Family Fun in the Heart of England

The Midlands is one of the best regions in England for family days out. Its central location, excellent road and rail links, and sheer variety of attractions mean you're never far from a memorable experience — whether you're looking for thrills, history, wildlife, or hands-on learning. Here's a guide to some of the best options across the region.

Theme Parks and Adventure Attractions

Alton Towers, Staffordshire

One of the UK's most famous theme parks, Alton Towers sits within the grounds of a ruined 19th-century Gothic mansion in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Rollercoasters like Nemesis, Oblivion, and Wicker Man attract thrill-seekers, while the CBeebies Land area caters brilliantly to younger children. The site also includes a waterpark, spa, and hotel — making it a viable short-break destination as well as a day out.

Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth

A more compact and often less crowded alternative to Alton Towers, Drayton Manor near Tamworth offers rides for all ages alongside Thomas Land — a dedicated area themed around Thomas the Tank Engine that is genuinely excellent for under-7s. The park also has a zoo on site.

Museums and Educational Days Out

Think Tank, Birmingham

Birmingham's science and technology museum, Think Tank, is one of the best interactive science museums in the UK outside London. The hands-on exhibits cover everything from the human body to digital technology, and the Planetarium shows are a highlight. It's particularly well-suited to children aged 5–14.

The National Space Centre, Leicester

The UK's largest space attraction features six galleries, a full-size rocket tower, and the Space Theatre — a dome cinema with immersive space shows. The National Space Centre makes science genuinely exciting, and the exhibits are updated regularly to reflect current space exploration missions.

Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire

Home to one of the world's finest primate collections, Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire is a genuine conservation and research organisation as well as a visitor attraction. The zoo houses gorillas, bonobos, and a wide range of other species. Educational talks and keeper experiences add depth to the visit.

Outdoor Adventures

Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cannock Chase offers Go Ape tree-top adventures, miles of cycling trails, and walking routes through ancient woodland. Fallow deer are frequently spotted throughout the Chase, making for an atmospheric and genuinely wild day out surprisingly close to Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire

The legendary home of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is now a National Nature Reserve. The ancient oak woodland — including the famous Major Oak, estimated to be over 800 years old — is open year-round and free to enter. The Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre provides context and there are regular Robin Hood-themed events throughout the year.

Tips for Planning Your Day Out

  • Book ahead: Popular attractions like Alton Towers and the National Space Centre are significantly cheaper when booked online in advance.
  • Check school holidays: Most Midlands attractions are notably busier during term breaks — midweek visits out of school holidays offer a much better experience.
  • Look for combo deals: Some attractions offer multi-site tickets or annual passes that pay for themselves quickly for regular visitors.
  • Pack for the weather: Many of the best days out involve outdoor elements — a waterproof layer is never a bad idea in the Midlands.

Something for Every Family

What makes the Midlands particularly strong for family days out is the sheer variety on offer within a relatively small geographic area. From world-class theme parks to ancient forests, interactive science museums to hands-on history, there's a genuine option for every age group, budget, and interest — and rarely more than an hour's drive between them.