A-Z Guide for Days out in Warwickshire 2020

I can hardly believe this is the 6th year I have been posting guides to days out each & every half-term & school holiday! This year I thought I’d try something different & share an A-Z guide contributed to by our community. We have an incredible amount of resources when we work together & last year’s guide Top 10 Places to visit for free in Warwickshire was super popular.

Each day I’ll be posting on our Facebook page & group Mum Knows Best Warwickshire two letters & we can share inspiration locally from A-Z. I really hope that we can find some special places & support some local small businesses along the way too.

I’ll share all the links on this post so that the resources will remain in one place for everyone to use in the future.

First Up… A & B

ALL THE PINK WORDS ARE LINKS TO THE WEBSITES ❤️

All Things Wild – A hidden gem which my children have loved for years, All things wild has plenty of animals to see, a dinosaur trail, inside & outdoor play. Plenty of outside space which is perfect for Summer months! WR11 7QZ

Abbey Fields  “We went today for the first time in years. The play areas is lovely” Plenty of fields, great play area & a lake, there is also a swimming pool. Parking can be tricky. CV8 1BP

Allesley Park Loads of room to run, crazy golf course, play area & pushchair friendly. Coventry CV5 9AD

Ash End House Farm – One of my childhood favourites, aside from the obvious Farm, it has indoor and outdoor play, pony rides & more. A little further out but worth a drive. Postcode B78 2BL

Baddesley Clinton – National Trust property with loads of room to roam! Walks, restaurant & more – book online. Solihull B93 0DQ

Bagots Castle – Bagots Castle is ruins of a 14th Century Castle, it’s all outside but very pretty and nice for a good walk. Church Road, Baginton CV8 3AR

Barford Park boasts a large playground area & picnic benches. Please note, the toilets here are not currently open – 20.7.2020 King Georges Field is also home to many a football, netball & tennis match, you can also book these on their website below. Where: Church Lane, Barford, Warwick CV35 8ES

British Motor Museum A firm favourite of my little dude, admission gives entry for a whole year & there’s lots to explore & regular activities during each school holiday. There’s also a cafe on site & an outdoor play area. A great place if you’re looking for a quieter day out as I’ve rarely seen it busy. Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ

Broadway Tower This is one I’ve never been to, but it’s insta-famous this Summer. Definitely one to visit if you’re over by the Cotswolds. Large circular walk, deer park & restaurant. Tickets bookable online. WR12 7LB

Bosworth Water Park For those happy to travel about an hour can recommend Bosworth Water Park –  you can hire pedalo’s, play crazy golf and enjoy the water and there’s a cafe on site too. Warwickshire, CV13 6PD

Bourton On The Water!  Dubbed the Venice of the Cotswolds, no I’m not joking! It’s a beautiful village with little shops, restaurants and a lovely stream to paddle in. GL54 2BU

Bubbenhall Wood and Meadow is beautiful for walks, picnics, they usually run lovely events, which aren’t currently running sadly. Warwickshire, CV8 3BH

Burton Dasset Hills Country Park grab your kite and head up to Burton Dasset Hills, I’ve yet to discover a better Warwickshire view. Plenty of room to walk, run & jump. Southam CV47 2AB

Butterfly Farm, Stratford upon Avon In the heart of Stratford lives a utopia for Butterfly lovers, stand in the farm where the beautiful creatures fly all around you, land on you & get up and close to them in a natural habitat. Not a whole day out but well worth a visit. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS

Cadbury World -As well as a famous chocolate factory, there’s also an adventure play area, a 4D Adventure & much more. Pre-book your tickets online to guarantee entry, which has been timed-entry for a couple of years now. B30 1JR

Caldecott Park (Rugby) – In the heart of the town centre, Caldecott park contains two new play areas, a multi use sports area and a cafe. You can also download activity packs here. Rugby CV21 2DT 

Cannock Chase Forest – Gorgeous woodlands for all ages, great for biking or Go Ape! Children’s play area, Go Ape, orienteering trails and even a dog activity trail. Rugeley, WS15 2UQ

Castle Ashby Gardens – Acres & Acres to run free & explore! Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Toilets are open, the play area & Orangery are also open to explore. Northampton NN7 1LF

