More Days Out News
-
New heritage rail artwork at Kidderminster station
Posted on Wed 24 Jul
-
A World Of Glass
Posted on Tue 23 Jul
-
Immerse yourself in special yoga sessions at Beyond Van Gogh
Posted on Tue 23 Jul
Check out our selection of things to do in the Midlands during the next few weeks.
ATHENSTA 1100
This year marks the 1,100th anniversary of the ascension of Athelstan, King of Mercia, who is considered by many historians to be the first King of England.
To mark the occasion, Tamworth Castle and St Editha’s Church is hosting a nine-day festival. Attractions include Anglo Saxon living history, community archaeology and art, live music, and numerous talks, lectures and demonstrations.
Tamworth Castle & St Editha’s Church, Staffordshire, until Sunday 28 July
FALCONRY AT THE CASTLE
The ancient art of falconry is alive and flourishing at Sudeley Castle this month.
Alongside birds-of-prey demonstrations presented by an expert falconer, the event also provides visitors with the chance to enjoy up-close encounters with the falcons.
Sudeley Castle, Cheltenham, every Tuesday & Thursday until Thurs 29 August
GAME ON! THE SCIENCE OF SPORT
Packed full of interactive demonstrations, this 25-minute live show - taking place outdoors in Thinktank’s Science Garden - not only illustrates the ways in which athletes use Newton’s three laws of motion but also explores how the laws can apply to people’s everyday lives.
Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, until Friday 30 August
TOWER TOURS
Lichfield Cathedral has relaunched its Tower Tours following an extensive fundraising and restoration project.
For the first time since Storm Desmond damaged the central spire in 2018, visitors can climb the winding spiral staircases and follow hidden passageways to reach the top of the central tower.
The tour experience also includes the newly renovated Tower Room. The space has been transformed into an interactive exhibition that allows visitors to explore the heritage and significance of the cathedral.
Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire, various days and times
COTSWOLD FLOWER FESTIVAL
Immerse yourself in a grand spectacle of hundreds of thousands of sunflowers and wildflowers at this year’s Cotswold Flower Festival.
Highlights include an enchanting maize maze, clay pendant workshops and numerous selfie stations. Four-legged friends are free to enjoy the flower fields with the family, while for those who’re looking to take home a memento from their fun-filled day out, there’s an opportunity to pick your own sunflowers.
Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham, until Saturday 31 August
SUMMER FAMILY FUN
There’s something for all the family to enjoy on the Severn Valley Railway this summer. Climb on board a steam or diesel locomotive and take a trip through the Severn Valley, revelling in up to 16 miles of magnificent countryside.
Trains will be running Tuesday to Thursday, and on weekends, throughout the school summer holiday.
Meanwhile, over at the Engine House in Highley, an impressive line-up of interactive exhibits and workshops awaits, all of which are free to enjoy for those who travel by train. Attractions include (on selected dates) the back-by-popular-demand and interactive Sublime Science shows. Mini golf, magic shows, fete games and a giant trainset further add to the family-friendly fun.
Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster, until Sunday 1 September
JURASSIC PLAYGROUND
The Herbert’s free-to-attend early-years exhibition returns for the school holiday this month.
Taking inspiration from Dippy the Diplodocus - the Natural History Museum exhibit currently on display at the venue - Jurassic Playground features specially designed artworks presented in a world of sensory spaces.
The venue is also hosting Joyful Jurassic Crafts drop-ins throughout the holiday (Saturday 27 July - Saturday 31 August). Taking a different theme each week - from rewilding to fossil making - the sessions are suitable for youngsters aged three-plus.
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sunday 1 September
THE BEACH
The seaside comes to Lichfield with the return of the Cathedral’s free-to-attend ‘beach’ attraction.
Sand, decking and deck chairs (available 10am - 5pm) all feature, as does a programme of activities for families to enjoy.
Highlights include the following: Sensory Explorers Trail and Footprint Scrapbook (available every day); Chill Out Chapel and storytelling sessions (Wednesdays during August); Children’s Champions (Tuesdays and Thursdays next month); circus skills and a magician (Tuesday 30 July and Thursday 29 August); Footstep Fridays - craft activities inspired by a small exhibition prepared by neurodivergent groups (Fridays from 26 July to 30 August).
Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire, until Sunday 1 September
SUMMER FLYING THEATRE: BRAVO, BRAVO
Award-winning physical theatre company Highly Sprung Performance spring into action at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands this month.
Their flying theatre show, Bravo, Bravo, pays tribute to one of the Royal Air Force’s most iconic aircraft - Bravo November - and its invaluable contribution to the Royal Air Force.
Highly Sprung’s performers will be soaring through the air in their own flying machine and gliding with precision across the stage in a production that’s promising to be ‘a visual and emotional spectacular’.
