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

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.visitsealife.com/birmingham


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
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

Over priced, not a patch on the old Science Museum. Noisy unruly children running around, cafe poor, not much choice and expensive. What happened to the other exhibits from the old Science Museum, that were donated to the museum and the citizens of Birmingham, sold off I presume to balance the books. It will be a long time before I go there again.
Keith Kent 5 May 2010

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!
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
"Fantastic day out due to Thomas Land.  It was surreal for the kids especially my young girl who is a big fan.  Only wish they did two different prices as we had no intention of going on the grown up rides.
It is far too expensive so can't make too many trips but buy your tickets online it is much cheaper."
Parveen Kalaar June 5, 2008

"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."
Lou 3 May 2005

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 rollercoaster's!  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 plus 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 really great day out for the entire family. The younger generations can enjoy the farm animals and various events at seasonal periods, while parents and grandparents have shops and cafe to utilise. Only burden is the prices being only £1 difference between adults and children, meaning a family of four is £40 straight off...including infants!!!"
Jenna 16 September 2009

"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

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

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

You Said
"I thought about a visit to Warwick Castle half term week.  Looking at the prices almost £20 per adult I could not justify taking my children even with a 2 for 1 voucher.  Unfortunately, the owners are pricing themselves out of the market for families wanting a day trip.   I would happily pay a reasonable price for a family ticket and go 2 or 3 times a year to get the full benefit, thus enabling the children to learn and understand the historic significance of this castle.  Unfortunately making a profit seems to come before education."
Tim 8 June 2010
"Warwick castle is the best place that you can go they have got entertainment it is very good idea for a day out with the family but you would have to go on a very nice day but most of it is inside but i would still pick a nice day to go on it is also very cheep if you book online i think if you look on the website then you get a discount on it is very educational for you and if you wanted to bring another family with you then you would have a better time with some of your close friends as there are lots of things to do there if you go i am sure that you will love it very much.."
Chloe Maher 18 April 2011

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?