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 Cottages4you
Over 9,000 cottages throughout England, Scotland, Wales,
France and Ireland. A wide range of prices in just about every location. Visit their
website at cottages4you
Alton Towers
 One of Britain's biggest Theme Park attractions. Rides include Oblivion, Nemesis and
the Congo River rapids. Set in landscaped gardens there is something for everyone at Alton
Towers.
www.alton-towers.co.uk
Avoncroft Buildings Museum
 A fascinating world of historic buildings covering seven centuries, rescued and rebuilt on
a beautiful open-air site in the heart of the Worcestershire Countryside situated 2 miles
south of Bromsgrove 
Baddesley Clinton
One of the most enchanting properties owned by the National Trust, Baddesley Clinton has
seen
little change since 1633. The House and gardens are open from 3rd March to 31st October.
www.solihull-online.com/bclinton.htm
Berkswell Museum
Lavender Hall Lane, Berkswell. Tel: 01676 534981
Housed in a cottage, this four roomed museum contains a variety of memorabilia from farm
implements to church and parish documents. Open: Sundays from May to October or by
appointment.
The Berkswell Windmill
It is the most complete Tower Mill in the region, built in 1826. It still
has its original machinery and all four sails.
It is open to the public on the first Saturday of every month and bank
Holiday Mondays, from May-October. Guided tours, and scrumptious home-made
cream teas available.
Group visits can be arranged throughout the year, by prior booking. Contact
: 01676 530085
It is located in Windmill Lane, Balsall Common, CV7 7GY
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
The Museum and Art Gallery has an ever changing programme of temporary exhibitions and its
permanent collection includes the famous Pre-Raphaelites. Major shows are housed in the
restored Edwardian Rates Hall. Entrance to the Museum and Art Gallery is free, and
visitors are welcome to drop in and take a look around at their leisure. www.birmingham.gov.uk/bmag
Birmingham Nature Centre
Within a range of habitats such as woodland, wetland, farm and gardens, you
can see representatives from all the major groups of the world's animal
kingdom. There are over 130 different species of animal, including deer,
otters, owls, snakes, spiders and fish. The centre's natural habitats also
provide a source of food and shelter for native wildlife like newts,
kingfishers and grey squirrels.
The Centre was opened in 1975 on the site of the original Pebble Mill and
together with the museum building, which once housed part of the city's
natural history collection, forms an environmental centre that everyone can
enjoy. Information about nature conservation is available through displays
and a programme of events.
http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=2919&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=0&MENU_ID=1757
You Said
Good cheap morning/afternoon out for adults
with younger children David
27 May, 2004
Birmingham Sea Life Centre
Britain's first inland Sea Life Centre and is located on the canal side at Brindley Place,
in the heart of Birmingham. A fully transparent underwater tube invites you to walk,
suspended in mid-ocean, completely surrounded by sharks, skate, rays and a host of other
marine life www.sealife.co.uk
Birmingham Thinktank and IMAX Theatre
 Thinktank
and IMAX Cinema at Millennium Point Thinktank at Millennium Point in
Birmingham, is an innovative science museum, home to more than 200
interactive exhibits and exciting artefacts. Open seven days a week
10am-5pm. Last admission 4pm. The IMAX(r) Cinema with it's massive 22m wide
16.5 m tall screen is open seven days a week, except for Christmas day.
For ticket prices and booking call 0121 202 2222 or visit
www.thinktank.ac or
www.imax.ac
You Said
Thinktank and IMAX was a wonderful experience. I took my 7
year old and 2 year old and they enjoyed every minute. It was very interactive and
was suitable for all ages. There is a great deal to see and the facilities are
excellent. Definitely value for money. Mrs B 25 June 2002
It was expensive - long long queues. The kids
were tired and frazzled half way and did not enjoy it. Katie
Romain 25 October 2005
My daughter won some tickets to the Think-Tank and the
I-MAX we had a fantastic day. The prices are very reasonable for such
a full day of entertainment for all the family. Sarah Bird 28
March 2006
We took our 11 year old grandson and 3
year old grand-daughter. They both had a great time, lots for all ages.
The Planetarium was disappointing only in that it was such a short show,
should have been twice as long for the entrance price and wait.
Chris Cluley 11 February 2008
We had a great time at the Thinktank and because
we had some Invitation vouchers we got in for £15. Lots of my friends have
bought the season ticket but I can't see us visiting it often enough to make
good use of it. All in all a fantastic day out which was loved by all 3 of
my kids (age 6,4 and 18 months) Parveen Kalar 10 March 2008
I took my three kids, 14, 8 and 6 to the Think Tank.
