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Top cities between Craven Arms and Birmingham
Best stops along Craven Arms to Birmingham drive
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40 Best Stops Between Craven Arms and Birmingham

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedApr 7, 2023

How long is the drive from Craven Arms to Birmingham?

The direct drive from Craven Arms to Birmingham is 65.3 mi (105 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 12 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Craven Arms to Birmingham, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Stoke-on-Trent, Telford, Tamworth, Worcester, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Dudley, Wrexham, Ashbourne, and Stafford, as well as top places to visit like Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and National Trust - Erddig, or the ever-popular National Trust - Powis Castle and Garden.

Visiting Craven Arms or Birmingham? See our Craven Arms Trip Planner and our Birmingham Trip Planner.
65.3 mi
Total Distance
1 hr 12 mins
Drive Time
40 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Top cities between Craven Arms and Birmingham

The top cities between Craven Arms and Birmingham are Stoke-on-Trent, Telford, Tamworth, Worcester, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Dudley, Wrexham, Ashbourne, and Stafford. Stoke-on-Trent is the most popular city on the route. It's 1 hour from Craven Arms and less than an hour from Birmingham.
1

Ludlow

Ludlow, a charming market town in Shropshire, England, is nestled between the rivers Corve and Teme. The town is renowned for its fairy tale venue, Ludlow Castle, which offers a breathtaking view of Whitcliffe Common Nature Reserve and serves as an enchanting setting for weddings with its rich history dating back almost 1000 years.
26% as popular as Stoke-on-Trent
8 minutes off the main route, 16% of way to Birmingham
2

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury, located in western England, is the county town of Shropshire. It boasts a picturesque Tudor center with charming half-timbered houses and notable landmarks such as the medieval Shrewsbury Castle housing the Shropshire Regimental Museum. The town also features unique churches like St Chad's Church with its circular nave and St Mary’s Church adorned with intricate stained-glass windows.
62% as popular as Stoke-on-Trent
7 minutes off the main route, 41% of way to Birmingham
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3

Wrexham

Wrexham, a city in Wales, serves as the administrative center of Wrexham County Borough. Nestled between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley, it sits close to the border with Cheshire, England. The area is home to a charming family-run coffee shop that was previously known as O'Creme Bakery & Pastry Shop. This establishment offers a taste of Portugal in Wrexham and is highly regarded by locals.
23% as popular as Stoke-on-Trent
39 minutes off the main route, 44% of way to Birmingham
4

Telford

Telford, located in Shropshire, England, serves as the administrative center of Telford and Wrekin borough. Situated near the River Severn and close to the county's eastern boundary, this rapidly growing town offers a mix of countryside charm and employment opportunities. With its beautiful open spaces, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent retail options, Telford is an accessible destination with a range of attractions to explore.
93% as popular as Stoke-on-Trent
3 minutes off the main route, 55% of way to Birmingham
5

Worcester

Worcester, a city in central England's West Midlands region, is home to the medieval Worcester Cathedral and The Commandery museum, which showcases its evolution from the Middle Ages through England's Civil War. The Tudor House Museum offers insights into life in Tudor and 17th-century Worcester, including traditional brewing and weaving.
34% as popular as Stoke-on-Trent
15 minutes off the main route, 59% of way to Birmingham
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6

Ashbourne

Ashbourne, a charming market town in Derbyshire, England, is home to around 9,163 people and boasts a rich history showcased through its historical buildings and independent shops. The town is famous for hosting the annual Shrovetide football match. Positioned as a base for walkers exploring the southern end of the Peak District, Ashbourne offers access to various long-distance walking trails and is surrounded by the picturesque valleys of River Dove and River Manifold.
20% as popular as Stoke-on-Trent
55 minutes off the main route, 61% of way to Birmingham
7

Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent, located in central England, is renowned for its pottery industry. The city boasts attractions like the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, which showcases locally crafted ceramics and decorative arts, as well as a WWII Spitfire. Visitors can explore the Gladstone Pottery Museum set in a former Victorian factory and wander through the Italian gardens and forest with monkeys at Trentham Estate.
Most popular city on this route
27 minutes off the main route, 64% of way to Birmingham
8

Stafford

Stafford, a charming market town and the county town of Staffordshire, England, is situated in close proximity to major cities like Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, and Birmingham. The town offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities. One of its popular spots is the Bird In Hand Stafford, a family-friendly pub known for live music events in the town center.
29% as popular as Stoke-on-Trent
16 minutes off the main route, 67% of way to Birmingham
9

Dudley

Dudley, located in the West Midlands of England, is a vibrant market town with a rich history. Situated 6 miles southeast of Wolverhampton and 8 miles northwest of Birmingham, it serves as the administrative hub for the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley. Formerly part of Worcestershire, this charming town had a population of 79,379 according to the 2011 census.
52% as popular as Stoke-on-Trent
7 minutes off the main route, 75% of way to Birmingham
10

Tamworth

Tamworth, a charming market town and borough in Staffordshire, England, is situated just 14 miles north-east of Birmingham. Bordered by North Warwickshire to the east and north, as well as Lichfield to the north, south-west and west, Tamworth derives its name from the River Tame that flows through it. With a population of 78,838 people in the borough, this picturesque town offers a blend of history and modernity.
59% as popular as Stoke-on-Trent
16 minutes off the main route, 75% of way to Birmingham

Best stops along Craven Arms to Birmingham drive

The top stops along the way from Craven Arms to Birmingham (with short detours) are Alton Towers, Cadbury World, and Drayton Manor Resort. Other popular stops include Blists Hill Victorian Town, Trentham Gardens, and Black Country Living Museum.
1

National Trust - Powis Castle and Garden

Mentioned on 
+41 other lists 
$$$$affordable
Castle
National Trust - Powis Castle and Garden is a historic stately home with lavish interiors and an impressive Indian collection. Originally a stronghold of the Welsh princes of Powys, the castle dates back to the 13th century and has been remarkably preserved. Visitors can explore the courtyard and deer park for free or choose to pay admission to tour the castle and its well-kept gardens. The site also features amenities such as a coffee shop, book shop, and plant stall for visitors to enjoy.
Just stunning, what a setting! Beautiful castle set in amazing grounds, views and gardens. Very good museum , lovely interior of the castle so work taking place with rewiring in a few rooms. Staff are very helpful and welcoming. Its cloud ( yew) hedging is something to behold- you can actually walk through it! Gardens are excellent and well tended. Good cafe, free parking. Would definitely recommend a visit.
Malcolm T — Google review
If you are in Wales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿, this place is absolutely recommended to visit. Despite the castle quite small and you cannot take photos inside, it's a very authentic and historical place. The gardens… they are truly amazing! When we visited this place, the weather was great and we spent about 3 hours walking and admiring the wonderful views. 5 stars from 5🏰
Yevhen S — Google review
NOTE: Castle and museum closes at 3 pm! Last admission to the garden - 4.30 pm. Not allowed to take photos inside the castle. Backpacks need to be carried on the front, not back to avoid damages. Beautiful place. Garden is absolutely magnificent. You can get apples from the trees in the garden for donation. Cages are placed near cafe at the bottom of the garden. If you will be lucky you'll see deer near car park.
Titanium X — Google review
Powis castle is now looked after by the national trust, so as per normal you get the usual , cafe, shop, etc. The castle is stunning, particularly in autumn when I went. The colours were breathtaking, though getting down to the gardens is quite a climb but well worth it. The castle is high end with some fantastic rooms , though no photos are allowed inside unfortunately. Volunteers were informative and helpful . There is an exhibition to do with Clive of India whose son married one of the daughters of the Herbert family that lived here. Well worth a visit.
Kevin M — Google review
It was my first visit to this castle and it really surpassed my expectations. I arrived at 10:30 and there was plenty of car parking all well signed. I had my Rab fleece on, soft shell trousers and Salomon cross trainers on. I was prepared for a lot of walking. There was a coach load of visitors just ahead of me, so I walked briskly to bypass the lot of them. No need as the museum and galleries didn’t open till 11 am! As you’d expect in a National Trust site, there’s lots of immaculately kept gardens, grounds and they’re very informative. Staff are dedicated and delighted to share the history and details of the castle. Fiona was very wonderful to chat to in the museum section devoted to Indian artefacts and history. The weather unfortunately was foggy but you still had spectacular views of the grounds, lake and the flowers, hedges and autumnal trees that masqueraded throughout. No photography is permitted inside the castle itself which is a shame. I spent a little under three hours here and enjoyed every minute. A must see spot if you’re in the vicinity.
Justin M — Google review
First time visiting today on a grey drizzly autumn day and I could not have had a more gorgeous day. The most exquisite grounds and castle I have ever seen. Absolutely worth a visit. Beyond beautiful.
Claire H — Google review
Powis Castle is an asolutely amazing place to visit for the whole family. Friendly staff throughout and beautiful gardens to explore with so much to see. The castle looks spectacular from the opposite side of the gardens and was very interesting to look around. The tearooms were superb and served a good variety of refreshments including speciality teas and coffee's, scones and cakes with a good selection of lunch options too. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would highly recommend.
Sonya B — Google review
Beautifully sculpted grounds with a large array of different plants and trees around the castle , staff were friendly and helpful. Coffee was decent and coffee shop was quaint. Bruce the cat was a lovely edition and he also made us welcome on the grounds 😁🐈‍⬛
Teri R — Google review
4.7
(7813)
•
4.5
(2315)
Powis Castle, Welshpool, SY21 8RF, United Kingdom
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/powis-castle-and-garden
+44 1938 551944
2

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Mentioned on 
+59 other lists 
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as Traphont Ddwr Pontcysyllte in Welsh, is a remarkable feat of engineering by Thomas Telford. It was completed in 1805 and is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site carries the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee valley in Wrexham, Wales. The aqueduct spans 307m long, 3.6m wide, 1.
Loved it! Wish we had more time to walk down to the water and along the trails too! The views were amazing! It's only a short walk across but you can also buy a ticket for the canal boat ride if you're willing to wait as the queues can be long, or hire a canoe (i was told by a passer by it was £39 each - there were 2 of them on the canoe) 😳. There was a floating market on the other side when we went so that was lovely to see. There were steps leading down just as we got to the other side, but that literally only goes just under the bridge to the opposite side. Maybe 10 steps down and then up the other side. Nothing to see. Only there so you can get across the aqueduct. Lol!! As we got to the other side - we didn't go much further - we saw a pub on the hill and it looked lovely for a lunch or something. Great pit stop for us on the way home. Kids enjoyed it as well.
Tammy B — Google review
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a truly breathtaking landmark and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring North Wales. As the highest navigable aqueduct in the UK, it is an incredible feat of engineering and a sight that never fails to impress. Walking along the aqueduct, you are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding Dee Valley, with its rolling hills, winding river, and lush greenery creating a picture-perfect backdrop. One of the highlights of visiting this iconic site is taking a canal boat trip across the aqueduct. Gliding along the tranquil waterway is an unforgettable experience. The boats are charming, well-maintained, and provide a unique perspective of the structure from above the valley. As you travel slowly across, you can fully appreciate the scale and elegance of the aqueduct, while enjoying the calmness of the water and the gentle sounds of nature around you. The scenery along the canal is equally enchanting. Wildlife is abundant, and the peaceful waters reflect the sky and countryside beautifully, making it a photographer’s dream. The boat trips are relaxing yet engaging, offering commentary about the history of the aqueduct and the canal system, which adds depth to the experience. Whether you are walking across, taking a boat trip, or simply admiring the aqueduct from afar, Pontcysyllte is a remarkable place that combines history, engineering, and natural beauty. It is a perfect day out for families, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy one of Wales’ most iconic and scenic locations.
Darrell D — Google review
A masterpiece both an engineering wonder and a stunning scenic spot. Walking across it was such a thrilling experience, with incredible views over the Dee Valley. The height and the narrow canal path make it feel adventurous, yet peaceful at the same time. The surroundings are lovely for a quiet walk or a picnic, and there are a few nice cafés and pubs nearby for a stop afterwards. It’s amazing to think it’s been standing for over 200 years and still functions perfectly. Definitely worth a visit if you love nature, history, or just a bit of adventure
Ephila J — Google review
Fantastic to visit. We had a boat ride over the aqueduct for 45mins. The lady guide was exceptional in her knowledge of all the history and details. She was also a " Skipper" and also lived in her longboat moored there. Would recommend a tour if your in the area. Great photograph experience too. Will be back if on holiday in that area again.
Trisha O — Google review
Great place to visit, great views and beautiful scenery all around and a really nice stretch of the river dee too. There's a nice easy walk from the aqueduct to Ty Mawr Park which is great if you've got kids with its little animal park, playground and ice cream shop. At the aqueduct you can even hire a canal boat for the day too. Well recommend.
James H — Google review
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a breathtaking feat of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Welsh countryside. Completed in 1805, it carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee on 19 slender stone pillars, soaring 126 feet high. Walking across its narrow towpath offers stunning panoramic views and a thrilling sense of elevation. The aqueduct’s cast iron trough and elegant design showcase Thomas Telford’s ingenuity. Whether by foot or canal boat, the experience is unforgettable—serene, scenic, and steeped in history. It’s a must-visit for lovers of architecture, nature, and heritage, blending technical brilliance with tranquil beauty.
Abu T — Google review
Latest of many visits to the area. Signed up for canoe trip across the Aqueduct with Ty Nant Adventure. Well organised experience with a great instructor. Scenery was great with the autumn colours to be seen all around. Fantastic breakfast in the Old Chapel tearoom.
Dave P — Google review
This is over 200 years old viaduct over the River Dee. You can paddle or walk over it. For safety reasons paddle boarders have to push board with the paddle while walking instead is stand up paddling. View from the viaduct is breathtaking. In good conditions you can for many miles. There is a car park nearby in Trevor.
Dzdzownicolo — Google review
4.8
(7387)
•
4.7
(1804)
Station Rd, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TY, United Kingdom
https://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk/
+44 1978 822912
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3

National Trust - Erddig

Mentioned on 
+16 other lists 
$$$$affordable
Historical place museum
National Trust - Erddig is a grand 18th-century manor located in Wrexham, Wales. It offers tours of the family house and its expansive 12,000-acre garden. The property provides a glimpse into the life of the British upper class during the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing the 'upstairs-downstairs' social hierarchy of that era.
Beautiful house and gardens. Very welcoming staff. So lovely to see the history of the staff in service displayed. My favourite area of the house seeing the servants dining hall and butlers pantry. A very informative lady explained the whole area with such animation it brought it to life for me. We enjoyed sitting out in the beautiful gardens.
Sarah M — Google review
Another lovely National Trust property. We visited on a saturday morning, car park was very busy, but this was due to an event in the grounds. the house id fascinating, with very helpful staff to explain all the details. The gardens are beautiful, even in the Autumn. The usual national trust facilities such a great little cafe and second hand book shop. Well worth a visit.
Mark S — Google review
Erdigg Hall is an 18th century house and garden near Wrexham, North Wales. It is set in over 1200 acres of woodland. Entrance to the car park is free and fairly spacious. This gives direct access to the route which, broadly, goes around the edge of the estate. Paths are clear, firm (for the most part) and easy to follow thanks to excellent markers - just follow the red route. The woodlands are stunning with a mix of trees, some of which are extremely old and wide. Some Yew trees are as much as 800 years old while some oak trees are as much as 400 years old. There are a number of small rivers and streams running through the woods and this all makes for a good dog friendly setting. As you work your way around you encounter an unusual water feature called the Cup and Saucer. There is a well placed bench there which is a great lunch spot. This is not a difficult route, no major hills or rough surfaces, and should be suitable for all ages and skill levels. Full entrance to the hall and other facilities, including the tea room, was rather expensive (around £20 per adult): so quite an expensive cup of tea if that's all you were seeking. In all, a lovely and typical country house and woodland walk for an easy but entertaining walk.
Ian S — Google review
Stunning country house, surrounding gardens and estate. Would especially recommend to visit in autumn ( beginning of October), during apple harvesting season and related festival. This time of the year the grounds full of stunning colours, true feast for the eyes! Estate grows more than 100 varieties of apples. Some of them sold on festival days. Very delicious and taste like apples from grandma's garden! You can get the apples for baking too and plenty of inspiration for baking a delicious apple cake when back home! During the festive days usually you can try delicious pork& apple baps, locally made apple cider. Last time visited everything was such a delight to enjoy in the last warmth of autumnal sun. Estate & grounds offer countless lovely walks, local coffee shop, restaurant and second hand book shop also lovely to visit.
Asta V — Google review
Went along for parkrun and it’s one of the most scenic courses I’ve ever done. The course spans across the whole grounds, including stunning views from the side of the hill in front of the house, and the lake. They had a brilliant display of all their varieties of apples too and I’ve never seen so many types of apples! The gift shop is fantastic too, carrying National Trust branded accessories and even Erddig specific souvenirs. Would definitely recommend visiting.
Steph — Google review
This place is great. The gardens are very pretty &well kept. For children there are lots of games &toys scattered about the grounds for them to tackle &a wooded play area. There is a shop.plants for sale.somewhere to get things to eat &lots of seating areas inside &out. Picnic areas if you take a picnic. Toilets.Inside the property is gorgeous. All kept very nice. There is a route you have to follow &it was quite busy.but it hadn't been open long. Lots of guides about to tell you things. Also new things going on in certain rooms. Clocks chime.lights come on.music plays.etc. There is some restoration work going on but it didn't hinder the tour. All very nice. We went with a free pass.
Cobbydale S — Google review
A wonderful sense of life for the family in this home, both upstairs and downstairs. The family's habit of not throwing anything away has provided a complete view of life over several generations with NT still cataloguing the contents of the estate. The gardens are an interesting combination of formal and practical, but for personal reasons, we were unable to walk the extensive grounds, which seem to have several areas of interest.
Steph B — Google review
There was an apple event on when we went which included a folk group playing and singing and lots of apple stalls and events on including a special one for children. It was our first time visiting and a map would have been useful to show where we could go and what we could see. We took the dogs and lots of others were there with theirs and it was really lovely to see. The staff were friendly and the gardens and outside of the house were beautiful (couldn't go in as had the dogs). Would definitely visit again and would be useful to know if there's anywhere to sit to eat inside with the dogs once the weather gets colder.
Claire N — Google review
4.7
(5208)
•
4.4
(1482)
Erddig, Wrexham, LL13 0YT, United Kingdom
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig/
+44 1978 355314
4

