty Victorian spa town – take a ride on mini steam trains, catch a show at the kid-friendly theatre or splash around surf waves at The Splash leisure pool and aqua park nearby.

Address: Malvern Hills, Worcestershire Opening Times: Open all year round Admission Price: Free entry Getting There: 50 minute direct train or 45 minute drive

8. Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire

Dubbed the “cradle of the Industrial Revolution”, walk back to 18th century England ambling Ironbridge’s cobblestone lanes by quaint cottages to its world-famous arching iron bridge. 

Glimpse pioneering Victorian inventions at the 10 insightful living history museums from traditional porcelain-making to the Coalport China works. 

For adventure seekers, Ironbridge offers some of the best paddleboarding spots in the West Midlands . You’ll be paddling on the River Severn, one of the longest and most scenic rivers in England. Consider hiring a mega raft from Shropshire Raft Tours that can sit 5 to 8 people – perfect for families!

Address: Ironbridge, Telford, TF8 7DX Opening Times: Attractions open daily from 10am Admission Price: Free to walk around, individual attraction prices apply Getting There: 45 minute drive from Birmingham

👉 Insider Tip: Having wet weather back up plans kept my family smiling even with unpredictable English weather. We adored getting hands-on in indoor discovery centres at Ironbridge and nearby zoos.

9. The Peak District

Just over the border in rugged Derbyshire, outdoor adventures await traversing through valleys blanketed in purple heather, emerald forests perfect for bike rides and hills punctuated with cozy stone villages where afternoon tea is a must. 

Descend into fascinating caverns glittering with minerals, meet the lively residents at outdoor aviary parks, or ride rollercoasters careering down quarry mountains at adventure playgrounds carved out of old industrial mines in this breathtaking national park.

Activities that are perfect for families include this amazing abseiling experience , and this exciting treasure hunt activity in the Peak District .

Address: Peak District National Park, Derbyshire Opening Times: Open daily Admission Price: Free entry Getting There: 1.5 hour drive from Birmingham

👉 Read more: Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Derby

10. The Cotswolds

Things slow down meandering through photogenic villages where cottages glow in warm honey-colored stone and sheep lazily graze verdant pastures. 

Fuel up at bustling farmer’s markets, old timbered pubs, and artisan bakeries before rambling down woodland trails past peaceful ponds or following the River Windrush’s curving course. 

Don’t miss bleating competitions at Cotswold Farm Park run by TV’s Adam Henson and marvel over Bekonscot Model Village’s tiny world in intricate miniature – it never fails to enchant little eyes!

PS: If you get time, run wild through the vast purple fields of Cotswold Lavender – one of Britain’s best Lavender fields !

Location: The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire Opening Times: Attractions open daily Admission Price: Free to visit villages and countryside, admission fees apply for attractions Getting There: 1 – 1.5 hour drive from Birmingham

👉 Book your Cotswolds tour below:

Use the widget below to choose a tour type (private, small group etc.) for the ultimate Cotswold experience:

👉 Useful advice: Look into purchasing attraction passes that bundle multiple entries over a fixed period. They can offer great savings for families maximizing days out across the region from your Birmingham base.

11. Trentham Monkey Forest, Stoke-on-Trent

One of the most popular attractions in Stoke-on-Trent , wander the trails through Trentham Monkey Forest as cheeky Barbary macaques swing through treetops, groom each other and playfully tussle over snacks. 

Get up close viewing from observation platforms and along the pathways running through their woodland habitat as these remarkable tail-less primates’ curiosity leads them to approach visitors. 

When you’ve had your dose of monkey mischief, the vast gardens surrounding Trentham Estate offer 750 acres of riverside trails, secret gardens planted with flowers arranged by color, and a quaint shopping village to continue making memories.

My cheekiest monkey tale comes from Trentham. A baby monkey clambered his way onto my toddler’s stroller to try snatch snacks when we stopped to give little legs a rest. Thankfully he just got packaging while we rolled away quicker than you can say banana!

Address: Trentham Monkey Forest, Stone Road, Tittensor, Stoke-on-Trent, ST12 9HR Opening Times: Daily 10am – 5pm Admission Price: £9 Adults, £8 Children, £32 Family (2 adults, 2 children) Getting There: 1 hour drive from Birmingham

12. Waterfall Country, Wales

Tucked within the dramatic Brecon Beacons National Park in Powys, Wales, prepare to be awe-struck voyaging through misty valleys thriving with tumbling waterfalls fed by rivers flowing through the peaks.

One of the most stunning cascades is Henrhyd Waterfall, plunging 90 feet (27 meters) over a rocky overhang into a magical green pool that carved out the gorge through centuries of roaring water.

Just upriver, the Triple Falls glow amber under dappled sunlight as the River Mellte splits and drops 30 meters in three parallel veils.

Further south, the River Mellte surges down steps of boulders forming 30-foot (9 meter) Sgwd Clun-gwyn waterfall, memorizing visitors gathered on the viewing platform gazing through rainbow mist.

Pack a picnic blanket while watching salmon defy gravity as they leap up the sloping waterways.

When you’ve had your fill of nature’s hydraulic majesty, there’s still zip wires, underground caverns and canal walks with hand-operated locks to captivate young adventurers in the national park.

For those who want a guided tour of eight amazing waterfalls, you can book this top-rated tour here , which comes with lunch, boots and transport.

Location: Waterfall Country, Brecon Beacons, Wales Opening Times: Open daily Admission Price: Free entry. Book a guided tour of 8 waterfalls HERE Getting There: 2 hour drive from Birmingham

👉 Related: Top Things to See and Do in Cardiff

🚅 Best Day Trips From Birmingham For Families By Train

Many of the top family-friendly days out from Birmingham are accessible by direct train. 

Here are your best options to visit by train instead of car, due to faster travel time and convenient access via train stations:

➤ Warwick Castle – 50 mins direct ➤ Stratford-upon-Avon – 45 mins direct ➤ Malvern Hills – 50 mins direct ➤ Ironbridge Gorge – 45 mins with one change

The train is a great option that allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery en-route – something the kids will love! Plus, you avoid the parking and traffic headaches at busy tourist spots.

🚗 Best Day Trips From Birmingham For Families By Car

The following places are better suited for visiting by car due to convenience, quicker duration, and parking facilities:

➤ Alton Towers – 50 mins ➤ Twycross Zoo – 1 hr ➤ Kinver Edge – 30 mins ➤ Cannock Chase – 30 mins ➤ Peak District – 1.5 hrs ➤ The Cotswolds – 1-1.5 hrs ➤ Trentham Monkey Forest – 1 hr ➤ Waterfall Country – 2 hrs

✈️ Best Day Trips From Birmingham For Families To Other Countries

If you fancy venturing further afield, Birmingham Airport has lots of short-haul flights to family holiday favorites.

Here are some top picks:

Amsterdam, Netherlands – 1hr flight

Families can float past pretty bridges and gabled houses on canal cruises along the picturesque waterways threading through the city. 

