Birmingham UK is a city of gleaming shopping malls and beautiful Victorian architecture. There’s undoubtedly something for everyone, from the Birmingham Museum to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, canals, and its exhilarating nightlife.
Thanks to its central location, there’re many exciting destinations accessible as day trips from Birmingham as well!
So, hop onto a bus or train, or get behind the wheel — and we’ll point you to 15 locations you can plan as a Birmingham day trip.
| Read More: Unsure which sites to visit in Birmingham UK? Here’s a pick of 20 attractions for you to explore. Find the best ways to travel from London to Birmingham. |
This Article Covers:
15 Fun-Filled Destinations For Day Trips From Birmingham
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Black Country Living Museum
- Peak District National Park
- Malvern Hills
- Worcester
- Leamington Spa
- Warwick Castle
- Cadbury World
- Alton Towers Theme Park
- Harry Potter Studio
- The Cotswolds
- Iron Bridge Gorge
- Telford
- Lichfield
- Severn Valley Railway
15 Fun-Filled Destinations For Day Trips From Birmingham
Here are 15 superb day trip locations for your bucket list, especially if you’re in the city to watch the Commonwealth Games 2022 in July!
1. Stratford-upon-Avon
Cobbled streets and Tudor houses are legacies of the 800 years of history in Stratford-upon-Avon. There’s plenty to do on a day trip to this mediaeval town – the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Catch a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or visit the thatched cottage that belonged to Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife.
Cruise the River Avon on Vintage Edwardian boats, then drop by the Dirty Duck, a pub that’s existed since the 1700s and is a favourite watering hole for the Royal Shakespeare Company actors.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
It’s 40 minutes by train from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon or a 1-hour drive (40 km.)
2. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
The Black Country Living Museum is an open-air living museum comprising over 50 historic buildings. It showcases crafts with actors reenacting life during Victorian times.
In many ways, the Black Country Museum functions almost like a real town!
But that’s not all there is for a day trip. Explore the underground mine or ride a tram that will take you around the area and onto the canal arm.
The Black Country Living Museum is a great option for school trips, too, as it’s not too far out from Birmingham and offers plenty of history.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
Take a 20-minute train from Birmingham New Street to Tipton. It’s then a 15-20 minute walk to the Black Country Museum.
Alternatively, you can drive about 30 minutes from Birmingham city centre to the Black Country Museum, which is 15km away.
3. Peak District National Park
Peak District makes an invigorating Birmingham day trip amidst nature. Gorgeous rolling hills and dramatic escarpments are just some of what this national park has to offer.
There’re different trails for varying skill levels, so no worries if your walking shoes haven’t seen much action. Visit the magnificent Chatsworth House, one of the grandest homes in the United Kingdom, or take a cable car up to The Heights of Abraham.
We suggest exploring a Peak District attraction in the morning and end the day trip with a pint in one of the quaint local pubs. Plan your hikes ahead of time with Peak District’s online trail maps.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
Driving the 90km distance takes about 1.5 hours and is the best way to explore Peak District.
You could also take a train from Birmingham New Street to Edale (via Sheffield) or Chesterfield. Then grab a taxi or bus to the national park.
Day tours of the Peak District via coach trips are another option.
4. Malvern Hills
If you enjoy walking, the panoramic views of the Malvern Hills offer a fine escape from the city bustle. Stretching across the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, you won’t run out of trails to explore in the Malverns.
Take a sip from the spring of Malvern (which supplies water to the Queen) while you’re there.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
Take a train from Birmingham New Street or Birmingham Snow Hill to Great Malvern, Colwall, or Malvern Link.
Or do the 62km drive from Birmingham, which takes about an hour. Best places to park include Gardiner’s Quarry, British Camp, or Upper Beacon Road to access the hills.
5. Worcester, Worcestershire
A Birmingham day trip to Worcester would be remiss without visiting Worcester Cathedral. This stunning structure paints a restful picture as it overlooks the River Severn.
Check out Royal Worcester porcelain wares at the ceramic museum, or visit the City Art Gallery & Museum. For more views of the River Severn, you can stroll in Gheluvelt Park. If you’re a fan of composer Sir Edward Elgar, there’s a museum named after him.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
A train From Birmingham New Street to Worcester is about 40 minutes. Driving takes 45 minutes to cover the 49km distance.
6. Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Royal Leamington Spa is a town of Regency architecture interspersed with beautiful parks and gardens. Its nearby location from Birmingham makes it great for a day trip.
Leamington Spa boasts several attractions, from the Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum to designer shops and art boutiques. You could download some self-guided trails as the town centre is very compact and walkable, including a trek around Old Town Leamington.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
A train from Birmingham Moor Street or New Street to Royal Leamington Spa takes about 35 minutes. Alternatively, you could drive 50km to the town, which takes almost an hour.
7. Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Warwick Castle makes a fun and exciting day trip, from a tour of the towers to the secret hideouts and draughty dungeons below.
Located on the banks of the River Avon, this West Midland castle is one of the most impressive in the United Kingdom and an unmissable attraction in the small town of Warwick.
There are frequent live demonstrations and themed events. You can then walk around the town centre for its charming half-timbered houses and cafes, or stroll in the lovely Mill Garden next to Warwick Castle.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
There’s a 1-hour direct train to Warwick from Birmingham Moor Street, then a 15-minute walk to the castle grounds.
It’ll take about 45 minutes (54km) from Birmingham city centre if you’re driving, and you can park around Stratford Road in Warwick.