British Ironwork Centre

Mentioned on 
10 lists 
Visitor center
Museums
The British Ironwork Centre, situated in Oswestry, is a captivating destination for families and art enthusiasts alike. The centre boasts an extensive collection of decorative ironwork, ranging from suits of armor to animal sculptures and lamps. Visitors can explore the indoor emporium for unique shopping experiences or wander through the outdoor area adorned with architectural structures and numerous sculptures. Notable attractions include the famous Spoon Gorilla and Knife Angel, serving as the UK's national monument against knife crime.
The BIC is incredible, the exhibits are amazing and all from recycling. Booked afternoon tea at The Forge, which was fabulous, giving free entry to the park. Spent around 90 minutes wandering around beforehand, so much to see, lots of thought provoking exhibits, the craftsmanship is just brilliant. Some great things to buy in the shops, including Christmas decorations. We will definitely be back, don't miss it out if visiting the area or looking for a day trip!
Phill C — Google review
It was truly a wonderful trip. Me and my family absolutely loved seeing the wonderful sculptures! They weren't just magnificent, they were amazing, innovative and I loved how symbolic the pieces were. There were so many to see and the facts they held too was fascinating to learn. Even though it was raining, we still had a brilliant time. We wish you the best and want to say thanks for having us.
Anisa A — Google review
Heard about this place from word of mouth and was not disappointed. Did a memory jar Xmas 24 for my dad so we have time together more than gifts. The sun came out and we had a fantastic day. So nice to simply stroll round at our pace, learn things along the way and of course, see the amazing statues. Lunch in the cafe was lovely and the shops were nice to explore. Were there around 3.5hrs in total and to see my dad enjoy it so much was precious! Well worth a visit! I will be back!
Debbie P — Google review
What an amazing, and not too expensive day out with the early bird tickets. We were truly taken back by the creativity of some of the sculptures. The time and effort that has gone in to each and every one, was honestly outstanding. It’s a really good day out, even if you “sculptures” aren’t really your thing! There is also a really lovely cafe and shop and as we came round to the end, there was also a man playing some music and singing, his voice was gorgeous! The only downside we found, was the walking between some of the sculptures with a little one. Towards the end, he got quite bored and the walking was tiring for him. This is something that can’t really be helped and I should think most 6 year olds would be the same after an hour or so of walking. Amazing day out otherwise, would definitely recommend!!!
Laura J — Google review
Amazing day, a lot more than I realised. Loved the fact sheets especially regarding the endangered animals! Cafe was amazing and the portions were wonderful. You could tell the coronation chicken was homemade, it was delicious! Brilliant for all the family.
Jennie C — Google review
What an amazing place! This was our first visit and we had such a fantastic time. So many amazing sculptures, lots of info to read and get the kids talking about important social and environmental topics, friendly staff and delicious food. We loved it and will definitely be back!
Heather B — Google review
We enjoyed our day here. It was Halloween so the staff were all dressed up and they had scare actors. The food looked amazing especially the afternoon tea but we found our scones a little dry but very nice. Was pleased to be there for the return of the Knife Angel. Not a full day out but well worth a good couple of hours.
Lisa C — Google review
Amazing day out! We got the early bird tickets which meant we had to be there for 9am. Was a great option it was quiet. We were able to have a lovely breakfast in the cafe and it wasn’t busy. Food was great we had 2 breakfast a sandwich and drinks and it came to £30. Well worth it for quality and portion size. This place is amazing we wondered round for hours so much to see. We did the kids activity sheet so that kept my 9 year interested and active running about getting the clues. Would 100% recommend a visit. In fact we are planning on going back at Xmas time
Jenna C — Google review
4.7
(3258)
•
4.7
(5438)
Whitehall, Aston, Oswestry SY11 4JH, United Kingdom
https://www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/
+44 1691 610952
5

National Trust - Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd

Mentioned on 
+29 other lists 
$$$$affordable
National reserve
National Trust - Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd is a picturesque site located between Church Stretton and the Long Mynd in the heart of Shropshire Hills AONB. It's known for its heather-covered hills, abundant wildlife, and various outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding. The area offers breathtaking hikes, cycling trails, and birdwatching opportunities due to its proximity to the stunning heath and moorland plateau of the Long Mynd.
We visited this beautiful spot today with the family, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The location is absolutely stunning — surrounded by nature with breathtaking views everywhere you look. We did a 45-minute hike to reach the waterfalls, and it was totally worth the effort. The trail was manageable and scenic, making the walk enjoyable for all of us. Once we reached the waterfalls, the view was just incredible — peaceful, refreshing, and picture-perfect. Along the way and near the starting point, there were some cozy coffee shops where we grabbed drinks and snacks, which added a nice touch to the day. It’s a fantastic place for a day out, whether you're into nature walks, photography, or just looking to relax and unwind with your loved ones. Highly recommended
Robin S — Google review
It is a very beautiful place for hiking and picnicking. Lots of greenery. Best place for a family outing. Nice place to play for kids with pebbles and water flowing. When you go upstairs for a hike you will find sheep and horses. Also, there is a small lake where I saw people swimming.
Imran H — Google review
Lovely friendly welcome from the carpark man with plenty of information for new comers. Loads of parking space with a few maps of the walks displayed. Toilet facilities and cafe. Information center. Absolutely stunning views and just a really chilled out atmosphere. Take walking boots
Martin M — Google review
What a wonderful and stunning place to go. Perfect for hikers, walkers, dogs and families. There are 3 main walking routes, the easiest being the reservoir, there is a steep hill up to it. The waterfall walk was lovely but be aware, there are lots of large rocks and some scrambling involved if you want to take the route all around. Most people walked up to the waterfall and then back. Third is the big track which will give you a good challenge. Will come here again for the views and maybe try the whole route next time.
Myma H — Google review
We did the waterfall walk, which has great views at the top, and lots of small waterfalls before the main one. There hasn't been much rain recently, so they were fairly quiet, but still a lovely walk. Saw several ponies with foals and lots of sheep. The trail is steep and rocky, with some gravel paths, so walking boots/shoes are recommended, especially on wet days.
Steve B — Google review
Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd is a truly beautiful place to visit. The scenery is stunning, with rolling hills, peaceful streams, and plenty of wildlife. Along the way, you’ll often see sheep, horses, and a variety of wild birds, which makes the walk feel even more connected to nature. It’s a very popular tourist attraction, and for good reason. Parking is available on site at £6 for the whole day, which is reasonable given the facilities and the length of time you’ll likely want to spend exploring. There’s also a café where you can grab a coffee or treat yourself to some ice cream, which is a nice touch after a walk. The area has a romantic, tranquil feel, perfect for couples or families looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. However, you can't make any sort of fire like BBQ or using Gas etc The walk up to the waterfall is a highlight, but the path can get slippery, so good shoes are recommended. It’s worth noting that the route to the waterfall isn’t suitable for those with limited mobility, though the wider landscape and greenery can still be enjoyed without the climb. For the average walker, reaching the waterfall takes around 40 minutes. We brought our own snacks and had a lovely time sitting and soaking in the views. Unfortunately, one upsetting moment really disrupted what would otherwise have been a peaceful evening. Despite clear signs throughout the valley asking visitors to keep dogs under control due to grazing animals, we witnessed a sheep being attacked by a dog whose owner had no regard for the rules. The poor sheep was injured, and to make matters worse, the irresponsible owner left without helping. We reported the incident to the National Trust staff, and I hope the sheep received the care it needed. It’s deeply frustrating that such incidents happen, and I sincerely hope that owners who allow this are held accountable. Overall, this is a wonderful place to visit, full of natural beauty and charm. Just please – if you bring a dog, respect the signs and keep them on a lead so that everyone, including the wildlife, can enjoy this special landscape safely.
Mohammed M — Google review
One of the most beautiful walks I have ever been on. The valley and hills were beautiful, the views were amazing, and the animals were lovely. Despite taking the most horrible drive up the mountain, the rest of the experience was truly wonderful.
Sean B — Google review
Wonderful little spot but make sure you're wearing suitable clothes. More fool us for not doing our research beforehand but we attempted the path to Lightspout Waterfall. A great, scenic route with some stream hopping and clambering over rocks. Just don't do it in jeans and trainers.
Monster U — Google review
4.8
(5422)
•
4.7
(808)
Church Stretton, SY6 6JG, United Kingdom
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carding-mill-valley-and-the-long-mynd
+44 1694 725000
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6

The Crocky Trail

Mentioned on 
11 lists 
Temporarily Closed
Theme park
Water & Amusement Parks
The Crocky Trail in Cheshire is a perfect destination for families seeking an adventurous day out. This mile-long outdoor trail offers a variety of physical challenges and activities, including slides, rope swings, climbs, mazes, bridges, and tunnels. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the muddy countryside setting as they navigate through the course. The park also features picnic areas and a cafe for relaxation after the exhilarating experience.
Absolutely fantastic place for the kids. Lots of them to do. They had a amazing time, although we didn't eat each food seemed very reasonable priced. Trail was amazing so much for them to do along the way. Been wanting to come here for a few years. Can't believe it's taken so long. Definitely will be going back.
Kim B — Google review
Excellent place, good value for money. However just be aware of grown adults playing in the mud then spreading that mud on the boards and hand rails. We were unfortunate to be behind them on the trail our clothes got covered in mud and one of our party slipped and hurt their back.
Jan O — Google review
Brilliant value family day out (less so if anybody is paying but not going on anything). As housemates with 1 child in tow, we had a collective blast on various slides, swings, football games, a bicycle powered roller coaster, mazes, so so much. It's all knocked together with what looks like scrap, but it's part of the charm that a lot of this requires no power and is simple construction that allows them to have so many things across the site and trail. Yes, you will come away with friction burns from some things, a wet bum even on a relatively dry day, and by god some of the things give you a workout. If you like to wrap your kids in cotton wool, don't bring them here, however if you are older in mindset that climbing trees, rough and tumble and a bit of dirt are healthy, get them here The site includes a car park you can freely go back and forth to (you have wristbands for re entry), excellent if the weather changes and you want to change, or are ready for any picnic you brought. There is an alright cafe inside that does got drinks and basic food (hotdog, burger, panini, chips) One reviewer said that adults aren't allowed on the slides, there was only a few slides that said yellow wristband only, there are some good big ones for the adults so that was tosh
Brandon H — Google review
Great place, could keep the kids occupied all day if we had the time. Loads of new games/swings/obstacles that I've not seen at any other theme parks before. Walk round the woods had loads of good ideas too that you could easily miss as there was so much for the kids to play on in the main part. Will definitely go back though wouldn't want to do it if it's raining.
Michael S — Google review
Knew about this place for a while but finally went. Me and family spent the whole day there and still never did everything. There is so much to do and the sun shining was a bonus. Amazing!! my son can't wait to go back
Chris B — Google review
We had a really good time here actually the best place we have ever been too. Kids really enjoyed it so much they didn’t need their phones!! You do however get a wet bum on the slides as they have to wet them so you can slide down better so definitely take an extra pair of shorts/trousers for the kids, plus walking boots or trainers is key. Adults here and not allowed on the slides or anything else for that matter only for the children :(
Emma P — Google review
If you are a lover of traditional outdoor fun for the family, then this is well worth a visit. The attractions are all makeshift but work really well. I do think the ticket prices are just a tad too expensive to be honest. Attractions seemed to be managed really well compared to previous years; no overcrowding, no rowdy teens on with the younger kids... Also a small area with small inflatables which was new since our last visit. Food/drink prices on site are too expensive. £2 for a 300ml soft drink, £12+ for a small pizza... However picnics are allowed which is certainly a bonus.
Joe T — Google review
Bloody brilliant. Can’t believe how much it has changed. I’ve been going randomly since I was younger and now I’m 35, went back and wow they have done so much. Lovely walk and really good for all ages. They’ve got a good area now but you can take your own, and you can spend the day so £18 really is not a lot. Adults less as can’t go on a lot. Really good place to go for the day. Barely a wait to get in. Gluten free food available at the food area which is great considering it is more fast food. Our teenagers and adults all thoroughly enjoyed it all.
Hannah H — Google review
4.6
(3411)
•
4.3
(1281)
Guy Ln, Waverton, Chester CH3 7PH, United Kingdom
http://www.crockytrail.co.uk/
+44 1244 953277
7

The Quarry

Mentioned on 
+25 other lists 
Park
Nature & Parks
The Quarry is a picturesque riverfront green space featuring a sunken garden at its center, as well as a play area and bandstand. It's an ideal spot for leisurely strolls along the riverside, with the opportunity to admire the 1923 Porthill Footbridge and enjoy a picnic on the grassy park. The Dingle, an ornamental garden designed by Percy Thrower, adds to the charm of this Victorian-era destination.
Visited on Easter Sunday. Very clean and had a funfair which was excellent for kids and the prices were reasonable The garden area was really nice and well maintained. Also a nice and well spaced area for picnics Also plenty of areas where benches are available for people to sit and relax There is also a nice playground area next to a cafe and ice cream vendor. Toilets are also accessible and free to use. Also a really nice and relaxing walk along the river too...
Ibrahim R — Google review
I recently spent some time at The Quarry in Shrewsbury, and it’s one of those places that blends natural beauty with a relaxed, local atmosphere. As a vegetarian who enjoys peaceful green spaces and a bit of people-watching, it really hit the mark. The park is spacious—around 29 acres—but it’s laid out in a way that feels open and easy to explore rather than sprawling. The River Severn curves around it, adding a lovely waterside touch. I did a slow loop along the riverside path, and it was perfect for a gentle walk. The area had a nice community vibe with people out walking dogs, running, or just lounging on the grass. It never felt too busy, even on a nice day. I brought along a veggie wrap from a local café and found a great picnic spot by the river. There weren’t many food options directly in the park when I visited, but being close to town means you can easily grab something before heading in. The open spaces are ideal for just stretching out, relaxing, or even reading for a bit. The Quarry is also really accessible—flat, well-maintained paths make it easy for all mobility levels. It’s a great option whether you want a quiet afternoon, a scenic jog, or just a peaceful walk to unwind. I’d happily return any time I’m in Shrewsbury.
Kungfu-pigeon — Google review
If the weather is good this is a fantastic place to come and relax after a rough day exploring this lovely town. There is plenty of room for the kids to burnnof some energy and the is also a good sized play park and a splash area.
Paul O — Google review
Stepping into The Quarry feels like entering a dream woven from petals, fragrance, and sunlight. Nestled away like a secret whispered by nature, this garden is an exquisite tapestry of colors and textures, where time seems to slow and the soul feels lighter. What truly sets The Quarry apart is its breathtaking collection of flowers—most notably, the tulips. Rows upon rows of them bloom in vibrant harmony, their silky petals dancing in the breeze like brushstrokes on a living canvas. Every corner of the garden bursts with life: soft pastels, bold crimsons, and delicate whites—each tulip telling its own story. Their gentle sway under the sun is nothing short of magical. Pathways wind through curated beds and untamed patches alike, offering intimate moments with nature’s artistry. It’s easy to lose yourself here, among birdsong and the perfume of blossoms. The Quarry is more than a garden—it’s a sanctuary of beauty, a celebration of growth, and a reminder that enchantment still exists in the world. If you’re looking for a place to be inspired, calmed, or simply awed, The Quarry is a must-visit. You don’t just walk through it—you feel it in your heart.
Zoë V — Google review
Beautiful park next to the river Severn. Riverside walks, children's play & water parks. Great cafe next to the leisure centre. The Dingle Garden is full of interesting plants and a pond.
Patsy — Google review
We visited Quarry Garden by chance on our way back from Snowdonia, and it turned out to be a wonderful surprise! The park has something for everyone—open spaces, a play area, peaceful gardens, and the beautiful Dingle, a former quarry transformed into a stunning sunken garden. The suspension bridge over the River Severn is a highlight, with lovely views (and a fun little sway when you cross!). There’s also The Boathouse pub nearby with outdoor seating overlooking the river. Full of history, nature, and a warm community feel—definitely worth a visit if you’re in Shrewsbury.
Yusra A — Google review
Shrewsbury is a great place to visit, ancient buildings, a lovely walk along the river Severn,the park,and the hidden gem,the dingle,a sunken tropical like scene,flowers,pool,we'll maintained gardens,beautiful.
Philip A — Google review
It's our second time in The Quarry. It has always been stunning and peaceful. Huge playground for the kids. the play ground and wet play area were both clean. I just hope that they offer an all day parking. Can't wait to go back with family and friends.
Thea T — Google review
4.7
(5771)
•
4.8
(1671)
Shrewsbury, SY1 1JA, United Kingdom
+44 1743 281010
8

