As the UK’s second city, Birmingham is a vibrant place full of amazing things to do, tons of date ideas and plenty of activities to keep visitors occupied for days if not weeks. However, if you are fed up with the hustle and bustle, want to escape the city and you are looking for the best day trips from Birmingham then this post has got you covered.
We asked top travel bloggers for their recommendations on the best day trips from Birmingham mixing top UK attractions with beautiful towns and villages, UNESCO heritage sites and everything in between. We have covered day trips from Birmingham by train, car and coach so even if you don’t drive there’s still Birmingham day trips, you can enjoy too.
Table of Contents
Day trips from Birmingham by Car
Stratford upon Avon
Stratford Upon Avon is the home of William Shakespeare and if you are a fan this day trip from Birmingham cannot be missed. Taking just 55 minutes to drive to you will have plenty of time to explore all the wonderful things to do in Stratford upon Avon.
The best way to see Stratford is by walking tour or taking the hop-on hop-off bus which will both show you the top attractions and give you a great insight into this picturesque town. First stop by Shakespeares birthplace on the high street to learn all about his upbringing, then head down to the schoolhall and see where Shakespeare received his education.
Stop to take some pictures of the beautiful whitewashed houses with wooden beams exactly as they would have been in Shakespeares time.
For lunch take a trip to Hobsons on the high street for afternoon tea or to one of the oldest pubs in town for a traditional pub lunch. After lunch take a stroll down the River Avon and stop by Bancroft Gardens where you can spot numerous statues of Shakespeare.
What better way to end your day trip from Birmingham than to watch one of Shakespeares plays which run all year round at the recently refurbished Grade II listed Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Leamington Spa
Just a 50 minutes drive away from Birmingham is Royal Leamington Spa, this underrated gem is a worhtwhile day trip from Birmingham as there are so may things to do in Leamington Spa to keep visitors occupied.
No trip to Leamington would be complete without visiting the Jephson Gardens, one of the most tranquil places in the town. While in the gardens visit Jephsons glasshouse a beautiful Victorian conservatory filled with exotic plants and trees.
As you wander around the town you will notice the stunning Georgian architecture of the buildings mixed with some cool street art. One curious thing around the town is the elehant statues dotted around, this is a small tribute to the circus that used to reside in the town and the elephant trainer that used to walk the elephants down to the River Leam to bathe.
The Royal Pump Rooms is another must see atttraction in Leamington Spa housing an art gallery and museum today, but historically was a spa for visitors who wanted to soak up the healing properties of the springs. Outside the building which was built in 1814 you can explore the pretty pump gardens for free.
Lincoln- Recommended by Alex from Lincoln and Beyond
The historic city of Lincoln is less than a two-hour drive from Birmingham, and makes for an enjoyable day trip of sightseeing and local discovery.
Lincoln’s two great treasures are its castle and cathedral, which both stand on the city’s high hill. Lincoln Cathedral was once the world’s tallest building, and on Saturdays you can take tours up its central tower for some breathtaking views. Lincoln Castle is also steeped in history, and is home to one of the only four surviving original copies of Magna Carta.
If you enjoy shopping, you will absolutely love Lincoln Steep Hill, a quaint cobbled road of quirky independent shops, galleries and eateries. Be prepared though, as it is true to its name and takes a bit of effort to climb!
Make sure you allow some time in your day trip to enjoy some local food. Lincolnshire produces 20% of the UK’s domestically consumed food, and the quality of ingredients from the county’s farms is incredible. Take a break at a Lincoln tea room and try some traditional Lincolnshire plum bread.
Driving is the easiest way to get to Lincoln from Birmingham, but there is also an option to travel by train, which takes about two and a half hours and requires a change at Nottingham.
Wye Valley Area of Natural Beauty- Recommended by Kitti from Kitti Around the World
Considered the birthplace of British tourism, the Wye Valley is an amazing day trip from Birmingham.
The Wye Valley is one of the 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the UK. It was designated as an AONB due to its rich history, geology and wildlife, which makes it a beautiful place to explore.
You can reach Ross-on-Wye, the only town within the AONB, from Birmingham by car in about an hour and 15 minutes. So you’ll have plenty of time for different activities.
You can start your day in Ross-on-Wye which is a picture perfect market town. There are a few attractions in the town such as St Mary’s Church, the Plague Cross, and the Market House. Going on the River Walk will give you the chance to get an iconic view of the market town.
If you love history, then definitely visit a few castles such as Goodrich Castle or Chepstow Castle. There are plenty of walking routes in the area for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. For the best view in the Wye Valley head to Symonds Yat Rock.
