Provided by: West Midlands Railway
Whether you’re after strolling in nature, learning some fun history facts, or showing off your competitive edge, the West Midlands is home to plenty of attractions and experiences for the ultimate family day out without breaking the bank.
The best part? You can wave goodbye to the stresses of city centre driving and leave the car behind by hopping on a WMR train. Not only are trains a more affordable and sustainable option, but travelling by train also means you can relax, admire the passing views, and spend more quality time as a family.
Read on to discover our favourite affordable spots in and around Birmingham for a day trip to remember!
Shrewsbury Prison
Strangecapers’ TikTok travels around Shrewsbury highlight the city as the perfect place for a fun and affordable family day out. Packed with historic sights, unique markets and hidden gems, Molly explores the treasure trove of exciting experiences that the city has to offer.
To kick start her day, Molly delves into the dark past of Shrewsbury Prison, exploring its 200-year history as one of the last remaining Georgian prisons in the country. From tales of executions to creepy ghost stories, a tour around Shrewsbury Prison is bound to be a unique day trip for all ages. The prison also features an onsite restaurant, originally built to serve 3 meals per day to its 350 inmates, so you can grab a bite to eat and refuel throughout your visit.
- Closest station: Shrewsbury
@strangecapers Replying to @Charlii ✨ thank you so much for the recs!! A fab cheap family day out with @West Midlands Railway for Feb half term! #westmidlandsrailway #daysoutideas #travelforless #halfterm #halftermfun #halftermactivities #westmidlandsdaysout #traveltips101 #westmidlandstravel #cheapertravel ♬ I Can Feel It (Christmas Instrumental) - Nick Sena and Danny Echevarria
Shrewsbury Castle
Just a short walk away from the infamous prison walls, Shrewsbury Castle is an unmissable spot to add to your affordable day trip itinerary in the West Midlands. Although the castle was closed for the day when Molly visited the city, this beautiful red sandstone fortress, built by William the Conqueror, makes for the perfect affordable day out for history buffs and casual explorers alike.
Explore the castle’s grand halls and enjoy the stunning gardens, steeped in historic charm. The castle also hosts regular events and history trails for children during the school holidays, making it a great visit for the whole family. After you visit the castle, take a short walk over to Shrewsbury Market Hall for a bite to eat and to peruse the charming boutique stalls - another one of Molly’s must-visit gems for your visit to Shrewsbury!
- Closest station: Shrewsbury
Aston Hall
If you’re looking for an experience that combines history, nature and adventure without breaking the bank, Aston Hall is the one to beat. This ornate Jacobean mansion, built in the early 1600s and conveniently located along the Cross City Line for train travellers, offers a rich history and beautiful architecture that will captivate both kids and adults alike. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and the chance to explore over 30 rooms, including King Charles’ Chamber and the Long Gallery, as well as hearing the tales of hauntings and the English Civil War history that bring the past to life. The hall’s beautiful gardens are included in your ticket price too, providing an incredible backdrop for a family picnic during your day.
- Closest station: Aston
Haunted Birmingham: Restless Souls Walking Tour
For a thrilling and affordable exploration of Birmingham’s city centre, be sure to check out the Haunted Birmingham: Restless Souls Walking Tour. This eerie adventure takes you through some of Birmingham's most haunted spots, navigated on your device, and reveals chilling tales of restless spirits and dark histories across the city. Starting at New Street Station and ending at St. Philip's Cathedral, the tour is perfect for families and friends who love a good scare, packed with fun facts and interactive puzzles along the way. The tour is also self-guided, so you can explore and uncover the city’s ghostly tales at your own pace.
- Closest station: Birmingham New Street
The Pen Museum
For an immersive museum trip like no other, head to the Pen Museum in Birmingham, located in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. This unique museum celebrates Birmingham's little-known history in the pen trade, featuring interactive exhibits where you can try your hand at writing with a quill and ink, use typewriters, and learn the art of calligraphy. The museum is also a stone’s throw away from a host of quirky cafés, charming restaurants and high-street favourite shops so you can truly make a day of it in the city!
- Closest station: Jewellery Quarter
Thinktank: Birmingham Science Museum
For a mind-boggling and educational day out, the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is a top pick for families, as well as a great place for half-term trips in Birmingham! This interactive museum is full to the brim with fascinating exhibits spanning across the world and beyond, from a Spitfire Gallery to wildlife displays and a planetarium for out-of-this-world explorations. Whether you're keen on robots, space, or the human body, there's certainly something to captivate everyone.
