Your guide to Birmingham / Day trips - nearby Birmingham
Day Trips nearby Birmingham
When you're visiting Birmingham, you have many options for day trips in and around the city. Whether you're looking for cultural education, family fun or an individual adventure, you can find something that appeals to everyone. You'll find no shortage of places to visit around Birmingham.
Less than 1 Hour of Travel Time
Walk Through Broadgate, Coventry
If you're interested in a relaxing stroll, Broadgate offers you lovely green spaces in the middle of the city. Best known as the home of Lady Godiva, Broadgate honors its most famous resident with a statue in the square. Broadgate House even has a clock featuring Lady Godiva with its very own peeping Tom.
For something a bit more subdued in Broadgate, visit Holy Trinity Coventry with its three famous spires and stone pulpit. Some of the paintings and fixtures here date back to the 1100s. One medieval painting called Doom depicts Christ judging souls and is considered one of the most important works in all of Europe.
- Broadgate House: Broadgate, Coventry
- Holy Trinity Church: 5A Priory Row, Coventry
1-2 Hours of Travel Time
Spend Some Time Outdoors at Peterborough
A fantastic option for a family-friendly day trip from Birmingham is the Peterborough area. Walking trails through the country, boat rides and cultural heritage sites abound here. You can get there via train from Birmingham New Street in under two hours. While you're there, visit Elton Hall, a Gothic-style structure that dates back to 1660, and the Peterborough Cathedral, a peaceful place for quiet reflection. Nene Park offers biking as well as walking areas and water sports. Enjoy a boat ride on Overton Lake and a local brew at Charters.
- Elton Hall and Gardens: Elton Hall, Elton, Peterborough
- Peterborough Cathedral: Peterborough
Find Family-Friendly Fun at Telford
Telford is another day trip destination outside the city that appeals to visitors of all ages. It's an easy trip by car or train from Birmingham. A community zoo in Telford delights the young and the old with its animals and educational center. The Royal Air Force Museum is free to enter and displays aircraft you may not have seen anywhere else. The Ironbridge and Museum of the Gorge take you on a stroll through the Industrial Revolution.
- Ironbridge: Telford
- Museum of the Gorge: The Wharfage, Ironbridge, Telford
Honor the Bard at Stratford-upon-Avon
Though it's become synonymous with William Shakespeare, you find lots more to do on a day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon than just literary exploration. This destination is best accessed by train from Birmingham Moor Street. Anne Hathaway's college draws visitors from all over the world. The Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare himself rests is a must-see. The Royal Swan Theatre is a thrilling performance, but you must get tickets in advance to see it. Finish the day at Old Thatch Tavern, the oldest pub in town.
- Holy Trinity Church: Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon
- Old Thatch Tavern: Greenhill Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Go On a Medieval Adventure at Warwick Castle
Located about 45 minutes from Birmingham, Warwick Castle welcomes you to a medieval experience. Take advantage of a tour of the towers, secret passages, the Rose Garden and the 60 acres of beauty that are part of the estate. Seasonal events and decor themes make this a fun place to visit any time of year.
- Warwick Castle: Warwick
Learn About Britain at Oxford University
Just over an hour from Birmingham on the train, Oxford University is the representation of all things British. The architecture is iconic, and the campus draws in tourists from all over the world. Christ Church College and The Weston Library are favorites of anyone who loves to read while the Jericho district is the place to be for craft beer and retailers of all things classic and vintage.
Take in the History of Bristol
Bristol is almost an hour and a half from Birmingham by train. This area is a history lover's paradise. From artifacts to historical buildings and museums, you're sure to find something you love. Bars, street art and thrift shops dot the landscape, and the floating harbor offers galleries to visit. Day trips from Birmingham by train make it easy to visit as often as you like.
The easiest way to see it all is on foot. Don't miss the M Shed or Brunel's SS Great Britain, and don't leave Bristol without grabbing a pint at Bag O'Nails, where 15 of the regular customers are cats.
- M Shed: Princes Wharf, Wapping Road
- Brunel's SS Great Britain: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road
2-3 Hours
Visit the Broadway Tower at The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is made up of many acres and various attractions, making it one of the best day trips from Birmingham. By train, you can reach the Cotswolds at Cheltenham, Gloucester and Dursley. At Chipping Campden, you find lovely green spaces and walkways with shopping available at Sheep Street. The easiest way to get there is by train from Birmingham Snow Hill to Stratford-upon-Avon and then taking a bus the rest of the way. The Court Barn Museum offers pieces handmade by local artisans. If you're up for a long walk, visit the Broadway Tower, which stands 65 feet high, making it the second-highest point in the Cotswolds.
- The Court Barn Museum: North Gate Lodge, Church Street, Chipping Campden
- Broadway Tower: Chipping Campden
Between trains, cars and your own two feet, Birmingham day trips are not only fun but necessary to get a feel for the region. Be sure to add as many of these adventures as you can to your itinerary.