It was very expensive for what it was and didn't provide a whole day's
entertainment. Most of the interactive exhibits were broken, so the kids got
bored just looking at old printing machines and sewing machines, etc. You
have to pay extra for the cinema part, which made it even more expensive. We
couldn't afford to do that. The pretend kitchen/fast food joint
upstairs is good for younger children. But when we went, there were unruly
kids running around, screaming, swearing, throwing pretend hot dogs and
destroying the furniture. Maybe a few more workers could have been around to
keep the children in check, seeing as their parents couldn't be bothered.
If you go, prepare for long queues and take a packed lunch! The cafe is
absolutely abysmal with no healthy options and very little choice. (Think
microwaved, mushy sausage rolls, sugar and additive-filled drinks and dry,
crispy cakes, etc.) Amazon 31 March 2008
Solihull Online would like to hear from anyone who has visited Thinktank.
Did you enjoy your visit and was it good value? add your comments
Black Country Living Museum
 Historic buildings from the Black Country have been moved and rebuilt to create a tribute
to the traditional skills and enterprise of the people that once lived in the heart of
industrial Britain.
More Info Website www.bclm.co.uk
Broomey Croft Children's Farm
 A children's farm just off J9 of the M42 (not far from Solihull). The
farm offers a host of wonderful attractions and first-rate facilities.
In addition to the Granary Tea Room and our gift shop we also have
everything you need for a great day out, from a large, free car park, play
areas and an undercover picnic area in case it rains!
Email:
info@broomeycroftfarm.com
www.broomeycroftfarm.com
Cadburys World
Bournville, Birmingham Tel: 0121 451 4159
Permanent exhibition devoted entirely to chocolate and the part Cadburys played in this
fascinating story
www.cadburyworld.co.uk
Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
This unique example of an English Baroque Garden is being restored as
near as possible to the period 1680 - 1740 by Castle Bromwich Hall and
Gardens Trust. The 10 acre Walled Garden contains over 600 species of
plants from the period. The Holly Maze is to a design by George London
& Henry Wise.
www.cbhgt.org.uk
Clowes Wood - Earlswood
 Broad-leafed woodland covering 110 acres. Habitat includes heath land and wet meadow.
Bluebell, lily of the valley, cowwheat and bilberry. Woodcock and all 3 woodpeckers
www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk/reserves/clowes-wood.htm
Copt Heath Wharf
 Narrowboat short break and day hire on the Grand Union canal. Moorings and boatyard
services.
www.coptheathwharf.co.uk
Coventry Transport Museum
Coventry Transport Museum is thrilled to announce a record number of
visitors in 2006/7. The Museum recorded it's highest ever number of visitors
at 300,000. The last time numbers approached this target was in 2004 when
the sweeping new Millennium Place entrance was opened in 2004. There were
275,000 visitors to the Museum that year. New Chief Executive Gary Hall
said: 'The 300,000 visitor figure record at the Transport Museum means that
it is the most visited attraction in the city. Recent developments at the
Museum, including the fantastic new Boomtown gallery, mean that there is
more to do and see then ever before. The Transport Museum has an excellent
collection of which local people can be justifiably proud'.
Don't forget it's completely free admission.
Drayton Manor Park & Zoo
With over 100 rides and attractions it's no end of fun at Drayton Manor Family Theme Park.
With rollercoaster's, fun rides, kiddie rides, and a zoo there's something for everyone.
www.draytonmanor.co.uk
You Said
"At busy times book in advance and avoid the ticket queues!...
A most excellent day out. My girls are 7 and 3, we had a fabulous time. Loads to do we
loved it so much that we went again 2 days later! Can't wait for the better weather to go
again!" Michelle Baird 17 February 2003
"Most rides are
reliable & great fun. you buy a ticket to enter which enables you to go on
all rides, But if your just going in to supervise your kids its a lot of
money." 3 May 2005
Lou: Incredibly fun. Meg: One of the best days out I
have ever had, it has rides to suit all ages. Rides from a small cadbury
boat, to upside-down rollercoasters! We would both recommend it
strongly! Louise and Megan 3
December 2007
A Walk Around Earlswood
Through open fields and surfaced towpaths with some road walking this walk takes in the
lakes and canals that are right on our doorstep. Total distance 3.5 miles.
www.solihull-online.com/earls-walk.htm
www.solihull-online.com/earlswood.htm
Elmdon Manor Nature Trail
An old walled garden with meadow, woodland and ponds. Good for birds such as nuthatch,
gold crests and warblers and some unusual naturalised garden species.
www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk/reserves/elmdon-manor.htm
From a day out in London to a trip to Berlin
Hatton Countryworld
 Craft and speciality gift shops, antique dealers housed in charming converted
Victorian buildings plust the unique Hatton Farm Village with its Duck Trials, Country Fun
Fair, Guinea Pig Village, Adventure Land, Hatton Sheepstakes, Rare Breeds Farm, Pony Rides
and Nature Trail to Hatton Locks. www.hattonworld.com
You Said
"A lovely day out but my daughter was disappointed about no
pony rides being available." Susan 16 February 2004
"Brilliant place for children of all ages if they get bored plenty of play areas too.