Meander through Vondelpark’s lush sculpture gardens and unique Dutch playgrounds. Spark curious minds at NEMO’s captivating science museum with over 400 hands-on exhibits to fascinate all ages. 

Find reprieve from the bustle at Begijnhof’s hidden 14th century courtyard oasis. For quirky interactive fun, get tiny exploring human cells and microbes at Micropia museum or work together to find your way out of one of many family-friendly escape rooms.

Paris, France – 1hr flight

Ride up the Eiffel Tower to soak in iconic views from the top and enjoy picnics with the kids on the grassy Champs de Mars park at its base. Cruise along the famed Seine River to take in Paris’ sights from a boat. 

Let kids play to their heart’s content at Luxembourg Gardens’ vast play area with puppet shows. Get interactive with trails and workshops while discovering the treasures inside the magnificent Louvre museum. Or join a bike tour to see the Parisian sights at a child’s pace.

Barcelona, Spain – 2hr flight

Stroll down lively La Rambla boulevard where street performers and living statutes entertain families as they explore. Discover architectural dreamscapes and whimsical mosaics designing the sprawling Park Guell. 

Panoramic views and vintage rides await at Tibidabo Amusement Park high in the hills above the city. Get up close to sharks, rays and mesmerising marine life at Barcelona Aquarium. Or climb aboard historic ships at the city’s Maritime Museum.

Dublin, Ireland – 1hr flight

Explore the medieval towers and fairy tale magic of Dublin Castle. Discover myths and legends from Irish folklore at the National Leprechaun Museum. 

Safari through Dublin Zoo on a train to feed friendly giraffes and more. Design your own custom chocolates on a tour of Butlers Chocolate Experience. 

Wander the ornamental gardens and farmyard at Farmleigh House and Estate. Take the kids on an historic interactive tour of Kilmainham Gaol prison.

Within a couple of hours flight time you could be exploring a new culture, language and cuisine. An overseas day trip makes for an easy city break before the little ones get worn out from sightseeing.

Renting A Car In Birmingham For Day Trips

If you don’t have your own car, renting a vehicle for the day or weekend is a flexible way to explore the surrounding areas on a family day trip. Here are some tips:

➡️ Book in advance for the best deals and availability of family-sized vehicles. Weekends tend to get booked up.

➡️ Consider renting a minibus or people carrier style car if you have a larger family group. These often have sliding doors and lots of luggage room.

➡️ Read reviews and compare prices across rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and local providers. An independent local company may offer better rates.

➡️ If using a car seat, request this at booking and double check it will be provided or if you need to bring your own.

➡️ Ask about inclusions like unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, theft protection and roadside assistance. This can influence price.

➡️ Try to pick up and drop off from the same location to avoid extra fees. Birmingham city centre branches can be easiest.

➡️ Allow extra time at pickup for paperwork, inspections and fitting child seats. Have credit card and driver’s licenses ready.

✨ Travel Tips For Day Trips From Birmingham

To make your days out stress-free and fun for all ages, here are my top Birmingham day trip tips:

☑️ Pack drinks, snacks, rain jackets – be prepared for changeable weather ☑️ Bring a pushchair for little legs – many sites have trails between attractions ☑️ Arrive early, attractions get busier at midday ☑️ Mix high energy activities with relaxing spots to recharge ☑️ Consider discounted entry passes if doing several attractions ☑️ Book theater shows or event tickets beforehand ☑️ Travel midweek when possible – weekends get crowded ☑️ Make the journey part of the adventure – kids love trains! ☑️ Capture moments on camera – so much to inspire great pics ☑️ Stop at farm shops and cafes in country villages ☑️ Have a backup indoor option if weather deteriorates

🏨 Where to Stay in Birmingham?

Below are my top recommendations on where to stay in Birmingham:

📍 $ Budget option: Wray and Whyte House (double & twin room, family-friendly) – Fabulous 8.6

📍$$$ Luxury option: The Class Place (Apartment with Terrace) –   Good 7.9

Day Trips from Birmingham with Kids: FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about taking day trips from Birmingham:

Where can I go an hour away from Birmingham?

Some top places within an hour’s drive or train ride from Birmingham include Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, Ironbridge Gorge, Malvern Hills, and Cannock Chase. An hour will allow you to explore the beautiful countryside and attractions of surrounding counties.

What towns are 2 hours away from Birmingham?

Destinations around a 2 hour drive from Birmingham include Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, and rural towns throughout the Peak District National Park. Further afield you have options like Bristol, Cardiff, Snowdonia National Park in Wales, and many beautiful Cotswolds towns and villages.

What is there to do in Birmingham with toddlers?

Great activities in Birmingham for toddlers include Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum with hands-on galleries, shopping and dining at the Bullring, Sealife Centre and Legoland Discovery Centre, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, playgrounds at Cannon Hill Park, and shows at Birmingham Children’s Theatre.

What is the nearest beach to Birmingham?

The closest seaside resorts are Weston-Super-Mare (2 hrs) and Blackpool (2.5 hrs) to the northwest. South you have resort towns like Bournemouth (3 hrs) and Brighton (3.5 hrs) as options for beach day trips.

What are the best family friendly restaurants in Birmingham?

Top family restaurants in Birmingham include Gusto for Italian cuisine in a cosy setting, Anderson’s City Bar & Steakhouse for steaks and seafood, Zizzi for affordable Italian, and Bistro 1847 offering British classics. The Big Bulls Head has a fun pub atmosphere.

Is Birmingham worth visiting?

Yes! Alongside great museums, attractions, theatre and shopping, Birmingham has lots of green spaces, pretty canals and is surrounded by beautiful English countryside. Its central location makes it a great base for exploring the region.

How many days do you need in Birmingham?

2 full days is ideal to see highlights like the museums, Cadbury World, Botanical Gardens as well as dining out and shopping. With 3-4 days you could add some side trips to places like Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle. Birmingham also makes a great weekend break.

Conclusion: Best Day Trips From Birmingham For Families

With my local’s insight, I hope I’ve convinced you Birmingham makes an amazing base to uncover the region’s captivating castles, family attractions and unspoilt natural wonders waiting within easy reach. 

Traveling with children opens up a whole new world of awe and wonder when their imagination lets them step into wild worlds filled with mischievous monkeys, transport into bygone eras of knights and steam trains, or roam Tolkien-esque forests inspired by the Gruffalo’s tales.

The convenience of quick getaways allows you to cram memorable mini-adventures with cozy Cotswold wool shops and monkey playfulness into busy family schedules without marathon road trips. 

Thank you for reading!

Read more: West Midlands posts

23 Incredible Things to Do in Birmingham Ultimate Guide to Brummie Slang 13 Mesmerizing Mazes in the Midlands Best Things to See & Do in Wolverhampton Birmingham Maps, Brochures & Guides The Ultimate UK Packing List (+ FREE Checklist) 41 Curious Facts about Birmingham

Billy Read is the owner and author of BRB Gone Somewhere Epic, a travel blog that helps travelers discover unique destinations and travel experiences on a budget. With more than 10 years of global travel filled with accidents, Billy aims to help readers avoid making the same mistakes as he did, and make the most of their epic trips.

