Family Days Out during the Summer Holidays

Hanbury Hall (National Trust), Hanbury

Tuesday, August 2 and Thursday, August 4 - Family Activity Days – Beautiful Birds
Enjoy a trail around the garden and hands on activities. Trevor Hill will also be here on both days displaying his wonderful collection of birds. There will be a small additional charge for the trail and the activities to cover the cost of materials. Standard Admissions Apply. Telephone: 01527 821214

Webbs, Wychbold

Saturday, July 23 to Sunday, September 4 – Summer Fun for Kids
Children can follow a fun quiz trail around the Riverside Gardens. Everyone returning a completed form will go into a draw to win a prize. Pick up an entry form from Reception Desk 11am - 4pm.

Witley Court (English Heritage) Great Witley

Tuesday, August 2 and Tuesday, August 16 - Time Travellers Go...Discoveries & Inventions
Telephone 01299 896636. 11am to 5pm. Price: £3.80 - £6.30. Calling all budding Einsteins! From the totally practical to the downright wacky, take a trip through history's most exciting inventions, then get inspired yourself with our fun hands-on activities. (All children are welcome to join in the Time Travellers Go… events. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non member, to help us fund this entertainment activity. )
Tuesday, August 9 and Tuesday, August 23 - Time Travellers Go...Ugly Bug Safari
11am to 5pm. Price: £3.80 - £6.30. Grab a magnifying glass and join our Victorian explorer for a hunt through the gardens to find a mass of fascinating mini-beasts. Discover more about bugs and their habitat and make your own creepy crawly to take home. (All children are welcome to join in the Time Travellers Go… events. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non member, to help us fund this entertainment activity.

The Greyfriars, Friar Street

Friday, July 29 - Music Mayhem
What instrument has two reeds? Find out by coming along to our misical day. Find out how music was made before the electric guitar.

Friday, August 5 - Spinning and Weaving
Have a go at traditional spinning, dyeing and weaving.

Friday, August 12 - Make Do and Mend
A day of crafts using materials from around the house.

Saturday, August 13 - Residents Free Day
If you are a resident of Worcester, you can get in the Greyfriars for free.

Friday, August 19 - Knight School
Imagine being a knight jousting, sword fighting and battling…. Why not try all these things out at our Knight School. Normal admission charges apply. 1pm – 5pm.

Friday, August 26 - Wattle and Daub It
How did people used to make buildings? Come and get your hands dirty by joining in on our wattle and daub workshops.

Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor centre, Redditch

Friday, July 22 – Sunday, September 11 - Shark! The Myths and Reality
Shark! Exhibition explores the evolution of these ancient and often misunderstood hunters. In this exhibition you will learn many fascinating facts about shark biology and behaviour and discover how superbly adapted sharks are for their life in the oceans. The exhibition also features stunning images from underwater photographer Jeremy Stafford - Deitsch and a special section in the exhibition about the conservation of these fascinating creatures. 11am – 4pm. Telephone Number: 01527 62509.

Croome Park, near High Green, Worcester

Friday, July 29, Friday, August 5 and Friday, August 12 - Fun Friday Activity Days
A National Trust Event: Activity days for families and children on each Friday throughout the summer holidays. Choose from: Friday, July 29 and Friday, August 19 - I Spy BUGS!; Friday, August 5 and Friday, August 26 – Pond Dipping; Friday, August 12 and Friday, September 2 - Grow Your Own. Children get in FREE if taking part in an Activity Day! Cost also includes a fun family trail around the Park. Normal adult admission applies. 11am to 3pm.

Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip

Sunday, July 31 – Farm Fayre at Lower Smite Farm - Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
Come and have fun at our fayre and enjoy tractor rides, guided walks, stalls and pond dipping. 11am - 4pm Admission fee applies.

Cadbury World, Bourneville -

Saturday, July 23 to Friday, September 2 - Summer Holiday Fun
Lots of summer fun. Various daily entertainments from Kimmo and friends to a climbing wall and our very own Mr and Mrs Chuckle Bean. For more information and to make a booking please telephone 0844 880 7667.

Hatton Country World Summer Spectacular

Saturday, July 23 – Sunday, September 4
The children can really let off steam with our traditional Sports Day races. Then head down to our A-maize-ing Maze to see how long it takes you to find your way out. Plus there will be lots more activities going on throughout the day. Tel: 01926 843 411.

Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove

Saturday, July 23 – Sunday, August 21 - A March Through Time
Join Avoncroft this summer as we march through time discovering the Romans, Vikings, Medieval Knights, Tudors and Victorians. There will be trails and activity kits for children to enjoy every day, plus extra fun on the days below: Most events will need to be pre-booked.
Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31 - Invaders!
Stand by to repel borders – Avoncroft is being invaded! Meet some of history’s most famous invaders as you come face to face with Romans and Vikings.
Wednesday, August 3 and Thursday, August 4 - Knight’s Academy
Have you got what it takes to be a knight of the realm? Join us for knight training, including sword skillt arms, then try on armour so you look the part. Pre-booking advisable.
Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7 - Medieval Joust!
Come and experience the joy of a joust as you witness our medieval tournament. This promises music, dance, a real battle of skills on horseback, foot combat and the medieval joust itself.
Wednesday, August 10 and Thursday, August 11 - Renaissance Inventors
Explore and create like the best creative minds of the renaissance period. Have a go at inventing cunning devices and dreaming up imaginative masterpieces. Are you the next Leonardo DaVinci? Plus, enter our competition to design an exciting new mechanical device for the Museum!
Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14 - Tudor Life
Come face-to-face with Tudors at Avoncroft this weekend and find out what it was like to live in Tudor times.
Wednesday, August 17 and Thursday, August 18 - Life as a Victorian Child
Live like a Victorian today as you take part in wash day and school sessions at the Museum. Pre-booking advisable.

Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21 - A Victorian Countryside Weekend
See Victorian re-enactors bring the Museums 19th-century buildings to life with demonstrations of traditional crafts, farming techniques and displays about the countryside in the beginnings of the machine age.
Monday, August 23 – Monday, August 29 - Nature Week
Get up close and discover the natural world at Avoncroft this week. There will be a trail every day and extra fun on the days below:
Wednesday, August 24 andThursday, August 25 - Nature Days
Explore the flora and fauna of our Avoncroft’s farm pond, wildflower meadow and orchard. Pre-booking advisable.
Saturday, August 27 – Monday, August 29 - Animal Corner
Join us for an animal friendly bank holiday weekend. Get up close and meet the animals as our mobile zoo visits the Museum, make animal masks, birdfeeders and other crafts, and learn about all the ways in which animal life is exciting and important to us all from some well known wildlife charities. For events which need to be pre-booked telephone 01527 831363.

Spetchley Park Gardens, Worcester

Saturday,August 20 and Sunday, August 21 - M5 - When history comes alive
Five ages of history will become one and descend on Spetchley. This is the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family and discover how people lived, worked and fought in the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th centuries. Come and see what they ate, slept on and used as weapons. Watch the armies train and do battle but above all come to Spetchley and have some fun. This event, on such a scale has never been held at Spetchley before so it will be a wonderful day out for all the family. Gates open at 10am. Telephone 01453 8100303.

Warwick Castle, Warwick

Saturday, July 23 - Sunday, September 4 - Summer at the Castle
Bring the whole family for a totally electrifying full day out at Britain’s Ultimate Castle. Where you can immerse yourself in a thousand years of jaw-dropping history. Where ancient myths and spell-binding talks will set your imagination alight and your hair on end.

King’s Camps at the University of Worcester

Tuesday, August 2 to Saturday, August 13
A fantastic week of fun, sport and activity for children aged 4-17 during the summer school holidays With a choice of over 30 different sports and activities that provide fun friendship and achievement, together with specialist sports camps: International Soccer Schools and Michael Vaughan Cricket, there’s something for children of all ages and interests to get excited about. Not to mention the theme days, competitions and team challenges which make each day on camp really special. Telephone 0845 643 5272.

The Tenbury Countryside Show

Saturday, August 6
The Tenbury Countryside Show is a traditional countryside show featuring livestock, horses and horticulture and rural arts and crafts. Now in its 153nd year, it continues to grow, and every year a team of dedicated volunteers put on a show that attracts 1000's of visitors. With exhibits, competitions, main ring events, animals, funfair, trade stands, concessions and local ales and ciders. A great day out for the whole family. Telephone 01584 810 818 for further information.

Welland Steam and Country Rally

Friday, July 29 to Sunday, July 31
47th Show – The Rally promises a day(s) of nostalgia, sights, sounds, colour and movement for every member of the family as you take a trip down memory lane to the days when steam power reigned supreme on the roads, farm and fairground. For further details contact 01531 890762/890417.