Charlecote Park – National Trust – Gorgeous NT property set in a landscaped deer park. Bookings must be made in advance. Warwickshire, CV35 9ER

Chedworth Roman Villa National Trust.  “Cradled in a beautiful Cotswold valley rest the remains of one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain” Booking essential. Gloucestershire, GL54 3LJ

Chesterton Windmill – I just love how calm and beautiful it is on that hill with views of rolling fields and towns far-away. If you make it there by yourself to have five minutes peace, I promise you’ll leave feeling refreshed. I sometimes see young couples up there with a book & a bottle and am insanely jealous! Leamington Spa, CV33 9LB

Children’s Play Village “is a wonderful indoor role play centre in Warwick, which features 12 different areas for kids to explore. With play props and dress-up outfits at their disposal, your little adventurers will be free to unleash their imaginations and become whatever they like.” Hampton Road, Budbrooke, Warwick

Churchfield Farm – Visit for gorgeous farm shop, outside play area & indoor fun barn & lots of activities. Free parking: WR9 0AF.

Cock Robin Wood (Near Rugby) A Warwickshire Wildlife Trust wood in Rugby. Explore the woodland, search for frogspawn and stretch your legs. Warwickshire, CV22 6PP

Compton Verney “family friendly art gallery with stunning grounds to explore, including an adventure playground, forest, willow tunnels, wild flower fields, play on sculptures and a giant sand pit. Inside there’s a free play children’s room and they put on regular family events” Warwickshire CV35 9HZ

Coombe Abbey Coombe Abbey is one of my favourites! I just love the beautiful setting and the long drive down the road to the car parking area. Among the 500 acres you can find playgrounds, walks and picnic areas plus there’s now even a Go Ape! (See here for an exclusive discount.) Visit the Discovery Centre for trails and what’s on when you get there. Suitable for dogs, wheelchairs, pushchairs, bikes and scooters. Remember to take change for parking & food as most places at Coombe only accept cash. Coventry, CV3 2AB

Cotswold Farm Park Founded to protect rare breeds of farm animal Cotswold Farm park is a must if you fancy a drive. As well as plenty of animals there’s an outdoor playground, ‘Bouncy Pillow’ trampolines, Mud kitchen & a woodland walk. Cheltenham, GL54 5FL

Cotswold Motoring Museum No need to book in advance, a lovely little museum in Bourton on the Water and you can see Brum! The children’s favourite car is there! Gloucestershire, GL54 2BY

Cotswold Water Park & Beach –  A sandy beach with swimming lagoon and watersport activities for all at the Cotswold Country Park and Beach, Cirencester. There is a new adventure playground, volley ball court, BBQ stations, a training climbing wall, all sitting within extensive parkland perfect for picnics and relaxing.The park offers a swimming & paddling lagoon for younger families, also supervised by lifeguards in peak season. Gloucestershire, GL7 6DF

Cotswold Lavender Fields – In a typical English summer the lavender fields start to come into flower mid June, with the best time to see them early-mid July but it can differ year to year with the weather. Closes 26/7/2020 for this year.

Cotswolds Wildlife Park – All tickets must be purchased in advance. Another of my favourite places to visit, you can really get up close to so many amazing animals, including Giraffes! A wonderful day out. Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4JP

Coughton Court  The parkland, gardens (excluding the walled garden) and kiosk at Coughton Court are now open and you’ll need to book tickets before you visit. We’ll be releasing tickets every Friday. Warwickshire, B49 5JA

Coventry Cathedral Explore the cathedral and ruins and you can even climb the tower for spectacular views. Combine your visit with….

