Look, the Second City might be near perfect, but it doesn’t have everything, while sometimes you just need to leave and clear your head. Whatever your reasons for a getaway, Birmingham, luckily, lies near the ‘geographic centre’ of England, and you can pretty much get anywhere in a few hours. So get out and about with one of these wonderful day trips from Birmingham—it’ll still be here when you’re back!
An hour’s drive from the centre of Birmingham lies one of the most magnificent castles in the UK. The original frame of Warwick Castle was erected in 1068 by William the Conqueror, so it has seen nearly 1000 years of British history. This is reflected in the architecture, which is diverse in style and character because the castle has been refurbished many times. There are 64 acres of gardens surrounding the castle, designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and landscaped to perfection. Peacocks call the gardens home, adding to the grandiose atmosphere; an atmosphere wholly absent from the dark and spooky dungeons of the castle.
If you fancy a history-packed day out without a long drive, head to Wroxeter — once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. Today, it has fewer than 400 residents, but it remains a remarkably well-preserved archaeological site that offers a one-of-a-kind glimpse into Roman life almost 2,000 years ago. It’s best known for its Roman bath house and striking free-standing wall, and visitors can also explore reconstructions of ancient homes to see what daily life may have looked like all those centuries ago.
Everyone in the UK has heard of Alton Towers. It’s been one of our favourite day trips from Birmingham since we were kids. With both a huge theme park and a waterpark, you could spend a few days here, exploring or simply riding Oblivion until you feel sick. There are over 40 rides at Alton Towers theme park, and enough slides at the waterpark to keep anyone entertained for a day.
If you’re craving a day trip from Birmingham that mixes grand history with gorgeous gardens, put Witley Court on your list. This enchanting Italianate mansion in Warwickshire is famed for its resilience and stunning restored gardens despite a devastating fire in 1937. Originally built in the 17th century, it boasts a majestic fountain, lively Parterre Gardens, and rich history waiting to be explored. It’s a perfect destination for history buffs and garden lovers alike, with a captivating free audio guide to enhance your visit.
Kenilworth Castle is one of the most storied royal castles you’ll find in England. Built in the 1120s, the likes of King John, John of Gaunt and Henry V are all associated with it. Most famously, however, Elizabeth I gifted it to her “favourite”, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, in 1563. He is the one to convert the castle into a lavish palace fit for his queen. After the English Civil War, the castle’s fortifications were dismantled, but much of it has remained unchanged ever since Elizabeth I’s reign.
Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo is just a 40-minute drive from Birmingham, and it’s well worth a visit, even if just for the apes. It’s unique in the UK, in that it houses every type of great ape, including bonobos, chimpanzees, orangutans and the king of them all: gorillas. You can also see snow leopards, Sumatran tigers, rhinos and tiny antelopes of the dik-dik variety, while be sure to head to the Gruffalo Discovery Land!
If there’s one thing Birmingham is missing, it’s a beach. And the closest coastal day trip has to be Weston-super-Mare. With almost two miles of sandy shores, the iconic Grand Pier (full of endless, up-to-the-minute entertainment) and a Marine Lake for safe, seawater bathing, it’s well worth the trip too. Meanwhile, the town itself is full of independent shops, street art, as well as museums, theatres and more activities.
Puzzlewood‘s twisted trees, maze-like pathways and strange rock formations have inspired countless books and movies—from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings. So let your imagination run wild as you discover 4,500-year-old caves and moss-covered canyons, as well as Roman nooks and mines—it’s believed the Romans’ iron ore extraction is responsible for the region’s peculiar landscape.
Explore Kinver Edge—the West Midlands’ very own Hobbiton with rock-cut houses you can walk through. For a day trip that feels a world away from Birmingham, the red sandstone cliff features historic rock houses (Holy Austin, Vale’s Rock, Nanny’s Rock) restored as Victorian-style cottages, complete with a stone-cut café, bookshop and walking trails. The site was home to residents until the 1950s, and the Holy Austin rock houses were restored and reopened in 1997.
There’s no denying that Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. With a unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary culture, this city is famed for its breathtaking Georgian architecture and Roman baths. Just some of the iconic spots you can visit include Bath Abbey, No. 1 Royal Crescent and The Jane Austen Centre. And you can see it all on this coach tour from Birmingham!
With an audio guide in hand, the 11-hour day trip lets you explore the very best this special city has to offer. Plus, beforehand, the bus stops off at the mystical Stonehenge too – so that’s two trips for the price of one – where you can wander around these 4,500-year-old ancient stones. It’s easy to forget that one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments is only a stone’s throw from Birmingham (not literally).
The Iron Bridge that greets you as you drive toward Ironbridge Gorge was the world’s first ever iron bridge, built in 1779. The area was once mined for its valuable contents, including coal, limestone and iron ore. As a result of this, many people flocked to the area, such as blacksmiths, because of the abundance of material needed to craft their wares. The bridge was built to demonstrate the versatility and importance of iron. While it was once surrounded by smoke and pollution as mined material crossed the River Severn, it is now a very calm and beautiful place to sit.
Charles II’s harrowing escape after the Battle of Worcester is marked by his legendary hiding in a Royal Oak. Today, visitors to Boscobel House can explore this historical site, which showcases a Grade II* farmhouse, a 17th-century garden, and the remnants of White Ladies Priory. With its interactive tours, children’s play area, and tearoom, Boscobel offers a delightful journey back to the monarchy’s roots and the rustic life of a Victorian farm.