- Closest station: Birmingham Moor Street
Coventry Transport Museum
Just a short train ride out of Birmingham, the Coventry Transport Museum is the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world and home to the world’s two fastest cars. Wander around the museum’s range of exhibits covering World War I to Future Technology, and catapult into high-speeds with the 4D land speed record simulator that is sure to be a crowd pleaser for all the family.
- Closest station: Coventry
MAD Museum
For an action-packed and creative family outing, take the train to the historic city of Stratford-upon-Avon for a visit to the MAD Museum. This must-visit hotspot is a haven for kinetic art and automata enthusiasts, featuring over 70 fascinating exhibits crafted by inventors and artists from around the world. You'll find moving sculptures, quirky gadgets, and mesmerising mechanical creations that captivate both kids and adults alike. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits, and the museum's playful atmosphere makes it an engaging and educational experience for everyone. Be sure to download the free family activity pack on your visit to guide you through the museum too!
- Closest station: Stratford-Upon-Avon
Tudor World
If history is more your thing, Stratford-upon-Avon is also home to the Tudor World living history museum, bringing the vibrant Tudor era to life with engaging exhibits, character guides, and fun activities along the way. Kids can try their hand at quill writing, sit on a regal throne, and even take part in a mock witch trial. The museum also features special ghost tours and Shakespeare-themed events, so you can be sure to make the most of your day.
- Closest station: Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm
Ready for a butterfly-filled adventure? Step inside the UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Butterfly Farm, alive with hundreds of vibrant butterflies fluttering around. Witness the amazing life cycle of butterflies up close in the Discovery Zone, stroll through lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls, and explore exotic plant zones all in the heart of the historic Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s a fantastic day out surrounded by nature and learning about these beautiful creatures!
- Closest station: Stratford-upon-Avon
Putt Putt Social
This immersive, Asian-inspired crazy golf experience in Telford is not one to miss if you’re looking for an affordable family activity. Journey to the Far East at Putt Putt Social with beautifully crafted courses inspired by Asian landscapes, from crouching tiger trails to vibrant cherry blossoms. After showing off your competitive streak, recharge with some delicious Asian street food and refreshing drinks, including bubble tea and cocktails. It's a fantastic way to spend a day filled with adventure, good food, and memorable fun.
- Closest station: Telford Central
SnowDome
Fancy a winter wonderland adventure? Hit the slopes for a thrilling family-friendly day out at the SnowDome in Tamworth! This indoor ski centre offers real snow all year round, making it the perfect place for a sports-filled family day out in the West Midlands, suitable for beginners and pros alike. The SnowDome also features ice skating, climbing, and a giant snow slide, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.
- Closest station: Tamworth
Lickey Hills Country Park
Whether you’re looking to unwind, have a fun day out with the kids, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, Lickey Hills Country Park is the place to be. This beautiful park in Birmingham offers a variety of landscapes, from woodlands to heathlands, and is perfect for a day of relaxing and exploring, as well as being one of the best spots in the West Midlands to visit with your dog! Kids will love the adventure playground and the chance to spot wildlife, while adults can enjoy the scenic views and peaceful walks. You can also go head to head at the children’s ‘tri golf’ course, and bring a picnic for a wonderfully affordable day out in nature.
- Closest station: Barnt green
Vortex Gaming
Get competitive with the whole family at Vortex Gaming, located at the Resort World complex in the heart of Birmingham. Team up and immerse yourself in the VR gaming experiences, step back in time with the retro arcade classics, and win tickets to claim prizes! After a day of gaming, you can refuel at the Vortex restaurant, with a menu packed with hot dogs, burgers, and slushies galore! Feel free to explore the rest of Resort World after your gaming adventure too, with an extensive range of shops, tasty food spots and a cinema!
- Closest station: Birmingham International
There you have it - WMR's top picks for affordable family adventures in Birmingham and beyond! From the fascinating exhibits at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum to the scenic beauty of Lickey Hills Country Park, there's something for everyone without breaking the bank.
Plus, by taking a WMR train that drops you straight into the heart of the action, getting to these fantastic destinations is even more affordable with their Advance and Off-peak tickets.
