Being the 2nd most populous county in England after Greater London, the West Midlands is home to many cultural institutions, colleges, and universities. From luxurious Rover cars from Solihull to the world-famous Cadbury’s chocolate factory, the region is well known for various attractions. The good news is that the West Midlands has so much more adventure experiences to offer than just quaint villages and beautiful countryside. Head into the great outdoors and have some crazy adventure experiences with these fun-filled family activities. Prepare for the best trip and make unforgettable memories with these unique places to explore.
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1. Redpoint Climbing Centre, Birmingham
Have you always wished to scale K2 or Everest but never tried, as it might be too dangerous or far away? Don’t worry! Redpoint Climbing Centre is an indoor climbing arena designed for rock climbing enthusiasts. With excellent staff and affordable prices, the place offers a variety of boulders and walls to choose from. No matter how experienced you are, you will have a great climbing experience at Redpoint Climbing Centre. What’s even better? You can team up with your family to double the fun and enjoyment.
2. The West Midlands Canals and Waterways
Do not miss visiting Birmingham’s canals! The city’s 56 km network of canals offers deep insight into its industrial past. Traveling on or around them is a beautiful way of exploring the city from its heart. Nothing can beat the wonderful feeling of walking or cycling alongside the city’s waterways. You can also take a boat trip along the canals to make your day special.
If you loved your day on Birmingham’s canal, consider visiting the Great Union Canal, which goes all the way to the City of Dreaming Spires. You can hire a narrow boat in the region from Grand Union Narrow Boats. For something truly memorable, visit Dudley Canal Trust and take an underground boat trip through the Dudley Canal Tunnel.
3. Cadbury World, Bournville
If you’re a chocolate lover, here’s a perfect destination. Located on the site of the original Cadbury factory in Bournville, Cadbury World offers a sneak peek into the making of one of Britain’s most prominent chocolate brands: Cadbury. What once began as a self-tour attraction to learn about the art of chocolate-making has soon evolved with loads of other activities on offer.
In addition to the chocolate-making demonstrations, the place also offers a 4D cinema, adventure play area, and a mini theatre. It’s a fun family attraction situated in the heart of the West Midlands. Though there’s a small fun area outside, the major attraction remains indoors, making it perfect for a rainy day.
4. Baggeridge Country Park, Sedgley
The Baggeridge country park is one of the Black Country’s best parks. Spanning 150 acres, the park is a fantastic place to go camping, see diverse wildlife or grab a cuppa from the tea shop. Explore your adventurous side by trying horse riding or mountain biking, or pay a visit to the miniature railway.
The best part is that the park also has a children’s adventure playground. In addition to these, the park also offers many other activities like fishing, a challenge academy, etc. It is ideal for families with young children, nature enthusiasts, and bird watchers.
5. Off-Road Driving Centre, Solihull
Off-roading with Land Rover (the UK’s leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles) is a fabulous experience that can’t be missed. Situated in Solihull, Land Rover offers the chance for businesses, groups, and families to enjoy off-roading. Unleash your mud master by taking a seat in a Land Rover and experience true off-roading with some of the most challenging terrains.
You will not find a better opportunity to introduce your family to the adventurous world of off-road driving. What’s even better is that you can also take a tour of the Jaguar factory. In addition to witnessing the production of Britain’s finest luxury cars, you also get to interact with new Jaguar models. If you’re a car enthusiast, you are sure to fall in love with such adventurous days out.
6. Alton Towers, Central Staffordshire
When it comes to theme parks with hair-raising rides, Alton Towers is one of the best in the business. Opened in the 1980s, the park soon became a famous day out in central England. The place promises great family-friendly fun with various roller coasters, a mini golf area, and a water park.
Some of the most adventurous rides include the Pirate Ship, the Corkscrew roller coaster, the Nemesis, the Log Flume ride, and a super-charged ghost train. The site also has a relaxation spa, individual wooden ‘Star-Gazing’ sleeping pods, and many themed hotels. You can opt for one night breaks or a weekend package with access to all the attractions.
7. Peak District National Park (Castleton)
Being Britain’s first National Park, the Peak District is still one of its most famous outdoor destinations. The park has much to offer, from stately homes and towering peaks to fertile farmlands and underground caves. A leisurely walk and afternoon tea are a few ways to enjoy the park. If you want to try something more energetic, opt for mountain biking, climbing, caving, abseiling, or weaseling.
Marking the beginning of Britain’s best-known trail, the Pennine Way, the 143,700-hectare park is also known for its many adventure tours. Looking for a natural way to boost your health and well-being? Forest bathing is a simple yet effective method of relaxation that can help you a lot. So observe nature while walking around the lovely forest of Cannock Chase.
8. National Sea Life Centre (Birmingham)
Being the go-to West Midlands attraction for many residents, you will not find a place as exciting as the National Sea Life Centre. This enormous aquarium is home to penguins, jellyfish, otters, piranhas, octopuses, sharks, seals, sea turtles, and other species. The creatures are displayed in rainforest habitats and Antarctic pools.
The dynamic center allows you to learn about marine life from across the world through a series of exhibits, such as a tropical forest, an underwater tunnel, and a penguin enclosure. Various events are conducted during the year, much to the children’s delight. They find something unique that they admire every time they visit the place.
9. The West Midlands’ Castles
Get ready for a medieval adventure with some extraordinary activities at Warwick Castle! The almost 1000-year-old castle has several magical experiences, live shows, a history maze, and Bird of Prey events. This highly anticipated castle is worth all your attention.
You will love a day trip to the estate of the grand Chatsworth House in Bakewell. Spanning across 1,000 acres, this place is so vast that even an entire day is insufficient to roam through the rolling landscape. It also includes a 105-acre formal maze and garden, making the place even more interesting.
The Kenilworth Castle, near Coventry, is another beautiful medieval fortress worth visiting. Being one of the country’s biggest historic sites, the place includes the restored Elizabethan Garden that reminisces about Elizabeth I.
10. Dudley Zoo and Castle (Dudley)
Founded in 1937, the Dudley zoo is home to nearly 200 species of animals. The castle ruins are an impressive backdrop for the exotic animals on the 40-acre grounds. Known for animal conservation across the globe, the Dudley zoo has a wonderful collection of remains, much to the delight of architecture enthusiasts. These are unusual enclosures that were created to hold animals. In addition to these, the zoo has many modern animal housing and paddocks.
11. Acker’s Adventure, Sparkbrook
Gear up for some unexpected high-adrenaline activities at Acker’s Adventure. From snowboarding, skiing, and climbing, to ziplining and kayaking, loads of activities are available here. There is also archery, orienteering, and adventure trekking. You can visit the place for a day or stay on a residential course as per your travel plans. Whether you hit the dry ski slope or try abseiling or any other activity, this experience calls for a brave heart.
Closing Thoughts
From its cultural highlights to its rich industrial past, the West Midlands is the perfect place to treat your family to a full holiday. Whether you’re into immersive art or are an adventure enthusiast, the travel guide detailed above will help you explore the various experiences this region offers. So, pack your bags and get going!
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Samantha Pollard is the Partnership Manager at Activity SuperStore. Using her exceptional interpersonal skills, Samantha elegantly negotiates attractive partnership deals and ensures mutually beneficial partnership terms that align with business objectives and strategy. Samantha loves adventurous experiences and likes to write about her experiences in her blogs.
