From one Midlands local to another, it can sometimes feel like there’s nothing interesting to do closer to home, just because you’ve spent so much time there. However, we’re ready to change that feeling with this round-up of the best day trips from Birmingham to help you maximise your next day off or weekend adventure.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a family day out, a National Trust adventure, an AONB, coach trips from Birmingham or a road trip in the countryside, here are 30 ideas for a one day trip from Birmingham.
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The best days out from Birmingham
Warwick and Warwick Castle
Distance: 35 miles / 40 minutes
Not only is Warwick Castle one of the most spectacularly preserved castles in the country, but they also offer a whole host of events, activities and themed days out that are perfect for a family day trip from Birmingham.
However tickets to visit the castle can be very pricey, especially for a whole family. But Warwick itself is still a beautiful city to explore, don’t miss:
- Lord Leycester’s Hospital
- Wander the charming streets around Castle Lane
- Visit the Market Hall Museum
- Get dinner at Dough & Brew, maybe catch one of their movie afternoons!
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Distance: 40 miles / 50 minutes
If you’re a fan of Shakespeare then of course a visit to the playwright’s birthplace is a must. But even if you’re not a fan of the Olde English playwright, there’s still plenty to see and do in Stratford for a day out.
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Shakespeare’s New Birthplace
- Tudor World – interactive and great for children
- Magic Alley – a magical emporium for curiously themed purchases and events
- Take a walk along the River Avon
- Visit the Butterfly Farm
- Enjoy a river cruise with Bancroft River Cruises
Kenilworth Castle
Distance: 22 miles / 32 minutes
Kenilworth Castle ruins are located in Kenilworth and protected by English Heritage, so it’s not necessarily cheap to visit!
But the castle ruins are open to explore extensively, as are the stunningly restored Elizabethan gardens.
The castle itself is over 900 years old and was the site of the longest siege in Medieval History, which lasted for 6 months. Robert Dudley, aka the Earl of Leicester resigned significant areas of the castle to suit Queen Elizabeth I in an attempt to woo her, he was ultimately unsuccessful and Queen Elizabeth I remained unmarried.
Kenilworth Castle was also the seat for the Lancaster House operations during the War of the Roses. The castle was purposefully destroyed by the English government in 1649 to prevent it being taken during the English Civil War.
There’s so much fascinating history to explore here, you can easily spend a good portion of the day here if you’re looking for day trips near Birmingham.
Cotswolds
Distance: 38 miles / 1 hr 10 minutes
Obviously the Cotswolds are a large area and not all are doable in a day, but North Cotswolds favourites like Broadway is just over 1 hour away, Stow on the Wold is 1 hour 20.
This means you can easily spend a day exploring the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on a Birmingham to Cotswolds day trip.
Don’t miss the famous Broadway Tower, the market town of Chipping Campden, the fantastical tree-flanked door of St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold that’s said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien or the sumptuous farm shop at Daylesford Organic.
And that’s just a handful of suggestions in the north of the Cotswolds. If you’re keen to explore further or perhaps plan weekend trips from Birmingham to the Cotswolds, check out:
- Bourton on the Water – called Venice of the Cotswolds
- The Slaughters – stunning neighbouring hamlets
- The Chedworth Roman Villa ruins
- Snowshill
- Bibury
- Burford
Adrenaline fuelled day trip to Alton Towers
Distance: 56 miles / 1 hr 15 minutes
Alton Towers day trips from birmingham are a classic day out for adults and kids!
Whether you prefer the plummeting vertical drop at Oblivion, the flying sensation of Air, The terrifying Smiler or the water park, there’s so much to do at Alton Towers, with rides and attractions available for all ages.
Again, this isn’t a cheap day out, but it’s a lot cheaper if you buy your ticket online in advance. Also check out any of their special offer days or festivals or discounts such as student discounts.
National Trust – Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses
Distance: 20 miles / 45 minutes
New Zealand might have the Hobbit houses, but did you know we have something very similar in the UK at the Kinver Edge Rock Houses.
The dramatic Kinver RIdge is home to a fort and also these unique houses which have been carved straight into the rock face and were inhabited as early as 1777, all the way up to the 1950s!