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10 of the best day trips from birmingham, uk.

Are you planning to visit Birmingham, England? You could extend your visit with one of these fantastic day trips

Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK, and a popular destination for tourists. Around 42 million people visit the city every year and even more are likely to visit for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

The city has fantastic shopping malls, top class theatres and music venues. There are also restaurants featuring every cuisine you can think of, and hotels covering every price range from budget to luxury.

Birmingham’s central location makes it perfect for a city break in the UK and its also ideal for exploring the local area and beyond. The city is located in the heart of the motorway network, and has three train stations as well.

So if you’re visiting Birmingham, you’ll have plenty of options for extending your visit.

These are some of the best day trips from Birmingham. The list includes family days out, local towns to explore, and even some popular seaside trips.

And I’ve arrange the list in order by distance from Birmingham city centre. So whether you’re looking to tag on a couple of extra days to your trip or just need something to fill an afternoon, there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy.

Here are my recommendations for some of the best day trips from Birmingham:

Cadbury World

The first day trip on my list is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Even better, it will only take 30 minutes to get there!

If you love chocolate, then you’re going to love a visit to Cadbury World , one of the UK’s most popular family attractions.

The Cadbury family started making chocolate in 1831, and by the late 1800s they moved production to a new greenfield site which they named Bourneville after the Bourn stream which ran through the site.

Bournville is now a popular residential district and in 1990 the original Cadbury factory became home to Cadbury World.

Visitors to Cadbury World can enjoy a self-guided tour through the history of chocolate. 14 different zones guide you through demonstrations and multi-sensory experiences, and there are plenty of chocolate samples to try along the way.

Cadbury’s skilful chocolatiers will demonstrate their traditional chocolate-making skills on exclusive handmade items. And you can have a go at tempering chocolate and show off your chocolate piping skills before stocking up on sweet treats to take home in the Cadbury Shop and Factory Zone.

How to get to Cadbury World from Birmingham

If you’re driving, it will take you around 20 minutes to get to to Cadbury World from central Birmingham. Or you can take the cross-city train to Bournville Station from Birmingham New Street. Trains leave regularly and the journey will take you around 12 minutes. From the station, it’s a ten minute walk to Cadbury World.

Find out more on the Cadbury World website .

Black Country Living Museum

Fancy stepping back in time to see what life might have been like for the Peaky Blinders?

If you’re a fan of Peaky Blinders , you may already know that scenes from the series were shot at the Black Country Living Museum .

It’s an immersive open-air museum that is set in 26 acres of land in the heart of the Black Country. That’s the name given to the area west of Birmingham that covers much of the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It gained this name because of the thick black soot that covered the area in the 19th century.

Learn what it would have been like to live and work in the area at the height of the Industrial Revolution, in the Black Country Living Museum’s 40+ reconstructed shops and buildings. You can watch a short film in the 1920s cinema or watch demonstrations of chain and nail making, tuck into traditional fish and chips, and even test your knowledge in a school lesson 1912-style.

It’s a fascinating day out for all the family, whether or not you’re a Peaky Blinders fan.

How to get to the Black Country Living Museum from Birmingham

Driving to the Black Country Living Museum from Birmingham will only take you around 35 minutes, making it an ideal day trip from Birmingham. If you prefer to travel by public transport, you can take a train from Birmingham New Street to Tipton and then a bus to the museum itself. This journey will take around 45 minutes.

Find out more on the Black Country Living Museum website.

Stratford upon Avon

Take a trip to this beautiful historical town and immerse yourself in all things Shakespeare

A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon is a must for anyone who loves British history. And if you’re a fan of William Shakespeare then it’s even more of a must-see. The town is full of important sites for Shakespeare fans, including the beautiful cottage where his wife Anne Hathaway lived, and the church where he was buried.

When you visit Stratford-upon-Avon you can actually visit Shakespeare’s childhood home and even stand in the very room where he was born!

It’s also worth checking availability for Royal Shakespeare Company performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or the Swan Theatres. You can also get a closer look behind the scenes on one of their backstage tours.

But Stratford-upon-Avon is much more than just a homage to Shakespeare. The town has many beautiful half-timber buildings that date back to Tudor times, fabulous independent shops and a wide range of restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

The River Avon flows through Stratford-upon-Avon, and a cruise on the River Avon is an ideal way to see the town from a different perspective. Or why not book yourself a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour of Stratford-upon-Avon?

How to get to Stratford upon Avon from Birmingham

The town of Stratford-upon-Avon is around 40 miles (65 km) south of Birmingham, and it will take you around 40 minutes to make the journey by car. Alternatively, you could travel by train from Birmingham Moor Street station, which takes around 50 minutes.

You can find more information on the Visit Stratford upon Avon website

Warwick Castle

For a fun day out with a sense of history and action-packed live shows, head to Warwick Castle!

The first castle was built at Warwick shortly after the Norman invasion of 1066. This was replaced by a stone castle in the 11th century and then reinforced and fortifed over the following centuries.

Today Warwick Castle is one of Britain’s top historical attractions, owned by the Merlin Group. As well as creating a fantastic day out, the castle’s custodians have also invested heavily in its restoration and maintenance.

Read more about my visit to Warwick Castle

The castle is packed with historical exhibits and live action adventures featuring actors and dramatic special effects. The State Apartments give a glimpse into the castle’s past, and you can also watch exciting bird of prey displays.

Why not extend your visit with a stay overnight in the castle’s Woodland Lodges and Medieval Glamping? You could even stay in one of the luxurious Tower Suites in Caesar’s Tower, perfect for a special occasion.

A day at Warwick Castle brings history to life, and it’s fantastic fun for visitors of all ages.

How to get to Warwick Castle from Birmingham

Warwick Castle is in the town of Warwick, around 36 miles (58km) south east of Birmingham. Getting there by car will take around 45 minutes, or you could use the train and bus to get there in around 55 minutes. The nearest train station is at Leamington Spa and you can then either take a taxi or take a bus to Warwick Castle.

Why not pay a visit to the Shropshire town of Ironbridge – the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Ironbridge takes its name from the Iron Bridge which spans the River Severn as it runs through the Shropshire countryside.

The bridge was built in 1779 and was the first major bridge to be made from cast iron. This process revolutionised industry, and the area became known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

The Ironbridge Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage site and museums in the area include Blists Hill Victorian Town where you can travel back in time to the Victorian era. Children will enjoy a visit to Enginuity, which is a hands-on engineering museum that’s perfect for kids.

Discover the Best Things to Do in Ironbridge

Entrance to the Ironbridge Gorge Museums is very reasonably priced. And with an Annual Passport, you can visit all 10 museums as often as you like for 12 months.

