5 Great Day Trips to Take From Birmingham, UK
Birmingham is fortunate to be at the centre of the country, making day trips to some great places in and around the Midlands a doddle. From Shakespeare’s birthplace and 18th-century healing spas, to impressive cathedrals and medieval castles, here are five of the best day trips to take from the UK’s second city.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Clocking in at under an hour from central Birmingham by car or train, this picturesque area of the Midlands is ideal for exploring all things Shakespeare. Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town with history dating back more than 800 years – with original buildings standing the test of time, like Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s cottage. The world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is also based here, if you’re up for a bit of Hamlet. If Shakespeare doesn’t tickle your fancy, the town is full of historic pubs like the Old Thatch Tavern and boasts a beautiful river with plentiful green space surrounding it. For something a little different, take a stroll down and across the river to find the Butterfly Farm, a wonderful experience for the entire family. The town also offers boat hire in the summer and, a little further down the banks of the River Avon, mini golf.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Black Country Living Museum
Museum, Shop
Around a thirty-minute drive from central Birmingham, the Black Country Living Museum is an open-air collection of historic buildings marking the region’s industrial past. This unique museum celebrates the Black Country’s proud history with more than 50 domestic and industrial buildings, such as shops and homes, which have been relocated from their original standing points. Perfect for both young and old, the museum brings the Black Country’s industrial past to life with exhibitions and stories to be told, including many items made in the area, from locks and glassworks to cast iron wares. There’s also an underground mine to explore, and a tram which transports visitors around the site and to the canal arm.
Black Country Living Museum, 2 Tipton Rd, Dudley, England, UK
Lench’s Oliver Shop at the Black Country Living Museum | © Oliver Brown/Flickr
Lichfield
Easily accessible from Birmingham, the cathedral city of Lichfield is just shy of 40 minutes away by train. Arguably most famous for being the birthplace of literary figure Samuel Johnson, Lichfield is a quaint Staffordshire city just north of Birmingham. Johnson is highly renowned in these parts, with a museum celebrating his life and works. In this stunning Grade I Listed Building, you’ll be able to follow the story of the writer with an introductory film, interactive displays and activities too. Lichfield also houses a beautiful Anglo-Saxon cathedral, which is the only medieval cathedral with three spires. For the thrill-seekers, Drayton Manor Theme Park is just a 20-minute drive away on the outskirts of the nearby town of Tamworth.
Leamington Spa
Art Gallery, Church, Museum, Spa
The royal town of Leamington Spa is just a 45-minute drive or 30-minute train ride from the UK’s second city. Leamington Spa boasts striking Regency architecture, a wide range of independent shops and plenty of parks, gardens and museums to discover. If exploring is your thing, why not join the geological walk? The trail takes you around Leamington town centre, where you’ll be shown the different types of stone that buildings in the town are constructed from. On poor weather days you could visit the Royal Pump Rooms Art Gallery and Museum, one of the famous 18th-century healing spas in town, or catch a production at leading independent theatre, the Loft Theatre. The River Leam flows through the centre of Leamington, where you can also hire a rowing boat or simply pass the time people-watching. Leamington Spa’s town centre hosts over 60 cafés and restaurants, so you’re spoiled for choice here.
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, UK
All Saints Church, Leamington | © Ian Halsey/Flickr
Warwick Castle
Historical Landmark
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