Lastly, if you’re into watersports you can consider canoeing or kayaking down the River Wye which is considered one of the most iconic canoeing locations in the UK.
You can follow this one day guide to see some of the top attractions in the Wye Valley AONB.
Brecon Beacons- Recommended by Lowri from Many Other Roads
If you’re looking for an exciting day trip from Birmingham, then the Brecon Beacons is your perfect destination.
This stunning area of South Wales offers a wealth of experiences that will make your day truly memorable. With plenty of activities suitable for all ages and interests, the Brecon Beacons have something to offer everyone.
The quickest way to get there is by car, the drive time is 2 hours 40 minutes. However, if you do not drive you can get a bus there but this takes about 6 hours. It is a lot quicker to book a coach trip rather than use public transport. But no matter which way you get there, the scenery on route is stunning, with rolling hills and lush green valleys.
Once you arrive in the Brecon Beacons, there is plenty to keep you entertained. You can explore medieval castles such as Brecon Castle or enjoy walks through the beautiful countryside.
There are also several waterfalls to discover, such as Henrhyd Falls, the highest in South Wales. The Brecon Beacons National Park is also a great spot to explore, with plenty of wildlife, nature trails and much more.
Even though this is an easy day trip to do from the Midlands, you should make the most of your trip and book a stunning cabin with a hot tub for the night!
Stonehenge & Salisbury- Recommended by Sarah from Slow Travel UK
It’s an easy drive from Birmingham to Stonehenge with pretty much a straight line between the two, which takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. Arriving at Stonehenge you will find a huge car park where you can get out and stretch your legs in the vast, open landscapes of Salisbury Plain.
The Plain is home to a plethora of neolithic sites but Stonehenge is the jewel in the crown and is on many travellers’ bucket lists. Situated on the high chalk grasslands where the wind whistles past you on a cold day and there is no escape from the sun on a hot day, make sure you are well prepared for the weather.
You can either take a bus from the visitor centre or walk to see the ancient and mysterious stones of the most famous stone circle in the world. The visitor centre itself has a museum, a cafe, neolithic huts and a wonderful 360 degree experience of Stonehenge through the centuries which is well worth a visit.
Stonehenge costs around £20 per person depending on the day you visit, but is free to English Heritage and National Trust members. Nearby you will find Woodhenge, the Avenue and several barrows, all of which are free and which you can walk to from the stones, or you could drive on a further 15 minutes to the medieval city of Salisbury.
Salisbury is filled with things to do with several museums, the ancient site of Old Sarum, the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral with the tallest spire in the country, a National Trust property in the Cathedral Close and plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants.
A day trip from Birmingham to Stonehenge may be a long day but it is certainly a trip that is well worth doing.
Book your Salisbury and Stonehenge tour here.
Lacock- Recommended by Kirsty from Lost in Landmarks
For a complete change of scenery from the big city of Birmingham I propose a visit to one of the most beautiful villages nearby – the village of Lacock which is around a 2 hour drive south from the city. It’s an easy drive, almost all motorways and once you get there you’ll find a large car park for the village attractions.
While villages don’t often have much to offer, Lacock is different with lots to do. You can, of course explore, lots of small shops in the village and grab a bite to eat from the bakery or in one of the many pubs in the village, some dating back to the 14th century! Or perhaps you’ll want to check out all the filming locations that are in the village that were used in Harry Potter!
In the village you’ll also find Lacock Abbey – a National Trust property which is free for members and £17 for non members. The Abbey was again used in Harry Potter and you’ll definitely recognise its Hogwarts feel and look when exploring the cloisters.
There are many walks to do while at the Abbey and you can also explore the small museum which celebrates one of the men who lived there and invented the first photographic negative. The museum has lots to learn about photography and its history too.
You might want to combine a visit to Lacock with other small villages nearby. Castle Combe is a good idea – it’s just 10 miles away and also extremely photogenic!
Ironbridge Gorge and Museums- Recommended by Suzanne from Meandering Wild
Ironbridge is in Shropshire and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This industrial area and the museums all tell the story of the area through the Industrial Revolution and beyond.
The main area is the stunning Ironbridge bridge that spans the Gorge. This bridge is where the town gets its name and has been a tourist attraction since 1779. It was the first iron bridge in the world and today you can cross the river to the toll bridge museum.
Nearby is the Blists Hill Victorian town which is a living museum. It is possible to wander around the town, explore the shops selling sweets and candles and discover the different houses and jobs that were found in the town in the 1800’s.