As well as the Ironbridge museums, it’s also worth paying a visit to the Maws craft centre, which showcases independent artisan businesses. The area has plenty of places to eat, and of course it’s all set in the beautiful rural countryside of Shropshire.

How to get to Ironbridge from Birmingham

Getting to the Ironbridge Gorge takes just 45 minutes by car. If you’re travelling by public transport, it will take you around 90 minutes by train and bus.

If you fancy spending the day in a town with quirky streets full of pretty half-timber buildings, Shrewsbury will be right up your street!

My next suggestion for a day trip from Birmingham takes you to Shropshire’s county town. Shrewsbury is a fairly small town with masses of character and you will love to spend the day exploring it.

The town sits a few miles from the Welsh border and inside a loop of the River Severn. Inside the loop, the Tudor town centre retains its medieval layout with streets full of half-timber buildings.

For history buffs, Shrewsbury is the town where Charles Darwin was born and raised. There are plenty of fascinating buildings to visit including Shrewsbury Castle and the Shropshire Regimental Museum.

Streets in Shrewsbury have memorable names like Dogpole and Mardol, and the town is also known for its elaborate pattern of passageways, known as ‘shuts’. In these alleyways, you’ll find quirky specialist shops and fabulous independent bars, cafes and restaurants.

There are a number of events throughout the year which are worth a visit, including the Shrewsbury Flower Festival which has been running for over 125 years.

And if you decide to stay overnight in Shrewsbury, there are plenty of boutique hotels as well as well known popular chains.

How to get to Shrewsbury from Birmingham

If you’re driving to Shrewsbury, the journey takes a straightforward route up the M6 and M54. It’ll take you around 55 minutes to get there. Trains from Birmingham to Shrewsbury leave every hour from Birmingham New Street, and the journey takes around an hour.

Alton Towers

If you’re more of a thrill-seeker then you’ll find roller-coaster heaven just over an hour away from Birmingham.

If you love roller-coasters then it’s definitely worth adding a trip to Alton Towers onto your visit to Birmingham. It’s the second most popular theme park in the UK (after Legoland) with around 2 million visitors per year.

You’ll find rides to suit everyone at Alton Towers, from kid-friendly rides and attractions, to the fastest and most innovative rollercoasters like Nemesis and Oblivion. As well as the theme park, there is also a water park, crazy golf course and a spa.

As you’d expect from a theme park of this size, the park has plenty of places to eat and drink. There are also themed hotels on site if you decide that you want to extend your stay overnight.

The theme park opens from mid-March to early-November, while many of the other facilities are open all year round. There are also several themed events at Alton Towers throughout the year including Scarefest at the end of October and a massive firework display to end the season.

How to get to Alton Towers from Birmingham

It’s easiest to reach Alton Towers by car, which will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes. It is also possible to take a train from Birmingham New Street to Stoke, and then take a bus which stops outside the entrance to Alton Towers. This journey will take you around 2 hours 10 minutes in total.

Perfect for a day trip from Birmingham, the city of Chester has something to suit everyone

The walled city of Chester was originally founded as a Roman fort in the year 79 CE and later became a major civilian settlement. Today, it’s a great location for a day trip, with plenty to keep visitors of all ages occupied.

In the city’s medieval centre, you’ll find plenty of black and white timber buildings, although many of these are Victorian restorations. Chester is also home to the famous ‘Rows’, which are unique in the United Kingdom. They feature shops or dwellings on two storeys, with a continuous walkway running outside the shops on the first floor.

The clock at Eastgate, pictured above, is said to be the second most photographed clock in the UK, after the clock in the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster (Big Ben).

Chester also has one of the best-preserved sets of city walls in the UK, with only around 100m missing from the 2 mile circuit. A walkway runs along the perimeter of the walls, with bridges crossing over roads at a number of gates.

Chester is perfect for exploring on foot, or you can book a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour of Chester. You can also get a different view of the city by booking cruise on the River Dee.

You may also like to visit Chester Zoo , which is the most visited wildlife attraction in the UK. It is one of the UK’s largest zoos and carries out important conservation work. Nearby you’ll find the Blue Planet Aquarium , and Cheshire Oaks shopping outlet is a few miles down the road if you’re in the mood for more shopping.

How to get to Chester from Birmingham

It’ll take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive to Chester from Birmingham. Alternatively, you can take the train from Birmingham New Street to Chester, a journey taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Beloved by Brummies, Barmouth is ideal for a lovely day out by the sea. Or why not extend your visit and stay overnight?

The seaside town of Barmouth has been a popular season holiday location for people from Birmingham for many years. It sits on the estuary of the River Mawddach and Ceredigion Bay, and is overlooked by the mountains of Snowdonia.

Barmouth has a long golden beach, a pretty harbour, and streets full of quirky shops and independent restaurants. And you’ll find everything you need for a great seaside getaway, including an amusement arcade and a shop selling fudge and sticks of rock.

You can make the most of your day out with a trip on the nearby Fairbourne Steam Railway , and the Barmouth ferry can carry you back to Barmouth. If you’re lucky, you may even see dolphins in the bay.

And be sure to round off your trip to the seaside with fresh fish and chips from one of the shops in the town – my favourite is the Mermaid.

This little town makes a perfect seaside getaway. And if you fancy making a weekend of it, there’s plenty of accommodation in hotels, guest-houses or on AirBnB.

How to get to Barmouth from Birmingham

The journey to Barmouth is one of the longer ones in this list, but it’s still just about doable as a day trip. If you’re driving, the journey will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes. The route follows the M6 and M54 and then heads cross-country through the beautiful Snowdonia National Park.

If you prefer to travel by train, the journey from Birmingham New Street to Barmouth will take you around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Barmouth’s station is right in the centre of town.

Find out more on the Barmouth website

Portmeirion

A Welsh village quite unlike any other, Portmeirion is a uniquely quirky village that you’ll love to visit

Portmeirion was the brainchild of the architect Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis, who mixed a variety of architectural styles to create this colourful and quirky village.

If Portmeirion looks familiar, you may recognise it from the 1960s TV series ‘The Prisoner’. The outdoor scenes were filmed there, as it provided the perfect setting for the bizarre Village where Number 6 found himself imprisoned.

Read more about my visit to Portmeirion Village

Everywhere you look, you’ll find something new and unusual to delight the eye. Colourful Italianate style buildings sit alongside reclaimed Georgian architecture, and a giant chess board is overlooked by gilded Mandalay dancers on top of Ionic columns.

There’s also a spa, a Wild Wood to explore, and a footpath along the beautiful Dwyryd Estuary coast. And if one day in Portmeirion isn’t enough, there are two luxury hotels and a range of cottages that you can stay in.

Click here to read my review of Hotel Portmeirion

How to get to Portmeirion from Birmingham

Driving to Portmeirion from Birmingham will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes. As with Barmouth, your route will take you along the M6 and M54 motorways before crossing the Snowdonia National Park to the coast.

It is possible to travel to Portmeiron by train as there is a railway station just a few minutes away in Minffordd. However, the journey from Birmingham New Street takes around five hours. So it’s probably only practical to travel this way if you plan to stay overnight.

