London Northwestern Railway some of the best family days out just an hour from Birmingham

We all want to pay less and do more, right? Well with budget-friendly ticket options available from London Northwestern Railway (LNR), families can get out and about this autumn for less thanks to its affordable range of ticket options.

Thanks to LNR, you and your family can spend the season making those all-important memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime, with budget-friendly, cost-effective fun. To get you started, the rail operator has pulled together a list of amazing and affordable local attractions all no more than just over an hour on the train from Birmingham New Street Station – you might be surprised at what you can visit!

The Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

Less than 20 minutes from Birmingham New Street Station and a short 5 minute bus ride, you can experience the past with the ultimate living history experience. The Black Country Living Museum offers a look back in time at how people lived and worked in yesteryear. Explore shops, schoolrooms, heritage vehicles and crafting workshops – you can spend the full day here immersed in the past! There are family passes and packages available, or adult tickets from £19.95, child tickets £9.95, and under 2’s go free.

Nearest station: Tipton

Dudley Zoo and Castle, Dudley  

Enjoy a day out that’s truly fun for all the family at Dudley Zoo and Castle. Explore the animal exhibits nestled into the ruins of the 10^th Century castle and get up close and personal in the farm and petting zoo, or just go wild in the adventure playground. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, and less than a 20-minute train ride from Birmingham New Street. Adult tickets start at £17.70, and children aged 3-15 can get entry from £12.25, or there are a range of family bundle tickets available.

Nearest station: Tipton

Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, Rugby

For a quick 40 minute train journey you can find yourself in Rugby. Here you can visit the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, where every Tuesday morning they are host a special event for Mini Explorers. 

The ideal activity to get you and your little ones out of the house for less. You can watch on as your children explore and socialise, whilst you enjoy a much-deserved cuppa and chat with fellow parents. Grab a ticket today for just £2 – suitable for mini explorers aged two to five.

Nearest station: Rugby

Family Friendly Art Talks, Herbert Art Gallery

Got any budding young artists in the family, then boy do we have the perfect activity for you. The Herbert Art Gallery is hosting special Family Friendly Art Talks on the last Saturday of every month until January 2023. The team will be bringing artworks to life through animated talks, all whilst using child-friendly language to encourage your little ones to share their views, questions, and interpretations. There’s no need for tickets as it’s a free event and ideal for ages 3+.

Nearest station: Coventry

Winter Chocolate Market, Coventry

Hop on the train and in just 30 minutes you’ll find yourself in Coventry. At the exciting Fargo Village market, you can explore the Winter Chocolate Market, this November. From cookies and brownies, truffles and cupcakes, to bars, blocks, and even slabs of high-quality chocolate – there’s plenty for the whole family to get their hands on. The market is open on Saturday 19^th November to Sunday 20^th November and is free to attend. 

Nearest station: Coventry

Coventry Cathedral and Blitz Museum

For kids with a love of history, or if you just want to get connected with the local area, why not take a trip to Coventry? Here you can explore Coventry’s twin cathedrals and find out more about what life in Coventry was like in World war II in the Blitz Museum. The ruined cathedral and modern cathedral are both free to visit, or you can pay a small fee to climb the tower and get a great view of the city!  

Nearest station: Coventry

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton

A special exhibit visiting the Wolverhampton Art Gallery, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year will be available to view until the 24^th December. Browse the selection of stunning award-winning photography that captures nature and wildlife at its best. As this is a visiting exhibit, there is a charge of £5.50 for adults and £3.50 for children to enter.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery also has a range of free exhibits to see, all within a beautiful 18^th century building – and only 30 minutes away by train.

Nearest station: Wolverhampton

Bantock House, Wolverhampton  

Situated in 43 acres of parkland and gardens, Bantock House is a hidden gem of history in Wolverhampton. Recently restored to its Edwardian-era glory, visitors can get a glimpse into the past, with art, artefacts, and archaeology to explore. Best of all, it’s free to visit and just 50 minutes on the train with a straightforward 10 minute connecting bus journey.

Nearest station: Wolverhampton

Victoria Park, Stafford

Stafford is 30 minutes on the train, and as soon as you step off you can find yourself in Victoria Park. This large and beautiful park boasts more than just grass. Here you can find an aviary, riverside walks, a climbing play area, skatepark, plus heaps of space for games and play. Take in the autumn sunshine and enjoy a free day out at Victoria Park with the whole family.

Nearest station: Stafford

There’s so much you can get out and experience on LNR this November. Make the most of the budget ticket prices for rail travel today, and have a day out that’s fun for all the family.

For more information about the London Northwestern Railway, please visit the website here or you can download a network map here.