Many people might be looking for places to head out of Birmingham during the Spring Bank Holiday and summer. However, if you don’t have any concrete plans and are still scoping out a destination, there are many places you can visit on a short notice.
We had a look at the bus network branching out of Birmingham city centre to find you a list of options for family-friendly outings. From Hagley Hall to Dudley Castle, from wide open parks to cosmopolitan towns with historic beginnings, there’s much to explore outdoors and indoors.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing day out in nature or a cultural fix or even a mini city break away from Birmingham - all of it can be done in a day, and all you need is to be equipped with is the latest bus timetable.
If you are traveling solo, the £2 fare cap also makes it lighter on your pocket than taking a train journey. For groups, getting a group day ticket might be the best option for a full day of bus journeys.
So, here are nine great places to head out to on a bus from Birmingham:
5. Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery, Wednesbury
Easily reachable by a bus from Birmingham, the Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery is a purpose built Victorian museum, housing collections which include fine art paintings, old toys, one of the world’s largest collections of Ruskin pottery, local Sandwell history displays and our Nostalgia Rooms showcasing everyday objects from the 60s and 70s.It is free to visit the Museum and Art Gallery in Wednesbury but there are small charges for some events and activities. Opening times: April to November - Open Wednesday and Thursday 11am-4pm. We are also open Saturdays 11am-2pm until the end of September. You can several buses across Birmingham to Wednesbury (Photo - Brianboru100/Wikimedia Commons) | Brianboru100
6. Sutton Park
Sutton Park is a massive greenland of 2,400 acres and one of the largest urban parks in Europe and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The park has open heathland, woodlands, seven lakes, wetlands, and marshes - each with its own rich variety of plants and wildlife, some rarely seen in the region. Cattle and wild ponies graze on the land. Park gates are open by 9am all year. Closing times vary in line with dusk. You can visit the Donkey Sanctuary in the Sutton Park as well as go sailing, fishing, dine at restaurants in the park, and play golf at the 18 hole Boldmere golf course next door. The 935 will take you there from Priory Square in Birmingham city centre (Photo - Kingsbury Water Park by David P Howard/Creative Commons) | Kingsbury Water Park by David P Howard
7. Resorts World Arena and the NEC
Both Resorts World Arena and the NEC have many attractions to spend the day at. Whether you want to have an adventure at the Bear Grylls Adventure or eat at the numerous restaurant or go shopping, attend an event like Crufts - there’s much to do here. A bus ride from Birmingham will take less than 30 minutes to get there. You can pick up the X12 bus from Priory Queensway, among others. (Photo - Google Maps) Photo: Google
8. Villa Park
Explore one of English football’s most historic stadiums and it’s a short bus ride away from Birmingham city centre. When you book a stadium tour you can step behind the scenes, soak up the atmosphere and walk in the footsteps of your Villa heroes in an unforgettable all-access Villa Park experience. You’ll be accompanied by an informative and passionate guide, who will give you access to areas that are only available to players and officials. Visit their website to book a tour. You can pick up the number 7 at Great Western Arcade (Photo - michael715 - stock.adobe.com) | michael715 - stock.adobe.com