In fact, the rock houses here were the last inhabited cave dwellings in England.
The house interiors have been restored to give you a feel for what it was like to live in them. The houses are maintained by the National Trust so there’s a small fee to visit – unless you’re a National Trust member.
West Midlands Safari Park
Distance: 20 miles / 45 minutes
This is a Zoo and Safari Park that lives up to its name!
The West Midlands Safari Park is the first zoo in the UK to have all the African Big Five animals in residence. You can see them on the 4-mile self-drive safari drive through the park.
With over 165 species and 1700 animals, a theme park, shows and encounters available every day, you can easily spend a full day here.
While tickets aren’t cheap, anyone arriving by car gets a ticket to come back again for free in the future!
Cadbury World easy day trip from Birmingham
Distance: 6 miles / 15 minutes
Just a short drive from Birmingham city centre is Cadbury World, a really easy option for family day trips from Birmingham by train as the West Midlands Train line stops directly at Bournville station.
Learn about the history of Cadbury and interactive tours and displays at the home of world-famous Cadbury chocolate. And of course buy some souvenir chocolate for the journey home too!
Admission is £21 per adult and £15.50 for children.
National Trust – Brockhampton
Distance: 45 miles / 1 hour 5 mins
With 1,700 acres of parkland, walking trails and rolling hills to explore, the Brockhampton Estate is easily a whole day out and perfect for day trips from Birmingham by car.
The National Trust property often gets overlooked in Herefordshire despite having numerous walking routes on the property. Check out the marked trails and walks on the Estate website to plan your walk.
Just 1 hour from Birmingham into Herefordshire, Brockhampton is a medieval farming manor house, built in the 1530s. The house’s unique white timber frame and charming white timber gatehouse stand out against the lush gardens that surround the property.
You can tour through the house and there’s also the standard National Trust cafe on site at the stables if you need some refreshments.
Entry is free if you’re a National Trust member. Otherwise, entry is £9.50 per adult, £4.75 per child or £23.75 for a family ticket.
Village hopping – north of Cotswolds
Distance: 44 miles / 1 hour
Thinking about planning road trips from Birmingham this summer? A Cotswolds village hopping trip is the perfect Cotswolds day trip from Birmingham if you’d like to see lots of quaint villages, keep costs down (except fuel) and pack lots into your day.
But there’s also plenty of hidden gem villages that are just north of the Cotswolds if you’d like to escape the crowds, explore some pretty villages, pack some sandwiches and enjoy a countryside picnic.
Here are a few villages to visit:
- Welford-on-Avon
- Lower Quinton
- Broad Marston
- Honington
- Ilmington
- Ashton under Hill
- Kemerton
The Confetti Fields
Distance: 33 miles / 45 minutes
An easy drive down the M5 is the Confetti Fields on the Wyke Estate in Pershore.
The Confetti fields are huge fields of delphiniums that flower every summer and are owned by the Real Flower Petal Confetti Company who produce real petal confetti for weddings.
Prior to them harvesting the petals, you can visit and wander among the stunning fields of purple, pink and white.
They also have a wild flower meadow and you can buy bunches to take home too.
Their opening times vary depending on when the flowers will bloom, but it’s usually late June to early July. Tickets go on sale on their website in June and are usually around £6 – a great option for a cheap and beautiful day out!
Their sunflower fields also bloom in August, so you’ve got a few options for beautiful days out this summer.
Cotswold Lavender fields
Distance: 53 miles / 1 hour 10
Cotswolds Lavender opens every year as their lavender fields bloom in July.
The farm itself opens the fields from mid-June to early August, but check their website for reliable opening dates as they do change depending on the progress of the crop.
Tickets are purchased on arrival and cost £7 per adult.
Cotswolds Distillery
Distance: 45 miles / 1 hour 10
A really unique option for day trips around Birmingham is a trip to one of the few distilleries in England that produce English Whisky.
The distillery produces whisky, gin and other liqueurs and offers tours, experiences and tastings. The standard tour and tasting is just £20 and they run 3 times a day!
There’s also whisky and gin blending masterclasses available.
Of course if you’re driving here, make sure you have a designated driver who isn’t driving, the distillery kindly offers takeaway samples for those not drinking on the day but who still wish to try the product.