Shrewsbury Prison

Mentioned on 
+22 other lists 
Sights & Landmarks
Escape room center
Shrewsbury Prison, an 18th-century jail closed in 2013, offers visitors the opportunity to explore its empty cells and yard. The prison provides guided tours led by retired prison officers, allowing guests to delve into its intriguing history and experience interactive activities such as a prison-themed escape room. For those seeking a chilling experience, ghost tours are available to explore the dark past and mysterious atmosphere of the prison.
We visited the Shrewsbury Prison today and had a guided tour with Graham, I think it was. And we would thoroughly recommend it! Our tour was very informative and really interesting about prison life, and Grahams 30+ years service in the prison service. My 10 year old was part of the tour, and he gained a lot from it. So that age group is good for debating parents. All in all 5⭐️ a very good and interesting way to spend 2-3hours of your day.
Ashley L — Google review
HMP Shrewsbury, nicknamed "The Dana" after the original Dana Gaol on the site, is a fantastic Tourist attraction and insight into how Prison Life and conditions were. All the staff are wonderful and helpful. I went on a Self Guided tour on this occasion, although ghost and guided varieties exist if you wish. There are detailed and plentiful boards giving information about the rooms and topics surrounding that area of the facility. The only negative is the new chapel and Visitation was closed around the time of my visit, which I would have loved to see.
Jack R — Google review
Great tour today with the 10:30 tour guides. Lots of information and interesting facts and interactions with the group. Now watching Time on BBC iPlayer.
Stephen M — Google review
Brilliant day out with easy parking. You get the full run of the prison, it's a real eye opener and well worth it. Wing c is very spooky and sad, the execution room really is sobering.
Thomas B — Google review
A fascinating and yet a sad place. Our guides were Malcolm and Alex who told us about the prison's history in an incredibly engaging way. The personal stories of Malcolm, who worked there for many years, are particularly captivating and moving.
Zuzanna K — Google review
Had a great time looking around the Historical Prison. Lots to see and good signage. Just wish we had time to do the guided tour!
Elizabeth H — Google review
A fascinating place , lovely to visit but must have been horrible to be in, with electricity , toilets and water in the cells only added in 1995. This was also 1 of 17 prisons that was allowed to carry out executions. Infoboards are scattered around the site , and are interesting if sparse. There are tours (1 a day) which would be better if you want to understand more. I managed a quick chat with a guide and an ex officer in the jail which was fascinating. There is a resturaunt on site and they do ghost tours in the evening if that's your thing.
Kevin M — Google review
Fantastic guided tour by Alex, very informative and his enthusiasm really showed. Definitely recommend it.
Dean V — Google review
4.6
(1993)
•
4.7
(5785)
The Dana, Shrewsbury, SY1 2HP, United Kingdom
https://www.shrewsburyprison.com/
+44 1743 343100
9

The Ice Cream Farm

Mentioned on 
24 lists 
$$$$affordable
Sights & Landmarks
The Ice Cream Farm is a delightful destination for families, offering over 40 flavors of ice cream and a range of activities to keep both kids and adults entertained. From play areas and farm animals to quad bikes and indoor sand and water play, there's something for everyone. Visitors can also explore the magical ice cream tree, try their hand at adventure golf, or visit Fudge Farm to see a variety of animals.
Brilliant place. Lots to do both under cover and outside. We took a 5 year old and he loved. Would work out cheaper to buy the package for rides but as we'd not been before we were unsure. The ice cream was fabulous 👌
Nicola J — Google review
We had a lovely day out here recently. It was a very warm day so we made use of some activities there with shade and water. The play pass worked out well for us for our children. The indoor water play with sandpit and play/climbing equipment was very crowded at times but it was perfect for a hot day so we went when it was not too busy and the kids were entertained for a long time. They also enjoyed the Gemstone activity and the new sensory play area. The soft play was overcrowded and it felt cramped. Be mindful that there are wasps everywhere but it looks like they have measures in place to manage this but still there were just so many. Thankfully we didn’t get stung. The icecream is delicious. For a day out there is so much to do there but it also works out quite expensive. It’s good that there is a good enough play area as you enter that you don’t need a play pass for. There was one member of staff that was extremely helpful, a young lady who served us in the water play part and the gemstone activity. Didn’t catch her name but she went above and beyond and seemed like she genuinely loved working there.
Kate P — Google review
What a great day out. The entry cost is cheap enough, and then you pick and choose what activity play areas you'd like to add on. Good news, once you've paid for the activity area, you can go back as many times as you want during the day. Recently opened a sensory outdoor play area with soft mat flooring. Must have cost a fortune! Don't miss the indoor sand and water play area. Food was OK, typical burger and chips style, but fine for a family treat. Ice cream galore! And it's rather special too. Shame about the bubble tree that is supposed to spurt out bubbles once an hour. Otherwise a great day out!
David H — Google review
We used the Drive-in for a couple of cones. Easy ordering and quick delivery. Fun, unusual way of getting your ice cream. I think the ice cream menu could have some more information maybe regarding the flavours themselves. The play centre itself looked pretty busy and the car park was full. Attendant was helpful in making sure we got to where we needed.
Joshua ( — Google review
We love it here! We hadn’t been for a couple of years so we was happy to see there was a lot more activities. The new park is beautiful and colourful. Kids loved it! It’s great that you can spend as much time as you want in there too and the icecream is amazing. Had a lovely day with my family will be visiting again!
Megan P — Google review
Great place for young children and families. So many activities to choose from covering a wide age range, from 5-15 year olds. Generous portions served in the restaurant with a decent selection too. Naturally an enormous selection of ice creams too choose from. Fairly expensive but a worthwhile day out!
Tony S — Google review
Great day at Ice cream Farm 🚜🍦 was busy this day but kids have lot of fun. Many places to do picnic and play areas. My favorite was Ice cream fields colourful and so many activities. At the end we had Ice cream, so many flavours it's hard to choose 😅 I had mango and passion fruit, was delicious 😋
Adriana C — Google review
Kids really enjoyed the day out at The Ice Cream Farm even though the weather wasn’t too great. The water and sand area was the area they spent most time at. Make sure to bring water shoes and spare clothes as they will get wet and dirty. Water is very cold be warned. Pricing is individual for all attractions or can buy a pass. Ice creams are nice with plenty of choice. Overall good day.
AbuAadam — Google review
4.4
(9601)
•
3.8
(2762)
Drumlan Hall, Newton Ln, Cheshire, Chester CH3 9NE, United Kingdom
http://www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk/
+44 800 133 7000
10

Delamere Forest

Mentioned on 
48 lists 
Woods
Nature & Parks
Forests
Delamere Forest is a vast woodland offering a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy multi-use trails for walking and cycling, as well as summer concerts and a visitor center with a cafe. The forest also provides the perfect setting for the ancient practice of forest bathing, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in nature and find meditative peace among the quiet presence of trees.
Delamere Forest is a truly stunning place to spend a day outdoors. The forest is filled with lush greenery, peaceful walking and running tracks, and a beautiful lake that adds a special charm to the surroundings. It’s the perfect spot to escape the noise of everyday life and enjoy the calming sounds of nature. The well-maintained paths make it ideal for both leisurely strolls and more active runs, offering something for everyone. What makes the forest even better is how well it’s set up for visitors. There’s a designated BBQ area, picnic spots where families and friends can relax, and clean toilet facilities that make the visit more comfortable. The scenic views are breathtaking, especially around the lake, and the sight-seeing opportunities are endless. Whether you’re there for a peaceful walk, a fun day out, or simply to admire nature, Delamere Forest is a place that leaves a lasting impression.
Nicholas M — Google review
Great forest, shame about the dog mess and bags. Not too much litter though. Wet land a bit lifeless with all the chopped down trees sticking out of the water. The forestry areas are really beautiful, worth visiting.
Eve N — Google review
Each time I visit I find a new part of the forest! 🌳 nothing beats walking in nature and exploring. Great activities on site too.
Helen B — Google review
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delamere Forest offers a wonderful natural retreat, combining scenic beauty with a peaceful atmosphere. The forest is exceptionally well maintained, featuring a variety of walking and cycling trails suitable for all abilities. The facilities are clean and well-organized, making it an ideal destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and visitors seeking relaxation in a serene environment. The staff and rangers are helpful and knowledgeable, contributing to an overall excellent experience. A visit to Delamere Forest is highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Cheshire’s natural landscape. Absolutely nice experience in the natural environment 🐃🌲🪵🪾🌳🌿🍃🍀🌿🍂🍁🍄🍄‍🟫🪹🍄‍🟫🪻🌼
Fab T — Google review
Delamere Forest is a lovely place to go. We went to one of the Forest Live concerts. It was well organized & sign posted from the main road nearby. Most people had taken fold up chairs to sit on or a sheet to sit on the grass. It was a very relaxed & pleasant atmosphere. There was room for everyone & it wasn't over crowded. It was a good view wherever you were as the stage is liwer down in the vally. Plenty of food & drink available, although expensive as most are nowadays. The concert was really good & Snow Patrol were fantastic, playing all of their hits. The 2 support bands were good as well ( the Florentinas & Freya Ridings ). I would highly recommend going to see them all. Plenty of toilets on site but massive cues for the ladies just before Snow Patrol were due on stage. There was plenty of parking but be prepared to wait an hour after the concert to get out of the car park as the marshalls direct one section at a time.
Scott R — Google review
Great place to visit , great walks and trails to follow , would highley recommend, onsite parking & cafe all good 👍
Edward D — Google review
A vast forest for you to explore. Lots of trails including bike trails. A lot are wheelchair accessible to.
Mike M — Google review
Good place for walk with kids but better would be on bikes as it is long walk all around.
Lauris F — Google review
4.6
(971)
•
4.0
(1017)
Frodsham, WA6 6NB, UK, USA
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11

Hawkstone Park Follies

Mentioned on 
21 lists 
Temporarily Closed
Park
Nature & Parks
Historical landmark
Hawkstone Park Follies is a 100-acre parkland featuring rugged sandstone hills, gullies, and caves. It offers a tearoom and various services for visitors. The site is recognized as a masterpiece of the School of Naturalistic Landscape and has been designated as a Grade listed landscape by English Heritage.
Such a lovely day out. The steps were definitely a welcomed challenge, but the sights are so lovely, so going a pace is easy so you can stop and enjoy the views. Next time, we will definitely be sampling the cafe offerings.
Abbie F — Google review
Absolutely fantastic place, very easy to park. The staff were very informative and cheery which was nice. Good information on prices visible. Toilets at the entrance. Lots of dog drinking stations which was a lovely touch. Great place to adventure for all ages , wouldnt recommend for wheelchairs, buggies or those with limited mobility however I believe there's tours via 4x4 on the Web page? Lots to see and do there. We spent about 2 hours but could have spent all day adventuring! There's human and dog icecream in the freezer to purchase at the end aswell as cold drinks.
Sarah S — Google review
Excellent place to visit, great views, and spectacular scenery. We visited on a Saturday, the car park was busy, but plenty big enough to find a space (parking is free). From the car park it is a short walk to the main entrance to the walk. There are restrooms and a cafe (more on which later) and a small gift shop area. The walk is a circular route, with a great deal of steps both up and down, and tree roots and low branches to be wary of. It is a one way walk, which makes life easier for everyone (so quite how the family of three went the wrong way is a bit of a mystery)🤡 Sturdy footwear is definitely recommended, and a torch (for the caves and tunnels), although torches are available at the entrance if required, but I don't know the cost. Whilst it is only a 3.5-4.0 mile walk around (shorter if you take a few of the different (easier) paths, it is quite strenuous, so be prepared, especially if taking younger children etc. There are numerous stopping points on the way to enjoy the views around the area, and a number of towers and follies to access. There are toilets half way around the walk, and a number of well located benches for stopping and a picnic. One thing I would say is this is definitely NOT a walk on a wet day or after heavy rain, as some of the downhill gravel stretches can I imagine be a bit treacherous and muddy too. We were quite lucky in that it was quite a cool day, as in the summer it would get pretty hot walking around. It is highly recommended to take water or other liquids with you, as I can vouch that the walk does make you thirsty!!🥵 Some of the white arrow signage is a little confusing but there is a free map supplied when you buy your ticket, and this should definitely be taken as it does help. Unfortunately one of the return routes was closed off part way round, but nonetheless it was a very enjoyable walk. On arrival back at the entrance as mentioned there are toilets and a cafe. We were looking forward to a cuppa and perhaps a slice of cake, but the cafe was quite disappointing as it is completely self service, and does not seem to offer much in the way of snacks etc. In fact we just went home and had a cuppa when we got back. That said, it is a very enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours, and if the weather is kind then the views are very good.
Rich C — Google review
It took us just nearly 4hrs to walk all around, including some sit down breaks and time to enjoy the views. We were blessed with a wonderful weather to enjoy the beautiful views. We had great time. Make sure you have wear comply footwear or even hiking boots as some of it was quite hard going and our feet and legs were hurting by the end. I would recommend and will most likely return it the future.
Aquallis L — Google review
Hawkstone Follies is a special spot in Shropshire. The park goes back to the 1700s, when the Hill family turned the rocky hills and woods into a landscape full of caves, towers, tunnels and hidden paths. Still every turn brings something new to discover.The walks are great fun, with amazing views from the Monument and plenty of places to explore along the way. Some paths are steep and a bit uneven, so good shoes are a must. You can easily spend whole day here just wandering and enjoying the peace and scenery. There is plenty benches to relax after climbing, picnic areas as well as many natural seats on stones. For a small fee of £10.50 you can enjoy beautiful and adventurous day.
Przemyslaw K — Google review
Great day out for our 8 year old. Only £10.50 per person which is a cheap day out these days. An outdoors adventure trail through woods and caves , with plenty of ups and downs and rounds. Free parking . Cafe , toilets and gift shop at the beginning of the trail. Toilets at the far end of the trail too. Plenty of places to enjoy a picnic with some very nice views. It can be quite physically demanding at some points and is not a place for prams or anyone mobility issues. Appropriate footwear and clothes would make your day easier here. Maybe bring a torch for the caves. A fantastic place for kids and adults alike.
John R — Google review
Fantastic day out! The whole family thoroughly enjoyed it and we shall be returning soon! Lot's of steps though so not good for people with mobility issues...although there are easier walking routes but I'm unsure as to how easy they'd be.
Caterina F — Google review
Lovely place but charging the same price for kids over the age of 4 is a bit much. Possibly why it was quiet for the summer hols on a beautiful day. The place is great for a good adventure but you definitely need to be fairly fit and able bodied as it's NOT for the feint hearted!! It's very physical with a lot of up and down steep slopes and steps.
Emma T — Google review
4.8
(1821)
•
4.6
(1076)
Shrewsbury, SY4 5JY, United Kingdom
http://www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk/
+44 1948 841777
12

Iron Bridge Tollhouse

Mentioned on 
20 lists 
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Bridges
The Iron Bridge Tollhouse is a significant landmark in Ironbridge, known as the first cast-iron bridge in the world. Built in 1779 over the River Severn, it symbolizes the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and attracts tourists from around the world. Although currently undergoing restoration by English Heritage, visitors can still explore the Tollhouse and walk across the bridge to enjoy its historical significance and picturesque views.
Informative exhibition on the background and history of the bridge, absolutely lovely, and free, although neat souvenir shop with some Ironbridge merch allowed us to shed some £ to show our appreciation for the enthusiast team of volunteers
David — Google review
A nice little museum, it only took 15 minutes to walk around and read all the information boards. It was worth visiting to find a little history out on the Ironbridge. There was a shop too. You can walk over Ironbridge and see the river and take in the lovely scenery. Then you have the shops, cafés, etc. Ironbridge is a great place to visit.
Matthew T — Google review
The Toll House sits opposite the the village at the end of the Ironbridge that spans the river Severn. The ironbridge was the world's 1st iron bridge built in 1779 and is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Set in this beautiful village that has attracted visitors from around the world for many years. Today crossing the bridge is free. So you can marvel at this amazing structure from on top or the path below besides the river Severn. Loads of gift shops and a few cafes are available close to the bridge. We'll worth the visit and the only cost was the car parking. At this time of year its great as the village and bridge arnt packed with loads of visitors. Would definitely recommend for all the family.
Michael C — Google review
Marvellous little free museum at the end of the famed Iron Bridge. Used to be the Toll House for the bridge and it has an interesting history. I liked the highlighted fact that ferry operators who had been put out of business by the bridge were exempt from the Tolls. Anyway being a Toll House it is very small but it is full of interesting information boards about the bridge and surrounding area. It has a two floors and is well kept and immaculate. Lovely friendly helpful staff too, namely Laura and Mell (see I did remember). It has a small shop as well. Well worth a visit!
David H — Google review
We popped in here yesterday (15/6/25) very interesting exhibition. The chap that was staffing the place chatted to us for ages, he was so interesting and informative about the bridge and the local area, he was brilliant. A man perfectly fitting his job.
Mick P — Google review
Great little free museum on the history of the Ironbridge & of course, being the toll house for the bridge, it is conveniently situated right next to it!
Toxteth G — Google review
Free small museum about the Ironbridge’s history set in the original tollhouse, which was in use from 1779-1950, and still displays the original tolls on the exterior. It’s across two small floors, and worth 15-20 minute stop to learn more about bridge’s history - including how it came to be built and restoration work over the years. Also a small shop for souvenirs.
Becky T — Google review
Welcoming informative staff. Plenty of information both on the tollhouse and on the other museums in the gorge area.
I T — Google review
4.5
(109)
•
4.5
(1946)
Ironbridge, Telford, TF8 7JP, United Kingdom
https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/explore/the-iron-bridge-tollhouse/
+44 1952 433424
13