Royal Air Force Museum Midlands, Cosford, every Wednesday to Sunday until Sun 1 September
DRAGON TAILS - A SUMMER OF DRAGONS
Tamworth Castle’s resident dragon, Ruby, has invited some of her dragon friends to lay their eggs for visitors to find. Every week during August there will be a different Elemental Egg to discover, as each hatches a new species of dragon.
Plus, on selected dates, the castle will host the Dragon Tamers Survival School, where families can meet a baby dragon and acquire dragon-charming skills.
Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, until Sunday 1 September
HANDS ON HISTORY
From sword school to junior jousting, Hands On History offers visitors the chance to find out more about Kenilworth Castle’s history. The venue’s other family-friendly attractions during the school summer holidays include a ‘legendary joust’ weekend on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 July, and a ‘spectacular’ knights’ tournament, taking place across the August Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday the 24th to Monday the 26th).
Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, until Sunday 1 September
GET THE PICTURE - SUMMER OF THE DESIGN
Visitors to the British Motor Museum can dive into the world of car design thanks to a range of family activities this school summer holiday.
Attractions include the museum’s resident car designers, Dottie & Dougie, exploring different features in car design during their daily family tours. There’s also the Car Details Garage, offering the ‘creatively inclined’ the chance to design their very own new vehicle.
Visitors can then put what they’ve learned to the test via a special family trail, sketching different design features based on the cars around the museum.
British Motor Museum, Gaydon, until Monday 2 September
WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT BIRMINGHAM
Wild In Art’s latest sculpture trail, featuring 10 beautifully designed and decorated bears, is now available to view in central, er, Bear-mingham...
Presented in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, the giant bears can be found in locations across the city centre, the intention being that the trail will help highlight some of central Brum’s ‘iconic spots and hidden gems’.
across Birmingham city centre, until Fri 6 September
DINOSAURS ON THE DOORSTEP
Come face to face with the dinosaurs that used to roam the UK - from harmless herbivores to terrifying tyrannosaurs.
Giant dinosaur skeletons, real fossil bones and original fossils from 150 million years ago are all on display.
There’s also a dinosaur discovery camp - complete with shelter and campfire - a quiet space to read about all your favourite dinosaurs, and a hands-on Dino Activity Station.
This exhibition is free to visit; no booking is needed.
Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Saturday until Sunday 8 September
SUMMER AT COMPTON VERNEY
Compton Verney is kicking off its school summer holiday programme with a jam-packed weekend of family fun.
Attractions include an outdoor giant bubble party, storyteller Kate spinning captivating yarns inspired by the venue’s art exhibitions, and the chance to explore a selection of Ringworld’s big, colourful and inflated structures.
Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Friday 26 - Sunday 28 July
THREE COUNTIES FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
With 160 local traders selling their delicious products alongside ‘some of the UK’s best street food, bars and vendors’, there’s certainly plenty to enjoy at Three Counties Food & Drink Festival.
From kids’ cookery school and messy arts & crafts, to adult sessions in wine tasting and BBQ skills at the fire stage, the show features something for visitors of all ages.
Celebrity guests in the 500-seat Cookery Theatre include TV chef Phil Vickery and Bake Off Winner Matty Edgell. Chris Bavin (Saturday) and Marcus Bean (Sunday) are the hosts.
Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 July
SUMMER WITH DIPPY
Gifted to London’s Natural History Museum in 1905, Dippy the diplodocus - a lifesize plaster-of-Paris replica of a diplodocus carnegii skeleton - is currently in the middle of its Coventry residency at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
School summer holiday visitors to the venue can enjoy a number of Dippy-related activities. These include Dippy VR, in which they can find out about the 175-million-year journey of the Herbert’s ichthyosaur skull and experience the power of interactive storytelling...
There’s also Dippy Facts & Fossils, a drop-in experience providing a great opportunity to get hands-on with some fascinating fossils.
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, throughout August
SUMMER LATES
Black Country Living Museum is taking full advantage of the lighter nights by once again hosting its Summer Lates evenings.
The popular initiative, which sees the venue staying open until 8pm every Friday during August, offers visitors the chance to enjoy ‘fairground rides, live music, some ‘bostin’ Black Country food, retro drinks, and good old-fashioned fun’... Entry after 4pm on Summer Lates days costs £8.50. Even better, if you have a valid UnChained Annual Pass, you can get in free of charge.
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, every Friday in August
THE BATTLE OF EVESHAM
Step back in time to the 13th century as the Battle of Evesham is re-enacted!
Boasting a medieval festival and camp, the free-to-attend event sees hundreds of re-enactors fighting ‘to the death’ on both days. A Battle of Evesham ‘grand parade’ - featuring mounted knights in full armour - will wind its way through the town on the Saturday morning.
Falconry and equestrian displays, treasure trails and children’s activities also feature.