Coventry Transport Museum – Now open again to the public & admission fee covers you for the whole year. There’s always plenty of trails during each school holiday and loads to see with interactive displays around the museum. Coventry CV1 1JD

 Crocodiles of the World – Did you even know that we are close to the UK’s only crocodile zoo!? Oxfordshire OX18 3NX

Daventry Country Park – Loads of room to roam, huge reservoir, adventure playground, outside gym, bird hides and a nature trail. Daventry NN11 2JB

Draycote Water – Cycle, scoot or walk around the reservoir, have a bite to eat in the cafe, bird spot or play on the playground. You could even try some watersports! Suitable for pushchair and wheelchair access, you can also take your dog, but not around the reservoir, only around the country park. Car parking is charged. Kites Hardwick, Warwickshire, CV23 8AB

Drayton Manor I probably don’t need to say too much about this one! Drayton Manor Theme Park & Zoo is also home to Thomas Land. A firm favourite for lots of our local families. Staffordshire B78 3TW

Dudley Zoo Set over 40 acres and incorporating a castle Dudley Zoo is home to  Endangered species including Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers, Bornean orang utans, Tibetan red pandas, Rothschild giraffes, Madagascan lemurs and Humboldt penguins – DZC has the UK’s largest parent-reared colony.Dudley DY1 4RA

Evenley Wood Garden Throughout the year Evenley Wood Gardens are so beautiful to visit, they have snowdrops in spring, lots of family activities happening and camping too! If you visit between 6th & 26th July .. “OUR EASTER BUNNY REALLY IS BONKERS!!! His alarm didn’t go off and he is running very very late for a very important date. But we that we better humor him and have our Easter Hunt anyway. 23RD – 26TH JULY” There’s a cafe on site & places for a picnic but beware, no bikes allowed. Northamptonshire, NN13 5SH

The Valley Evesham (previously named Evesham Country Park) shops, garden centre, beautiful walks and the Evesham Light Railway (see below) WR11 4DS

Evesham Light Railway If you have a train lover Evesham Light Railway is a must! Such beautiful views across the Vale of Evesham & The Cotswold Hills. Trains running daily from 20th July – 31st August, depart every 30 mins & no need to book in advance. There’s a wooden play fort on site & lovely walks too.  Shops, free parking & toilets. Ticket prices: £2.80 adult, £2.30 child return (aged 2-15 years). Under 2’s travel free. 1 MILE NORTH OF EVESHAM, ON A46 Please visit the website for directions as Sat Nav doesn’t find the right place.

Faerie-Tale Alpacas  Faerie Tale Alpacas is a small farm located on a picturesque 15 acres in Kenilworth. Usually open for mixed groups, it’s not a the moment, However about something a little different? 2 hour alpaca experiences. Meet the herd and learn all about alpacas, you can even walk and feed them! These are private tours of up to two households. Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1NN

Fairy Tale Farm “A sensory and learning wonderland for all the family” Open to pre-booked tickets only. Incorperating a farm, play area, cafe and loads of activities. I can’t say it better than this.. “Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm. Fairytale Farm is the UK’s first visitor attraction that is open to all, but where disabled children come first in our design and layout. A truly inclusive experience, where everything is accessible and everybody is welcome.” Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5QH

Farnbrough Hall, National Trust, with beautiful walks and a stunning lake. near Banbury, Warwickshire, OX17 1DU

Foundry Wood Small woodland in the heart of Leamington Spa, perfect for exploring, den building and train watching! Foundry wood often hosts small events such as crafting & pizza making, none are running currently but will be back soon, you can still visit daily for an explore! Park at Victoria Park in Leamington and cross over the road to make the short walk. Here’s a street map to show the location

The Farm , A relatively new space to Warwickshire, ‘The Farm’ is a must visit, boasting an artisan farm shop, cafe (amazing breakfasts!). They even have a forest school ‘Florish at the Farm’ which offers holiday camps too.

Looking for fruit picking in Warwickshire? You might not be too late, click here for our guide. 

Geocaching – This year we are going to download a Geocaching app and see what all the fuss is about

Greystone Nature Reserve, Bourton the water GL54 2EN

Go Ape Coventry – Situated in the stunning grounds of Coombe Abbey, Go Ape is brilliant for climbing! It’s now open again and you can get 10% off your booking (excluding Saturdays) by using the code TIFM20 . You can read our review here

Gullivers in Milton Keynes

Hatton Country World – A day out for all the family, set in 100s of acres there’s loads to do, a more expensive day out but a good one for a treat. Farm, rides, later combat, sheep racing, falconry & tractor rides, the list is pretty endless. Book Online.

Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry. Re-opens on 3rd August. “Great for a free trip out and there’s often activities and sessions for kids…especially in school holidays (although watch out if you’re in Warwickshire as sometimes the school hols aren’t aligned with Coventry’s)” – Ellie 

Hill Close Gardens, Beautiful walled gardens in the heart of Warwick, I’ve been on many a school trip here! Every Monday at 2pm join Kate’s StoryTree and Warwick Books to hear the adventures of Isabella at Hill Close Gardens. You will be able to join in with Isabella’s story, listen to poems and songs and each week there will be arts and crafts using materials that you will have in your house, garden or local park. Next Story Time Monday 27th July at 2pm. Open week days only. Warwick CV34 6HF

Hill Top FarmGorgeous farm shop & cafe on The Fosse, with outside play area. Visit all year round for picnics, events, pizza takeaways, camping & more. Booking essential. Leamington Spa ,Warwickshire, CV33 9EL

Hillers Farm Shop near Alcester- huge sand pit which is open but you need to take your own toys now, lovely cafe, farm shop, gift shop, bird hide where you often see deer and lovely garden with fish pond. Little steam train not running at the moment. Thank you to Lynn for this recommendation. Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5PD

Hidcote Gardens (National trust) – “They have beautiful varied grounds, two cafes, garden shop, toilets, a pond, woodland area, and our fave – a tennis court! My kids are 10 and 14 and I can always get them out if I tell them we’re going to Hidcote. They loved it when younger too.” – Donna

Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6LR

Hoar Farm Park – we had such a lovely morning last week and they are really trying hard to keep everyone safe with there procedures they’ve put on place! – Lisa Warwickshire, CV10 0QU

The Hub, Northampton. (aka Riverside Hub) Currently Closed, but we know they were taking a very large order of sand to make a carpark beach! During usual times….”Great large soft play centre with sensory play, climbing wall, go karts and role play area.” – Ellie

Imagination Street – Soft Play & Trampoline Park – I can’t find any information online that shows that Imagination Street has reopened following lockdown. I will update as soon as I have more info. Redditch, Worcestershire B96 6HH

Ironbridge – There’s absolutely loads to do at Ironbridge! The Ironbridge Gorge is in Shropshire, 5 miles (8km) south of Telford Town Centre and is well signposted on all major roads. With lots of museums to explore, in their phased re opening, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, the Furnace Kitchen, Museum of The Gorge & The Iron Bridge Tollhouse will be open. Visit the website for more details.

Jephson Gardens – If you find yourself wandering around beautiful Leamington Spa, take a trip to Jephson Gardens. Tucked just down the side of the the town centre this pretty Victorian park is deceptively large and you can wander for some time! Feed the ducks, find a picnic spot on the side of the River Leam or explore the Glasshouse which hosts many gorgeous tropical plants and even some fishes too! Check out the gorgeous sensory garden which even has a large xylophone for children to play with. There’s a beautiful Victorian Cafe in Jephson’s gardens if you fancy a spot of tea & cake or perhaps you’d like to hire a boat?! Finish off your visit with a trip to the playground in Mill Gardens and wander back into Leamington over the bridge. It always reminds me of Mary Poppins, minus the carousel!

CV32 4AA. Car parking is on surrounding roads or carparks in Leamington Spa.

Jungle Hut– “Situated in the picturesque surroundings of the Earlswood lakes craft centre. We are a small Jungle Explorer themed lodge that offers you a huge experience.” Thanks to Celeste for your recommendation. Earlswood, nr Solihull, B94 5JH

Jumpin – Jumpin is a large trampoline park in Warwick. Now re-open with great safety guidelines, you can visit for toddler hour or let the bigger ones free. Warwick CV34 6NW

Kenilworth Castle – Now open for pre-booking only. Well worth a visit this Summer, there’s a Summer activity quest pack available and if you’re local to Kenilworth you can also get a residents pass too! (Thank you for the tip Miranda) Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1NG

Leam Boat Centre – Situated in Mill Gardens next to Jephson Gardens, Leam boat hire offer canoes & kayaks, pedals and Family row boats where you can also hire turbo paddlers. The children boating lake is not deep so really safe. You can also book courses too which are fab! For Sat-Navs: Use the postcode CV31 1BE. This will get you to Mill Road, you then just need to park up and walk into Mill Gardens.