Find more info here.
Weston-super-Mare day trip to the beach
Distance: 105 miles / 2 hours
Looking for day trips from Birmingham to seaside destinations? A two hour drive down the M5 will bring you to Weston Super Mare, a seaside town on the Somerset coast.
With a traditional Victorian pier, plenty of family activities and restaurants, as well as the beachfront of course, there’s easily enough to do in Weston for fun beach day trips from Birmingham.
Don’t miss:
- The Big Wheel
- The Water Park
- The donkeys on the seafront
- The Grand Pier
- A trip to Clevedon Pier
- Weston Woods
- Tiffany’s Tea Room
- Fish & Chips on the beach
Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studios
Distance: 102 miles / 1 hour 45 minutes
For Harry Potter fans, a day trip to the Harry Potter studios from Birmingham is a must!
The easiest way to get there is to drive but you can also take the train from Bimingham to Watford Junction and take a bus to the studios.
Little Malvern Court & Gardens
Distance: 43 miles / 1 hour
Little Malvern is a fascinating historic house which was once a Benedictine Monastery and then a 15th century Prior’s Hall until the dissolution of the monasteries, since then it has been the home of the same family.
The house is only open for a short window each year between April-July and tickets cost £9 for adults, £3 for children.
You can do a house tour or visit the Gardens only. The Gardens are stunning and spend the afternoon exploring, with 10 acres, views of the Severn Valley, lakes, ponds and the tea room to enjoy.
Malvern Hills day out in Nature
Distance: 40 miles / 1 hour 10
The Malvern Hills are a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK and are the ideal Birmingham one day trip, if you have longer, it’s also an amazing area for weekend trips from Birmingham UK.
The Malverns are made up of hills and commons, offering countless opportunities for walking, cycling, hiking or just simply enjoying nature.
This is the perfect budget-friendly day trip from Birmingham by car, you can easily park somewhere cheaply and enjoy a day out on one of the many walking trails in the area, take a picnic and enjoy spending time in nature with family, friends or solo.
Ledbury
Distance: 54 miles / 1 hour 10
Another great option for a Birmingham day out is to nearby Ledbury in Herefordshire, just over 1 hour away.
Ledbury is a great option for keeping things budget friendly too. You could easily drive here, spend a cheap afternoon wandering around the charming streets and black and white timber frame houses, especially if you’re a photographer – Ledbury is beautiful to photograph! Don’t miss the Market House or Church Street.
Don’t miss the charming high street either, and if you’re looking for some refreshment ,check out coffee and brunch at Cameron & Swan!
If you’re looking for a really fun and unique activity here that’s great for adults and children, just outside Ledbury is Eastnor Pottery where you can try your hand at making your own pottery, using a potter’s wheel and taking your creation home when you’ve mastered your skill.
Outdoor Adventures in the Wye Valley
Distance: 60 miles / 1 hour 10 minutes
The beauty of the Wye Valley is that there’s so much to do in this area for any kind of day trip.
If you’re looking for an active day out, how about walking trails or kayaking on the River Wye?
If you prefer exploring towns and villages, don’t miss Symonds Yat or charming Ross on Wye.
Book lovers can’t miss the numerous bookshops in Hay on Wye.
Plan your Wye Valley trip.
Herefordshire cider tasting orchards
Distance: 58 miles / 1 hour 15
Did you know Herefordshire is famous for its cider orchards?
Summer is the best time to see the orchards in full bloom before the autumn harvest.
As well as cider orchards, there’s also perry farms (made from pear) and you can visit many of the orchards for a tour and tasting.
This is a great option for a summer day out in England to enjoy a tipple in the sunshine at Gregg’s Pit Cider & Perry or Little Pomona Cider & Perry.
But even in the winter you can visit the big producer, Weston’s who run tours of the factory all year round, with information about the history of cider and a tasting afterwards.
Shropshire Hills
Distance: 52 miles / 1 hour 10 minutes
The Shropshire Hills are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and they cover a quarter of the county of Shropshire so you’re guaranteed to find plenty of outdoor activities for an adventurous day trip from Birmingham.