Blists Hill Victorian Town

Mentioned on 
+30 other lists 
Museums
History Museums
Blists Hill Victorian Town is a living museum situated in the Ironbridge Gorge near Telford, Shropshire, England. This open-air museum transports visitors back to the 19th century, offering a vivid portrayal of life during the Victorian era. The town features restored industrial sites such as coal and iron mines, blast furnaces, and ceramic works alongside a charming Victorian townscape complete with various shops and businesses.
Fantastic day out to this living museum. Set in 1900 dozens of buildings have been moved brick by brick to this site and faithfully recreated. Staffed by knowledgeable people who take on roles in the shops and houses dressed in period costume, they great you and give you an wealth of information. We started in the Bank where we changed modern cash into shillings and pence which can be spent in many of the shops. We went around the shops there was so much to see, grocers, butchers, bakers, candlestick makers, sweet shop to name but a few. There are various houses, a school, a fairground the list just goes on. Catering is great and not over priced, you can get traditional fish and chips for £9 in the chip shop or there are two other large cafeteria. It was a fantastic day out with so much to see. I bought the really great value Pass Plus, you can go back as many times as you like in 12 months to this and about 5 other museums in Iron Bridge, you get free parking, VIP fast track entry and 10% off catering and gift shops. Real Value for money and well worth supporting. It was a great day out.
Mark G — Google review
Fun, historic town. Lots of great little shops that have been used to fill lots of the buildings with authentic businesses from around 1900. In proper dress and character docents. Terrific stop for anyone driving through ironsgate village. Super nice area for kids to play and experience what it was like 125 years ago. Loved this place, but too many stores had no one to explain what you were looking at. The fish and chips were fresh and delicious
Stephen G — Google review
A truly wonderful, insightful visit. It was amazing revisiting as an adult after coming here as a child, what a fantastic experience to share with my 13 year old son, who was just as impressed as I was. A huge mention to the wonderful staff who make this experience incredible. Every member of this team from the reception throughout all the staff who are in full Victorian character are absolutely amazing. A real credit to this set up are you guys. You were all so welcoming, engaging, knowledgeable and totally endearing. What a fantastic landmark we have and to share such an incredible part of our history. It makes us and you feel proud of our heritage. Thankyou 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Felicity R — Google review
Really enjoyed our visit to Blists Hill Victorian Town. I haven’t been here since I came with my primary school, so glad to see it’s still as amazing at 23 as it was back when I was 8 (I walked in and remembered the layout and the fun memories of my school trip there, if that doesn’t speak volumes of how amazing this place was and has continued to be then I don’t know what could) . Went as a family day out with our dog, we were amazed at how dog friendly it was, out of everything there were only two places we couldn’t go with our dog which was no bother and completely understandable (sweet shop & bakery). The animals located in the town were well cared for and friendly with knowledgable handlers who were more than happy to answer questions, clearly knew the animals likes and dislikes and spoke fondly of their quirks showing a love and dedication for their four legged cast members. Our favourite Victorian character was the local police man (and his “cousin” singing in the pub - who was a very good singer). We met him on our way in and straight away were greeted with a welcoming warmth before he directed us towards our first stop of the day the post office for our very own dog licence which was decently priced as were a lot of items sold in their other shops around the town. My mum’s favourite activity was George’s carriage ride. The beautiful boy took us both and our dog around the town, he looked happy and well taken care of which as long term animal people it was a joy to see him comfortable and enjoying his work. My favourite stop off was the last one of the day for us. It was the printing shop which we visited after having a ride around the town in George’s carriage. Inside the printers we were taken through the different printers, how they are used to help create prints for the village and answered our questions from possibilities of injuries to how the different printers work in terms of changing letters, sizing of letters etc (it looked like a lot of fun and now I wish I could own one). we came away with a couple of notebooks and a postcard that fit perfectly in with Halloween. We will definitely be looking at Blists Hill Victorian Town for future day trips out, and we hope next time we visit we’re in the season for the use of the fair ground as it would have been lovely to have seen those in use.
Amie T — Google review
Wow..What a excellent Victorian Town Everything as it was back in the day. You feel like you're in the Victorian Era. I got myself a one off adult single ticket, £27 Oct 2025 prices, you can buy a multiple pass to see other extractions which works out cheaper in Ironbridge area. It started with a short guided tour at 11.30 with Emily, She was so friendly, kind and so enthusiastic and told us all along short history about the town. The Town itself has shops,Bank, butchers ,bakery, clothing shop and a forerunner to WH Smith with a post office, and plenty of other shops. And don't forget to have a sing song at the pub on the corner The mine as well is a great reminder about how hard it was to work here and the forge, and the tile factory. The houses are open so as you enter you will find now and again a person dressed up and he or she will tell you about the house. There's a few places to eat and have hot/cold drinks. I had a trip as well in the carriage with George the shire horse pulling us around the town. The car park, you pay on exit ,just make a note on what time you actually park. I paid ( £6 for 5hrs, Oct 2025 prices) A must visit while you're are in the area of Ironbridge.
David K — Google review
I visited Blists Hill Victorian Town about 20 years ago, and it was great to come back and see how it’s changed. It’s still a fun and educational day out! I loved the traditional fish and chips from the old-fashioned chippy and the Victorian-style photos. It’s a shame you can’t get some of the old-fashioned sweets they used to have, but we really enjoyed the singalong around the piano in the pub which was definitely a highlight of the day.
Kris — Google review
Definitely would recommend visiting Blists Hill. We spent numerous hours with our 10yr old son and he loved it as did we. I’d suggest going on a dry day as there is lots of walking outdoors and the fish and chip shop should you choose to go to doesn’t have indoor seating. Staff were all very pleasant and knowledgeable. Well worth the visit.
Alex P — Google review
Visited for the Blists Hell Halloween event The spooky atmosphere was fantastic the setting and ambience were really well done and made for a really eerie vibe. Of the few scare actors I managed to see, those I did encounter were absolutely brilliant especially the clown with the balloons, the plague doctor, and the Nosferatu-style vampire. They really brought the event to life and deserve a lot of credit. Unfortunately, the event was let down by overcrowding. It was difficult to see everything due to the sheer number of people, and the queues were SO long. I queued 45 minutes for fish and chips, and another 20 for the bakery, not the fault of the vendors, but a clear sign of how overcrowded the event was. There were quite a few intoxicated and stumbling guests, which did feel inappropriate given how many young children were present. At one point, several areas were closed off due to fire alarms, which caused a lot of confusion and crowding. The movement of the crowd during that time was very chaotic almost like a stampede and raised concerns about how well safety was being managed. Finding staff was also hard with so many visitors in full costume, it was hard to tell who was part of the team. The atmosphere was affected by some rude behaviour from other attendees pushing swearing, and a general lack of courtesy. While the event itself had potential, the crowd size and lack of control made it hard to enjoy. Wouldn't rush back but that has more to do with the overcrowding and rude attendees than the event.
Anelka B — Google review
4.6
(6855)
•
4.5
(4646)
Legges Way, Telford, TF7 5UD, United Kingdom
https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/explore/blists-hill-victorian-town/
+44 1952 433424
14

Wheelock Hall Farm Shop

Mentioned on 
7 lists 
Farm shop
Sights & Landmarks
Wheelock Hall Farm Shop is a family-run business located in Sandbach, offering a range of activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy petting small animals and feeding sessions, as well as an outdoor play area with swings and go-karts. The farm also features a cafe, indoor soft play area, and a farm shop. Additionally, the venue hosts seasonal events such as pumpkin picking, providing a delightful experience for families.
We really enjoyed the farm. There were lots to do and lots to see. It has an indoor play area, which was huge and our toddler loved it! They also have multiple outdoor play areas and some bouncy part too, it’s great that it includes all different ages. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
Kirst L — Google review
Fantastic day at the farm with the kids they enjoyed all the playground areas and feeding the animals, definitely recommend this place. Excellent value for money, could easy spend the full day here. They have both indoor and outdoor play areas. Was quite busy today however there was plenty for the kids to do.
Kim B — Google review
Absolutely loved this place. Loads of stuff for the kids to do although the weather does permit outdoor activities . The indoor soft play area is huge and the kids could easily spend half a day inside. The price is reasonable with £12 for kids and just £3 for adults( which if your kids can do everything you will be sat on the benches dotted about) There is a restaurant on site and table dotted around for picnics. The corn maze is ok and animals are dotted around.
Rick S — Google review
It’s an amazing place to visit for both kids and adults. Just remember, there is an entry fee: £11 for children and £3 for adults. There’s plenty to do, including swings, slides, and go-karting! You can easily spend half a day to a full day there without a doubt. We even made a picnic out of it, and it was great! 👍 And yes, there's a garden center there as well. Which is a bonus.
Aaliya — Google review
Great day out. There are loads of activity’s to from a very large soft play area to a number of outdoor activities such as tunnel maze, inflatables, and plenty of animals to see. The site is well maintained with loads of parking spaces. In the winter or wet days it does get a little muddy but it expected being a farm. Also the wooden features can be slippy so I would take care. definitely worth every penny. Some constructive feedback, I think the entrance from the car park should be sign posted a little better but that’s all I got it’s a spot on day.
STEFAN G — Google review
This place is sick. I will go back time and time again. I went with a school trip. I thought 11.99 per learner was going to be steep but it’s actually well worth it as there is so much to do. The shop was great and everything was good quality and a decent price. The bouncing pillows are a great idea and were everybody’s favourite. The
Kit F — Google review
Brilliant day out! I had been looking at this place for a while but was unsure how good it would be. It was easy to find, there is plenty of parking, and it's cheap to go into the play areas (£11.99 per child and £2.99 per adult). I didn't see any disabled spaces, but there are no parking bays so you can leave a space next to the car for wheelchairs/pushchairs access. The car parking areas are well maintained, but are grass/dirt which might not be suitable for all wheelchairs. We went when it was really busy (hot day in the summer holidays) and it wasn't too busy. There are lots of well maintained paths around making it easy to navigate with disability aids (I myself use a stick and had no issues). There is a reasonably priced cafe, farm shop and concessions stand as well. You can also bring a picnic and there are plenty of benches/tables around to eat at! There are also lots of benches/seats in and around the play areas so it's easy to keep an eye on the kids and not have to be too far away. There are various types of play. areas for kids from toddlers to older kids. My son is 5 and he had a brilliant day! The staff around the farm are really friendly, and they look after the grounds so well with regular bin emptying, litter picking and tidying. Well worth the low cost to get in! We will definitely be visiting again! You can buy animal feed for £1 per bag at the entrance (reasonable bag size for the low price) to feed various farm animals on the way round. There are goats, ducks, geese, Free-roaming chickens, cows, horses, and pigs. Overall, I would easily give the farm 5 stars. It is a wonderful place to visit with the kids to get them off their tablets/devices and get them outdoors!
Vikki C — Google review
Great for kids , multiple play parks , animals to see, inside play area too , cafe , gift shop , trampoline area , plenty of seats for a picnic area , pumpkin patch was way bigger than I expected , wheel barrow are free to use , plenty of different toys for the kids to play with (tractors / pedal bikes) and different areas
Jade G — Google review
4.3
(2345)
•
3.3
(987)
Crewe Rd, Sandbach, CW11 4RE, United Kingdom
http://www.wheelockhallfarm.co.uk/
+44 1270 764230
15

Royal Air Force Museum Midlands

Mentioned on 
+8 other lists 
Museum
Army museum
Military Museums
The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands, located 13 miles east of Ironbridge, offers a captivating journey through aviation history. Housed in wartime hangars, the museum showcases over 70 aircraft, including the iconic Vulcan bomber and the FA330 Bachstelze glider used by German U-boats. Visitors can also experience a Black Hawk simulator and explore tech exhibits.
A brilliant day out. Plenty of incredible planes, tanks and a few cars too. Full of history and stories, cold war and RAF pilots from across the years. Hangar 1 is currently closed for refurbishment but there's so lots of see and do. Highly recommend for all ages and understand the history. Great play area for kids too.
Modelangel — Google review
Great artefacts with areas for improvement. Visited on Wednesday, 03rd September 2025. Booked our free entry tickets in advance and paid for parking in advance, as there is a discount. There is a suggestion you make a voluntary contribution, but having had snacks and a sandwich and parking for circa £50+ you may want to hold fire as they get you one way or another. Easy to find, but watch you don't accidentally pull into the operational base, which is in advance of the museum entrance. There appears to be a dedicated train station a stone's throw from the entrance, and plenty of parking. As I say, parking is chargeable, which is unusual for a site where the parking has no alternative purpose. There is an entry building and 3 airframes to visit around the car park. The description boards for these airframes are completely faded and cracked, which is a shame. Once inside the entrance building, there is a café with a convoluted mobile ordering system and a very limited range of hot food options, but what there is inc chilled is way overpriced. There is a decent little shop opposite as well as toilets. Once through this building (you walk through to the rear, which is un-signposted and feels a little strange) or leave from the entrance and walk around the building. Behind the building, you come across a Nimrod, which wasn't open on my visit, as well as a PBY and Neptune. Again, faded signage felt strange compared to the money spent on the entrance building. You then enter a RAF 100 building, a Second World War display and then the massive but poorly designed Cold War Hangar. The first 2 hangars are brilliant and display stunning examples of airframes and artefacts brilliantly, but the Cold War Hangar is awful. The 3 V Bombers are located in it, but due to the lack of an elevated walkway, you have access to both the equivalent Fleet Air Arm Museum and Duxford; you can't really see the airframes at their best, as everything is crammed in, due in part to the frankly stupid style over substance shape of the building. Not aided by the last third of the building being closed off for no valid reason, it appeared. Still a wonderful museum, but with scope for improvement.
Jeffrey S — Google review
Having visited a number of millatry museums Cosford rates high on the list for the range of exhibits, organisation and value for money. Entrance is free with a donation requested but this can be as little as you wish so when added to the,£,7.50 car parking fee it's a really cheap day out for a family. On the subject of car parking there is plenty of space and it's all accessible for less able folks. If the weather is good or you just like aircraft there are plenty of outside displays and on specific days some of these are opened up to visitors to tour inside. Some of these are the largest examples of types like the Hercules, Nimrod and Shakelton. There is a play area for younger children all served by accessible paths. There are a number of halls displaying a huge variety of aircraft from world war one through prototypes of experimental models, to early examples of current aircraft. There are also some armoured vehicles and static displays. Interactive wise you can make a virtual reality parachute jump, fly a red arrow, sit in a Spitfire (and other types) cockpit and learn how mankind almost wiped itself out in the cuban crisis. The cafe has a reasonably priced menu selling hot and cold food and drinks and ther is plenty of seating in a clean well laid out eating area. All in all a great day out at great value.
Leigh H — Google review
Thus museum is very interesting. It shows some of the same exhibits as its counterpart in London but it has unique exhibits you will not see in London. For example it has vehicles, like cars. It even has an German Leopard tank. Some of the exhibits are American and Eastern Block aircraft. I visited both RAF museums and they are both great.
Sebastian K — Google review
Amazing day out at the Royal Airforce Museum at Hendon, not tje midlands as titled bu Google! Some great planes there, free entry too! You just need to go online and book your entry. A great day out for any aircraft fan with plenty of historic war planes and accessories, well presented and very helpful staff. Coffee shop/restaurant/canteen and shop on site. All in all a great day out!
Ian C — Google review
This is a superb museum and has such a great variety of aircraft on display. The information boards were very informative and takes you through the history of the aircraft on display. The cafe was clean and service was good even though it was busy. Enterance to the museum is free, just the parking to pay for. Thanks for a great visit, will be definitely returning again 👍
Matthew C — Google review
Amazing experience, went on a school trip where all staff were extremely impressed making me want to go on my own. Staff are very knowledgeable, lots of different planes and other items there, everything is well looked after. Tickets are free so just have to pay 7.50 for parking which as the you dont pay to enter you can't complain.
Nathan T — Google review
Excellent museum and extremely well curated. All sorts of Aircraft and history background to the various political and social history of the time. The Vulcan and cold war and fall of the east west divide is excellent particularly for those of us that grew up in that time it's all very poinent very reasonable parking fee that acts as a donation as the museum is free entry
Paul F — Google review
4.8
(16047)
•
4.8
(2879)
Lysander Ave, Cosford, Shifnal TF11 8UP, United Kingdom
http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands
+44 1902 376200
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16