After the bridge and Blists Hill it is possible to visit the tile factory with stunning Victorian tiles on display, a clay tobacco pipe works, the old furnace and the tar tunnel where tar was accidentally found and extracted.
Ironbridge is reached by taking the M54 from Birmingham towards Shrewsbury. Just before Telford the museums are signposted on the A442. The journey is 45 minutes by road from the city centre. It is possible to reach Ironbridge by train and bus but the journey is complicated and once you are in the area there is no easy way to get between the sites. The best ticket option is the family pass. This gives entry to all the sites to 2 adults and 4 children for a year for £86.
The Lake District- Recommended by Katy from Otis and Us
The Lake District is around three hours drive from Birmingham and is a gem of a place to visit. It is now a World Heritage Site, with mountains, breathtaking lakes and picturesque towns and villages. It is also home to its highest mountain – Scafell Pike. There are so many places to visit including Ullswater, Coniston water, Lake Windermere, Kewswick and Wastwater (England’s deepest lake).
For outdoor enthusiasts, there is plenty to keep you occupied during your visit. You can shop, walk, cycle or hike with plenty of walking routes for all to enjoy. If watersports are more your thing then you can paddleboard, kayak, canoe, windsurf or try your hand at sailing. There are also places you can hire equipment including Coniston boating centre if you don’t have your own.
You can discover the art sculptures at Grizedale Forest, visit the world of Beatrix Potter in Windermere, or take a boat ride with Ullswater Steamers from Ullswater Pooley Bridge Pier to Glenridding Pier.
There are also an abundance of historical houses and museums to choose from, including Muncaster Castle, Lowther Castle, and Blackwell Historic House. Lowther Castle has a brilliant adventure playground for kids.
If you want to spend more than a day in the Lake District, there are plenty of accommodation options from hotels, B&Bs, lodges and campsites.
Shropshire Hills- Recommended by Paulina from the UK Every Day
The Shropshire Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer visitors an escape from Birmingham into the serene and picturesque English countryside. With its rolling landscapes and lush green meadows, the region is an idyllic retreat for nature lovers.
It is also one of the least populated areas in the UK, ensuring you experience an authentic taste of country life in this beautiful corner of England. Therefore, if you are looking for some of the best hidden gems in the UK, the Shropshire Hills should be at the top of your list.
The best way to get there is to drive by car which should take approximately 1h 20 minutes. Explorers can wander through beautiful hills and spot wild horses or delve into the area’s rich heritage by visiting Stokesay Castle.
Various castles and churches are scattered throughout the countryside, so there is always something new to explore. Equally captivating is the warm, welcoming nature of the locals who take exceptional pride in their rural roots. So make sure to also visit one of the local pubs which are some of the oldest in the country. The Three Tuns Inn dating back to 1642 is a great historic stop after exploring the beautiful Shropshire Hills.
The Cotswolds- Recommended by Lauren from Neverending Footsteps
The Cotswolds makes for an excellent day trip from Birmingham and is easily accessible by car. Located roughly 70 miles south of the city, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is famous for its rolling hills, charming villages, and historic market towns.
A great starting point for exploring the Cotswolds is the town of Chipping Campden, which is a little over an hour’s drive from Birmingham. Here, you can spend a couple of hours exploring the town’s photogenic 17th-century buildings and wandering through its quaint streets – many of which are lined with independent shops, cafes, and pubs.
For those looking to explore further afield, there are plenty of other great things to do in the Cotswolds.
The town of Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” and is a popular – although crowded! – spot for visitors, with its picturesque river, historic buildings, and quaint tea rooms.
You also can’t miss Bibury: a beautiful spot that’s known for its honey-colored stone cottages. Arlington Row, a row of 14th-century weavers’ cottages in the village, holds the accolade of being the most photographed street in all of England.
One final highlight of the Cotswolds is the medieval town of Tetbury, which is jam-packed with antique shops and historical landmarks, including the 17th century Market House and nearby Highgrove House: the private residence of King Charles.
Finally, the Cotswolds is home to some of the highest-quality local produce in the country, so there are plenty of great places to eat in the region. Break up your day trip with lunch at the Potting Shed Pub in Crudwell. This charming pub serves up a range of traditional British dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including fish and chips, a Sunday roast, and plenty of seasonal specials.
Check out the most stunning Castles in The Cotswolds if you have time.