Leamington Art Gallery & Museum with free entry Leamington Art Gallery usually runs lots of activities for children during the school holidays. I can’t find anything specific for this Summer but worth popping in.. you could combine with a visit to Leamington Library.. see below. The Parade, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
CV32 4AA

Legoland Discovery Centre Open again for bookings only, my kids loved the discovery centre, I would say not an entire day out, but a good few hours & there’s plenty to do in the second city! Birmingham B1 2AA

Libraries! – Don’t forget about our local libraries, often overlooked, I find these my haven in the holidays when I need something quick, free & wholesome haha! We have loved the summer challenges over the years. This year sadly you can’t sit in the library .. but you can order books for click & collect at Leamington, Warwick, Nuneaton, Rugby, Stratford Library, Atherstone Library. There’s also lots of ebooks, magazines & newspapers available here

MAD Museum, Stratford – Re-opens Monday 3rd August – pre booked only. “Small family friendly museum full of interactive displays and amazing marble runs (buggies usually have to be left downstairs)” Rebecca Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6PT

Markethall Museum – Now re-open you can visit the Market Hall Museum with free entry Tuesday to Saturday.(pre-booking essential) If you visit this Summer you can collect a free Mini Beasts activity pack from Market Hall Museum. Pack pick up time slots must be pre booked here . “Lots to see including a replica of a plesiosaur skeleton and remains of the Warwickshire dinosaur” Celeste.

Location: Market Pl, Warwick CV34 4NS

Mary Ardens Farm, Stratford – CLOSED UNTIL SPRING 2021 “family friendly Victorian farm with lots of activities for children, animals, an adventure playground, woods, falconry shows, archery and the staff stay in character while they interact with the kids” – Rebecca x Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9UN

National Herb Centre– near Banbury. “Lovely little garden centre with cafe and shop and then a lovely walk trail with play area and lots of picnic spaces. We had great fun playing with hay bales today and its free entry and free car parking.” Zoe Warmington, Banbury OX17 1DF

Oakley Wood – A special place for many in more than one way, walk for ages round the beautiful woods, do some den building & tree climbing. Beautiful at any time of year but my favourite is Spring with the bluebells. Take wellies if it’s been raining! Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QP

Packwood House Another beautiful National Trust property on our doorstep, gorgeous long walks, garden, lots of trails to do and of course a stunning house too! The house is open Fri-Tue, limited access. The parkland and gardens (excluding the yew and kitchen garden) and kiosk are now open (normal opening times apply). You will need to book your visit in advance. Lapworth, Warwickshire, B94 6AT

Pitsford Water Northamptonshire. “Nestled in rolling rural Northamptonshire, Pitsford Water offers something for everyone. A lovely blend of woodland, meadow and grassland, there are stunning views over the water, making it a great day for all the family. Camping available too! Walks by the reservoir & Some facilities” Alison Northampton NN6 9SR

Ryton Pools – Open now, toilets & cafe open too. Book parking in advance online. Ryton Pools has long been a Warwickshire favourite. It’s hardly surprising, that it comes in at number one with a huge majority of the vote. Ryton Pools offers two play areas, a cafe, endless walks, beautiful views, picnic areas and regular organised toddler walks and children’s craft activities and trails during most school holidays. The only charge is for parking and the additional activities, should you wish to do them. Dogs, wheelchair, pushchair, scooter and bike friendly, you can even hire bikes too! Ryton Road, Bubbenhall, Coventry, CV8 3BG

Stratford Recreational Ground – Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7PY

Salcey Forest – Gorgeous forest with miles of walking space, cycle rides, a playground, cafe & toilets. Quinton Road, Northamptonshire – Sat Nav Postcode: NN7 2HX

Sheldon Country Park

Swimming Pools –

St Nicolas Park warwick
Stanwick lakes
Shustoke reservoir

Shakespeare’s Birthplace and other houses, Stratford upon Avon
St Johns Museum, Warwick
Stoneleigh Abbey, Kenilworth

Think Tank

Twycross Zoo, Atherstone

Tudor World, Stratford upon Avon

Todays’ letters are U & V!

Please visit our Facebook page every day to join in and recommend your favourite places to visit. www.facebook.com/takeitfrommummy