Crown Meadow, Evesham, Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 August
SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW
As one of the UK’s premier events of its kind, Shrewsbury Flower Show attracts top exhibitors from all over the country.
As well as its abundance of glorious blooms, the show also features talks, demonstrations, performances and plenty more besides.
Celebrity foodies are always on hand to whet visitors’ appetites, while gardening experts offer up green-fingered hints and tips.
This year’s line-up includes horticulturist and ITV regular Camilla Bassett-Smith, BBC Two Gardeners’ World presenter Sue Kent, chef and TV presenter Rosemary Shrager, and the owner of mobile kitchen The Street Diner, Jon Labella.
The show also includes craft and food stalls selling artisan products, and a programme of arena entertainment featuring Chasing Mumford (Friday evening) and Take That Live - Tribute (Saturday evening). A spectacular fireworks display rounds off proceedings on both evenings of the event.
The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Friday 9 & Saturday 10 August
SHROPSHIRE PETAL FIELDS
Shropshire's successful flower-field experience returns to Newport this summer.
Families can enjoy a beautiful backdrop of delphiniums, cornflowers, sunflowers and wildflowers, with plenty of focal points available for photo opportunities (think vintage tractors and huge butterfly wings!).
Visitors can also make the most of being outdoors - in hopefully fine weather - by enjoying a picnic and sampling a scoop (or several!) of ice cream from the Shropshire Ice Cream Company’s vintage caravan. Dog-friendly days take place on the 14th 17th & 18th. The chance to purchase freshly cut flower bouquets on-site, and a café serving drinks and refreshments, further add to the Petal Fields’ appeal.
Chadwell Lane, Newport, Friday 9 - Sunday 18 August
VINTAGE TRANSPORT EXTRAVAGANZA
Severn Valley Railway’s popular transport show makes a welcome return mid-month.
The event sees an array of vehicles from all eras on display across the railway’s six stations, including steam-powered traction engines, buses, motorbikes and tractors.
Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster, Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 August
MINSTERLEY SHOW
Shropshire’s ‘oldest and most prestigious one-day agricultural show’ returns for the 148th time, bringing with it its usual array of horticulture and livestock competitions.
Main-ring entertainment, presented throughout the day, will include parades, supreme horse championships and performances by this year’s headliners - The Knights of Albion.
A food hall, horticultural marquee and arts & crafts marquee further add to the show’s wide-ranging programme.
Cruckton, nr Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Saturday 17 August
TELFORD BALLOON FIESTA
A popular event in the borough’s calendar, Telford Balloon Fiesta provides an impressive visual spectacle, with more than 30 balloons of varying shapes and sizes taking to the Shropshire skies.
The fun kicks off on the Friday, courtesy of Night Glow Spectacular, which sees the arena lit up by illuminated balloons displayed against the darkening sky.
New for 2024 are the Kids Comedy Show and Lego workshop. A Kids Zone, have-a-go activities, food and drink vendors and stalls to wander around, also feature.
Telford Town Park, Shropshire, Friday 23 - Sunday 25 August
SUMMER FIESTA
Weston Park’s Summer Fiesta returns for its fourth year, bringing with it a line-up of local artisan food & drink producers, unique crafts, street food, fairground rides, and live music from the Dirty Rockin Scoundrels.
The whole estate will be open to explore, offering visitors the chance to take long walks around the parkland, relax in the formal gardens, run wild in the woodland adventure playground or enjoy a journey around Temple Wood on the miniature railway.
Weston Park, Shropshire, Sunday 25 & Monday 26 August
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY
Operating mainly steam-hauled passenger trains between Bridgnorth, Bewdley and Kidderminster, this much-loved railway transports visitors on a route of about 16 miles along the beautiful Severn Valley.
The journey includes a stop-off at the Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, where passengers can check out massive locomotives and enjoy themed exhibitions of unique railway vehicles.
Those starting their journey at Bridgnorth will also have the option of stop-offs at Bewdley and Kidderminster, the latter of which boasts a railway museum.
Kidderminster: Station Dr, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX; Bridgnorth: 2 Hollybush Road, Bridgnorth, WV16 4AX Freedom Of The Line adult tickets £25, child (four - 17-year-olds) £16.50, Small Family Saver (one adult and up to two children) £50, Large Family Saver (two adults and up to four children) £75
BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL
Birmingham Cathedral is the oldest building in the city centre still used for its original purpose. The cathedral has four stained-glass windows, designed by Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones, which were fully conserved and returned to their original glory last year.
Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QB. Free to visit
THE BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM
Get stuck into some good old-fashioned fun at the Black Country Living Museum this summer holiday. The award-winning venue boasts more than 50 period shops and houses to explore. It also features a host of famous characters, to help bring the region’s fascinating history to life, from the 1850s up to the 1960s.
Visitors can leave the 21st century behind and take part in old-fashioned street games, head underground for a glimpse of life as an 1850s miner, or take a stroll down the museum’s new high street and check out some 1950s trends.