Find out more on the Portmeiron Village website

This is my pick of some of the best day trips from birmingham. why not come along and pay them a visit, sally akins.

Sally Akins is the owner and editor of The Getaway Guide. She loves exploring new places, enjoying good food and writing about them here on the blog. When Sally isn't travelling or working as a freelance copywriter, you'll find her out and about in her beautiful home county of Shropshire, or hard at work on her Open University English Language degree course.

13 thoughts on “ 10 of the Best Day Trips from Birmingham, UK ”

Bournville has a remarkable story and is well worth a visit. You have some good suggestions but I’m surprised you’ve included Chester and places in North Wales here; they warrant a trip of longer than a day.

Yes, I do make the point in the post that although you can visit these places for a day trip if that’s all you have time for, it’s well worth extending your visit if time allows.

Some great suggestions here Sally. I went on a barge trip through the canals last time I was there which, although not a day trip, made a lovely afternoon out.

I went on a narrow boat tour recently as well, it was definitely a fun thing to do!

This post is so useful as I am visiting Birminham soon and it reminded me of the Black country museum which I have wanted to visit for some time so I am going to add it to my trip

Fantastic! I hope you enjoy it, the museum is great fun to visit

You had me hooked at the mention of Cadbury. So many wonderful places to visit and I’ve not yet been to a single one!

Yes, Cadbury World is a really fun place to visit!

Some great ideas here. I’ve visited many of these of these places, but it’s surprising to find so many that I haven’t. Stratford and Ironbridge really need to go on my list, and I live relatively near Chester now, so I must return soon.

If you haven’t visited Ironbridge then I definitely recommend going there, you’ll love it!

Thanks for the inspiration, there are certainly a few places here I’d love to visit. We visited Stratford-upon-Avon last year and had a fantastic time and we even managed to get last minute tickets to a RSC performance.

The last time I went to the RSC was back in 2008 to see David Tennant’s Hamlet. Definitely time for a repeat visit, I think!

Lots of great suggestions here, the Black Country museum sounds interesting and I could never turn down chocolate.

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Fun Day Trips from Birmingham

Birmingham day trips.

Kings Norton Coaches offers fun family day trips, cheap day trips and day trips for couples. If you are thinking; “what are some day trip ideas for couples near me?” you have come to the right place. We offer great Birmingham getaways to places near Birmingham and across the UK. These city breaks or cheap theme park tickets are a great idea for couples. There are some very unique things to do in Birmingham, but we also offer day trips by coach to destinations across the UK. Download our brochure to see what we have on offer.

Our Brochure: Download PDF | View Online

UK Theme Parks

We offer day trips by coach to all UK theme parks allowing you to visit attractions near Birmingham and across the country. Our favourites are Drayton Manor, Alton Towers, West Midlands Safari Park and Legoland Winsor. If you want a fun family day trip or have been thinking, “what are the theme parks near me?” you have come to the right place.

UK Heritage Attractions

We offer day trips by coach to heritage attractions allowing you to visit attractions near Birmingham and across the country. Our favourites are Warwick Castle, Portmeirion, Charlecote Park, National Memorial Arboretum and Stowe Gardens. If you want a fun family day trip or have been thinking, “what are heritage attractions?” you are in the right place.

Book Now: 0121 550 8519

UK City Visits

We offer day trips by coach to a range of towns and cities allowing you to visit attractions near Birmingham and across the country. Our favourites are Oxford, Cambridge, Gloucester, Chester and York. If you want a fun family day trip or have been thinking, “day trip ideas for couples near me?” you have come to the right place.

UK Seaside Resorts

We offer day trips by coach to UK seaside resorts allowing you to visit attractions near Birmingham and across the country. Our favourites are Weston-Super-Mare, Burnham-on-Sea, Blackpool, Skegness and Barry Island. If you want a fun family day trip or have been thinking, “what are the best seaside resort towns in England?” you are in the right place.

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If so, download our brochure and book now.

UK Christmas Markets

We offer day trips by coach to a UK Christmas markets in cities and towns allowing you to visit attractions near Birmingham and across the country. Our favourites are Gloucester Victorian Christmas Fayre, St. Albans Christmas Market and Bath Christmas Market. If you want a fun family day trips at UK Christmas markets, you are in the right place.

UK Mystery Tours

We offer mystery tours by coach to attractions near Birmingham and across the country. Our regulars love our mystery tours, that provide a day out, meal and attraction to visit. If you want a fun day trip or have been thinking of something different, you are in the right place. Book today and we guarantee that you will be happy with the service.

Coach Pickup Points

We run coaches across South Birmingham and we have a range of coach pickup points to allow you to get the one closest to you. We have coach trips from Weoley Castle, coach trips from Selly Oak, coach trips from Bournville, coach trips from Cotteridge, coach trips from Northfield, coach trips from Rubery, coach trips from Blackheath and coach trips from Halesowen. The wide range of pickup points provides you flexibility for your fun day trips from Birmingham. Our customers love our fun family day trips and always say that they are high quality but cheap day trips. Join us today and bring your family along to fun day trips from Birmingham.

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One Day In Birmingham Itinerary – Top Things To Do In Birmingham, England

When visiting England, most people immediately think of London. However, the truth is that many other cities in the country have a whole lot to offer. Birmingham is the perfect example of that – it may not be at the very top of your list of places to visit, but once you do, you will be extremely happy you decided to go. Loads of history, beautiful canals, incredible musical heritage… These are just some of the reasons to spend at least one day in Birmingham. Oh, and it’s an absolute foodie paradise. Find out all about these and many other Birmingham features in the rest of this itinerary.

What’s the best time to visit Birmingham, England?

Birmingham is a good example of typical English weather, so the best time to visit it would be summer. Summers here are warm but not very hot, so it will be quite pleasant to walk the city streets and explore what they have to offer (do be prepared for rain, though). Not to mention that this is the time of the year when Birmingham is at its liveliest.

Winters are relatively cold and snowy, while springs and autumns usually have much lower temperatures than summer. That being said, coming here outside of peak season will get you better hotel deals.

As far as events are concerned, the Foodies Festival in June is one of the big things to watch out for, and the Mostly Jazz Soul & Funk Festival in July is ideal if you want to enjoy some good music. Birmingham also boasts a huge Pride event, and the German Christmas Market is ideal if you’re here during the winter holidays. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the events you can visit, and no matter when you come here, you’ll have plenty of options to have fun.

A few facts about Birmingham

You may be surprised to know that Birmingham is actually the second-largest city in the UK – with over 1.1 million people in the city proper and more than four million people in the wider metropolitan area, it is second only to London.

Many incredibly popular food brands were born in this city, chief among them Cadbury Chocolate, but also Bournville Drinking Chocolate, HP Sauce and Typhoo Tea.

People from Birmingham are called Brummies. Don’t let that word confuse you if you hear it around here. The locals called the city Brummagem, so this is where the name Brummies originates from.