Coach trips take about 30 minutes.
8. Cadbury World, Bournville
One of the most enjoyable day trips from Birmingham is Cadbury World in Bournville — whether you’re a chocolate lover or otherwise. The village was created in the late 18th century when the Cadbury family relocated their chocolate factory there.
Cadbury World is now located within the original 1990 factory. Learn all about chocolate at the premises and stop by the many sampling stations. Then stock up on your chocolates before heading off!
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
Take a 12-minute train from Birmingham New Street to Bournville. Or you could drive the 9km distance, which takes about 17 minutes.
9. Alton Towers Theme Park, Staffordshire
Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK, so you can anticipate plenty of thrilling rides to enjoy on a Birmingham day trip. There’s an outdoor and indoor tropical lagoon themed water park, a luxury oasis spa, and an excellent golf course.
Hop onto The Smiler (the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster) or get an adrenaline rush on the Galactica ride. But if thrill rides aren’t your thing, don’t worry, as there’s something for everyone.
Make sure to book tickets ahead to bypass the queues.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
Take the train from Birmingham New Street to Derby, then change for Uttoxeter (the nearest station to Alton Towers.) This takes 1h 20m. Then grab a taxi for a 15-minute ride to Alton Towers.
Driving 84km via the M6 to Alton Towers will take around 1 hour 15 minutes.
10. Harry Potter Studio, Watford
What’s a better day trip than a visit to the Harry Potter Studio in Watford? It’s where the Harry Potter films were made and is now a favourite attraction packed with old sets, props, and more.
The studio tour is self-guided but designed, so you get to explore some of the most iconic Harry Potter scenes like Snape’s Potions Classroom and The Great Hall.
It’s an insightful experience as you see how the films were brought to life. You may even experience some movie magic yourself with a flying broom and a green screen. So, grab some butterbeer and be ready to spend 3-5 hours at the Harry Potter Studio.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
We’d all love to Apparate. But since that’s not possible, the next best thing is to hop on the train from Birmingham New Street to Watford Junction. From there, take the shuttle bus to the studio.
Driving will take about 2 hours via the M6 and M1 routes, covering 164km.
11. The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds covers almost 800 sq miles, so there’s plenty to explore for day trips from Birmingham. There are many villages to visit, so select a few when planning day tours to the area. Popular villages include Chipping Campden, Broadway, and Castle Combe.
In Chipping Campden, you can see lovely stone cottages, and if you’re up for a brisk, hour-long walk, you can get to the striking Broadway Tower. The Broadway Tower sits atop the site of an ancient beacon and offers an outstanding view.
You should also drop by the Chedworth Roman Villa for its Roman mosaic floors and Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
Driving is the best option to make the most of your day trip. It’s about 1.5 hours from Birmingham to cover the 111km distance, depending on your destination village.
However, many of the villages are reachable by train. For Chipping Campden, you can take the train from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon, then get a bus to the village.
12. Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire
The town of Ironbridge Gorge is home to the world’s first iron bridge and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several small museums, many of which are open-air and interactive, including the Blists Hill Victorian Town.
At Blists Hill Victorian Town, you’ll get to experience life in Queen Victoria’s era. Meet Victorians in their authentic shops and cottage, buy curious goods, and watch tradespeople from a bygone era in action.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
Ironbridge Gorge town is about 60km from Birmingham. Driving takes an hour and is the best way to get there for a day trip.
You can also take a train from Birmingham New Street to Telford Central, then grab a bus or taxi to the town.
13. Telford, Shropshire
There are lots of interesting sights in and around Telford for a perfect day trip from Birmingham.
Telford Town Park offers a myriad of activities. Rock-climb or zipline at its Sky Reach adventures, or drop by the Exotic Zoo. The zoo is great for small children and school trips with its collection of birds, mammals, and amphibians.
The Royal Air Force Museum is in nearby Shifnal, offering amazing aircraft exhibitions in its hangars. Entry is free, and you’ll learn plenty about aviation in the First and Second World Wars at this museum.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
Driving to Telford takes about 45 minutes (55km), and it is the best way to explore the area. The Royal Air Force Museum, for example, is a 13-minute drive from Telford.
A train from Birmingham New Street to Telford Central takes 36 minutes, and a bus from Birmingham Coach Station takes 55 minutes.
14. Lichfield, Staffordshire
Lichfield is home to the dramatic three-spired Lichfield Cathedral, set amidst the gorgeous English countryside. The view from its approach is worth the visit alone.
However, this 800-year-old cathedral isn’t all Lichfield has to offer. Erasmus Darwin (forefather of the Darwin we often hear of) lived here in the 18th century, and his house is open to visitors.
Lichfield is also the birthplace of literary figure Samuel Johnson, and you can visit the museum that showcases his life and works.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
A train from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City takes around 35 minutes. Driving will take you just over 30 minutes to cover the 30km distance.
15. Severn Valley Railway
Severn Valley Railway is home to steam trains in the West Midland. It’s a full-size standard-gauge railway line that regularly runs between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.
If heritage trains fascinate you, you shouldn’t miss a trip on this vintage railway.
A single journey takes about 70 minutes, and you can visit the Engine House at the Highley stop for interactive railway exhibits and impressive engines.
How To Get There, Distance, Estimated Time:
Hop onto a train from Birmingham Snow Hill for a 40-minute ride to Kidderminster. You can also drive the 30km to Kidderminster, which takes about 45 minutes via the A456.