The Midlands is known for a few things, including canals, industrial history and a plethora of weird and wonderful accents, but it’s also the perfect place for a cracking day out. Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids at half term, a memorable day out with friends or the perfect corporate team building activity, the Midlands has it all.
So, grab your flat cap, pour yourself a pint of Banks’ Bitter and settle in while we run you through five of our top picks for a bostin’ day out in the heart of England.
1. Black Country Living Museum
Nestled in the very heart of the Black Country, in the shadow of Dudley Castle, the Black Country Living Museum is where history comes alive. Spread over 29 acres, the museum is packed with hand-restored buildings from across the Black Country and the Midlands and features daily live exhibits and loads to do for all ages.
Try your luck at the penny arcades, ride the tram, descend into the coal mine then stop for lunch at the authentic Black Country fish and chip shop, all brought to life by historic characters. You’ll learn how the Black Country got its name and forged a reputation as Britain’s manufacturing powerhouse, with a healthy dose of fun along the way.
2. National SEA LIFE Birmingham
Take a dive into the stunning underwater world of SEA LIFE Birmingham and discover an amazing day out for the whole family. Learn about our planet’s crucial marine ecosystems and check out exciting attractions including waddling penguins, menacing sharks and the adorable sea otters, Ozzy and Ola.
SEA LIFE Birmingham is also home to the UK’s only 360˚ ocean tunnel, where you can walk among sharks, rays and colourful tropical fish as they swim around you in every direction. Plus, for an even bigger day out, you can combine your SEA LIFE ticket with entry to the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, just over the canal.
3. RAF Museum Midlands
Delve into Britain’s proud aviation history at the RAF Museum Midlands, with amazing exhibits including a gigantic Vulcan bomber, Spitfires and a Typhoon flight simulator housed in several huge hangars in the rolling countryside near Cosford. Featuring a mixture of indoor and outdoor exhibits, with more being added all the time, the RAF Museum is brilliant fun for all ages, no matter the weather.
Best of all, entry is completely free!
4. Paintballing at PPK
Looking for a day out that’s fun, outdoors, affordable and perfect for everything from making memories with friends to bonding with colleagues? Look no further than a paintballing day out in Birmingham at PPK.
Spend your day fighting across eight varied movie-themed battle zones with only your wits and your aim to save you from becoming a human canvas. Blast your way into the saloon on Wild West, test your post-apocalyptic grit on the Wasteland or fight for survival in an intense team deathmatch on Rampage. At PPK, entry, gear hire and 100 paintballs are just £15 per person.
5. Baddesley Clinton
Step through 500 years of history at Baddesley Clinton and discover the captivating story of Catholic persecution in England, with a network of perfectly preserved priest holes throughout the 16th century home. This stunning, moated National Trust property is set amongst the leafy Warwickshire countryside and surrounded by carefully maintained gardens, fish pools and a walled garden.
Enjoy delicious fresh food at the Barn Restaurant and take a stroll by the lake, wandering between the ancient oak and lime trees of the Forest of Arden, perfect for a relaxing day out in the sun.
Discover Your Perfect Day Out in the Midlands Hopefully, you’ve found a little inspiration in our top picks for things to do in the Midlands. Paintballing at PPK is one of the most popular, but all are packed with fun for groups of every kind, from friends and family to companies looking for a team building experience.