Ten Family Days Out in the Midlands

Half term is looming and many parents will be looking for things to do to keep the family busy. I thought it would be a good opportunity to put together a few of my favourite days out, plus I’ve asked some lovely fellow bloggers to share their recommendations. These cover the Midlands, from Herefordshire and Worcestershire in the west, to Lincolnshire in the east.

SUMMER LEYS NATURE RESERVE, Northamptonshire

Summer Leys is a long standing favourite of ours. Free parking, quiet paths and lovely scenery. It’s the perfect place for a family friendly walk. There’s also plenty of birds to watch and learn about. It’s mostly pushchair friendly, apart from one little section that gets a bit muddy in winter-but isn’t that what wellies are for?!

IRCHESTER COUNTRY PARK, Northamptonshire

If your children are capable of walking a couple of miles, you can carry on along the Nene Way from Summer Leys to Irchester Country Park. This former ironstone quarry has a great play area, scenic walking trails and a treetop adventure course.

CHARLECOTE PARK, Warwickshire

I went to Charlecote for the first time this year and loved it! The beautifully serene deerpark is a great place for a family walk. I would love to go back and go on one of their very popular deer walks one day. If you go during half term (from Saturday 22/10/16) they are running “Hallowe’en Pumpkin Trails” all week.

CANNOCK CHASE, Staffordshire

Deers feature once again in the suggestion from one of my fellow outdoor bloggers. Shell Robshaw-Bryan from  Camping with Style is an outdoors-mad camping blogger who likes doing anything and everything that allows her to spend time in the great outdoors.  She recommends Cannock Chase for spotting deers in the Autumn. There’s also plenty more to do in the area, including walking, mountain biking and Gruffalo hunting!

CARSINGTON WATER, Derbyshire

Mary at other thoughts has a couple of great ideas for those in the East Midlands. Firstly,  Carsington Water nr Ashbourne in the Peak District. We visited last year and I agree with Mary that it’s a great family friendly walk. There’s also bike hire if you’re feeling a little more energetic! Here’s a photo from Mary’s recent post about Carsington.

MAJOR OAK, SHERWOOD FOREST, Nottinghamshire

Mary’s second suggestion is an incredible oak tree. It’s always great to discover something new, so I was excited to learn about Major Oak in Sherwood Forest. This oak (England’s Tree of the Year 2014 no less!) is where legend has it  Robin Hood and his Merry Men slept. It is at least 800 years old! Situated near the village of Edwinstowe, it’s a great place to explore and soak up the Robin Hood spirit.

MALVERN HILLS, Herefordshire & Worcestershire

Katy at katyish recommends walking in the Malvern Hills and I’m not going to argue.

It’s a great place to introduce the whole family to the joys of walking and being outdoors. As Katy says “easy to get to, several car parks, miles and miles of good footpath, lovely views and pubs”.

SALTWELLS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE, Dudley

I’m a big fan of green spaces in urban areas, and Saltwells is a great example. Set over a massive 247 acres, it houses an impressive array of different habitats and wildlife. It’s home to 16 species of dragonfly, plus birds and interesting plants. There are also way marked nature and sculpture trails so you can explore without getting lost!

FOXTON LOCKS, Leicestershire

Foxton Locks is a great day out at any time of year, this half term they also have a ‘spooky trail’ to keep the children entertained.

It’s lovely to walk along the canal and admire the flight of locks, there is also a museum in the old boilerhouse and a couple of pubs to provide waterside refreshment. If you have older kids, why not walk along the canal to the pretty town of Market Harborough for a spot of lunch and a mooch around the shops.

BURGHLEY HOUSE & GARDENS, Stamford

Burghley has some fantastic outdoor places, including the Sculpture Garden and the Garden of Surprises. There is also extensive parkland to explore. This half term there’s lots going on, including halloween themed craft activities and ‘Beastly Boring Burghley’ tours.

I’ve visited many times for the horse trials and never failed to be impressed.

What do you think of my list? Do you have any great ideas I should add?