From bluebell woodland walks to walking festivals, Iron Age forts and cycling routes, there’s so much to do in the area for families, couples, kids, big groups and the elderly.
Wollerton Old Hall Garden
Distance: 48 miles / 1 hour
This is a day trip for gardening enthusiasts and green-fingered folk!
The Wollerton Old Hall Gardens are famous as being some of the most spectacular gardens in the UK, winning multiple awards.
Covering 4 acres, the gardens are English Countryside formal modern gardens surrounding the Old Hall, which sadly is not open to visitors.
The National Brewery Centre
Distance: 30 miles / 50 minutes
This is a day trip for beer and brewing enthusiasts!
Located in Burton on Trent, north of Birmingham, the National Brewery Centre is a museum, tasting room and interactive tourist attraction next to the Bass Brewery – which was once the largest producer of beer in the UK.
From the history of beer and brewing to the development of beer as we know it, this is a really fun day out for beer lovers.
Tickets are just £12.95 and include a token for a beer at the end. There are often events and festivals held there too. Check out their website for details.
National Trust – Little Moreton Hall
Distance: 55 miles / 1 hour 10
This beautiful, historic Tudor manor house is a lesser known National Trust house north of Stoke-on-Trent.
This unique timber framed manor house was added to so many times that it looks like it’s permanently listing to one side. Fortunately the National Trust has secured the property and you can now explore the interior and the surrounding moat and gardens.
Little Moreton Hall has a fascinating history of why it is such a well preserved example of Tudor architecture and there are plenty of staff on hand to give you more information about the property.
There’s also an onsite tea room.
Tickets are £12 per adult or free for National Trust members. Check the opening times here.
National Trust – Powis Castle and Garden
Distance: 70 miles / 1 hour 25 minutes
How about a day trip to Wales from Birmingham?
While you obviously can’t cover the whole of Wales in a day, there are plenty of options just over the border into Wales and particularly in North Wales that are great for a day out!
Powis Castle and Gardens is a National Trust property and it’s a really cool fortified 13th-century fortress built on a rock vantage point above the gardens.
The Castle has a fascinating history to learn about and also houses really interesting collections at the Clive Museum.
Click here for opening times and prices.
Foxton Locks
Distance: 48 miles / 1 hour 5 minutes
Foxton Locks is a great free day out from Birmingham by car.
Foxton Locks are a series of 5 locks on the Grand Union canal which runs through Leicestershire, making it the largest lock staircase on the UK canal system.
Park at the car park at the top or the bottom (both are pay and display) and you can walk along the towpath. This is a great, easy day out that’s something a little different and perfect for families or couples.
With over 4000 boats passing through the lock staircase each year, it’s fascinating if you catch one moving through when you visit.
There’s also a Canal Museum, a cafe and a pub which are lovely to sit outside by the locks if the weather is good. There’s also nearby Market Harborough to visit if you want to make more of a day from it.
Hereford
Distance: 58 miles / 1 hour 40
Hereford is a real underrated gem for a day trip in the West Midlands!
From the beautiful black and white timber frame buildings to the museums, markets or restaurants, you can easily plan a fun day out in the city. Here are a few ideas:
- Black and White House Museum
- Hereford Butter Market
- Hereford Cathedral
- Walk along the River and Bishops Meadow
- Hereford Cider Museum Trust
- Try Herefordshire beef burgers at Beefy Boys
Nottingham
Distance: 52 miles / 1 hour 10 minutes
A day trip to another city is always a fun idea and the best part is that cities tend to be well connected with public transport. So coach day trips from Birmingham or day trips from Birmingham by train are all great options if you don’t have a car.
Check out Nottingham Castle after their multi-million pound renovation, do a Robin Hood walking tour or visit the oldest pub in England – The Olde Trip to Jerusalem built into the cliffs below the castle. Check out the independent shops, cafes and bars in Hockley and the Lace Market area of the city. Here are some more Nottingham ideas for your itinerary.
Derby
Distance: 42 miles / 55 minutes
Derby is an easy day trip from Birmingham by train or by car, with both modes of transport taking under 1 hour!
There are also plenty of options for coach day trips Birmingham to Derby with National Express.