Trentham Monkey Forest

Mentioned on 
43 lists 
Temporarily Closed
Wildlife park
Nature & Parks
Trentham Monkey Forest is a unique experience in the UK, offering visitors the chance to walk among 140 Barbary macaques living freely in a woodland setting. Unlike traditional zoos, there are no cages or bars here. As you stroll along forest paths, you can observe these endangered monkeys behaving as they would in the wild. The knowledgeable guides provide hourly feeding talks and share insights into the individual personalities and family dynamics of the monkeys.
A great place to wander around with over 100 monkeys roaming free. We spent a couple of hours watching them swinging through the trees, feeding, roaming around, some with babies on their backs. It's so nice to see them up close no bars or cages. The lovely thing is they all seem content to go about their business and wander up close to humans. The rangers do a great job of many sure the monkeys feel happy and the humans feel happy too 😊 answering questions and talking about monkey behaviour etc. There are a couple of play areas, a conservation area, gift shop and cafe. A great place to visit to see the monkeys up close.
Paula — Google review
We had a great time here, we dropped onto good weather and being a Tuesday a bit quieter than usual. It's great that you can just walk around with the monkeys free roaming, there are plenty of workers there to look out for you. You must watch a safety briefing before entering, not long at all but important info regarding your visit. The forest is lovely and a nice walk around, its in a loop but both directions there is a hill to climb, I would say keep right, smaller hill. If you are lucky enough to be there when they are doing a feed, they tell you all about the history and about the monkeys. One being 31 years old now, which in human years is over 100. Banana cafe was good too, both having jacket potatoes. Toilet facilities were very good. Ample parking.
Pete S — Google review
This place was amazing! My sister and I loved being able to see the monkeys up so and learn so many different facts about them for example, their origin and their diet. We were lucky enough to be there at the time of their feeding which we got to see a staff member feed the monkeys and teach us how they behave and the hierarchy of the monkey kingdom. At the time of visiting, they had over 100 monkeys to see and around 11 of which being babys as young as 4 weeks old. As you leave the monkey forest, there's a cafe and a really big park with unique attractions such as big tree swings and mystery trails to walk and venture on. This site is truly amazing and I couldn't recommend it for families any more!
Connor C — Google review
Its a nice day out with the children. Its not a huge site so only took about 2 hours to do everything, which included eating in their cafe. The cafe had a nice variety of food and was actually quite reasonably priced. We used kids pass to get 25% entry so paid £44 for 2 adults and 3 children. I have only given 4 stars due to the size of the place and how quickly it took to get around. I would return though but wouldn't want to pay full price and recommend looking for a voucher code like we did.
Katie A — Google review
Pleasantly surprised by this place. £54 for a family of 4, a little on the expensive side I thought, but when you wander in to the monkey enclosure you certainly get your money's worth! There's plenty of monkeys to see and they get quite close to you at times. There were lots of babies (1 month and younger) to see that were ADORABLE! A small play park and den building area for the kids for when you're done and some educational areas. These weren't too informative, but enough. There's also a short meadow walk. We ate from the pizza van and this was really good value at under £10 for a Margherita pizza. The ice cream van was also exceptional! £4.50 for two scoops and you get loads! Shout-out to all the guides in the enclosure. They were all really knowledgeable and were full of chat. We didn't use the cafe but the food looked good and we didn't visit the shop I would recommend at least walking through the enclosure from 4:30 onwards as the monkeys head back up the hill for the evening, very cool to see them all walking home!
Arron H — Google review
I absolutely love monkeys, so I drove five hours round trip to visit the Monkey Forest, and I was absolutely not disappointed! The monkeys are adorable and live freely—they aren't kept in cages. The area is spacious, and I had so much fun watching the little monkeys playing around.
Bubble J — Google review
Absolutely great time. Monkeys everywhere, feeding, playing, all natural, ignoring people, other than to play tricks on us, like bouncing in the branches of an acorn tree when people walk underneath! Nice walk, good little cafe. All reasonable prices, including entry tickets. We'll definitely be back.
Sean S — Google review
We’ve been to Trentham Monkey Forest a few times, and it’s always great value for money. Walking through the secure area where the monkeys roam freely is both scenic and fascinating. The well-maintained path winds through grassed areas, which are fenced off with a low ankle-height barrier. The monkeys walk, run, and swing all around you, with knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions. We were lucky on our last visit — several babies had recently been born, so it was a treat to watch them playing and exploring. The main walk can take anywhere from 30 minutes upwards, depending on how visible and active the monkeys are. For children, there are two lovely outdoor play areas, plus another pleasant walk through an open field. The café is reasonably priced — the food is nothing fancy, but it fills a hole and keeps the kids happy! Overall, if the weather is good, Trentham Monkey Forest is a fantastic family day out.
Kim E — Google review
4.6
(9782)
•
4.3
(3446)
Trentham Estate, Stone Rd, Tittensor, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8AY, United Kingdom
http://www.monkey-forest.com/
+44 1782 659845
17

Trentham Gardens

Mentioned on 
47 lists 
Garden
Nature & Parks
Trentham Gardens is a sprawling 725-acre outdoor family attraction that encompasses a shopping village, gardens, and woodlands. It offers an ever-changing landscape to explore with something new to discover on each visit. The beautiful gardens are adorned with vibrant flowers, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, professional photography services are available in the vicinity for various needs such as look-books, event photography, and corporate shoots.
Beautiful gardens, 15% off entry with the monkey forest ticket so both together came to like £20! So cheap for such a beautiful place. Amazing lake walk, option for a boat ride and good food options with the shopping village at the end. Recommend for a day out in summer!
Marta M — Google review
Brilliant lovely day out with family. Shops and cafes really good selection. Garden centre is definitely worth a visit. I spent way to much on a wire fairy ( inprogress as we speak.
Tina N — Google review
I visited Trentham Gardens today, I've been on many occasions and I have always enjoyed it and today wasn't an exception. But I was so pleased to see so many beautiful plants and all the nature that was being attracted by them. I'm not sure what the part is called but it's the little bit by the children's play area, which has a red bridge and a pond. Well I'm a massive fan of real flowers, bees, ladybirds etc and I was so happy to see the flowers and that area flourishing! Myself and my daughter (9yo) loved watching all the bees and wasps going from one flower to another. We loved seeing all the different things growing there and how calm and relaxing it was! It's beautiful and you can tell it's being well taken care of!
Chocolea M — Google review
We visited for the Halloween event on the evening. Beautiful place to visit as always. The decor was lovely. Sadly they didn't have the seperate disabled access line they've had on previous occasions. The line did move quickly but our child became stressed with being surrounded by a large volume of people waiting in the queue. We booked the first slot for the event to get ahead of the crowds for this reason. Would be great if there was a section for older children who may enjoy being spooked. The food on offer was great.
Rachael S — Google review
A fabulous day out, reasonable prices for entry. A beautiful Italian garden & a walk around the lake is recommended. Also an excellent shopping village there too.
Sue L — Google review
Really big estate, didn't get to see all of it, maybe next time when the weather is on my side. Would be great to see the wildlife, but I wasn't so lucky. Loved how intricate the metal dandelion sculptures were.
Amena — Google review
Amazing place, like a National Trust property but much larger than most of the ones I've been to. Obviously much of the gardens have been restored but they all look amazing. Lots of stopping places if you get tired. The boat ride on the lake is a reasonable cost and really nice on a summer's day. The residence is not accessible as it's just a shell but there are lots of plaques telling you about the history of the place. Would really recommend it for young and old, as there are walking trails around the lake and the youngsters can do a' fairy trail 'to try and spot all the amazing sculptures. There are beavers on the island too, you might not see them but you might spot their handiwork asking the edge of the lake. There are shops just outside the entrance too, I would recommend the ice cream at the Thornton's shop, by far the best on site (and we pretty much tried them all!)
Rauf — Google review
Been a long time annual ticket holder and always pleased to go to the gardens . You sometimes baulk at the price but when you look around the gardens and see how much work goes on it easily value for money . The gardens are great . Lovely to stroll around the lake and pop in one of the two cafes for a drink before pottering around the Italian Gardens . My granddaughter is a great fan of the play park . And yesterday it was our first time on the boat . It was brilliant. Great commentary from the guys on board . Learnt so much and saw some great bits of wildlife . Once again great value at only £3 .
Andy H — Google review
4.6
(3336)
•
4.4
(4007)
Trentham Estate, Stone Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8JG, United Kingdom
https://trentham.co.uk/estate-gardens/about-trentham-gardens/
+44 1782 646646
18

Waterworld

Mentioned on 
13 lists 
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Waterworld is the ultimate tropical indoor aqua park in the UK, offering a wide range of attractions for both kids and adults. With over 30 rides and activities, including the thrilling Thunderbolt - the first trap door drop waterslide in the UK, Hurricane with its lightning effects and high speed, Twister's exhilarating twists propelled by water, The Python, The Rapids, The Black Hole for an exciting dark experience and more.
Visited during half term with my 5 and 7 year old boys. We bought the tickets that gave entry to the aquapark and West midlands safari park which was a great deal in my opinion. The changing rooms were clean, showers were nice and hot. The pool was fantastic with a large variety of slides for all the family. My boys loved the rapids, I felt sick after going round and round 3 times in a row 🙃. The water temperature was fine, we were in there for around 4 hours and no complaints - this has been mentioned in some other reviews as an issue but it was fine for me. All in all, a great afternoon out and it wasn't antwhere as busy as I thought it could be!
Sam H — Google review
Great place for family day out. Swimming pool is a bit outdated but still beats others with slightly better theming. Don't look at rusty metal works and enjoy the waves and slides which are any age friendly, steps climb isn't too excessive and one doesn't have heart attack at middle age while climbing them, so one can still have fun in any age. They are trying stay on top of cleaning mess of pool and changing rooms. Again it does the job and it isn't too bad compared to some other pools. Restaurant offered quiet decent fried food with meal deals and share pallets, which was actually ok for fast food, but not too many healthy options, there was vegetarian Nd vegan option and beer for beer lovers. £5 refundable locker deposit, nice. £24 single entry and deal on family ticket or on dine or mini golf. Well it does come to a hundred at least for family of three with food but again kids have lots of fun. Viewing area for non paying customers isn't very comfortable or one can't see much unfortunately. Area is warm and one can sit and rest on chair and table. Website is very descriptive. Car park is about £6 if you stay 3 hours or more
Ebs M — Google review
Came last year and really enjoyed it, went last weekend and my gosh the place has nose dived. Organised chaos. Came for my lads 11th birthday and there was a poo in the outdoor pool, which took some time to clean, the queue system for the rings makes no sense, one line at the right hand side all waiting for singles, then you see people just walk up the left hand side taking doubles, so I asked (as I was waiting for a double) oh is that what we do, when we need a double use the left lane. No you wait in a line, then if I see you are waiting for a double I’ll call you forward? Err… didn’t make much sense. As I waited another 2 - 3 mins and then said, yeah you can come forward now? Needs two seperate lines one for singles and one for doubles or a member of staff asking, you a two? Yep, cool. Come forward. Then there are the queues on the stairs, swapping over mid stairway for one slide then the other over the various floors. We worked out at the very top, the queue was around 33 mins, mainly due to having one member of staff not only watching the ring one (possibly the cyclone) and then watching the (almost vertical ) slide at the same time. Just needs some actual management and some signage. A lot of unhappy people complaining about the same things. No mention that the blast slide was closed either, the one that’s like a rollercoaster and we are still waiting for a refund on our locker wrist bands. So disappointed after such a great visit last year. Wayyyy too many people in, no time limits or didn’t appear to be. Didn’t stay the full 3 hours of our slot because we all got bored of queuing, it was like human soup in the wave pool part. Water was cold, some places were clean, but the changing rooms absolutely packed to the heavens and when you have cold kids, couldn’t find a changing room for ages. Also adults walking about the pool area with trainers on and even when we raised it on hygiene concerns, they didn’t challenge it. Don’t think we will be coming back again sadly. Only giving it a two because of the first time.
RM P — Google review
We went with the boys (8 and 11 yo) on a Sat during Oct half-term, it was fabulous! The boys loved it and we spent 5 hours inside. We arrived early in the morning like 10:30, changing room was dry and clean, locker is easy to use. We paid £6 for the car park as we plan to stay long inside. Temperature inside is ok, a bit chilli if you get wet and stay out of the water, but the water is warm enough to stay long inside. We managed to play all the rides with less than 10 min wait before more people started to come at around noon. So my advice will be arrive early and enjoy the time with less people. We did get food from the cafeteria inside, food is ok, standard quality as you would expect to get inside this type of facility, as least there are enough choices for my fussy eater. More people in the afternoon meant a slightly longer waiting time for each ride, but still very manageable, and the arrangement for queue is good, there are quite many attendants/ life guards inside the facility too. We are from south of England, if there’s any chance we will travel north again, the boys would love to come again.
Katie L — Google review
We spent a day at Waterworld during a heat wave when we visited the area from Scotland. The girl on the desk was lovely and friendly. We had issues using the QR code to pay for parking, so you're best using the machines outside. Parking was £6 for the duration we were there. I was actually surprised I had to pay to park. That's not common in Scotland. Most places have free car parks 😬 We paid, I think £96 for 2 adults and 2 children. You pay £5 deposit for a locker wristband, which you get refunded when you leave. The changing area was very big, and very clean. There were also plenty of lockers. There were a lot of slides, which was great 👍 and the outdoor pool was open, which was amazing when it was 27C outside 😅 My husband can't actually swim, so he was quite happy chilling in the bubble pools or outside. My daughter, her friend, and I went on the slides, river rapids, the wave pool, outdoor pool, and outdoor bubble pool. Lots of staff, and they were all being very attentive, giving clear instructions. I can understand why people in other reviews seem concerned about cleanliness. I wouldn't say the place is "dirty", I saw them doing water checks several times when we were there. It's more that it's in need of quite a bit of maintenance. For example, the race slides paint is badly worn, there is obvious rust on the spiral stairs, all of the tops of the flumes are caked in dust, the fans above the python and blackhole are rusty and covered in dust. It's all quite easily sorted out. The only thing I was actually concerned about was the bottom of the wave pool felt "slimey." You would try to jump with the wave, lose your footing, and you're straight under the water. I've been in many a wave pool lol that's not normal. We got the supreme platter from the cafe, and that was enough for 4 people and pretty affordable. Drinks were very expensive, though. Overall, we enjoyed our day and would happily come back if the maintenance issues were addressed.
Emma B — Google review
Brought my child to Waterworld for the first time she 9 years old and she had the absolute best time staff were friendly and supportive she had the best day ever her words and wants to keep coming back she loved the slides but also loved the tide pool Lots of fun had :)
Hannah S — Google review
The second visit was just as good as the first. The place was as clean and well maintained as before, and although it was busy the queues weren't too bad. The changing rooms did the job.
Paul O — Google review
Great water park we had a fab day. I had read a lot of bad reviews but we found it pretty good. It was clean and yes some of the slides and steps are old. But it was brilliant fun and all the staff were amazing. It did get a bit too busy after 2pm. But if you get there early you can have a great few hours. The outside pool is lovely too and is heated. Will definitely be back. Thank you
Neeley C — Google review
3.9
(8119)
•
3.4
(4545)
Waterworld Leisure Resort, Festival Wy., Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5PU, United Kingdom
http://www.waterworld.co.uk/
+44 1782 205747
19

Dudley Zoo and Castle

Mentioned on 
+56 other lists 
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Castles
Dudley Zoo and Castle offers a unique experience with its diverse collection of exotic mammals, reptiles, and a farmyard area. Visitors can also enjoy face painting while exploring the zoo grounds. The castle's history dates back to the 11th century when limestone was mined in the area for construction purposes. The ruins of Dudley Castle provide a breathtaking panoramic view from its keep, which was once used as a place of imprisonment for Mary, Queen of Scots.
Been to this zoo a few times now and have to say it has improved loads over the last few years. Loads of different animals, play areas and small rides for the kids. Most enclosures have had referbs. The only one that looks dated now Is the sealions enclosure. We always bring food as we feel the food is slightly overpriced. A great day out and the kids always want to go back.
John B — Google review
We visited this attraction for the first time and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was better than expected, with the whole family enjoying the beautiful animals and stunning gardens and castle. We were surprised how much it had to offer. Many varieties of animals, big to small, cute to scary and everything else in between! The gardens themselves were absolutely amazing, it was a pleasure to walk around all day, soaking it in. There were also a number of playgrounds for the kids a long the way and we all loved the chair lift. - We managed to get over 20,000 steps! The facilities were a little dated (restrooms and restaurant) but functional and offering what you would expect. Overall, good value for money for a family of 4, will likely visit again if we are in the area.
Kevin K — Google review
Good selection of animals, enjoyed photographing them all. The site is on quite a hill, and there are lots of hills and steps. Land train is useful for getting to the top. Some areas are rejuvenated and look great, other areas look tired. We had eaten before arriving, which I am glad we did, as food prices were very expensive. £5.50 for a sausage roll is too much.
Damian F — Google review
I visited Dudley Zoo and Castle with my wife and two kids, and we had a great time. There’s plenty to see and do, and all the animals looked healthy and well cared for. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout the day, and the grounds were clean and well maintained. The castle grounds are particularly impressive, with lots of interesting information about the site’s history. It’s a long day out, but there’s enough variety to keep everyone entertained. A couple of small downsides – the signage could be clearer, as it was sometimes difficult to get your bearings even with the map. The food was also quite disappointing and expensive: a £6.50 burger was just a plain patty in a bun, with no salad, sauces or cheese, and the chips were cold. The main café building itself looks quite tired and could do with a refresh, though I can understand that much of the money rightly goes towards the care of the animals. Overall, I’d definitely recommend visiting, but I’d suggest bringing your own food or picnic to make the most of the day. It’s a great family outing with a lovely mix of wildlife, history, and scenic views.
Randeep — Google review
Dudley Zoo is a great day out in any weather! The membership is amazing value, and the new playground is fantastic. We went most recently on a grey, rainy day and still saw the tiger, lions, lynx, giraffes, arctic foxes, owls, red pandas, flamingoes, giant tortoises, lemurs, penguins, meercats, all the reptiles, wolverines, geladas and much more. Great fun for children and adults alike. Also love the BSL signs up on some of the animal enclosures.
Sarah E — Google review
This zoo and castle combination is a nice place to visit. The enclosures for the animals are suitable and they seem well looked after. I got some great views and photos. You can see Lions, Tigers, Red Pandas, Giraffes, Tapir, Lemur, various monkeys so there's a lot to see. There is a fun chairlift and a few rides. The buildings are not in great condition, but it does have a certain kind of charm. My impression is that this zoo will not last forever, and no one will build a zoo in a castle grounds again, visit while you can.
Sholto D — Google review
A fantastic day spent here. Loads of animals to see. Went to the bird of prey talk/display. It's really interesting & well worth doing. History of the castle was great to discover. Would definitely recommend this place to visit.
Jon B — Google review
Absolutely fantastic time at Dudley Zoo. We went on a Thursday afternoon and it was really quiet. The non-zoo animals were baking in the sun, it would have been nice to see bowls of water out for them (the birds and so on). Great selection of wild animals, absolutely beautiful.
Joy W — Google review
4.4
(11667)
•
4.0
(2899)
Castle Hill, Dudley, DY1 4QF, United Kingdom
http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/
+44 1384 215313
20