What a spectacularly lovely town Royal Leamington Spa is. Well-loved for its gleaming Regency architecture, flourishing green spaces, and sophisticated high-street shopping, there’s never a bad time for a trip to the Midlands’ answer to Bath. Check out the famous Royal Pump Rooms (home to Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum); take a stroll around the Victorian, beautifully landscaped Jephson Gardens; and dine out at the town’s seemingly endless supply of incredible and independent cafes/bars/restaurants. As day trips from Birmingham go, this is the height of class.
Malvern is a town once famed for its natural springs, but it has nothing on the incredible sights from the surrounding hills. Climb to the staggering 425 metre heights of the Worcester Beacon for breathtaking panoramic views, while the AONB is full of hiking trails—including the popular 2-hour trail, North Hill Circular. Head back into town afterwards for dinner at Malvern’s only 3AA Rosette restaurant, 1919.
A stone’s throw from Birmingham, the Black Country Living Museum is a peek into life as it was up to 200 years ago. The open-air museum, built on former industrial land, offers over 29 acres to explore of reconstructed shops, houses and industrial areas that represent the Black Country of yesteryear—starting with the Industrial Revolution and working its way up to post-war prosperity. With actors bringing to life the stories of ordinary people, it’s like walking onto a film set!
Shrewsbury is a lovely town and well worth a day trip all of its own (check out both Shrewsbury Castle and Shrewsbury Abbey when you can). But one of its most intriguing attractions is an actual prison. Get ready for an electrifying tour of Shrewsbury Prison, led by an actual ex-prison officer, which grants you exclusive entry into the cells, eerie corridors, and even the execution room. This Victorian-era penitentiary once held plenty of infamous inmates, too, including the notorious executioner Albert Pierrepoint. And if that wasn’t enough, it even has its very own escape room!
Stratford-upon-Avon is known worldwide as the birthplace and final resting place of playwright and poet William Shakespeare. Subsequently, it is also home to the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Naturally, the town draws tourists with an interest in Shakespeare from across the globe—with five houses associated with the Bard and his wife Anne Hathaway—but head to the MAD Museum for the UK’s only museum for mechanical art.
Clent is undeniably one of the prettiest villages near Birmingham. Just 12 miles away, it’s only overshadowed (quite literally) by the National Trust’s Clent Hills. There are three different hills to climb—with panoramic views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and Welsh borders—but we’d recommend heading to the summit of Clent Hill. Here you’ll find the sham megalithic site, The Four Stones, which was created in the eighteenth century by Lord Lyttleton.
For 360-degree views across the Derbyshire Dales, the Heights of Abraham is a hilltop park in Matlock Bath with cable cars, guided cavern tours, playgrounds, walks and a vista restaurant. There are seemingly endless curiosities in this 60-acre estate.
Trentham Estate’s idyllic Italian-style gardens date back to the 1800s, but have had quite the makeover since the millennium. It’s won multiple awards, with over 80,000 perennial flowers, iconic statues, water fountains and the ironwork frame of the Trellis Walk. Elsewhere, you can enjoy the mile-long lake, ancient wildflower meadows and a children’s adventure playground.
Plus, the entrance will get you 15% off at Trentham Monkey Forest, where you can walk freely with Barbary macaques. Follow a mile-long woodland trail through the heart of Trentham Estate and immerse yourself in the everyday antics of these creatures – just be prepared to share the path!
Some say Cannock Chase is haunted, which might be why this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is so often overlooked. The Chase is teeming with woodlands, parklands, rivers, canals, heathlands and more to discover. There’s so much packed into this tiny but varied landscape, meaning your day trips from Birmingham will never grow boring.
The range of wildlife found here is just as varied and impressive, including native fallow deer, all four of Britain’s six reptiles, rare and endangered birds, as well as an unusual hybrid between bilberry and cowberry plants, the Cannock Chase berry. There are plenty of activities for kids to do too – like the Gruffalo trail or Go Ape treetop adventure.
The Peak District is absolutely huge, sprawling out into South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Greater Manchester. There is a year’s worth of day trips contained within this area. The Peaks are the perfect place to unwind and have fun with your friends in the lovely, fresh countryside air, with repeat day trips from Birmingham a must.
The town of Bakewell is a brilliant place to start exploring (home of the Bakewell tart!), or why not try walking to the top of Mam Tor? You could also take a stroll along Stanage Edge and gaze out toward the stunning Derbyshire countryside. Alternatively, venture underneath Peveril Castle into Peak Cavern, more commonly known as The Devil’s Arse.
Did you know, you could feel a whole continent away without leaving the West Midlands? You can see the greatest sights of Africa, only an hour from Birmingham – from hippos and elephants to cheetahs, tigers and lions – at West Midlands Safari Park. Jump in your car and journey through a four-mile Safari park, or set out on foot and go wild at the Adventure Theme Park!
If you want, you could even turn this day trip into an overnight stay – with one of its unique Safari Lodges. Spend the night overlooking the enclosed habitats of lions, giraffes, rhinos, and more animals. These luxury lodges are designed to give you an “up-close and immersive overnight wildlife experience like no other.” The Tiger Lodges even have their own hot tubs and private verandas…
Rutland Water is the only inland beach in England to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status. Just 90 minutes from Birmingham, this 4,000-acre reservoir is recognised for its excellent water quality and safety measures. With a sandy beach operational in summer and a variety of watersports available, you can spend the day swimming, paddleboarding, or birdwatching—making it a must-visit for outdoor lovers looking for a scenic escape.
For a peaceful day trip from Birmingham, head to Dorothy Clive Garden, a 12-acre hillside woodland garden near Market Drayton, featuring the Quarry Garden, a 330ft Laburnum arch, azaleas, magnolias, waterfalls and themed walks, plus a tearoom and gift shop.
