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.

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, UK

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.

Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, UK

Lichfield Cathedral among the side streets

2. 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

3. Warwick Castle

Historical Landmark

A 45-minute drive brings you to the beautifully historic Warwick Castle, situated near Leamington Spa. Often referred to as Britain’s greatest medieval experience, Warwick Castle is a gem in the country town it is named after. Perched on a bend of the River Avon, the castle is a fun-packed day for all the family, with tours offering access to its towers, dungeons and secret spaces. Not to mention the quintessential Rose Garden and the 60 acres of ground that surrounds it – perfect for exploring! Head here over half terms or seasonal periods, and be treated to themed events and décor a plenty, as well as live action shows on the castle grounds.

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.