Derby has lots of parks and gardens to explore, including Hopton Hall Gardens, Darley Park or Markeaton Park.
For those looking for shops, head to intu Derby.
If you’re travelling with the family, don’t miss the Midlands Aeropark just outside of Derby, or the Bluebell Dairy Farm.
Crich Tramway Village is another alternative option just north of Derby, close to Matlock. Home to the National Tramway Museum and over 60 trams through the decades, the periods have been recreated in a village complete with a cafe, working pub and tram stops.
Oxford
Distance: 80 miles / 1 hour 40 minutes
Oxford is a bit of a further day trip but still under 2 hours away and has so much to do on a day trip from Birmingham.
Oxford can be an expensive city but taking the train or using the city’s park and ride car parks. There’s also plenty of free things to do in the city:
- The Ashmolean Museum
- The Pitt Rivers Museum
- Walk around Christchurch Meadow
- Explore the University Buildings
- See the view of the city of spires from Varsity Bar
Of course you can also go punting on the river for £25 for a self-drive punt.
Cheltenham
Distance: 50 miles / 1 hour 10 minutes
Cheltenham is famous for its horse racing, but there are also plenty of things to do in this pretty Georgian spa town to the west of the Cotswolds.
Take a dip at the Sandford Parks Lido, or a ride on the Gloucestershire Steam Railway.
For a bit of culture and history, check out The Wilson gallery and museum, or visit Sudeley Castle.
For things to do on a day out with kids, check out the Cotswolds Farm Park or enjoy a picnic in Pittville Park.
Cheltenham is also home to the famous Cheltenham Festivals which happen throughout the year, from Science to Literature, there’s a huge range of fascinating events which happen over a 2 week period.
Chester
Distance: 105 miles / 2 hours
One of the longest day trips on this list but there’s so much to do in Chester that it’s a great option if you can make an early start.
Explore the charming historic streets of Chester including seeing the Eastgate Clock, you can climb the steps at the side and view this Georgian clock from the walls.
Take a stroll along the River Dee or Chester City Walls. You can also take a boat trip on the River.
Chester Zoo, located just outside the city has an incredible collection of animals and you can book experiences with some of them, including a meerkat feeding experience, a giraffe experience, a komodo dragon experience, breakfast with the lions experience, elephant experience and more. Check out the options here.
Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea at the Chester Grosvenor or The Townhouse.
If you’re in town for the races, don’t forget to check them out if you’re a racing fan!
Bristol
Distance: 88 miles / 1 hour 40 minutes
Bristol is such a fun day out, it’s a vibrant city packed with loads of cool stuff to do.
Spend the morning wandering around the Old City and enjoy a coffee at one of the numerous cafes and coffee shops while checking out all the independent shops. Don’t miss St Nicholas Market and the Christmas Steps.
Brandon Hill is a lovely park to wander in and you can climb Cabot Tower for great views.
Spend the afternoon along the harbour and check out the independent stores and cafes at Wapping Wharf. The Wharf is also where you’ll find the M Shed museum and the famous Brunel’s SS Great Britain.
Bristol is also great for a spot of vintage shopping, loads of independent food stops and don’t miss the viewpoint over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Enjoy a pint on a boat in the harbour at the Grain Barge.
Bletchley Park
Distance: 73 miles / 1 hour 20 minutes
This fascinating place to visit is great for history buffs, couples, families and friends alike.
The facility was top secret throughout the Second World War as it housed the codebreakers who deciphered the German’s coded messages to ultimately help win the war. It’s said that their efforts shortened the war by two years!
You should spend a minimum of 3 hours here with fascinating talks and exhibitions, interactive areas and such knowledgeable staff.
The country house itself is also beautiful!
If you’ve seen the film, The Imitation Game, Bletchley Park is what it’s based on!
Summary: the best day trips from Birmingham, UK
Bimingham is such a well-located city and a well-connected city to reach lots of areas of England and Wales.
Hopefully this list has given you plenty of inspiration for day trips near Birmingham that are perfect for you, whether you’re travelling with friends, family or alone.
Don’t forget to regularly check train companies for any ticket sales or coach ticket sales which could also be great inspiration for your next trip!
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