Birmingham Mail - Bank Holiday Ideas - Bank holiday days out ideas

Music Festivals in the Midlands this summer

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:44:00 GMT

Music festivals taking place in the Midlands over the summer

Open gardens

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:35:00 GMT

There’s a garden to visit close to you this Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

Cadbury World

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:33:00 GMT

Cadbury World offers THE taste of Birmingham and is a real family favourite.

Pen Museum

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:32:00 GMT

If it’s something a little different for the children that you want, then look no further than Birmingham’s unsung Pen Museum, which includes demonstrations and a chance to get inky fingers (don’t take little ones in their Sunday best!)

The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:30:00 GMT

The village layout is close to perfection, thanks to the 17th Century chanelling of the River Windrush through its centre to power three mills. How children love dipping their toes in the water.

BBC Openspace, Mailbox, Birmingham

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:29:00 GMT

The BBC’s ‘Open Space’ area on Level 7 at the back of The Mailbox shopping centre has a host of surprises, including BBC books and videos to buy, a mini shop and a chance to peer inside BBC WM’s studios.

Thinktank

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:26:00 GMT

There’s so much to do here under one roof your children won’t want to go home – especially as the price-inclusive Walking With Dinosaur’s Exhibition is now open till August 31.

The Broadfield House Glass Museum

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:23:00 GMT

As a great reminder of one of the Midlands’ best-loved industries during these uncertain times, this under-threat museum is a priceless destination for children of all ages. The contents of the glass cabinets are wonders to behold.

Museum of Cannock Chase/Cannock Chase Visitor Centre

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:20:00 GMT

A museum and visitor centre in Cannock offer two great days out in one in Staffordshire.

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:15:00 GMT

This vast reserve is open to the public from 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am-4pm on Sundays. Non-member admission: £2.50 per person (50p per child, £1.50 concessions). Wildlife Trust members go free.There are 228 acres of reserves, 10 main pools, 30 acres of open water, 220 bird species, 60 bird species nesting, 460 plant species and 508 fungi species. There is also a purpose-built classroom and a resident teacher supported by volunteers.

Stratford Armouries

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:59:00 GMT

The Wigington family have nearly 250 years’ experience in arms and armour collecting dating back to the 18th century.

The Roman Heritage Centre

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:58:00 GMT

Audio visual aids bring the past to life and there’s the reconstruction of an archaeological dig to enjoy too, a small symbol of 80 years’ collecting work.

Bluebell walks, Coughton Court, Alcester, Warwickshire

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:56:00 GMT

Take a stroll to admire the bluebells that carpet many National Trust woods including Coughton Court, home to the Throckmorton family for 600 years.

Birmingham Back to Back, Inge Street, Birmingham

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:54:00 GMT

Stir childhood memories in a carefully restored atmospheric courtyard surrounded by back to backs that reflect the lives of working class people.

Lichfield Cathedral, Lichfield.

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:49:00 GMT

This glorious building is one of the oldest places of Christian worship in Britain and the burial place of the Anglo Saxon missionary, St Chad.

The National Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:46:00 GMT

Explore one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world, an historic collection of more than 3000 different trees and shrubs which are rare or endangered in their native lands.

Kenilworth Castle

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:44:00 GMT

Royal intrigue and dastardly deeds come alive at one of England’s most spectacular castle ruins, where a multi-million pound investment ensures future generations will know the tales.

Blenheim Palace

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:42:00 GMT

This glorious Baroque palace is home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Stratford-upon-Avon, Home of Shakespeare

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:41:00 GMT

The world famous bard William Shakespeare started life in the charming Tudor town that embraces the banks of the River Avon.

Warwick Castle

Birmingham Mail — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:38:00 GMT

Jousting knights bring 1,000 years of history to life at this medieval castle with its soaring towers and magnificent ramparts.