Looking for a fun day out but don't want to break the bank? Discovering the West Midlands can be done on any budget and is great fun for all. From history-filled museums to biodiverse nature trails, the only trouble is trying to fit it all into one trip.
Whether you're looking for a fun family day out or looking to discover a new part of the country, there’s a huge number of free things to do in the West Midlands.
Parks and Gardens: Leasowes Park, Baggeridge Country Park, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
When it comes to free things to do, a day at the park or local gardens is usually one of the first ideas to spring to mind. If you're in the West Midlands you're in luck, because they have green spaces in abundance. You could explore the 143 acres of Leasowes Park, admire the miniature railway at Baggeridge Country Park, or visit Birmingham's botanical gardens - visiting the parks and gardens is one of the best free things to do. If you're with the family, you could take a frisbee, have a game of hide-and-seek, or spend hours in the playground. Or, if you're solo, why not take a book and a speaker and give yourself some relaxation time.
Galleries and Museums: Herbert Art Gallery and Museum and Birmingham Museum
From the birthplace of Shakespeare to the world-famous pottery of Stoke-on-Trent, the West Midlands is brimming in history and culture. So much so that the 2021 City of Culture is West Midlands' very own, Coventry. What's even better is that you can learn all about the history for free across several museums and galleries in the area. Whether you're looking to learn all things art at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, exploring local-inspired pop-up exhibitions at the Birmingham Museum, or learning all things planes at the Royal Air Force Museum. The tricky part is deciding which one you're going to visit.
Explore Nature: Westport Lake, Wrekin Hills, and Wyre Forest
If you spend all week working indoors or simply fancy getting out of the city, exploring nature is excellent for the mind, body, and soul. Whether you're riding solo, want to let the kids get muddy, or enjoy a fun day out with the dog, there's something for everyone. There are plenty of places to choose from, from the biodiverse Westport Lake, the picturesque Wrekin Hills, or the activities available at Wyre Forest. Why not take a walk along a trail, find some treasures with Geocatching, or simply sit back and take in the views?
Wildlife Spotting: The Wolseley Centre and The Cut Visitor Centre
With the fast-paced life we all live, sometimes we don't always appreciate some of the fantastic wildlife we have around us. With parks, forests, and lakes all over the West Midlands, you can see some of the UK's rarest wildlife, such as otters, rare birdlife, and even red squirrels. But knowing what you're looking for and where can be a little challenging. To help you get started, there are great local wildlife centres, like The Worseley Centre or The Cut Visitor Centre, who can give you all the tips and tricks you'll need to get you on your way.
The Library of Birmingham
Is anything more wholesome than spending a few hours lost in a library? As the UK's and Europe's largest public library, the Library of Birmingham offers a library experience like no other. Spanning across ten floors, enjoy the Shakespeare memorial room, photography exhibitions, craft workshops, poetry readings and more. If you're there on a nice day, you could grab a coffee from one of the library's cafes and enjoy panoramic views from the secret garden on the seventh floor.
Admire Local Architecture
After getting inspired by the architecture of the Library of Birmingham, a stroll around enjoying the beauty of the West Midlands buildings is a great free day out. There are local guided tours, but they can be expensive. Birmingham's recent re-developments are etching in modern design ideas if you're looking for contemporary architecture. We recommend visiting the Bullring, The Cube, and Birmingham New Street Station. Or for some more classical architecture, Lichfield Cathedral is a hidden gem, or visit Coventry to explore St Mary's Guildhall and the unique Coventry Cathedral.
If you’re looking for free days out in the West Midlands, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you’re visiting one of the best castles in the UK, the best theme parks in the UK, or the best waterparks in the UK, you can always travel by train. CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.