The winter storms are fading and the evenings are getting bright, so it's a good time plan ahead to create fun memories with your family with day trips and experiences. And, if you don't fancy jetting off to foreign shores and instead stay near home - there are several amazing places near Birmingham to explore.
These destinations, including historic villages, castles, hills and more will keep you on your toes through the summer holidays. Whether you’re looking for a walking holiday or an activity based trip - there are several destinations close to Birmingham. Some take less than an hour to reach!
With Birmingham being well-connected to the rest of the West Midlands and beyond - the options are limitless. From walking in Robin Hood’s footsteps to the closest beach resort or incredible Stuart castles and more - a short car, bus or train ride can get you anywhere for an amazing day trip with your friends and family.
If you have been unable to decide where to head off to, here are 21 amazing towns, villages, castles and more you can visit this summer:
1. Walsall Arboretum - around 9 miles
This is a lovely and massive green open space for everyone to enjoy. First opened in 1874, it now spans 170 acres and includes Hatherton lake, the country park and the extension. The park includes gardens, green spaces, play areas, and sports facilities like cricket and football pitches, bowling greens and more. There’s also a wwide range of flora and wildlife. It has over 10,000 different species of trees and shrubs. Walsall is only a short distance away from Birmingham. (Photo - Kelly Marie Smith - stock.adobe.)
2. Hagley in Stourbridge - around 14 miles
Hagley village in Stourbridge is on the edge of Birmingham but is a beautiful place to live in. It has the Grade I listed 18th-century house - Hagley Hall, the home of the Lyttelton family. The iconic home is open to the public for tours and teas, and has a lush park great for spending summers in. It is only a short car or train ride away. You can also take a bus to Halesowen and change for Hagley. (Photo - Wikimedia Commons)
3. Kinver, Staffordshire - around 20 miles
Kinver is a large village in the District of South Staffordshire in Staffordshire, England but what’s unique about it are the Rock Houses. These are quirky homes that were carved into sandstone. They have been restored to show how life was lived in the rock until the 1960s. It is less than an hour away from Birmingham. (Photo - AdobeStock)
4. Cannock Chase, Staffordshire - around 30 miles
Cannock Chase has been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. A train to Hednesford is less than two hours and from there it’s a short bus or taxi ride away into the lap of the woodland and wildlife beauty. (Photo - Richard - stock.adobe.com)