Day trips from Birmingham by Train
Chester- Recommended by Cathy from Mummy Travels
With centuries of history to discover, Chester is one of the prettiest places to visit for a day trip from Birmingham, including everything from Roman ruins to medieval buildings and boat trips on the river Dee.
Less than two hours away by train, start with a stroll around the city walls, which are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, as well as being free to explore. Some parts are nearly 2,000 years old, and you can still stand by the tower where King Charles I is thought to have looked out over one of the last battles of the English Civil War.
Then take a journey through history, visiting the 1st century Roman amphitheatre – the largest in Britain –before exploring the 10th century cathedral and taking a self-guided walking tour of The Rows, a series of 13th century half-timbered buildings connected by covered galleries.
Finish your day with a relaxing sightseeing boat cruise along the River Dee, or chilling out in one of the city’s parks – the Roman Garden is dotted with more archaeological finds.
If you’re visiting Chester with kids, don’t miss a visit to Deva Roman Centre for soldier school and the quirky Sick To Death, an immersive attraction on the history of medicine through the ages, with gruesome guarantees of gore.
Trains run from Birmingham New Street and take around 90 minutes via Crewe, or around two hours direct. Tickets cost from £23 return book your tickets here.
Oxford- Recommended by Kristin from Scotland Less Explored
Oxford is most famous for its prestigious university and is often referred to as the ‘City of dreaming spires’. Oxford doesn’t need much of an introduction since most of us will have seen its narrow streets and college courtyards in TV programmes or movies many times. It is an iconic English city and is a great day trip from Birmingham.
There is a direct train between Birmingham and Oxford with Cross Country Rail. Trains leave Birmingham New Street arriving at Oxford just over an hour later, book your tickets here. It is also possible to drive but it takes 2 hours and parking can be difficult. Once in Oxford all the attractions are an easy walk and the best way to explore the city is on foot.
Whilst wandering around and getting lost in the narrow side streets make sure you visit Christ Church College, the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian library. Next to Magdalen College there are boats to rent so you can try your skills at punting or just sit on the river bank and watch others glide past.
For the size of the city there are a surprising number of restaurants, cafes and bars in Oxford. Some of the most atmospheric places to eat are in one of the small restaurants in the covered market. For a traditional lunch try the Turf Tavern or have afternoon tea at the luxurious Randolph Hotel.
Bath- Recommended by Joanne from The World in My Pocket
Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in England, which makes a great day trip from Birmingham. Getting to Bath from Birmingham is very easy, by train. There isn’t a direct train, you will have to change at Bristol, but the total time of the journey is less than two hours. The trains in Birmingham leave from Birmingham New Street station. Tickets start at £23 each way when booked in advance here.
There are plenty of things to do on a day trip to Bath, starting with visiting the Abbey, which is free of charge. Built in the 7th century, Bath Abbey is a great example of medieval Gothic architecture and has a stunning interior, with two organs and glass-stained windows.
Another great place to visit in Bath are the Roman Baths. It takes around 2 hours to see everything, and the audio guide has a lot of information about the site. After you go through the archaeological site, head over to the Bath Spa, where you can enjoy the thermal waters in the rooftop pool with an Abbey view.
If you are wondering where to eat in Bath, you will be happy to know that there are many small restaurants that offer exceptional food. A great one to go to is Same Same but Different, which is focused on serving tapas. Another great place to eat at is Sally’s Buns, one of the historic eating houses in the city.
Coventry- Recommended by Catrina from 24 Hours Layover
Coventry is a fantastic day trip from Birmingham as it is just 17 miles away and offers many activities and attractions to enjoy! As it is very close to Birmingham there are various transportation options available, from train, bus or car journey – whatever is most convenient for you.
The quickest way is by train, with the journey from Birmingham New Street station to Coventry station taking around 25 minutes. There are trains running frequently throughout the day. Coventry station is centrally located in the city, making it easy to explore on foot or by public transport. If booked in advance you can get a single train ticket for as little as £2.60. Book tickets here.
Coventry is a historic city – it was heavily bombed during World War II (even more so than London!) but has since been rebuilt and has a unique blend of old and new architecture. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is Coventry Cathedral, which was rebuilt after the war and has stunning modernist architecture. The ruins of the old cathedral are also located next to the new building and are a poignant reminder of the city’s past. Both are free to visit.
There are several other attractions in Coventry that are worth visiting, including the popular Coventry Transport Museum which showcases the city’s rich motoring heritage. Coventry also has a range of shops and a popular indoor market, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to visit.