Black Country Living Museum

Mentioned on 
+72 other lists 
Open air museum
Museums
The Black Country Living Museum offers a fascinating journey back in time to the 19th and 20th centuries, set across 26 acres of meticulously recreated historic buildings from the Black Country. Visitors can explore over fifty authentic shops, houses, and workshops that capture the essence of this industrial region. The museum features a canalside village where costumed characters bring history to life, while attractions such as an underground mine, tram rides, and canal trips provide immersive experiences.
Great museum, a lovely day out! A very interactive experience, staff are very good. So many things to see and do. The fish and chips are well worth a try, and the pub on site is just amazing to sit in! Have visited multiple times and will be going back again! Especially considering it's 12 months free return! Great value for money, and a great day out, fun for all the family
Aidan. G — Google review
Almost 5 stars but this was our first visit & entering the carpark we had no idea or signs to say which way to the entrance or instructions to pay for the carpark. It wasn't very busy today but we thoroughly enjoyed our time spending over 4 hrs. The staff were delightful & oh so helpful. Fish & Chips were utterly delicious, best I've had in a long long time. The houses & shops were wonderful, bringing back so many memories. All in all a truly wonderful day, thank you.
Barbara H — Google review
Such an amazing experience. The museum and what it offers is phenomenal and the staff and volunteers are so engaging. The way they have set this up is exemplary and we learned so much from the people there and the exhibits. The forging and Army and Navy store were two of our favourites as well as the canal and chain shop area. A must see if you are here, a short train ride from Birmingham New Street to Tipton and it's about a 15 minute walk to the museum. Excellent day.
Mark C — Google review
Well worth a visit. Great family day out. We have two boys 7 and 11. They engaged really well. The fun fair cost more but parents of little ones went on free and they were great. Staff were super 👌. The fish and chips were amazing much better than we get these days and cheaper. The demonstrations were informative and entertaining. Definitely go down the mine but watch your head! The gift shop was reasonably priced.
Rach W — Google review
Really enjoyed it and here. Took my 8 year old. Lovely to walk around and really takes you back. Even I remember houses like these when I was alot younger. The boat rides do have an additional cost. There is alot to see and do. Although they do have some eateries we didn't bother. I think I'd have preferred a packed lunch regardless. Definitely recommend a visit here!
Charl X — Google review
Open air museum, this is more like a small, Industrial Revolution, town with plenty to see and do. Very good parking facilities with plenty of disabled space as well as spaces for families, especially those with younger children giving easy access to site. A quick 2 minute walk from the car park to the main entrance where you are greeted into a large atrium in a modern building with a comprehensive gift shop to the right on entry. To the left there is an eatery serving up hot and cold food, and the usual coffees/teas and soft drinks etc. Exiting the main entrance the is a world of history in front of you starting with a tour of the mines. Sadly even early In the morning 10:30 (30 mins after opening) there was a long queue however this was accessible during the day. Old buildings galore, presented in various period decor all accessible to view both upstairs and down as well as black smiths, foundries, smelting, brick production, the list goes on. Heritage building with cars and bikes for viewing. The museum also runs a bus service with busses from 1940’s. They operate an early funfair with several period rides including ghost train, carousel and penny slot machines, well worth a ride. To the rear of the museum there is a modern building dedicated to the canal trust and preservation with the ability to take passenger on a boat ride through the caves where they mined line stone. Several found outlets in the various building, accessible toilet throughout the site, actors on site who interact with the public. All in all a fantastic day out FYI, I travelled from Essex the morning of the visit. Worth every penny.
Digital V — Google review
What an amazing day we had at the Black Country living museum. We got there about 10am and stayed about 5 hours . So much to see and do. The staff was very friendly and helpful and willing to answer any questions. The fish and chips was amazing . Had one or a few beers in various locations. Then we went back for peaky blinders night . What a great time that was. Music and attractions all over the museum. Can’t wait to go back for a 40s or 60s night next year.
Antony S — Google review
Absolutely incredible experience, we do come quite often due to being in the midlands but the new updates are fantastic and there is so so much to do. I actually don’t think the museum is open long enough to do everything they now have on offer. Not to worry you are able to return as many times as you like within a year with those tickets! Incredible! Such a good time had by all!
Casey D — Google review
4.7
(13622)
•
4.5
(6345)
Discovery Wy, Dudley, DY1 4AL, United Kingdom
https://bclm.com/
+44 121 557 9643
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21

Shugborough Hall

Mentioned on 
8 lists 
$$$$affordable
Historical landmark
Shugborough Hall, located in Milford near Stafford, is a historic working estate under the care of the National Trust. The property offers plenty to do, including a 15-minute walk from the car park to the main house. Visitors can explore the well-maintained gardens, children's play area, and farm area before reaching the picturesque mansion. Additionally, there are opportunities for scenic walks through the extensive grounds that extend down to Essex Bridge and along the canal to Great Haywood cliffs.
A wonderful afternoon out at Shugborough Hall, so much to see and do. As it’s the summer holidays they had more fun and games for children too! Plenty of parking and the usual National Trust facilities including a cafe. The house is interesting to look round, with the downstairs telling the story of George and Thomas Anson, while the upstairs houses the preserved apartment of the Patrick Lichfield the famous royal photographer. The gardens and grounds are big enough to keep you busy for a few hours and the flower gardens at amazing.
Andrew B — Google review
Shugborough Hall is a place well worth a visit. It is a National Trust site located in a large estate in rural Staffordshire. There is plenty to see and do for Adults and children alike. On a nice day there are some very pleasant walks that you can do, as well as visit the house. There is a gift shop, toilets and tea room/restaurant close by. The Hall and all of its history is quite fascinating. As I like my photography I loved seeing some of Lord Lichfield's cameras and equipment, as well as the many photographs mounted on the walls. Some are of famous faces that you will recognise, and some of the Royal Family over various years. There are also events put on throughout the year. I have visited twice in December to see the spectacular display of Christmas Trees. They differ every year, and sometimes follow a theme. They also put on a light show display in December. I haven't seen this yet, but do plan on it this year. I have heard it is very impressive.
Rob C — Google review
Wonderful national trust free entry day. Blessed with fine sunshine. Greeted by 2 very helpful members who explained the map. Added onto planned guided visit to new garden at 2pm. This proved really good with the gardener being very interesting. Volunteers in house brilliant, informative and friendly despite impromptu fire alarm, they were unflappable. Beautiful grounds, gardens and all with our rescue dog Maddie. (She stayed in the car whilst we went inside house). Just had such a lovely relaxing day. Thank you 😊
Mim — Google review
Lovely day out at Shugborough - the staff are 10/10 and gave brilliant service. The gentleman and lady upstairs in Patrick Lichfield’s apartments on Saturday were brilliant, friendly and knowledgeable and great help. The girl working the ice cream counter near the mansion tea room (but not inside the tea room) was amazing, really helped us with our intolerance while ordering an ice cream, super friendly to all customers in front of us and gave exceptional service to us with our celiac dietary needs. It’s a shame a lot of Shugborough has shut since the national trust took ownership, but still has lovely grounds on a sunny day.
Georgie — Google review
Shugborough is simply beautiful whether you're visiting the house or just walking the grounds. Me and my fiance visit often as we just love walking our dog through the grounds and picking up a coffee at the tea room. Very friendly staff upon entry, plenty of info boards explaining future plans, the house is gorgeous inside and out with lots to see. Staff and volunteers are very knowledgeable with the history of the the house. It's just a fab place to visit.
Nicola E — Google review
First visit today and what a fantastic place! We decided to join as family members and it was well worth it. The grounds, gardens and mansion are all beautifully kept — full of history and charm. The tea rooms were excellent too, perfect stop for an autumn treat. Even during October half term it never felt crowded; plenty of parking and so much space to explore that you’d hardly notice how busy it actually was. A brilliant family day out — we’ll definitely be back! – O’Toole UK | Keeping it real, one visit at a time.
O'Toole U — Google review
Had a wonderful day, strolling around the gardens and small walk plus a joy to hear so much history from the volunteers in the hall. The cafe was reasonably priced with good food and coffee.
Estee G — Google review
Amazing place the mansion has lots of things to admire the gardens spectacular iff your going with your family pack up for the day and spend a full day exploring this huge place its a little pricey so best to make it a day and enjoy or the other option join the national trust and visit some of there amazing places
Michael K — Google review
4.6
(2979)
•
4.0
(1587)
Great Haywood, Stafford, ST17 0XB, United Kingdom
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate
+44 1889 881388
22

Cannock Chase District

Mentioned on 
+33 other lists 
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Cannock Chase District is a local government area in Staffordshire, England, named after the expansive Cannock Chase National Landscape. It's known for its outstanding natural beauty and offers diverse landscapes for walking and hiking, from rolling hills to tranquil woodlands. The district is home to Silver Trees Holiday Park, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful environment surrounded by local wildlife like Fallow Deer.
4.6
(1348)
United Kingdom
http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/
23

Cadbury World

Mentioned on 
+95 other lists 
Theme park
Museums
Cadbury World is a popular family attraction located in Birmingham's southern district of Bournville. It offers a self-guided exhibition tour showcasing the origins of chocolate and the history of Cadbury, the UK's favorite chocolatier. Visitors can explore interactive displays about chocolate-making and learn about Cadbury's legacy as the country's first established chocolate manufacturer. The tour includes attractions such as magical Cadabra rides, a 4D Chocolate Adventure zone, and free chocolate samples for all guests.
An amazing experience at Cadbury World with my family. It was way beyond my expectations, with the price paid, you get free chocolate bars, walked through the chocolate making tour, history of Cadbury, free freshly made chocolate with toppings, 4D cinema, hands-on chocolate tempering, interactive ride and outdoor playground, superb for kids in primary school. Two hours nicely spent and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it. Would recommend and would return again in future! It was a pleasant experience. The price might seem a bit pricey but at the end you will think it is worthwhile for the experience offered.
Raymond K — Google review
Lovely experience. It was a wonderful time, spent around 2 hrs. The best part was the 4D movie which was just wow. And then the avenue was the good experince. If could show more about how chocolates are made nowadays then it would be more interesting. I have seen cadbury making process in a different country and that was more into the process making, so thats what a gap was I feel... rest everything was an amazing experience. It was my best birthday present.
Vignesh K — Google review
Its not a very big place, but informative and there were things to do. We also got a taster cup of chocolate, it was nice. Saw a demo about how the chocolate was made. Unfortunately when we went the rides were not working and my child was so disappointed! The ticket was not cheap, so all the rides should work properly!
Stefani W — Google review
Terrible place to visit, definitely not worth £52 for 1 hour and 20 mins after traveling for over 2 and a half hours. Press and play features not working, other functions not working. Interactive machines not working and one that was working went into error mode when we tried to use it. Nothing for adults and it is more themed for children under the age of 8. The 4D attraction was not good at all unless your of a toddler age, motion seats just move a little and vibrate and the other motion seats in the other video tour slightly move from left to right and was over in 5 minutes. Staff at each station do not explain what to do and what you can do at the chocolate making feature which you don't actually make any chocolate or decorate anything, instead they just say the initial hello and tell you to start and then talk amongst each other in front of you about their personal life's. Booking online isn't any quicker as they have a zigzag queue line for any prepaid visitors. The price of a ticket for an adult ticket is the same price for a child under 15 and the whole experience is far from value for money, it is not something you want to plan as a day out. There is lots of places marked on the map as no visitor access also, and when it came to an abrupt finish ending up in the gift shop to spend more money, we where not told if there was anything else to go to or see and nobody creating us at the door or giving us wishes on our way. Parking is free and about good thing as the whole place appears run down, washed out and offers little to do for the whole family. It is more like walking around a mirco museum with a family playground and cafe.
Dave H — Google review
Loved it, was a lot of fun, even as an oldie. Would loved to have seen more of the factory and some more of the history of cadburys. Also has a lovely afternoon tea while we were there. Please take your time to look and use all the activities or you will be out in less than 2 hrs but saying that I think the entry fee is reasonable.
Beccy S — Google review
I visited Cadbury world in Birmingham on a weekday as I predicted this to be a little quieter than a weekend which it was. I managed to get a few snaps of the factory as you take a trip an a good history lesson of the beginnings all the way to present day. I like the tour and I think it’s pretty cool, especially seeing the chocolate makers on the ground floor making the chocolate fresh and shaping these for souvenirs to buy or for special events coming up. The gift shop is also pretty cool and worth a visit, having some cool novelties you can buy and take home with you. HOWEVER, for being a chocolate tour, the ride was not working when I was there, which was disappointing. Also, you only get 2 free bars of chocolate included in your tour visit, which is a little ridiculous considering that you pay a decent price to go.
Did T — Google review
A place that offers information, fun filled activities and entertainment. Booking tickets in advance is must. It will save you a trip and money. Arrive by about your time of entry, they let people queue and enter in batches. The tour begins with a historic display of cocoa production and evolution of chocolate while it travelled across the world. Then the first chocolate shop and birth of Cadbury, some stories of the family and how they ventured into this business. Followed by the making of chocolate, staffs demonstrating the process and later you get to do it by yourself. Inside they also sell some crazy structures of chocolate. Then you get entertained by 4D movie, dwelling into the world of characters Cadbury has introduced. Followed by a nice exhibit narrating the story of Bournville village and a fun filled ride where you collect the ingredients (virtually) to make your own chocolate. If you may have forgotten to collect something, don't worry you can buy them from their store that has EVERYTHING CHOCOLATE!!! A one of its kind place to engage all age groups. You get some free chocolates on entry and can buy more at exit. There is a cafe inside this building. Parking available. Cloak room is only for large luggage bags. Enough numbers of toilets available in intervals throughout the tour.
Parinita A — Google review
It's not just about chocolate (although that's rather a key theme …) but also about how the workers were treated. Very well. A quite interesting self-paced tour. Three free (well, included in the admission price) bars of chocolate for each guest, plus a sample towards the end of the tour. Then there's the museum to see, too. Oh, and the shop, just in case you haven't already got enough chocolate.
Tim L — Google review
4.2
(23016)
•
3.7
(10594)
69 Linden Rd, Birmingham, B30 1JR, United Kingdom
https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/
+44 121 828 9300
24

