10 places to visit in the Midlands

If you live in the Midlands, or within easy travelling distance, you are spoilt for choice regarding places to take the kids when the weather’s fine. Here are 10 of the best.

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Tamworth Castle

Take a trip back in time to the historic Tamworth Castle, where you can explore fully-furnished rooms and see displays from the castle’s history.

Ashby Canal

This picturesque canal has plenty of walking routes to help the kids get some fresh air. Try the section close to Sutton Wharf.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill, the second-highest hill in the county, measures an impressive 248m (814ft). A country park, it has plenty of walks to explore, and if you make it to the top on a clear day you may be able to spot Lincoln Cathedral.

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Market Bosworth Country Park

A lovely place to go walking in the nice weather, particularly in spring when the flowers start to bloom. The park features a play area for the kids, as well as a lake. Kids love wood climbing frames, such as those available at http://www.niclimbingframes.com/climbing-frames.

Edgbaston Botanical Gardens

Edgbaston boasts two botanical gardens – Winterbourne and Birmingham. Winterbourne, with its bandstand and glasshouses, is great for a summertime stroll. To keep the kids amused, there are also two playgrounds full of things to do.

Swithland Wood

An ancient woodland close to Bradgate Park, Swithland Wood has lots of footpaths taking you through leafy woods. Look out for the water-filled quarry and abandoned folly.

Sutton Park

Most of Sutton Park, which covers 2,400 acres, is a National Nature Reserve. There’s everything from woodlands to lakes, a golf course and even a donkey sanctuary. According to Birmingham City Council, the park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

Burton Dassett Hills

A popular place with walkers, picnicking families and cyclists, Burton Dassett Hills is an area of unspoilt wilderness with a high viewpoint where you can enjoy stunning views.

Cannon Hill Park

Located in the middle of Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park is the perfect place for an afternoon’s stroll or a picnic, with a boating lake, arts centre and a cycling route along the River Rea.

Batsford Arboretum

This popular venue, in the Cotswolds, hosts a huge variety of flora and fauna, as well as a full programme of events such as talks and even Shakespeare productions.