Black Sabbath and Judas Priest are just some of the world-famous bands that were founded here, and two of Led Zeppelin’s founding members also come from the city. Birmingham is actually considered by many to be the cradle of heavy metal, but it has left quite a mark in other music genres, as well.

The game of tennis was invented in Edgbaston in Birmingham, and this is also where the first match was played.

Birmingham has more canals than Venice!

More than one third of the people living here are younger than 25, which makes Birmingham the youngest city in Europe. Additionally, this means that you can be sure you will be able to find a great place to go out and have a fantastic time.

One day in Birmingham Itinerary

T he second-largest city in England is a fantastic place to visit, especially for young people because there are A LOT of places to enjoy at night around here. But older travelers and even families will find plenty of sights to keep their one day in Birmingham incredibly interesting and busy. Follow this itinerary and you will discover some truly amazing places.

Start in with the canals

As mentioned above, Birmingham has more canals than Venice, so the best way to get a feel of the city early in the morning is to take a walk exploring this maze. Gas Street Basin is in the center of the network, and here you can see traditional narrowboats on the water and plenty of bars and cafes around you. It’s a great way to see how the city gradually developed because this location represents the perfect blend of the old and the new. From here, head northeast towards the main square.

Take a moment and enjoy the city center

You will want to start your one day in Birmingham in the city center. Not only is it very pedestrian-friendly, but it also has quite a lot of excellent places to visit, all within walking distance from each other. Victoria Square is the very heart of the city, and you can sit down for a morning coffee or a cup of tea in several nearby places.

Edwardian Tea Rooms is certainly one of the most interesting places for that, Second Cup is also very good, and there are a few bakeries around if you want to pick up a quick breakfast.

Visit the Town Hall

While at Victoria Square, you will definitely notice a very peculiar building that looks more like a Roman temple. But this is actually Birmingham Town Hall, built in 1834. It’s an absolute masterpiece and one of the most important buildings in town from an architectural point of view, so it would really be a pity not to check it out. The place also hosts events, especially concerts (The Rolling Stones have performed here, for example), and even Charles Dickens had readings here.

Enter Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Another major Birmingham sight is Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery , also right there on Victoria Square. This exquisite institution opened its doors at the end of the 19th century and is considered to be one of the best museums in England.

You will learn a lot about the city’s history, but you can also check out a collection of no less than 6000 wooden items and numerous incredible pieces of art. The gift shop is a great place to pick up a souvenir, and the aforementioned Edwardian Tea Rooms are also here. You won’t regret coming here!

Grab a nice lunch

All of this running around will probably have made you hungry by now, so get yourself something nice to eat in one of the nearby restaurants – there are some really good ones in the wider city center. Grand Central Kitchen is very much recommended if you want something quick and delicious (a sandwich or a pizza), and on the other hand, Adam’s Restaurant will provide you with a wonderful fine dining experience.

Turtle Bay Birmingham offers Caribbean dishes, cocktails and a killer barbecue, but you will find a variety of different restaurants within a radius of just a few hundred meters – vegan, Thai, Polish, seafood… whatever you feel like having, it’s there!

Don’t forget about the central library

A great thing about spending one day in Birmingham is that it’s relatively easy to come up with the itinerary – so many important places are right here in the city center. The Library of Birmingham is just across the street from the Museum and Art Gallery, on Centenary Square, and you can’t miss it thanks to its modern design.

This is actually the largest public library in Europe and it holds the largest collection of Shakespeare’s volumes on the continent, too. It was opened in 2013, it has a cafe and a gift shop, and it’s definitely deserving of a place on this list.

See what life used to be like

Back to Backs is one of the most popular Birmingham attractions, and you really should find time to visit them. These small houses vividly show you what life was like for an average citizen in the middle of the 19th century and what problems they needed to face. It really is an enlightening experience that clearly shows the effects of the Industrial Revolution. Oh and there’s a great sweet shop here, an old-fashioned establishment that fits in perfectly.

Explore the Jewelry Quarter

The Jewelry Quarter really needs to be a part of this itinerary because it’s an incredibly charming and fascinating part of this city. Located just northwest of Victoria Square, this is an area where you will find dozens, if not hundreds of jewelers and similar shops (be on the lookout for some great deals!). But it is also brimming with history, and all those red buildings take you back in time almost instantly. A great place to just come for a stroll and maybe pick up a souvenir or two, but you can also sit down for a drink in one of the bars. Really a place to relax and enjoy Birmingham.

Sit for a drink or go clubbing

Birmingham is an excellent place if you’re looking for something fun to do in the evening. There are all kinds of bars to choose from, plenty of very special restaurants and many excellent nightclubs to dance your night away.

The Wizard Brunch and Dinner , for example, creates a very special dining experience for all of its guests, while Birmingham Bierkeller is the place to go if you want to have some serious fun with a pint of lager in your hand. Broad Street is a whole area you can check out for bars and clubs, and The Jam House keeps things nice and easy with plenty of groovy beats.

Mind you, this is just the beginning, so do try and explore a bit and you’ll be amazed by what you can find.

Where to stay in Birmingham?

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Colmore Row Birmingham, Birmingham, B3 2BS

The Grand Hotel Birmingham is a five-star beauty located in a sensationally beautiful building. Close to the city center, but at the same time in a quiet neighborhood, it will amaze you from the moment you set foot in it. Luxurious rooms with fantastic beds, an excellent fitness center, a great bar and an extremely delicious English breakfast are just some of the highlights. With a bit of luck, you’ll get a room with a splendid view and come as close to a perfect stay in Birmingham as humanly possible. If you’re looking for luxurious accommodation, you simply have to choose this!

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Aloft Birmingham Eastside

4 Woodcock Street, Birmingham, B7 4BL

Stylish, modern, and at a great location, Aloft Birmingham Eastside has absolutely everything you need for a pleasant stay in this wonderful city. The rooms’ features go from private bathrooms to kettles and fridges, the view is excellent, and you can even enjoy some evening entertainment in the hotel. Furthermore, their English breakfast is great, the same as their fitness center, plus you are also allowed to bring in pets. Excellent value for money, you certainly won’t regret booking a room here!

Holiday Inn Express – Birmingham – City Center

19 Holliday Street, Birmingham, B1 1HH

Another great-looking modern hotel, Holiday Inn Express – Birmingham – City Center gives its guests excellent service at very reasonable prices. It’s not exactly in the city center, but it’s definitely within walking distance. You’ll love the modern interior, and you can also enjoy a great restaurant and bar in the hotel, too. Everything is very clean, plus the rooms are extremely comfortable and come with free toiletries and a power shower, among other things. The cherry on top of this great offer is the pillow menu that will make sure you rest well every time.