Pay for one visit and the museum will give you a BCLM UnChained Annual Pass, valid for 12 months.
Tipton Rd, Dudley, DY1 4SQ. Adults £25.95, Children (3-15yrs) £12.95
ROUNDHOUSE BIRMINGHAM
A unique Grade II listed building at the heart of Birmingham’s canal network, The Roundhouse is dedicated to sharing stories of the city’s industrial heritage in new and imaginative ways. Attractions include walks, cycle tours, boat trips and a range of kayak and paddleboarding tours.
1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham, B16 8AE. Activities range in price
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM MIDLANDS
Telling the story of aviation history and housing one of the largest collections of its kind in the UK, RAF Museum Midlands is home to more than 75 historic aircraft displayed in three wartime hangars on an active airfield.
The museum boasts a variety of exhibitions and displays. One of the most popular is a collection of aircraft from the Battle of Britain era, featuring a Hurricane and Boulton Paul Defiant - built in the West Midlands - alongside the oldest surviving Spitfire.
Virtual tours, hands-on fun’n’flight activities, an aviation-themed playground and dedicated conservation and exhibition areas further add to the venue’s impressive offer.
RAF Museum Midlands, Lysander Avenue, Cosford, TF11 8UP. Free to visit
SUDELEY CASTLE
Walk in the footsteps of notable characters from the mists of time at Sudeley Castle. Boasting a fascinating history stretching back over 1,000 years, the castle is surrounded by 10 award-winning gardens. There’s also an adventure playground and a fun fort for younger visitors to enjoy.
Winchcombe, Cheltenham, GL54 5JD. Adults £22, Children (3-15yrs) £10
THINKTANK BIRMINGHAM SCIENCE MUSEUM
Located in Birmingham city centre, Thinktank offers a great day out for visitors of all ages.
From steam engines and talking robots through to gurgling guts and a chocolate-wrapping machine, the venue features more than 200 hands-on science & technology displays.
Highlights include MiniBrum - an interactive mini city for under-eights - a 4k planetarium and a science garden.
Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham, B4 7XG. Adults from £15.50, Children (3-15yrs) from £7.50
COTSWOLD FARM PARK
Cotswold Farm Park is home to more than 50 flocks and herds of farm animals, provides visitors with the chance to learn about farming past and present, and features an adventure playground, a farm safari, a maze, sandpits, jumping pillows and plenty more.
Guiting Power, Cheltenham, GL54 5FL. Adults £17.50, Children (4-15yrs) £15.50
BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM
Home to the world’s largest collection of historic British vehicles, the British Motor Museum tells the stories of the people and places behind the cars.
Themed trails, touch-screen exhibits, an interactive zone, costumed guided tours, and a varied programme of themed activities make for an inspiring day out.
A new feature exhibition, From Sketch To Street, will launch on Friday 19 July, exploring the transformative nature of car design across four key themes from the motor industry’s design world.
Banbury Rd, Gaydon, CV35 0BJ. Adults £16, Children £9 (pre-booked online)
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON BUTTERFLY FARM
Stratford Butterfly Farm is home to hundreds of the world’s most spectacular butterflies. The popular venue features a ‘discovery zone’ - inhabited by giant silkmoths and their cocoons - and the Minibeast Metropolis - home to snakes, reptiles, amphibians and other invertebrates.
The Butterfly Farm’s connections to the rainforests of Belize and the Maya civilisation are also in evidence, with more than 30 replicated ancient Maya artefacts on display throughout the attraction.
Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS. Adults £8.95, Children (3-16yrs) £7.95
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE MUSEUM
Set in a Victorian lock-up, the West Midlands Police Museum showcases more than 200 years of policing history.
The lock-up was built in 1891, and during its time housed a total of more than one million prisoners, with the cell doors closing for the final time in 2016. As well as bringing together an unrivalled collection of police artefacts, the museum also offers a range of hands-on activities, providing visitors with the opportunity to play the role of detective at a crime scene, examine evidence in a forensics lab, take their own police ‘mugshot’ and dress up in police uniforms from years gone by.
Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6BJ. Adults £10, Children (3-15yrs) £6
WESTON PARK
Boasting 1,000 acres of beautiful Capability Brown-landscaped parkland, Weston Park is the perfect destination for long walks, lazy lunches and fun days out with the kids.
The venue is also home to a nationally important art collection, a restaurant, a woodland adventure playground, a miniature railway, a deer park and luxurious holiday cottages.
Weston-under-Lizard, Shifnal, TF11 8LE. Adults £8.80, Children £5.20 (pre-booked online) You can purchase entry on arrival at Weston Park, with prices as follows: Adult £11, seniors (65+) £10, child (four - 14-year-olds) £6.50, and family (two adults & three children) £37.