The Elms Hotel and Spa, Abberley

Sunday, August 7 – Family Fun BBQ
Bring all the family for a fun filled afternoon at The Elms. We'll have the BBQ fired up serving all the usual favourites and a host of activities in the gardens including arts and crafts, face painting, croquet, football and a bouncy castle.
Monday, August 29 - Mad Hatter's Tea Party
Don't be late for a very important date! Join us from 12pm on Bank Holiday Monday for a Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea Party. There'll be "drink me" mocktails for the children, a glass of bubbly for the parents and delicious sandwiches and cakes to tempt. Children are invited to dress up as their favourite character and enjoy our Wonderland of activities including arts and crafts, face painting and games on the lawns including croquet, football and a bouncy castle. For further information telephone 01299 896666.

Aztec at Hampton Court, Leominster

Saturday, August 13 – Sunday, August 14 – Adventure Weekend
Hampton Court Castle, Gardens and acres of parkland have teamed up with Aztec Adventure to offer an exciting action packed activity weekend suitable for all the family.
The Castle and Gardens will be open as usual for normal admissions. This weekend you will be able to purchase as an optional extra, a wristband which will allow you access to a fantastic range of activities Aztec Adventure has to offer and you can have as many goes as possible.
For more prices and information on the activities telephone 01386 860013.

Hallow Lawn Tennis Club

Saturday, August 20 - Open Day - Free coaching
Keen to learn to play tennis? LTA qualified coaches will put you through your paces, whether you're a novice or more experienced player. Come and learn in a fun and friendly environment. Anyone choosing to join the club on the day qualifies for a discount off the normal fees to give them unlimited playing rights for the rest of the year. email: enquiries@hallowtennis.org

Severn Valley Railway

Saturday, August 27 to Monday, August 29 – Seaside Special
Buckets and spades at the ready as the seaside comes to the Midlands for this bank holiday weekend. Punch & Judy, Magic Shows, children’s rides and even a beach makes this event a great day out for the children.

Pershore Abbey, Pershore

Monday, August 29 – Teddy Parachuting
Everyone's teddies float down on parachutes inside the 150ft Abbey tower or slide down the zip wire outside, several times a day. 10am. For further information telephone 01386 554577.

Eastnor Castle - Summer Events

Sunday, July 31 – Thursday, August 4 - Tales & Story Week - Castle
Sunday, August 7 – Thursday, August 11 - All the Fun of the Circus - Castle
Sunday, August 14 – Thursday, August 18 - Wild Play: Back to Nature - Castle
Monday, August 22 – Thursday, August 25 - Tropical Animal Experience - Castle
Sunday, August 28 t – Monday, August 29 - Wacky Races & Teddy Bears' Picnic - Castle
All events are subject to change so please call 01531 633160 in advance to check availability and for further information.

The Orchard Café, Worcester Woods Country Park - Summer Holiday Activities

Saturday, July 25 to Sunday, September 5 - Treasure Hunt
Through the woods. £1.25 with prize at the end. Event on all day, get your sheet from cafe.

Free Multi Sports Sessions
Every Tuesday and Friday (starting July 26, ending August 30). Tuesday sessions at 2.30pm, Friday sessions at 12.30pm. Sessions will run with qualified and CRB checked coaches and wide range of sport and play resources for 5+ year-olds. For further questions on the programme please contact Will Prichard 07786 800215.

Awesome Bouncy Castle
Run by Daniel. £1.50 per child. Weather permitting. Dates and times are everyday from Saturday, July 23 to Sunday, September 4. 11am - 4pm.

Other free stuff - We have two fantastic wooden adventure play areas. A wonderful range of woodland walks for all abilities. Free parking. Large open playing fields, were you can fly your kite, run around or play some footie?

Telephone 01905 766492

The Cob House Fisheries, Wichenford

Monday, August 8 – Friday, August 12 – Adventure Experience
Want to go fishing but trying to juggle childcare? – this is ideal entertainment for the day. 9.30am to 3.30pm. Look out for Bug Hunting dates for the Summer holidays and other activities that are being planned. For further details telephone 01886 888 517.

SOME MORE GREAT FAMILY DAY’S OUT

• Dudley Zoological Gardens, Dudley, West Midlands. Telephone: 0844 474 2272
We are not only home to a large collection of endangered species, but also an 11th century castle, the world's largest single collection of Tecton buildings, and an important geological site.

• Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford, Oxford. Telephone 01993 823006
We are set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House and has been open to the public since 1970. The Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world and aspires to show animals to people - so that they can come to understand and respect all forms of wildlife.

• National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham – Telephone 0871 222 6932
An aquarium with over 60 displays of freshwater and marine life in Brindleyplace Birmingham. Expect close encounters with amazing creatures, from humble shrimps and enchanting sea horses to mighty sharks and rays. A fantastic day out for all the family. A chance to learn, discover, explore and help our world's amazing oceans.

• The Domestic Fowl Trust, Honeybourne – Telephone 01386 833083
A great family day out and one of the best UK farm parks for rare breeds. There are 20 acres in which to view fowl, duck, geese, turkeys, bantams and rare breed farm animals. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas for the children and tearooms in which to relax.

• Butterfly Farm, Stratford upon Avon – Telephone 01789 299288
Come along and discover the world’s most beautiful butterflies at the UK’s largest tropical paradise.

• Prinknash Bird and Dee Park, Cranham, Glos – Telephone 01452 812727
Spend a few hours in the company of tame reindeer, fallow deer, peacocks and waterfowl. Many of which can be hand fed.

• Birdland Park and Gardens, Bourton on the Water – Telephone 01451 820480
A natural setting of woodland, gardens and river. Birdland is home to some of the most exotic and rare birds from around the world, including the only group of King Penguins in England.

• Droitwich Spa Lido, Droitwich- Telephone 01905 799342
Come along and have a splash and some fun in this remodelled heated swimming pool with a beach area at one end and an integrated fountain. There are dedicated wet-play areas beside the main pool, reception building, café area, changing rooms with lockers and nearby parking facilities.– Call for prices and further information.

• Wonderland, Telford Telephone 01952 591633
Set in the centre of 450 acres, warden patrolled Telford Town Park which offers fantastic play equipment for all ages from giant spider’s webs, slides, sandpits, cycle paths, picnic areas, amphitheatre, nature and trim trails. A magical experience where nursery rhyme and fairytale characters come to life. There is so much to see and do.

• National Birds of Prey Centre, Newent- Telephone 08709 901992
There are daily flying demonstrations with a variety of birds of prey and owls. Other features include the Owls Tea Rooms, gift shop, pets corner and beautiful gardens providing a great day out for all the family.

• Top Farm Barn, Holt Heath. Telephone 01905 620386
Come and enjoy the fun with all our farm animals, petting corner, outdoors games, tractor trailer rides, hands-on activities and more. A great day out on a working farm located in the heart of the countryside near the beautiful city of Worcester, with 500 acres of land nestling alongside the River Severn at Holt Heath. Open 10am - 4pm daily.

• Twycross Zoo, Atherstone, Warwick Telephone 01827 880250/880440
A comprehensive collection of primates, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish! There are over 1,000 animals on show including Bornean Orangutans, Asian Elephants, Inland Bearded Dragons, Northern White-faced Owls, Boa Constrictors, Red-kneed Tarantulas and many more. Open daily, 10am – 5.30pm.

• West Midland Safari and Leisure, Bewdley Telephone 01299 401114
Visit four fantastic miles of safari trail with close encounters galore. The animal reserve is home to over 600 animals and covers a vast area of 100 acres, which is often abundant with babies. You can also enjoy the theme park where there are many rides and attractions to entertain the whole family, which include the twilight caves, creepie crawlies, Seaquarium and world of reptiles. New this year is walking with lemurs - believed to be the largest walk- through lemur wood in the UK, with 4 species of lemur living, playing and swinging around you as you take a stroll through the mature woodland.

• WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucester Tel: 01453 891900
Set within 325 hectares against a spectacular Severn Estuary backdrop. Land Rover rides and canoe safaris guarantee close encounters with a dazzling array of wetland life and there’s lots for our young visitors to enjoy, including the welly boot land play area.

• Umberslade Farm, Tanworth-in-Arden Telephone 01564 742251
A real working farm which enables visitors to experience many aspects of modern agriculture from animal husbandry to arable production. This means that there is something to do and see all year round, with activities changing as the seasons move on. Young visitors have the opportunity to get close to a wide range of farm animals from the tiniest chickens to the statuesque Shire horses, with hands-on activities that will appeal to every age.