Toby Carvery Birmingham West by Innkeeper’s Lodge

Quinton Toby Carvery, 563 Hagley Road West, Birmingham, B32 1HP

Located in an exceptionally charming house, T oby Carvery Birmingham West will win you over at first sight. But the interior has a lot to offer too, with cozy design, comfortable beds and plenty of free toiletries in your room guaranteeing you will have a pleasant stay. And you get free tea and coffee. The staff is just excellent, there’s no other word for it, and they’ll make you feel right at home. The hotel even has a bar, so all in all, booking a room here means you’ll be getting a fantastic deal!

Day trips from Birmingham

Nobody will blame you if you decide to stay more than one day in Birmingham to explore the city. Should you opt for that, you may want to think about going on an interesting day trip as well. There is plenty to enjoy and explore in this part of England, but if you need some inspiration, here are a few suggestions you won’t regret visiting.

Cities of the north

if you want to explore other great cities of England, a good bet is to head north, less than two hours away by train. Spending one day in Manchester or Liverpool will provide you with an incredible experience and loads of fascinating sights. The Beatles, Liverpool’s docks, legendary football stadiums, Manchester’s Town Hall, incredible museums, friendly people and great restaurants, all of that and much more awaits on this day trip from Birmingham. Choose one (or both) – you just can’t go wrong!

A train from Birmingham to London will get you to your destination in less than an hour and a half, so if you haven’t visited one of the greatest cities in the world yet, this is your chance to spend one day in London . Walk along the Thames, ride the London Eye, see Big Ben and visit Westminster Abbey. And all that’s just the beginning! You can spend days exploring what London has to offer, but even one day will be quite enough to get a sense of its grandeur. A day trip to remember!

Peak District

Located about an hour and a half’s drive away from Birmingham, this incredibly serene part of England is perfect for those who want to spend a day outdoors hiking and enjoying a breath of fresh air. The hills are jaw-droppingly beautiful, the winding roads give you the feeling like you’re in another world, and the villages you can find around here are quintessentially English and offer good food and many interesting things to see.

Warwick Castle

Many of you will probably think of castles when somebody mentions England, and Warwick Castle is one of the most important ones around. Built by none other than William the Conqueror, it has stood here for almost a thousand years. Today, however, it is surrounded by incredibly beautiful gardens that stand in stark contrast to the castle’s dungeons. Just half an hour away from Birmingham, it’s an ideal location for a quick and simple day trip.

Extra tips for visiting Birmingham

• Since Birmingham is in England, it’s worth remembering that they use different AC sockets than most other countries. Check and see if you will need an adapter to charge your phones, tablets and/or laptops.
• Restaurants usually have a service charge included in the bill, so tipping is really not necessary. In bars, however, leaving something like a pound on top of what you pay will be greatly appreciated.
• There are many places you can visit for free in the city, and various free events are organized throughout the year. Inform yourself what’s on when you’re coming to town and you will have a great time without spending much.
• Keep your eyes open for good deals! Many places in Birmingham offer great prices on various items, from jewelry to old records, so you could come across something really cool and pick it up at a big discount.

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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11 Best Day Trips from Birmingham (UK)

Looking for the best day trip from Birmingham ? Birmingham is one of the most vibrant places in the United Kingdom and the second-largest city next to London. 

Since I live in Birmingham, I have written a blog post about some of the Best Things to Do in Birmingham . I highlighted here all the attractions you can possibly visit in the city.

Once you finished roaming around Birmingham, here are some of my suggestions for various day trips you can do not far from Birmingham.

1. Warwick (Warwick Castle)

• 2. Stratford-upon-Avon

3. The Iron Bridge in Shropshire

4. cheddar gorge, 5. severn valley railway, 6. the black country, 7. worcester, 8. nottingham, 9. the cotswold, 10. royal leamington spa, 11. coventry, here are some best day trips from birmingham:.

Warwick Castle is located in Warwickshire, England, less than an hour’s journey from Birmingham. Arguably known as the best and biggest castle in Britain. Warwick Castle is a medieval design structure that was built for William the Conqueror back in 1068.

In the castle’s surroundings, you can see the River Avon which is one of the main industrial rivers in England, and The Mill Garden’s well-kept landscape. It houses labyrinth passages, a conservatory and home of the world’s largest working siege engines.

The Warwick Castle was also made famous thru its connection to King Henry VIII. You can see various historical artefacts and trinkets of the king during his stay in the castle. Plus, he has a few additional stories about his wives.

In its courtyard, there are various plays that will entertain the kids. A fantastic way to learn the history of Britain during Tudor times. I wrote a great Transport Guide from Birmingham City Centre to Warwick Castle , feel free to read them to help you with the travel planning.

Read More:  Best UK Travel Itinerary for 2 Weeks

2. Stratford-upon-Avon 

Are you a fan of the world’s greatest playwright William Shakespeare ?

Then visit Stratford-upon-Avon to see, and walk in this medieval town where the literature maestro himself was born. You will also see some of the notable sites like the Holy Trinity Church where he is buried and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre where his works are frequently played.

Not far from the town centre is the Anne Hathaway cottage, the house of the playwright’s wife that is now turned into a museum. Do not miss going for a boat rip along River Avon and seeing more of the lovely quaint town. And end your Stratford-upon-Avon tour by gazing at UK’s largest tropical butterfly farm.

I wrote another article about the Best Things to do in Stratford-Upon-Avon . Consider this one of the best day trips from Birmingham (especially for the bookworms!). You’ll learn more about why Shakespeare is one of the foundations of the literary world and English culture .

If you are planning to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, I wrote transport guides from London to Stratford-upon-Avon and from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon .

If you are looking for some Birmingham day trips out of its bustling city, I highly suggest you see The Iron Bridge in Shropshire.

It is the first major bridge in the world that is made of cast iron. This structure marked a turning point in English engineering, as the bridge reached its final touches, cast iron became massively used in buildings and other construction projects. 

Paying a visit to this free tourist attraction is not just all about the industrial revolution of the English nation but it is also one of the best weekend trips from Birmingham UK. I wrote another article about the Best Things to do in Ironbridge (Shropshire, UK) , I encourage you to read it to guide you more about this charming and historical town.

Explore and be astonished by one of the most breathtaking natural sights in the United Kingdom- Cheddar Gorge. The must-visit-caves and other attractions of Cheddar Gorge have become a tourist destination after a popular television show features its magnificent appearance of it. I recently went to visit and wrote a blog post about our Perfect Day Trip Visiting Cheddar Gorge in Cheddar, Somerset . 

Several activities can be done on this site, like visiting the Cheddar Man Museum of Prehistory (where flint tools and human remains are discovered), cliff sports (the outdoorsy will fully enjoy this) and wildlife spotting.

The Cheddar Gorge is also the home of the famous cave-matured cheddar cheese. The caves provide the perfect conditions to age the cheese. Take some home or try it from the cheese shops outside the Cheddar caves.

Spearhead to Cheddar Gorge, with your trainers, backpack, camera and ticket as it is regarded as one of the fun day trips from Birmingham. If you want to know more about Somerset, I wrote another article about the Best Things to Do in Somerset (UK) for you to read.