London- Recommended by Amy from The Sunrise Dreamers
The capital of the UK is one of the best places to visit on a day trip from Birmingham. There’s an abundance of things to do, sights to see and places to eat in London. It only takes 1 hour 30 minutes to get from Birmingham to London by train and less than 3 hours driving.
London is filled with museums which are perfect for exploring on a day trip and most of them are free! Visit the British Museum, Tate Modern or National Gallery in the morning before heading to one of London’s markets.
Head to Borough Market and grab lunch from one of the many stalls here. Horn OK Please serve amazing dosas and Humble Crumble have the best apple crumbles! After the market, go for a walk along South Bank and admire the views of Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
For the rest of the afternoon choose to explore Westminster and see the famous Big Ben or head to Shoreditch to find thrift stores and street art. If you have the time and plan in advance, go to the top of Sky Garden to see the impressive views of London, this is also another free activity!
The best way to end the day is to see a show in London’s West End – tickets can be bought in advance!
Brighton- Recommended by Amber from Amber Everywhere
If you’re craving some time down by the sea, along with plenty of street art and wonderful food, consider a day trip to Brighton from Birmingham. Although Brighton is a great day trip destination any time of the year, you can’t beat the city on a bright and sunshiny summer day. The city will be alive with activity and the seaside will be packed with people enjoying the water, sipping pints on patios, and shielding their snacks from the seagulls.
Those who love to shop will find plenty of interesting and unique vendors along the open air markets that line the streets of Brighton. Check out the area of North Laine for hip vegetarian restaurants, vintage clothes, and vendors selling all manner of rings and necklaces.
When you get hungry, go for tacos in Casazul, a stand in the Open Market. This little taqueria has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options for street tacos, served alongside a spicy homemade salsa.
For coffee, try The Botanist, a charming and plant-filled coffee shop located just steps from the train station. Just around the corner you’ll find a Banksy mural titled “Kissing Coppers,” one part of a larger mural on the side of a local pub.
You can reach Brighton by car or train, both of which take about three hours if you leave from central Birmingham. The train runs from Birmingham Moor Street to Brighton and costs £24.50 each way, but prices may vary based on when you’d like to travel. Book your tickets here.
Cheltenham- Recommended by Laura from What Laura Did Next
When you’re looking for somewhere to visit for the day via train from Birmingham, look no further than Cheltenham. Just a 40 minute journey from Birmingham New Street to nearby Gloucestershire, Cheltenham’s town centre is just a short walk from the station.
Begin your day with a delicious brunch at Woodkraft, although I’d recommend booking in advance as it’s super popular for good reason. Afterwards, grab a coffee from the Coffee Dispensary, and go for a walk through some of Cheltenham’s most beautiful green spaces. You can’t miss Imperial Gardens or Pittville Park and its iconic Pump Rooms for a stroll.
Once you’re done wandering, head to Montpellier, home to some of Cheltenham’s best bars and restaurants. Cheltenham is considered the most complete Regency town in the UK, and Montpellier features many examples of the town’s beautiful architecture.
You may fancy shopping in some of the Promenade’s chic, boutique shops, before heading to John Gordon’s for a tipple or two. This bar features a whole library of different gins, and the staff will help you to find something you like.
Finish off with dinner at The Nook, Cheltenham’s first rooftop restaurants for sprawling views across to the Cotswolds. Hop over to No 131 across the road afterwards to order one of their very aesthetically pleasing cocktails, before heading back to the train station.
Coach Day trips from Birmingham
Cambridge- Recommended by Anisa from Two Traveling Texans
Take a day trip to Cambridge from Birmingham to experience its famous university, picturesque scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Cambridge is located approximately 120 miles east of Birmingham and can be reached by train or coach in about two – three hours.
This is one case where it is usually faster to take the bus. Plus, a return train ticket from Birmingham to Cambridge can cost around £40-50 per person, while bus tickets will be cheaper.
The city is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, and you can explore its many colleges, museums, and libraries. Some of the must-see attractions in Cambridge include King’s College Chapel (£13), the Fitzwilliam Museum (free), St. Mary’s Church (climb the tower for £6), and the Wren Library (free).
Aside from its rich history, Cambridge is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens. The city is located on the River Cam, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely punt ride down the river (fee varies depending on if you choose to do it independently or take a guided tour) or take a stroll through the University Botanic Garden (free).
When it comes to food, Cambridge has a fantastic selection of cafes, pubs, and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Visitors can sample traditional British fare at The Eagle where the discovery of DNA was announced. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, with many cafes and restaurants offering plant-based options
Nottingham
If you’re looking for a great coach day trip from Birmingham then Nottingham is a great option. Taking just over an hour by coach from Birmingham coach station to Nottingham Broadmarsh station you get a whole day to explore this wonderful city.