Good value for money - as you can be there all day!" Georgina 20
February 2003
Henley In Arden Market & Car Boot Sale
Open All Year.
Henley in Arden Market and Car Boot Sale is open every Wednesday, Saturday &
Sunday 7.30am to 1.00pm
The Ikon Gallery
The Ikon Gallery is one of Europe's premier venues for new art. Alongside a varied
programme of exhibitions by artists from Britain and abroad, Ikon organises lively public
talks, gallery tours, special events and education workshops. In addition, Ikon Touring
takes small-scale exhibitions to schools, community centres, libraries and other sites
throughout the West Midlands
www.birminghamheritage.org.uk/ikon.htm
Ironbridge Gorge Museums
 Ironbridge is one of Britain's most popular tourist destinations. The area has 8 exciting
museums covering a total of 80 acres www.ironbridge.org.uk
Kenilworth Castle
From its foundation in 1120 until the age of the Tudors, Kenilworth was one of the chief
holds in England. Open all year but restricted times in winter. www.cv81pl.freeserve.co.uk/kenilworth.htm
Earlswood Lakes Craft Centre
 Earlswood Lakes Craft Centre was established in 1981 as Manor Farm Craft Centre.
There are at present twenty three businesses working from the centre most of these open
six days a week. Manor Farm was one of the first in the area to diversify the use of its
land and buildings. www.earlswoodlakescraftcentre.co.uk
www.solihull-online.com/earlswoodlakes.htm
National Motorcycle Museum
The Museum complex, provides unrivalled facilities for the public to view and study over
700 machines, each one, painstakingly restored to its original specification www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk
Parks in Solihull
Residents and visitors to Solihull enjoy the best of both worlds
according to the historic motto "Urbs in Rure" translated as "Town in the
Country." This is justified in the fact that there are over 1500 acres of
formal, informal, country and leisure Parks and Gardens to enjoy, right on
your doorstep!
www.solihull.gov.uk/parks/
Sarehole Mill - Hall Green
Built in 1765 on the site of Biddle's Mill, which dated back to 1540. For most of
Sarehole's working life it was used to grind corn, but in the industrial revolution it was
used for blade grinding and metal rolling as well. The Mill is open to the public from
April to October and to school parties throughout the year.
www.bmag.org.uk/sarehole_mill
The Ackers Trust
 The
Ackers Adventurous Activity Centre in Small Heath offers a wide range of
activities including Skiing, Snowboarding, Climbing, Canoeing, Kayaking,
Bellboating, Archery, Orienteering, Kids Clubs, Courses, Team Building and
much more! All our activity courses are led by fully qualified and
experienced instructors and are suitable for people of all ages and
abilities.
www.ackers-adventure.co.uk
Severn Valley Railway
A full-size standard-gauge line running regular steam-hauled passenger trains for the
benefit of tourists and enthusiasts alike between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth www.svr.co.uk
Stratford Town Walk & Stratford Town Ghost Walk
Daily sightseeing walk around Stratford to see the Shakespeare Town Houses,
Theatres, Church and much more.
Also, entertaining spooky evening Ghost Walk to hear tales of ghosts,
witches, murder and mayhem.
www.stratfordtownwalk.co.uk
Walks Around Solihull
Two signposted walks, part of the Solihull Way from Earlswood to Solihull
www.solihull-online.com/walk1.htm And Solihull to
Marston Green www.solihull-online.com/walk2.htm
Umberslade Children's Farm
Fun time for kids down on the farm includes feeding, bottle-feeding and holding the
Animals, Goat Milking Demonstrations, Tractor and Trailer Rides. Pony Rides Play Areas.
Cafe & Farm Shop
www.umbersladefarm.co.uk
You Said
"I went to the farm with my 3 children found it
lacking in basic facilities, the farm itself was in need of repair, found
the web site very misleading poor value for money, wouldn't recommend it".
Natasha 13 August 2007
Vintage Trains
Vintage Trains run steam trains on the national railway network including the Shakespeare
Express to places of interest using locomotives based at Tyseley Locomotive Works
(formerly Birmingham Railway Museum) www.vintagetrains.co.uk
Warwick Castle
With its magnificent towers and ramparts, Warwick Castle offers you a thousand years of
history. Chilling dark dungeons contrast with the elegant splendour of the Great Hall www.warwick-castle.co.uk
Wellesbourne Watermill
A working mill and tourist attraction giving demonstrations the milling of stone-ground
flour. Six miles from Stratford-upon-Avon in the heart of Shakespeare country www.mill.spacomputers.com
Add your comments to any of the above attractions.
Did they offer value for money? What did you like best and what could be better?
Have you any other ideas for a great day out?
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