Around 40 minutes away from Birmingham Moor Street, Kidderminster is the home of the famous Victorian Steam rail – The Severn Valley Railway.

The Severn Valley Railway operates for more than 200 days a year and passes through 8 stations. You can witness the lovely countryside (don’t forget a selfie!) and enjoy some chilled bubbly champagne. The train services are hauled mainly by steam locomotives and one diesel hauled train which makes a two-round trip. Some tour packages include a drive and fire (with supervision) participation, wherein you get to operate a steam train engine (a chance not to be missed).

This delightful ride is perhaps the most fantastic day out from Birmingham by train.

Read More: 10 Best Things to Do in Kidderminster (Worcestershire, UK) From a Local

Located at the heart of Dudley, West Midlands are the Dudley Castle and the Black Country Living Museum. The Black Country’s name is derived from its pollution-coated industrial venue, coal mines and iron ore resources during the 18th century. The industrial past has left a massive imprint on the landscape which makes the town fanciful.

Visiting the Black Country Living Museum will let you feel nostalgic and dazed about how the locals lived during Victorian times.

Even the British food served in the museum is fish and chips and other classic pub drinks that were typically served in pubs during the Victorian times. The enactors are full of interesting facts (keep your ear open as well).

Black Country Living Museum is truly a blast from the past kind of a tourist spot. The Black Country Living Museum is also one of the filming locations of the popular TV series about the Birmingham mob, Peaky Blinders.

Have a one-day trip from Birmingham metropolitan crowd by taking a piece of history regarding the industrial revolution in the historical site of Black Country. I wrote a great article about some of the best things to do in the Black Country, West Midlands .

Read More: 20 Best Things to Do in the Midlands, UK

If you are taking a scenic route from Birmingham and heading to the Faithful city of Worcester. Check out the iconic structures, hilly walks and Royal Worcester china, relics of a bygone age.

Worcester is the birthplace of the famous composer Sir Edward Elgar , and when you visit the museum named after him, you will be fascinated by his life, family, music and inspirations. A visit to the Worcester Cathedral is also a must. You can find here the Royal burial place of King John of England, who succeeded after King Richard I – The Lion Heart.

Walking in the “Great Malvern” or Malvern hills will keep your breath away due to its stunning panoramic view. It is known that the spring of Malvern is where the Queen gets her water from!

Royal Worcester, is the oldest remaining English porcelain brand that up to this very date still produces luxury tableware. Take a glance at the ceramic museum that houses the world’s largest collection of Worcester porcelain and finest china wares. Head up to the Broadway Tower to have an unrivalled view of England.  

And of course, Worcester is the home of the famous and loved Worcestershire Sauce.  You can still find the factory in town not far from Worcester Shrub Hill train station. Roaming around Worcester is one of the best day tours from Birmingham UK (a little detour is not harmful at all!)

Read More:  Best Attractions and Things to Do in Worcestershire (UK)

Nottingham is known as the home of the legendary Robin Hood and the Sherwood forest. This is also the home of the famous Major Oak (800-1000 years old, since the Victorian era), and according to the local folklore, this was Robin Hood’s major hideout.

There are cafes, restaurants and picnic sites for your convenience. The activities in Sherwood Forest are countless, there would be loads of walks, history camps, trail cycling/running sessions or just a simple walk-the-dog-day. The forest is freely accessible all throughout the year (except Christmas Day ).

This nature trip destination from Birmingham is worth a visit.

Thinking of quintessential English houses in narrow streets, cosy pubs and warm tearooms?- Cotswold villages have it all. The beautiful English village vibe will take you back in time.

Set foot in Arlington Row and be stunned by its limestone structures, this monastic wool store is the most photographed location in Cotswold. Cap your Cotswold tour by wandering in Bourton-on-the-Water, enjoy the shopping centre in an old-fashioned style, have mouth-watering lunches or simply have some serene time in the River Windrush.

Read another blog post that I wrote about the 18 Beautiful Cotswold Villages to Visit in the UK . Seeing the beauty of the villages is one of the best day trips from Birmingham UK.

Royal Leamington Spa is popular for its healing water of spas and high street shopping chain.

The well-manicured landscape of Jephson Gardens and Victoria Park are so glamorous that are not to be missed. Learn more about the well-off story of the town in The Royal Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum. Explore the town more by visiting the British Motor Museum and be mesmerised by the grand, square, white townhouses.

With a 40-minute journey from Birmingham by train, you can fully enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens of Royal Leamington Spa.

Coventry is in the top 10 largest cities in England. Surprisingly, this city is the new capital of culture in the UK.

A detour from Birmingham is worth the travel (less than 20 minutes from Birmingham Airport), you will see some of the world’s famous site- the Coventry Cathedral where its ruins from WWII is well preserved, award-winning galleries, outstanding museums, gorgeous gardens, adrenaline seeking sports event and an enjoyable night out with friends.

A day in Coventry can suit whatever your preference is, there is so much to do and see in this historical city.

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for my UK trip? YES – If you’re traveling to the UK, securing travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is essential for your peace of mind; I recommend Safety Wing Travel Insurance , which is renowned for its reliability. ( READ MORE )

💧 Can I drink tap water in the UK? YES – You can confidently drink tap water in the UK—just run it for a bit first—and use a Hydro Flask travel bottle , it is a great eco-friendly companion to keep you hydrated while touring the UK attractions.

🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in the UK? YES – Renting a car in the UK is one of the best ways to see the country. I recommend Discover Cars , to check for the best car rental deals that suit your budget. See my UK driving tips here .

📲 Will my phone work in the UK? POSSIBLY . Always check with your home mobile provider. If it won’t work or is too expensive, I recommend using Airlo E-Sim for data packages to stay connected online.

🔌 What adapter should I use in the UK? TYPE G – In the UK, you’ll need a type G plug travel adapter with three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle to power your devices, and the electrical system runs on a 230V supply voltage at 50Hz. ( READ MORE )

✈️ What is the best site to buy UK flights? For finding affordable UK flights, I recommend using Skyscanner . You can always compare the prices that suit your budget.

🛏️ What is the best way to book accommodations in the UK? My go-to for UK accommodations is Booking.com . I recommend to always check hotel reviews on TripAdvisor .

💷 What currency do I need for my UK trip? Sterling Pounds – I suggest getting a Wise Travel Card for your hassle-free forex and contactless spending while in the UK. ( READ MORE )

🧳 What do I pack for the UK trip? Depending on the season – You can check my article about the best time to visit the UK .

🛂 Do I need a visa for the UK? Likely Not – US, Canada, AU, NZ, and EU passport holders do not need a visit visa to the UK. If ever you need one, read more on how to apply for a UK visit visa . Visit iVisa.com to help you with your visa travel documentation needs .

I hope these suggested places to visit near Birmingham for a day trip will be suitable for you and your family.

Have you been to any of these places? Let me know in the comment box below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.

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We pick up from the following area's, rubery - longbridge - northfield - cotteridge - weoley castle - , harborne - quinton - bearwood - erdington - scott arms.