Start your day trip from Birmingham by getting stuck into some of the unique Nottingham attractions such as the hand-carved cave network that runs under the entire city and can be seen in many of the older buildings. Take the Caves of Nottingham tour for the full experience and learn about how and why the caves started and their various uses over the years.
Next, hit up some of the oldest pubs in England, such as The Bell Inn, Ye Olde Salutation and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, all of whom claim to be the oldest pub in England. Take a look for yourself and decide who has the most convincing story.
No day trip to Nottingham would be complete without a trip to Nottingham Castle to see the stunning views of the city from this iconic building. While we are on the subject of Nottingham Castle it would be rude not to mention the legend of Robin Hood, Nottingham’s favourite outlaw! You can experience the tales of Robin Hood in various locations around the city and as you wander the city streets keep an eye out for the quirky Robin statues that are dotted around.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
This is a must visit for any Potterheads. Experience the sets and props of the Harry Potter movies first hand. Wander through the doors into the great hall all decked out depending on the time of year and see the incredible detail of the set. Wander down Diagon Ally and window shop in your favourite fictional shops such as Ollivanders, Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes, and Flourish and Blotts.
Next, check out the lifelike creatures Buckbeak, Dobby and even the dragon from the goblet of fire. Take a picture outside the front of number 4 Privet Drive and hang off the bright purple night bus.
Grab yourself a butter beer or two to re-energise because the fun isn’t over yet. Visit the dormitories and Dumbledore’s study or try your hand at potion making in the dungeon. You can also see the inside of the ministry of magic and even try your hand at riding a broom. Don’t forget to don your Hogwarts robes first though for that all important photo souvenir.
Make sure you save some time to explore the gift shop and buy yourself a souvenir in your favourite Hogwarts house colours. You can also snag yourself a replica of one of your favourite characters wand.
There are various coach trips from Birmingham departing from multiple locations and taking around 3 hours to drive there. Prices around £80 per person including entry tickets.
Alton Towers
Alton Towers theme park makes a fantastic day trip from Birmingham. Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies will enjoy the world class rides that make Alton Towers famous, like The Smiler which is the world’s first 14 loop rollercoaster, Air which gives the riders the feeling of flying and Oblivion which when it opened back in 1998 was the world’s first vertical drop roller coaster.
To beat the lines you can head to the Forbidden Valley or Dark Forest areas of the theme park first and you should skip the queues of the eager folks who want to get straight on the rides as they walk through the door. You can also snag a fast track pass which lets you join a shorter line for the top 14 rollercoasters in the park so you get more rides in your day.
It’s not all heart racing roller coasters though, you can also relax and explore the impressive Grade II listed Towers and beautiful Grade I listed gardens.
For families there are plenty of less extreme rides for youngsters which can be found in cBeebies land and lots of sitting areas around the park. Disabled access is also great for wheelchair users including fast track to most of the rides so you won’t have to wait in a long line.
A coach day trip from Birmingham to Alton Towers takes an hour and 15 minutes. Book your park tickets here.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of nearby Wales, although it is still part of mainland Great Britain, Wales is officially recognised as a country in its own right with its own language, flag and national anthem. So if you are ticking countries off your bucket list this is not to be missed.
A day trip to Cardiff is easy to do from Birmingham by car, coach or train with all routes taking between 2-3 hours, a coach trip is the cheapest option at around £16.50 return per person. Book your ticket here.
Cardiff has plenty of things to do and lots of great history for visitors on a day trip from birmingham. First up we recommend taking a walking tour to familiarise yourself with the layout of the city and get an insight into the must see places on your daytrip.
One of the best things to do is visit one the the many Arcades, which are small covered shopping areas filled with boutique shops and cafes to visit. Wander Cardiff market and indulge in some local Welsh cakes from Bakestones which are like a flattened version of a scone and come in a variety of different flavours. Grab a couple to take away for a tasty cheap snack to wander with.
Cardiff Castle is not to be missed as it’s full of history and is one of the most prominent features of the city. Nature lovers will want to stroll the tree lined avenues of Bute Park and discover all the unique trees and plants inside.
These are some amazing ideas for day trips from Birmingham whatever you are interested in we hope this post helps you choose some fun and exciting places to visit on a day trip.
If you have visited any of them or you think we have missed somewhere let us know in the comments below!
Like this post? Save it on Pinterest!