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Mentioned on 
+67 other lists 
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham offers a family-friendly experience with a diverse range of sea creatures. It's an ideal destination for kids' days out in the West Midlands, featuring play areas and group packages. Surrounding attractions include parks like Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses, Cannon Hill Park, and more. Additionally, visitors can enjoy famous events and vibrant nightlife in the area.
Great aquarium! They have penguins and otters among lots of other sea creatures. The entire set up was very different from most aquariums. It was kind of like walking around a mountainous island. Quite interesting. Unfortunately, we paid the full price since we didn't know that it was cheaper to buy the tickets in advance.
Andrew F — Google review
There is a helpful little tip for visiting - in the corner of the gift shop there is a lift back up to the toilets. These are back at the beginning of exhibition so you can head round again to pick up any bits you missed! It is a great half day out with the kids. The centre feels like it could do with some updating and refresh on some of the side activities but the exhibits are all great, and the feeding / talk times flow quite well through your visit. The staff are all super friendly and helpful, our daughters especially loved the roaming pirate!
AndyHasBeenTaken — Google review
It was am awesome experience! I'll be honest when I first went in, I thought it was quite small, however it is extended at the back so it was indeed quite spacious. Easily took us 2-3 hours to explore the entire place at a slow pace with a 5 month old. The penguins were adorable at the start, the amount of fish in each aquarium space was quite adequate. I did wish we could see the otters though, only managed to catch s tiny glimpse in the room at the far back. The area with the jellyfish was so mesmerising. There were different photography stations located at multiple areas. You could take photos at each station, and at the end you could choose which pictures you'd like to buy and what package. Overall there was a lot of cleanliness, tanks were clean, the walkways were clean too. We ended up going at a busy weekend, but still could easily manage to get around with a baby pram. There was however a pram parking area, if you will, to store the prams if you'd rather do that. Definitely worth a trip.
Sara Z — Google review
Visited on a Saturday with pre-booked tickets and went straight in. It was as busy as you would expect on a weekend. Theres a route to follow and as long as you are patient in certain places you can see everything (unless creatures are hiding) There are some additional options like photos taken and a VR experience included in the admission charge. There is quite a bit to see and different areas. There are toilets at the start and halfway through, there is a shop at the end but no cafe. It takes around 60-90 mins to go round but we didnt do any photos or VR. It does look a bit tired and dated in places and the enclosures look a bit on the smaller side especially for the Penquins and Sea Otters. We used Tescos Clubcard vouchers to pay but our tickets would have been £55.00 which is steep for what you get but, if you used all the things offered it might seem better value for money
Beth H — Google review
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham: A Submerged City Escape ​The National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham offers an engaging and surprisingly intimate exploration of the underwater world, making it a perfect family outing in the city centre. While its footprint is smaller than some coastal aquariums, it packs a real punch, particularly with its signature attraction: the UK's only 360-degree Ocean Tunnel. ​Walking through this clear acrylic tunnel is genuinely jaw-dropping, providing an immersive experience as sharks, rays, and the beloved giant green sea turtle, Molokai, glide directly overhead and beneath your feet. This highlight alone justifies the visit, offering incredible photographic moments and a true sense of being submerged. ​Beyond the ocean tunnel, key exhibits include the playful Gentoo penguins in their icy habitat and the charming sea otters, Ozzy and Ola, who reside in the Mammal Rescue Facility. Interactive elements like the rock pool, where visitors can gently touch a starfish, keep younger guests highly engaged. Other sections, like the jellyfish displays and the Clownfish Kingdom, are vibrant and well-presented. ​While tickets can be pricey, seeking out available discounts or utilizing combination passes with nearby attractions like LEGOLAND Discovery Centre offers better value. Allow about 90 minutes to two hours for a comfortable tour. Despite sometimes being busy, the SEA LIFE Centre remains a truly "splash hit" and a memorable journey into marine conservation and discovery.
Augustus O — Google review
We had a fantastic afternoon here with my daughter and grandson! It’s such a wonderful place, and we especially loved watching the feeding the sea otters, Ozzy and Ola. The gentleman narrating was so friendly and knowledgeable, answering all our questions with enthusiasm. He’s a real asset to the centre and made our visit extra special — we only wish we’d caught his name!
Stef — Google review
It's OK for young children, not a long experience for the price so would definitely plan other activities around this if you are travelling into Birmingham. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and the venue is clean and tidy. The immediate area, Brindley Place, is clean and well presented and has parking nearby.
Paul — Google review
Awesome experience,amazing staff!! They have designated talk and feed times for penguins and otters, so you could enjoy that. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Specially enjoyed the penguins. Would have given a 5 or even more if otters were close instead of on screen. However I understand and appreciate that they need to adapt first to this environment before exposing them to public. Overall, it was a very fun experience and Happy Weekend instead!!
Ayushi P — Google review
4.2
(14965)
•
3.7
(5223)
The Water's Edge, Birmingham, B1 2HL, United Kingdom
https://www.visitsealife.com/birmingham
+44 121 634 2610
25

Alton Towers

Mentioned on 
108 lists 
Theme park
Water & Amusement Parks
Alton Towers is a popular adventure park in Britain, known for its thrilling roller coasters and attractions suitable for younger kids, such as CBeebies Land. The park is set in the picturesque Staffordshire countryside and features well-maintained grounds surrounding a beautiful Gothic Revival house. In addition to the rides, visitors can enjoy entertaining shows and make use of the attached indoor water park.
Just spent three days here with my two (13 and 10) on their first visit (and my first for 25+ years!). The theming, cleanliness and organisation of the park was excellent. The layout is big so be prepared for lots of walking! The skyride helps, as does the monorail from the car parks, otherwise that's a good 20 minute walk to the park entrance. All the staff we encountered were very helpful and friendly. Big shout out to Jack, who helped us find our car on the first night when we lost our bearings! The queues are really well managed, all the food was tasty (chicken tikka wrap from opposite Rita highly recommended and the rollercoaster restaurant near Galactica an excellent experience). Don't miss the cute little aquarium near Wicker Man. The water park was great fun too, the slides to outside a big hit and the coaster slide brilliant - worth the wait for sure. The free scare mazes were very good and even the souvenir prices reasonable. The gardens are also brilliantly kept and look great with the autumn colours. Only a few criticisms; lack of hooks on the back of toilet doors for hanging your bag and only cold water to wash your hands in most facilities. Also, the arcades needs some attention (a few had faults/blocked sections and the low end token prizes were limited and too highly priced).
Alison — Google review
I'll start with the car park. It's decent size and well maintained. I completely do not agree with flat rate you have to pay on top of the entry tickets. Regardless if you are there for just couple of hours, half a day or full day, still have to fork out another £12. Park itself is spread out across vast space. There's lots and lots of walking. Rides are decent. Other attractions are good as well. For us it worked out quite expensive as we've come with a child under 2 years old mainly to visit CeBeebies Land. I've managed to pop on some rides when he had a power nap. Overall we've enjoyed our time in there and definitely rate it higher than any other UK theme park. Problem is, once you've been to Universal Orlando and other Florida parks you gonna find all rides in any UK park not as thrilling and stunning as what they have in there. We've found all staff to be friendly, helpful and polite. Cleanliness throughout the park was decent including rest rooms. We've even found a nice kebab takeaway on site which was a plus.
Grzegorz B — Google review
We’ve been to Alton Towers three times now, and it never disappoints! Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a solo rollercoaster thrill seeker, there’s something here for everyone. With a little help from Cadbury’s (who will you take vouchers — are a huge help! As it can be a little pricey) we were able to enjoy another amazing trip. The whole park is lovely and clean, and all the staff we met were really friendly and helpful. If you’re planning a visit, just be aware that during peak times the queues can get quite long for the rides. We went out of peak this time, and it was incredibly quiet — barely any waiting at all, which made the day even better! Just a heads up also food in the park is very pricey if you don't want to take food with you, but as a one off it's ok. like us going three times we learnt to take sandwiches and snacks and bought a coca cola refillable drinks beaker we take everytime. We noticed families taking the travel trucks with their bits and bobs into carry around for the day of there is a large amount of you who which is a brilliant family hack. Some of the food wasn't that spectacular and very cheaply made as you would get in most big theme parks but some little hidden gems in the park were lovely like the coach house confectionary in gloomy woods serving up there social media viral black ice creams and sweet foods. Overall, Alton Towers is an amazing day out full of excitement, laughs, and memories. Can’t wait to go back again!
Sally C — Google review
We had an amazing day in Alton towers. We went on a Scare fest event, it was brilliant. I really recommend to download the app to see the waiting times in queue as well as if it’s closed or having a weather delay. It’s good to see every ride update so you don’t make any unnecessary walk. To be honest even the 45mins ques were quick. Staff were very friendly and helpful, food is nice but pricey. Bring comfy shoes and snacks!!! We went for opening which allowed us to go on every main ride. The scare mazes were fantastic, the themes the actors were spot on!!🖤🧡 Both day and night time all the resort looks very stunning with the rides lighted up and the Alton Castle! 🏰 all the park is very looked after. Definitely coming back next year!
Fanni D — Google review
Great visit everytime. The food stalls are expensive but if you can take some food to save yourself some money. Definitely recommend visiting during scarefest even if you dont do any of the scare mazes. Staff are brilliant they keeps things moving quickly so the ride times stay as low as possible and the park stay open 9pm meaning you can get to go on the rides in the dark. Which is well worth it!
Ciara — Google review
Honestly hands down best theme park in the UK. The theming is immense and absolutely mind-blowing. Has the best rollercoasters in the UK and the best inverted coaster in Europe. The food is amazing Sand is worth it, especially the loaded fries on Tower Street. The Smiler is one of the most intense rides out there and is definitely a coaster worth going on, even if you are far away from the park it is definitely worth a visit. Loads of kids areas to adventure but some big areas for the thrill seekers. My favourite coasters in order: 1. Nemesis Reborn (Got on it 2 times in 1 day and got front row) 2. Smiler (Can be rough sometimes but is so thrilling) 3. Galactica (Really underrated and immense fun) 4. Wickerman (Best wooden coaster in the UK bc of Megafobia) 5. Oblivion (Short and boring after the drop) 6. Rita (The launch into the turn is amazing and forceful) 7. THI3TEEN (The droptrack's airtime is absolutely stunning) 8. Spinball Whizzer (Quite painful and colours don't suit Alton) Haven't been on: Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure, Runaway Minetrain. Honourable mentions: Toxicator (Best flat ride in the UK coming in close with Samurai. Sharkbait reef (I love fish and this was cool for a Theme Park) Hex (I love the story and the ride is quite unique) Congo River Rapids (Great family ride) So overall the price is worth paying and the food is worth eating. You should go to Alton Towers if you are wanting thrill and you can also go if you need a family day out with the kids. (Scarefest at Alton Towers is the best Halloween event at a major theme park throughout the whole of the UK and the vibe of the park already fits a Halloween vibe)
DannyBoy — Google review
Look I totally get that there may have been issues with staffing as it was the last day of scare fest, but we still paid the same amount then any other days. Ultimately I have seen a huge difference in the service from staff at the resort, I’m not talking about the ones on rides or at the guest services, the main issue is the food and restaurants staff and the facilities. Shocking difference, the attitude on some of the staff and the serious lack of any customer service. It was like they have just grabbed a load of teenagers out of school and plonked them down, in all the restaurants and food stalls. 1. Total mess around the food stalls including hotdog stand. 2. Unlit areas when they have organise for night rides and attractions there were broken lights everywhere and massive dark spots across the park, including near the food stalls as. 3. Toilets, this shocked me as I had never experienced issues with unclean toilets at AT before. Really smelly and no cleaning staff in sight. Almost every toilet in the resort had an issue . 4. Lots of areas of the park were closed as they were setting up for bonfires night, it was almost like an excuse for staff to behave like the resort was half closed. 5. Monorail stunk of alcohol, first thing in the morning and generally needs to be cleaned up it’s old worn and looks uncared for. 6. Staff at the video stalls after a ride has some serious attitude problems, not all of them, but sone would just stare at you, not saying anything, and then mumble and give annoyed looks. The attractions/rides, as always were great. And the actors of the scare mazes were brilliant. but what makes Merlin entertainment brilliant is the whole magic of the resorts and the magic was definite missing and most of the staff just didn’t care, this could be because of the way they’ve been treated who knows but I was very disappointed, it’s lost its magic for me.
Abgnfcl13 — Google review
Absolutely amazing place! Definitely recommended for all the family If you're an older family I would recommend two days - would also recommend looking at the Waterpark as it is fantastic for all the family Only negative that you would expect, the food, drinks and merchandise is expensive so make sure you save up if you intend on eating and drinking on park
Dean W — Google review
4.4
(56792)
•
3.8
(24975)
Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB, United Kingdom
https://www.altontowers.com/
+44 1538 704096
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26

Alton Towers Waterpark

Mentioned on 
13 lists 
Water & Amusement Parks
Water park
Alton Towers Waterpark is an indoor/outdoor tropical lagoon-themed waterpark located at a resort with various dining options. The Caribbean-themed waterpark offers fantastic views from the hotel and is connected to the Alton Towers Hotel by corridors, making it easily accessible. Visitors can enjoy a full day of theme park rides and then head over to the waterpark without having to walk outside in the cold.
Amazing time in amazing place 😀 We spend few days in the Alton Towers Hotel resort and water park, my daughter likes it very much and she gives you 5 stars…there are almost no people, peace and quiet, no queues, they let us stay in the water park all day without any limits, normally when there are a lot of people, you stay for 2.5 hours.. For me the most important thing was cleanliness, the room we had was clean, changing rooms in the water park were clean, bathrooms were clean, everywhere was nicely maintained, we ate in a clean nice secret garden restaurant, customer service was very good and friendly… In the bar in the water park you can choose from jack potatoes, nachos, hot dogs, ice creams and drinks… I would also like to big thank to young beautiful girls with great voices who showed tricks to my daughter were great!! 😊
A W — Google review
I enjoy all the fun slides. The changing room is clean. You get a cheaper price when you book in advance. The downside is a lack of signage of where the water park car park is located and one of the claw machines is faulty.
Jennifer H — Google review
A really nice and atmospheric water park, with plenty of theming. The water was warm and clean. The staff were polite, even though it was busy, they still had time for everyone. The only problem was the amount of time we spent quing to get an inflatable for the slides. It was also a cramped waiting area for the inflatables. But apart from that, we had a really nice day out.
Lucy K — Google review
We enjoyed it. Fun place to take the kids and we will comeback. The toilets however were dirty I attribute too it being very busy. Also it took a while to find a parking spot at least 20 minutes so I suggest arriving at least half an hour before your booking.
Andreia A — Google review
Was quite anxious as my 7 and 10 yo went off in different direction. Staff friendly and had the use of AI life guarding, continually scanning swimmers and those in trouble. Rides where great, queues manageable, pools warm , food was a bit pricey. Parking free.
Si L — Google review
Never been here before so took the grand children who had a wil of a time. Recommend fast track if you can afford it as there are long waits og up to 2hrs on some rides.
Desmond B — Google review
Pretty average water park. Firstly, there is only one big slide (master blaster) which I waited about 70 mins for. There are also lots of reliability issues with the slide and almost every time I get in the queue for this slide it end up stopping for 10 mins. The changing rooms and even parts of the water park smelt terribly of urine and a lot of the changing rooms are dirty. Also the lockers require 20p so keep that in mind. There are also some flumes outside which have a short queue for each one but are really fun. I also enjoyed the smaller ring slide which I only waited 5 mins for. It seems everyone just goes to the master blaster leaving the rest of slides with barely any queue. The water park is quite crowded and areas like the lazy river and pool get really busy. If you really like water parks then I suppose it’s worth a visit but if you aren’t that bothered then I’d give it a miss.
Finn J — Google review
It all started with Doug in reception who was polite, helpful and welcoming and it just got better after that. The 20 Pence man was fabulous and then all the staff poolside were great. The pool was warm, exciting and really fun. My 6 year old loved it. We will definitely be coming back. Well done Alton Towers.
Nigel L — Google review
4.3
(4308)
•
3.9
(3594)
Alton Towers, Alton, Waterpark ST10 4DB, United Kingdom
https://www.altontowers.com/activities/waterpark/
+44 1538 704096
27

National Memorial Arboretum (Alrewas, Staffordshire)

Mentioned on 
24 lists 
Memorial park
Nature & Parks
The National Memorial Arboretum, located in Alrewas, Staffordshire, is a sprawling 150-acre site within the National Forest. It serves as the focal point for Remembrance in the UK and features over 330 military and civilian memorials set amidst lush parkland and woodland. Visitors can pay their respects to those who have served in the Armed Forces and civil services while strolling through this tranquil space.
The National Memorial Arboretum is a very interesting place to visit. It lies in quite a large area, so you may find that one visit is not enough. There really is so much to see! I have been several times, and any time of year is good. It is so different through the seasons, from Spring blossoms and Daffodils to Summer Poppies to Autumn colours. There are land trains, and guided talks etc which go into great detail to explain various exhibits. I found these quite fascinating! It is mainly on the flat, with decent paths all round. Wheelchair friendly too, as you can imagine it was built with Veterans in mind. Not just a Memorial to the armed forces, but to anyone involved doing their bit during conflicts, (Police, NHS, Coal Miners, Railwaymen etc) and also to victims of terrorism. There is a "Twin Towers" Memorial here. The wall at the main monument is quite a sobering sight. All the names of members of the armed forces who have lost their lives since World War 2. There's usually plenty of volunteers about who will happily answer any questions. Entry is free, but you must pay for parking. This is cheaper if you book online through the website. It is dog friendly, although dogs are restricted from certain areas (Main Monument and wall etc).
Rob C — Google review
We had an amazing day out at the arboretum. We had a mixed family group from 89year olds to 3 year olds and a dog. We had a fantastic day there, they strike the atmosphere perfectly with somber areas and moments but encourages the young people to learn and be fun and look at the wildlife around the arboretum. The dog was able to walk round all bar two places which were perfectly reasonable and there were bins and toilets everywhere needed. . The staff were nice, accessibility ♿ was at the forefront of the staffs mind with buggys to the top, toilets and ramps everywhere.
Callum J — Google review
Beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Time for reflection and to honour those that gave their lives for us. Dog friendly and lots of paths around so that you can go at your own pace and visit the memorials that you want to see. There are over 400 memorials, set in landscaped woodland and gardens. Cafe and coffee shop at the visitor centre with lots of seating inside and outside. Staff were very friendly and helpful also there to help
Nicola L — Google review
A really beautiful and peaceful place. Many of the monuments are stunning, and really honour the memory of those people they represent. We paid a small amount extra for the land train tour. This allowed us to cover most of the site, albeit in not a huge amount of detail. The commentary onboard was very interesting and informative. I had no idea the main feature of the armed forces memorial has a solar feature built in which allows a shaft of light to illuminate a central plinth at 11am on November 11th each year. Would recommend it to anyone to visit and pay respects to those who fought for freedom. Money raised by car parking and tours goes to the British legion.
Martin ( — Google review
As an American visiting the UK, I had the privilege of spending a day at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, and I can honestly say it was one of the most moving and meaningful experiences of my trip. The grounds are absolutely stunning—beautifully landscaped, peaceful, and incredibly well-maintained. Every memorial tells a story, and the sheer scope of remembrance here is both humbling and inspiring. It honors not only members of the British Armed Forces, but also civilian services and international partners, which gave it a universal sense of respect and unity. What struck me most was the quiet dignity of the place. It's not just a collection of memorials; it's a living, breathing space where people come to reflect, honor, and remember. The staff and volunteers were welcoming and knowledgeable, and the visitor center provided helpful context for those unfamiliar with UK military history. The chapel service was simple yet powerful, and the entire visit left a lasting impression. Whether you have a personal connection to the armed services or simply wish to understand more about sacrifice and service, this is a place everyone should experience. A truly unforgettable visit. I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects.
Angela S — Google review
What a beautiful place. Its so peaceful. The staff were very helpful when we tried to find certain monuments we specifically wanted to see. There were plenty of benches to sit on too scattered all about.
Zoe W — Google review
Lovely, clean, friendly and fully accessible grounds. Very touching and informative place to visit. Lovely cafeteria. Children's playground. We attended armed forces day and were provided with a day long entertainment provided by members of the armed forces. Scooter and wheelchair hire available, plenty of disabled parking which may be pre booked.
Sue T — Google review
Decided on Bank Holiday to visit this place, as had a free day and wanted to learn more about British History. This place is incredible. So much to discover about Armed Forces. So much history and theres insane amount of memorials and statues. Absolutely fascinating. Parking was not a problem even on a busy day. Organised. Entry is free - you pay £8 for parking all day though. Which is fair enough in my opinion as you will spend at least 3 hours minimum. Thats if you just walk and rush pass everything. Full day if you want to see and read. Theres lots of trails to walk, and you are constantly around the trees, ponds etc. Really lovely place. You also have museum inside. Cafe. Shop. Toilets. All the things you need. So, if you want to get them steps in, learn about armed forces history, be surrounded by beautiful nature-this place is for you!
Lukas K — Google review
4.9
(13666)
•
4.8
(3930)
Croxall Rd, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 7AR, United Kingdom
http://www.thenma.org.uk/
+44 1283 245100
28

