More Days Out News
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The return of Heritage Open Days in Birmingham
Posted on Thu 20 Aug
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On your bike for a cross-city contemporary concert
Posted on Thu 20 Aug
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Feature: Hobbits in the Shire
Posted on Thu 20 Aug
PEPPA PIG SPACE ADVENTURE
Designed for preschoolers and early-years children, Peppa Pig Space Adventure blends storytelling and play in a calm, welcoming environment ‘where families can explore together’. The experience is a walk-through adventure rather than a stage show, with each space inspired by Peppa’s world.
NEC, Birmingham, until Sunday 8 November
MAJESTIC MONARCHS OF THE GUILDHALL
Families can enjoy an experience packed with royal history and hands-on activities at St Mary’s Guildhall this month.
Running until the August Bank Holiday weekend, Majestic Monarchs Of The Guildhall invites visitors to discover the stories of kings and queens connected to the historic property. Admission includes guided tours, family trails and gaming kiosks.
Younger visitors can take part in the Royal Progress family trail or tackle the Crown Jewels Quest, while royal-themed crafts and historical costumes offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy some creative fun.
Visitors will also encounter Tudor characters preparing a feast in the Medieval Kitchen, bringing centuries of history vividly to life.
St Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry, until Sunday 30 August
WILD BRICKS
Dudley Zoo & Castle is providing a home for some extra animals - of the brick variety - throughout this month, courtesy of a special interactive trail.
The Wild Bricks trail features life-sized models of endangered animals - including an orangutan, giant panda and African elephant - which have been made from thousands of colourful toy bricks... The trail is included in the price of admission to the zoo.
Dudley Zoo and Castle, until Monday 31 August
A WHALE OF A SUMMER
Art, photography, family activities, and thought-provoking discussions inspired by the natural world all feature in Lichfield Cathedral’s programme of school summer holiday entertainment.
Attractions include Scottish sculptor Tessa Campbell Fraser’s Whales, a striking installation - suspended within the cathedral nave - comprising three life-sized models of sperm whales. Made using recycled ghost netting and other materials, the artwork highlights the impact of human activity on marine environments, at the same time celebrating the power of creativity to inspire change.
Cathedral visitors can also explore the Ocean Photographer Of The Year 2025 exhibition, showcasing more than 100 award-winning images of marine life and underwater ecosystems.
Families can enjoy sea-themed crafts, activity trails and special-event days, while a series of talks and wellbeing sessions will encourage reflection on conservation and community.
The cathedral’s popular attraction The Beach is also open throughout the month, so bucket & spade at the ready...
Lichfield Cathedral, until Monday 31 August
SUMMER FUN AT BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM
Step into history this month at the award-winning Black Country Living Museum.
Visitors can explore a recreated historic town, stroll along period high streets, follow a family discovery trail and meet characters from different eras.
There’s plenty to keep all ages entertained, from traditional games and Edwardian school lessons, to industrial demonstrations and music from the past.
Food lovers can pay a visit to the museum’s famous fish & chip shop, and families can round off their day with a ride on the vintage funfair.
The venue will be staying open late every Friday throughout the month (until 8pm).
And as an added bonus, one day’s admission includes 12 months of free return visits, making it easy to enjoy everything the museum has to offer throughout the year.
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, until Monday 31 August
UNEARTH THE PALAEOVERSE
Looking for places to take the kids during the school summer holidays?
If so, how about making a beeline for the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, to check out this immersive Jurassic exhibition.
Highlights include the chance to hunt for fossils in virtual reality, board a Jurassic submarine, draw a dinosaur and watch it animate across the wall, and strike the perfect prehistoric pose in the dressing-up zone.
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Monday 31 August
MEDIEVAL MOMENTS
Families can enjoy a medieval adventure at Sudeley Castle & Gardens throughout the school summer holiday.
Included with general admission, young visitors can check out an interactive Knight Trail set around the castle and grounds, in the process discovering what it took to become a medieval knight. Children can pick up a trail map and take part in a range of activities, including target practice, dressing up and challenges inspired by life as a squire and knight.