• Upton Warren Outdoor Centre, Bromsgrove Telephone 01527 861426
Based around a 20 acre lake offering a range of high quality watersports instruction in canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and improvised rafting. The remainder of the 40 acre site provides a number of landbased activities such as climbing, ropes course, high poles course, a tunnel complex, team building challenges, camping, archery and a nature reserve.

• Wyre Forest Visitors Centre, Rock Telephone 01299 266929
Follow a foot or cylcle path through the forest, climb the woodpecker tree in the adventure playground, spot lots of wildlife from the hide. Open daily 10am – 5pm.

• Go-Ape, Wyre Forest, Bewdley Telephone 0845 643 9215
Go Ape is described as a ‘tree-top adventure’. They kit people out with harnesses, pulleys and karabiners, give them a 30 minute safety briefing and training and let them loose into the forest canopy, free to swing through the trees.

• Honeybourne Pottery, Honeybourne Telephone 01386 832855
Come and enjoy working with clay, either on the potters' wheel, modelling, or choose an item from our ready-to-paint range. We run various courses, and can accommodate a variety of groups. Please telephone beforehand to book a session.

• Greenfrog Pottery, Malvern Telephone 01684 561778
Everything you need to have fun creating your own ceramic masterpiece. No need to worry if you've never painted before there’s friendly experienced staff to help you. It's a good idea to book a on Saturdays and during school holidays

• Gloucester Docks, Gloucester Telephone 01452 311190
The former dock estate has become a popular destination where visitors can enjoy interesting views and a range of modern facilities while wandering around a remarkably complete example of a Victorian port, exploring the docks history and also shopping at Gloucester Quays Designer Outlets which has an outstanding mix of high street and designer labels at discounted prices. Also close by is Gloucester Cathedral which is well worth a visit.

• Goodrich Castle, Hereford Telephone 01600 890538
Visit this splendid red sandstone Castle, springing from living rock high above an empty moat. Walk along the curtain walls, climb the towers, and peer through arrow slits and murder holes. Well preserved Chapel and Inner Hall. Superb views across the Wye Valley to Symonds Yat. An audio tour brings alive the Castle's turbulent history.

• Cotswold Motor Museum and Toy Collection, Bourton-on-the-Water Telephone 01451 821255
A truly fascinating journey through the 20th Century. Overflowing with vintage and classic cars and caravans, precarious looking motorcycles, original enamel signs and an intriguing collection of motoring curiosities, it is a genuinely captivating experience for all the family.

• Elgar Birthplace Museum, Worcester Telephone 01905 333224
The Elgar Birthplace Museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and music, family and friends, and musical inspirations of Sir Edward Elgar, whose masterpieces include Salut d’Amour, Pomp & Circumstance, the Enigma Variations, and many more. Consists of two buildings, the modern Elgar Centre and the atmospheric Birthplace Cottage. Together they reveal the great man behind the music.

• Tenbury Museum, Tenbury Wells Telephone 01299 832143
We have a Folk Museum, an encapsulation of the history of Tenbury and of local industries. Tenbury Museum is housed in the old Goff’s School building which dates from 1863. This single room contains numerous exhibits illustrating the way of life in rural Worcestershire 100 years or so ago.

• The Amazing Hedge Puzzle, Ross-on-Wye Telephone 01600 890360
The Jubilee Maze is a traditional hedge maze, with a romantic temple in the centre and over a kilometre of hedge planted by Lindsay and Edward Heyes in 1977. See if you can find your way around this fantastic maze then play! It’s a great place to play tag with all the family.

• Clearwell Caves Ancient Iron Mines, Coleford, Glos Telephone 01594 832535
A working mining museum where visitors can see impressive caverns with geological and mining displays. Nine impressive caverns linked by winding passageways with display throughout, descending 100ft underground. The iron mines are an important part of the Forest of Dean's history and environment and well worth a visit.

• Conkers, Moira, Derbyshire Telephone 01283 216633
A unique mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to keep you and your family engaged for hours at the heart of the National Forest. Indoors there are four discovery zones designed for children and adults of all ages. Outdoors explore over 120 acres of picturesque grounds including maturing woodland, lakes and gardens, sculpture trails, a wonderful wild flower glade, a challenging eighteen stage assault course (for visitors aged 13 and over) or play in our tremendous ‘Playdale’ adventure playground.