Drayton Manor Resort

Mentioned on 
+39 other lists 
Theme park
Water & Amusement Parks
Amusement park
Drayton Manor Resort is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and animal lovers alike. The resort features a large adventure playground with 12 rides based on Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as indoor play areas and parklands. Additionally, visitors can explore Drayton Manor Zoo, which is home to over 100 species of animals, including endangered species protected under various conservation programs.
I had an amazing day at Drayton manor and it was definitely worth the money spent. I was very fortunate to plan my day on the least busy day at the theme park all year, there were weather warnings out as well as it being a weekday in September so there were less than 600 individuals in the park. Due to this, I was able to go on every coaster 3 times, including the wave, I also went on Loki and Thor 3 times. I went on every single ride in the park and all of the staff were amazing, welcoming, friendly and funny! Because of the amazing atmosphere between guests and the staff the day was great, I felt confident to go on many rides by myself and even at the front of every coaster (some rides I had entirely to myself!) due to the weather the only rides that were closed were slepnir, river rapids, air racers and bounty pirate ship, on the day the website didn’t detail that all these rides would be closed and only bounty pirate ship so I was a little disappointed however the day was so amazing and I got my money’s worth so it didn’t bother me. The only two issues I found during my trip was that the zoo was practically empty, either all the animals were hiding due to the weather or they’re just not there? We went through the entire zoo and only saw the flamingos, meerkats and a pigmy monkey. I wish I hadn’t bothered going to see the zoo due to this as we spent an hour there and we could’ve gone on a lot more rides! If animals aren’t there during this time of year it would be nice to know via the website so I could’ve planned the day more accordingly. The rides in adventure cove close earlier than the rest of the park, so I missed on going on stormforcd and the wave again… maybe I’m greedy. This doesn’t effect my star rating although as I came for the rides, not the zoo :)
Hubba B — Google review
This was my 7 yr old daughters first visit to a proper theme park she absolutely loved it. I am not so keen on rollercoasters as I have gotten a bit older, however the roller coasters here, although fast at twisty, did not feel like they were trying to fling you out of the atmosphere. Very enjoyable rides, and my daughter is already itching to go back, and also eager to try something bigger and faster. The whole family enjoyed the small zoo which is there also. The Red Panda, Gibbons and Meerkats were the favourites.
Sc0tty K — Google review
Our family had the most wonderful stay-and-play experience at Drayton Manor Resort, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! My wife, our 5-year-old son, and I visited recently during their Halloween special, and it was a magical experience from start to finish. Everything — from the themed décor to the warm hospitality — made it one of the best family getaways we’ve ever had. The highlight of our trip was, without a doubt, the Thomas Land theme park. Our little boy is a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan, and seeing his face light up when we entered was priceless. He absolutely loved riding on the Thomas-themed trains, meeting his favourite characters, and exploring all the fun rides designed especially for younger children. The park was beautifully decorated for Halloween with pumpkins, friendly ghosts, and cheerful seasonal music, creating a festive yet family-friendly atmosphere. Every corner had something new to discover, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into making the experience enjoyable for both kids and parents. We also stayed overnight in one of the Thomas & Friends-themed rooms, and it was simply amazing. The attention to detail was outstanding — from the Thomas bedding and wall art to the little touches that made our son feel like he was sleeping in Sodor itself. He was so thrilled that he didn’t want to go to bed, and the next morning, he didn’t want to leave! In fact, he kept asking if we could stay “just one more night” so he could go back to Thomas Land again. The staff throughout the resort were friendly, helpful, and always smiling, which made the experience even better. The food options were great, and everything was clean, well-organized, and family-oriented. Overall, Drayton Manor Resort is a dream destination for families, especially those with young children. We created some truly special memories and can’t wait to visit again — maybe next time for Christmas or summer!
Lino J — Google review
Wow, what a season, and it’s not over yet! Well done Drayton Manor for the friendliest welcome, be it customer services, ride staff, and catering staff. New entertainment, more atmosphere, and an incredible Halloween theming, and the light and firework show last night 😱. We have had a brilliant year and look forward to Christmas! Keep doing what you do - great value great family entertainment 🙏
Steven C — Google review
We had a wonderful day at Drayton Manor! The rides were fantastic, and we were pleasantly surprised by how many of the thrill rides our children were able to go on. The Halloween entertainment was excellent — our children especially loved the trick-or-treating experience. There was great entertainment and a fun atmosphere all around the park, with lively music adding to the Halloween spirit. The park itself was really quiet, so we were able to walk straight onto most rides, which was a huge bonus. All the staff were super friendly and really embraced the Halloween theme, which made the day even more enjoyable. We had lunch at Safari Pizza, and the family deal was great value for money. Later, we treated ourselves to Halloween milkshakes and a Halloween waffle while watching the water show — both were delicious and again, very reasonably priced. The water show was a lovely extra touch that we all really enjoyed. The zoo was another nice addition to the day, and it was lovely to see how well cared-for the animals looked. A few rides, like the rapids and the pirate ship, were closed, but honestly, we wouldn’t have had time to fit them in anyway — there was so much else to do! It’s a shame we don’t live closer, as we would definitely buy an annual pass. However, we’re already planning to return soon for the Christmas celebrations 😀 thanks !
Paige G — Google review
Loved the Halloween theme. The park was not very busy. We had fast passes but didn’t have to use them. It’s great that they allow you to use the fast passes at a later date.
Tim A — Google review
Drayton Manor is perfect for children up to about 13, or for teens who prefer medium size coasters. My pre teen enjoyed all the rides, it was the perfect fear level for her. There are 5 big rides, plenty of medium size rides and loadsss of little rides for toddlers. The theme was Halloween and the whole place was decorated lovely! We didn't get chance to visit the zoo, but we will definitely be back to do it all over again and make sure we save time for the zoo.
Kaytee S — Google review
I did the stay and play offer for myself and my son. We had a free room upgrade when we arrived which was lovely. Included in our stay were two days entry to the park, fast track passes for rides, free parking and breakfast. Friendly helpful staff, clean and comfortable rooms. The park itself was tidy. Wait times for some rides were long, especially The Wave! Took ages for them to load the trains , giving half the train to fast track and half to regular waiting customers, just felt wrong considering how long we were waiting. Great for younger children with the Thomas land. My son is 17 and we still had an amazing time.
Kelly H — Google review
4.3
(20535)
•
4.0
(8816)
Drayton Manor Dr, Fazeley, Drayton Bassett, Tamworth B78 3TW, United Kingdom
https://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/
+44 1827 287979
29

SnowDome

Mentioned on 
30 lists 
Indoor snowcenter
Outdoor Activities
SnowDome, located in Tamworth, is the UK's first full-sized indoor ski slope offering a unique experience for all ages and skill levels. Visitors can enjoy skiing or snowboarding down the main slope or take lessons from supportive instructors. The center also features an ice rink and swimming pool for those looking for alternative activities. Additionally, it offers classes in skiing and snowboarding.
I had an amazing experience taking skiing lessons at the SnowDome in Tamworth! The instructors were incredibly friendly, patient, and professional — they made learning to ski so much fun and completely stress-free. The indoor slope is perfect for beginners, and the lessons were really well-structured with lots of personal tips and encouragement. By the end, I felt so much more confident on my skis! Everything from the equipment to the facilities was top-notch. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn or brush up on their skiing before hitting the mountains!
Crystal W — Google review
Great day out for my daughters 10th birthday. Bonus as May was buy one get one free so really good value! As the girls were 10 I didn't have to go in the pool or on the snow play sliding with them (extra bonus 😂) but easy to watch and manage. Snow play staff were lovely. Life guards a bit moody to be honest.
Gemma K — Google review
I recently visited Tamworth Snowdome and have mixed feelings based on two very different lesson experiences. If, like me, you’re someone who learns best through clear instruction and explanation (and not just being told to “give it another go”), I really recommend thinking carefully about which lessons you book. My first session was a 9am Saturday Fast Track lesson, and honestly, it wasn’t great. There was very little actual teaching - we were mostly just sent down the slope repeatedly with minimal feedback. We were merged with another group and had to do more standing around and waiting rather than actual skiing. I was the slowest in the group and unfortunately the instructor didn’t handle that very kindly. When I asked genuine questions - like how to walk at the top of the slope without slipping - she (Rhea) just smiled and didn’t give an answer. It felt dismissive and unhelpful. I was also moved into a line with a longer wait time because I was struggling, which made me feel singled out. I do want to highlight Max, who was assisting that day - I learned more from his quick tips than from the main instructor. But overall, I left that lesson frustrated, embarrassed, and feeling like I’d wasted my money. That said, my Level 2 lesson the same afternoon was the complete opposite experience. Adam and Joe were brilliant - patient, clear, happy instead of grumpy, and genuinely helpful. They told me exactly what I was doing wrong and how to correct it. Within three more runs I was skiing with control, and by the end I was confidently linking turns. They turned a discouraging morning into a huge win, where my partner noted I was smiling constantly and more relaxed. I honestly can’t thank them enough. My advice: If you’re someone who needs proper explanation rather than just trial-and-error mixed with standing around, book Level 1, 2, and 3 separately instead of Fast Track. You’ll get more focused teaching and less pressure to keep up with the quickest learners. Also, go with an instructor who actually instructs. I also found (in my personal experience) that the male instructors were warmer and more helpful than the female instructors - as there was a older lady instructing a group we were later merged with, who wasn’t very warm, but that may vary and isn’t meant as a blanket statement. In the end, I’d still recommend Tamworth Snowdome - just be mindful of which lesson format you choose. With the right instructor, it’s absolutely worth it.
Manisha — Google review
What a fantastic day. All 3 of my boys went to Clip and Clmb and had their first lessons snowboarding. Every member of staff were so polite and professional. The food in Aspen was great and pizzas delivered on a mini snowboard was great. A big shout out to Imogen and Ethan the boys instructors who were amazing from start to finish, their smiles and constant tips to push them on had them from wobbly newbies to being independent and in control. Thanks for such a memorable day!
Barry P — Google review
We bought a group of 6 kids to SnowDome for a snowboard lesson! Special thanks to Coach Leo who was absolutely amazing and made the session so much fun for them . We did ski with lift pass the next day and the staffs there were all really lovely and helpful. Great experience all round! We will definitely book again.
Au W — Google review
I recently completed the beginners’ Ski course and it was absolutely fantastic! I can’t praise my instructor, Ben P, highly enough. He was incredibly attentive and patient with everyone in the group, giving each of us the confidence we needed to get out on the slopes. Ben spent plenty of one-on-one time with those who needed extra help and made everyone feel completely at ease. If all the instructors are anything like Ben, I’m certain anyone who joins this course will have an amazing experience and make great progress. Highly recommended!
Ella T — Google review
I attended a Fast Track 1 lesson, but the group was far too large and the instructor was quite abrupt. Several children became upset during the session. With so many participants, there wasn’t enough time for proper attention to each learner, so class sizes should definitely be smaller. It also didn’t feel like a safe or suitable environment for beginners, as there is no dedicated training area. While waiting on the slope for my turn, I was knocked over by a free-skiing skier, and snowboarders from the top slope were repeatedly coming through the group as well. There is only one entrance and exit, meaning everyone — beginners included — is funnelled into the same crowded space. If I were a more confident skier coming from the top, I’d be concerned about finding a safe gap to get through with such large groups blocking the run. Given the venue’s limited space, they really need better crowd control — smaller groups and/or set training hours would make a huge difference. Clearly this isn’t a priority though, as it seems the focus is on maximising money rather than safety or learning experience. To highlight that point: the pass was £120 per person. So with around 10 in the group, that’s roughly £1,200 for a 3-hour session — yet the experience felt overcrowded and poorly managed. Finally, the instructor we had should reconsider their approach. Shouting at people that they are “not doing it right” only creates a stressful environment and doesn’t help anyone improve.
Rhian P — Google review
I recently took my first group ski lessons for beginners at Snowdome Tamworth, where three instructors were looking after our group. During the session, one of the instructors — Adam K. — really stood out. His passion, friendly attitude, and clear guidance helped me take my very first steps on the slope with confidence. I felt truly supported throughout the lesson. Because of this great experience, I decided to book a few private lessons with Adam K. as well. I never thought someone as clumsy as me could actually learn to ski, but thanks to his patience and excellent teaching, I did! I highly recommend Adam K. for ski lessons — he is an outstanding instructor!
Anna B — Google review
4.4
(6747)
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4.5
(5513)
Leisure Island, Riverdrive, Tamworth, B79 7ND, United Kingdom
https://www.snowdome.co.uk/?utm_source=GoogleMyBusiness&utm_medium=Organic&utm_campaign=MainListing
+44 344 800 0011
30

The National Brewery Centre

Mentioned on 
+8 other lists 
Permanently Closed
Heritage museum
Food & Drink
The National Brewery Centre, located in Burton Upon Trent, United Kingdom, is a fascinating destination that offers guided tours to explore the rich history of British brewing. Visitors can delve into the legacy of the Bass family and their significant contribution to the development of brewing techniques. The center provides an immersive experience with shire horses, vintage vehicles, and opportunities to sample ales brewed on site. Additionally, it hosts live music events and festive Christmas parties.
A really wet day what shall we do? The National Brewery Centre in Burton is supposed to be good. So off we went and we where not disappointed. The tour was given by an extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide who took us around in just over 1hr 45 minutes. Any questions asked he could answer. At the main desk you were given 3 tokens to try different beers at the end of the tour along with food if you wished. If you so wished you didn't need the guide and could spend as much more time looking and reading about the exhibits at your leisure. Photographs are aloud to remember your day. Take mints with you to feed the shire horses
Dennis H — Google review
Very different but interesting and spontaneous 90 minute tour of the old brewery. You get 3 ‘test taste’ tickets to use, 1 ticket gets you a quarter pint to taste, or use all 3 to purchase a beer from the gift shop at the end. Sad to hear this place is fighting to keep the doors open, it’s a good historical place.
Beccy C — Google review
We had a Sunday lunch with my in laws and our children. The portions were great, even the children's meals were decent, service was OK (we had too keep asking them for things rather than them being attentive) and we left happy and full. The children had fun on the little play area there too. All in all a lovely meal.
Tammy B — Google review
What a brilliant day out...excellent. The music was out standing, the fly pass brilliant to see. And the kids just enjoyed everything. Oh and my little one stole the show, well she really got stuck in with her dancing. Until next time.
G K — Google review
Enjoyable day out and tickets were very good value (£12 per adult). You can walk round at your own pace which was nice, there was also a tour going on so worth enquiring about having a guide who can share more of the history and info into the brewing process. The food at the pub within the museum was also very good - hearty food like bangers and mash, and lasagne, as well as sandwiches. Parking was free as well which was super.
Connie — Google review
Excellent! A must visit place on all real ale fans' bucket lists, especially if you like history and fun:- museum on the Worthington site, memorabilia shop, beer boutique with local ales, escape room and, last but not least, Brewery Tap bar and restaurant with proper pub food - drayman's lunch recommended - and three 1/3 pint sample tickets - there were 6 ales on September 5th, plus lagers and keg and soft for designated drivers. 😁
Dean B — Google review
My dad used to work for Bass so this was a place we always used to visit as a child as he got free entry. I always loved the shire horses. I remember having my 7th birthday party there and a shire horse had a card round its next saying happy 7th birthday Emma. I alot of local brewing history in the museum. Nothing has really changed from when I was a kid. Even the buttons still work on the miniature train tracks :)
Emma — Google review
Great place for day out for beer aficionados. I especially liked their display of beer delivery vehicles. Beer shop offers good selection of beers you can't get elsewhere. Additionally on-site restaurant is a nice stopping point for a meal.
Tomek I — Google review
4.5
(1287)
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4.5
(580)
National Brewery Centre, A511, Burton upon Trent, Off DE14 1NG, United Kingdom
https://nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk/events/
+44 1283 532880
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