Costumed storytellers will also be on hand, sharing tales of chivalry and castle life.
Storytelling sessions run untl Monday 31 August, with falconry displays taking place on selected days.
Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire, until Monday 31 August
FARMARAMA
Bringing the beach to Burton-upon-Trent, Farmarama transforms the National Forest Adventure Farm into a family-friendly coastal escape, complete with five giant paddling pools, more than 250 tonnes of golden sand and plenty of opportunities for splashing, digging and sandcastle building. Visitors can enjoy daily seaside-themed entertainment, including live shows, sand art activities, and the ever-popular foam party. Families can also tackle the huge maize maze before exploring everything else the farm has to offer, from animal encounters and tractor rides to indoor soft-play areas and outdoor adventure zones.
With ‘acres of activities’ included in admission, Farmarama offers a full day of summer holiday fun for people of all ages.
Guests visiting before the 23rd of the month can take advantage of a free return visit offer.
National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton-upon-Trent, until Tuesday 1 September
ELMER HIDE & SEEK ADVENTURE TRAIL
Based on the much-loved patchwork elephant created by author & illustrator David McKee, the Elmer Hide & Seek Adventure Trail invites children to explore Weston’s beautiful parkland while searching for hidden Elmer characters and solving clues along the way. Designed for younger visitors and families, the interactive experience encourages outdoor exploration, imagination and teamwork, as children follow the trail through the estate’s gardens and grounds.
Alongside the trail, families can make the most of Weston’s 1,000 acres of parkland and woodland. There’s an adventure playground to enjoy too, ideal for youngsters with plenty of summer-holiday energy to burn.
Weston Park, Shropshire, until Sunday 6 September
54321FAB!
Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum is keeping families entertained throughout August with a packed programme of events inspired by its blockbuster 54321FAB! exhibition, celebrating the iconic worlds of Gerry & Sylvia Anderson.
Alongside the chance to see original puppets, models and memorabilia from hit TV series including Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet And The Mysterons and Stingray, visitors can also enjoy a range of hands-on activities...
Every Thursday, Get Arty: 3…2…1…Make! invites children to create puppet characters and build imaginative secret bases inspired by Thunderbirds’ Tracy Island...
FAB Fridays, meanwhile, provides young filmmakers with the chance to design their own characters and shoot mini adventures using tablets.
Families can also pick up a FAB Creations activity bag or follow the International Rescue trail around the museum.
Voice actor Marc Silk will host special Spotlight Talks on Saturday 1 and Saturday 29 August, while Museum After Hours returns on Friday the 21st with an adults-only evening celebrating all things FAB.
Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, until Sunday 6 September
SUMMER FUN AT LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL
If you haven’t yet visited Lichfield Cathedral’s two popular summer attractions, there’s still a few days to catch them before they finish. Artist Tessa Campbell Fraser’s impressive installation Whales features three sperm-whale sculptures suspended in the cathedral’s nave. The sculptures have been created from materials including recycled ghost netting, silk chiffon and latex, to highlight the impact of plastic pollution and climate change...
Meanwhile, outside the cathedral, early-autumn visitors can check out The Beach. Returning for its fifth year, the free-to-enjoy seaside escape comes complete with sand, buckets, spades and deckchairs.
Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire, until Sunday 6 September
TALLY HO! THURSDAYS: POLICE TRAINING ACADEMY
Young recruits can step into the highly polished shoes of a police officer this month, as the West Midlands Police Museum hosts a number of special interactive sessions.
Inspired by the famous Tally Ho! police training centre, the family-friendly experience gives children the chance to tackle a series of fun challenges designed to test the skills needed for a career in policing.
West Midlands Police Museum, Birmingham, Thursday 27 August
DISCOVER DINOSAURS AT THINKTANK
Thinktank is hosting a packed programme of dinosaur-themed family activities throughout the school summer holiday.
Young explorers can enjoy DinoSTORY Time on Thursday 6, 13, 20 & 27 August, featuring interactive storytelling and prehistoric adventures...
