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:
5. Malvern Hills, Worcestershire - around 31 miles
Malvern Hills has a diverse landscape open to all and is around an hour away by train or car. It’s great for a walking weekend with many paths leading up to the various peaks. (Photo - rickbowden - stock.adobe.com) | rickbowden - stock.adobe.com
6. Broadway, Cotswold - around 40 miles
Often called the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, Broadway is a beautiful village with Lavender fields open to public, great restaurants, independent shops and galleries. It has a lot to offer like the breathtaking countryside and GWSR Heritage Railway. It’s around an hour away by car. (Photo - Snapvision - stock.adobe.com) | Snapvision - stock.adobe.com
7. Nottingham Castle - around 50 miles
This is a Stuart Restoration-era ducal mansion built on the site of a Norman castle built starting in 1068, and added to extensively through the medieval period, when it was an important royal fortress and occasional residence. Nottingham is located just over an hour away from Birmingham and the city offers several other attractions to view as well such as the Sherwood Forest where you can walk in Robin Hood’s footsteps. (Photo - Lucian Milasan - stock.adobe.com) | Lucian Milasan - stock.adobe.com
8. Crickley Hill, Cotswolds - around 56 miles
Crickley Hill Country Park is perched above the city of Gloucester and the Severn Plain, and gives amazing views. More than 1,300 species have been recorded here, from rare birds, butterflies and reptiles to wildflowers and toadstools and it is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It takes less than 90 minutes by car to get there from Birmingham. (Photo - Leigh - stock.adobe.com) | Leigh - stock.adobe.com