The creatively inclined can take part in Dinosaur Junk Modelling with local artist & comedian Tat Vision on Wednesday the 19th, using recycled materials to build their very own dinosaur-inspired creations...
Visitors can meet fascinating creatures and learn about life in the prehistoric world with Jurassic Encounters With ZooLab on Thursday the 27th, whilst families can enjoy Professor Egg N Egg on Wednesday the 12th. Dino Lab sessions - featuring dinosaur discovery experiences and hands-on science activities - take place throughout the month.
The museum will also host Cinema Under The Stars screenings in the planetarium, with The Land Before Time and Godzilla showing on Saturday the 15th, and The Good Dinosaur and The Land That Time Forgot on Saturday the 29th.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, throughout August
LUMINARIUM
Visitors to Compton Verney can step inside a spectacular world of light and colour this month, thanks to the return of the acclaimed Luminarium.
Created by Architects of Air, the immersive installation, known as Terceradix, is a winding maze of interconnected domes and pathways illuminated entirely by natural light. Designed to celebrate the company's 30th anniversary, the attraction promises ‘an unforgettable sensory experience’ for visitors of all ages.
Guests can explore the labyrinth at their own pace, whether following every twist and turn or simply relaxing within the colourful spaces. The installation is fully accessible, with a dedicated quieter session available for visitors who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.
Luminarium tickets also include admission to Compton Verney’s galleries, grounds and exhibitions.
Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Wednesday 26 - Mononday 31 August
TELFORD BALLOON FIESTA
One of Shropshire’s most popular family events, the Telford Balloon Fiesta returns late this month, taking over Telford Town Park across the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The three-day celebration will feature spectacular hot-air balloons, live entertainment and activities for all ages.
Festivities begin with the popular Night Glow on the Friday evening, when illuminated balloons light up the sky in time to music during a special ticketed event.
The free-to-attend weekend programme includes parachute displays by the Wings Parachute Team, stunt performances, balloon-tethering demonstrations, live music, food & drink stalls, and a dedicated Kids’ Zone.
A Community Carnival Day on the Sunday will showcase local talent via parades, dance performances and workshops.
Weather permitting, the hot-air balloon launches will take place at 6am and 6pm.
Telford Town Park, Shropshire, Friday 28 - Sunday 30 August
MEDIEVAL MAYHEM
Step back into the Middle Ages this Bank Holiday Monday as The Commandery hosts a day of medieval fun.
Families can explore the historic site while taking part in hands-on activities designed to inspire budding knights and fascinate knowledge-hungry history enthusiasts.
Young visitors can test their skills in Knight School, decorate their own shield, and follow the Knight’s Quest trail through one of Worcester’s most atmospheric buildings.
The Commandery, Worcester, Monday 31 August
THE STRONGMAN OPEN
Prepare for an evening of jaw-dropping shows of strength as Giants Live brings The Strongman Open to Birmingham.
The world’s strongest men will go head-to-head in five gruelling tests of strength, speed and raw power, all competing to be crowned Strongman Open Champion.
Expect incredible feats of lifting, throwing, dragging and flipping, as some of the biggest names in the sport battle it out.
The action-packed show is promising spectacular entertainment for the whole family and forms part of the Official Strongman World Arena Tour.
Utilita Arena Birmingham, Saturday 5 September
MEDIEVAL EXPERIENCE
History lovers can sample a taste of life in the 15th century at Avoncroft this month, where the Wars of the Roses takes centre stage.
Expect dramatic re-enactments featuring sword fighting, cannon fire and archery, presented alongside demonstrations of weaponry and gunpowder.
Visitors can explore living-history camps and learn all about everyday life during medieval times, from cooking and clothes-making to traditional trades, skills and games.
The Beaufort Companye will be on hand to showcase costumes and crafts, while families can enjoy rides on the museum’s miniature railway.
Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY'S AUTUMN STEAM GALA
Get ready to soak up steam-age sights and sounds as Severn Valley Railway hosts its nostalgic and ever-popular Autumn Gala.
The four-day event boasts a busy timetable of locomotives travelling between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, with not only home-fleet favourites but also visiting engines taking to the tracks.
A major highlight will be the first-ever SVR appearance of Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Ivatt Class 2 tank No 41313.
Pannier Tank 9681 (pictured), GWR Small Prairie No 5526 and BR Standard Class 4 Tank No 80097 also feature.
Photo credit: Bob Green
Severn Valley Railway, Worcestershire, Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 September
A PLACE IN THE SUN LIVE
The live version of long-running Channel Four television series A Place In The Sun returns to the NEC mid-month, bringing together special guests, exclusive content and practical advice for anyone considering a new life or holiday home abroad.
Visitors can browse property-purchasing opportunities in destinations including Spain, Portugal, France, Cyprus and Dubai, while a series of live seminars, Q&A sessions and expert-led presentations provide valuable insights into the challenges of navigating the overseas property market.
NEC, Birmingham, Friday 18 - Sunday 20 September
HILLS FORD STAGES
Motorsport fans can enjoy an action-packed day out when the Hills Ford Stages Rally visits Weston Park mid-month.
Part of a two-day event taking place across Shropshire, the rally will see some of the UK’s top drivers compete on challenging stages at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
Beyond the high-speed action, visitors can enjoy the new Rally Festival, featuring trade stands, motorsport displays, family-focused entertainment, interactive experiences and a selection of food & drink.
The event will also showcase the Pathways education zone and DriveWise road safety initiative, offering insights into careers in motorsport and promoting safer driving.
Weston Park, Shropshire, Saturday 19 September
FIREWORK CHAMPIONS
Firework Champions is celebrating its 20th anniversary with three spectacular West Midlands events this autumn, bringing explosive entertainment to Eastnor Castle, Ragley Hall and Arley Hall.
Each event sees three professional firework teams go head-to-head, creating dazzling displays set to music as they compete to be crowned the evening’s winner.
A spectacular finale brings proceedings to a sky-illuminating close.
Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, Saturday 19 September and Arley Hall, Cheshire, Saturday 26 September
MALVERN AUTUMN SHOW
Malvern Autumn Show returns to the Three Counties Showground late this month with a packed programme of entertainment, family activities and food & drink experiences. Visitors can enjoy animal encounters, dinosaur-themed shows, circus skills, arts & crafts, a vintage funfair and live arena displays featuring everything from agility dogs to Exmoor ponies.
Food lovers can browse artisan markets, sample street food from a range of independent traders, and discover local producers in dedicated food & drink areas. The popular Great Malvern Cake Off also returns, alongside giant vegetable displays, harvest exhibits and expert demonstrations.
New for this year, visitors can explore the reimagined On The Farm area and enjoy an expanded programme of free family-friendly workshops and activities.
Special guests from the worlds of gardening, baking and television will also be making contributions, including Monty Don and Gavin & Stacey favourite Joanna Page.
Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire, Friday 25 - Sunday 27 September
PEAKY BLINDERS NIGHT
Step into the world of the Peaky Blinders this month as Black Country Living Museum hosts another of its popular nighttime events.
From 7pm to 10.30pm, visitors to the venue can explore the historic streets and locations featured in the hit BBC television series. Expect live music, interactive performances and fun betting games, presented alongside a selection of Black Country food, including pork cobs, steak pie and traditional pub snacks.
Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s-inspired outfits for the occasion.
Suitable for ages 16 and over.
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Saturday 26 September; Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Saturday 14 November
LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND
Step back in time at Moseley Old Hall this month as the Sealed Knot brings to life the dramatic story of King Charles II’s escape.
The Living History Weekend recreates the events of 1651, when the young king arrived at the hall following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester.
Visitors can explore a 17th-century living-history camp, discover traditional crafts and clothing, meet soldiers and civilians, and watch musket, pike and drum drills.
A selection of child-friendly interactive activities is also included in the event’s line-up of attractions.
Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton, Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September