Here is 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 we posted in our group Mum Knows Best Warwickshire two letters and asked Mums to share inspiration locally from A-Z. The aim was to find some special places & support some local small businesses along the way too. If you would like to add something to this guide please send us an email here
ALL THE PINK WORDS ARE LINKS TO THE WEBSITES ❤️we recommend you click those links to get the most up-to-date information.
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. 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 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. 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
Conkers Conkers is a fab day out, set in huge woodland there’s adventures inside too including 4D cinema, loads of activities too. E scooters are so much fun! Low & high rope adventures too. Highly recommended. Derbyshire DE12 6GA.
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! Visit the Discovery Centre for trails and what’s on when you get there. Suitable for dogs, wheelchairs, pushchairs, bikes and scooters. 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.
Cotswolds Wildlife Park – 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 House, Parkland, Gardens & more 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 – 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! 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 during the Summer (check website for details) every 30 mins & no need to book in advance. There’s a wooden play fort on site & lovely walks too. Shops, free parking & toilets. 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. How about something a little different? 2 hour alpaca experiences. Meet the herd and learn all about alpacas, you can even walk and feed them! Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1NN
Fairy Tale Farm “A sensory and learning wonderland for all the family” Incorporating 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. 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.
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!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. “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! 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. Leamington Spa ,Warwickshire, CV33 9EL
Hillers Farm Shop near Alcester- huge sand pit, lovely cafe, farm shop, gift shop, bird hide where you often see deer and lovely garden with fish pond. 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 – Lisa Warwickshire, CV10 0QU
The Hub, Northampton. (aka Riverside Hub) “Great large soft play centre with sensory play, climbing wall, go karts and role play area.” – Ellie
Imagination Street – Soft Play & Trampoline Park – 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. Warwick CV34 6NW
Kenilworth Castle – 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. There’s also lots of ebooks, magazines & newspapers available here
MAD Museum, Stratford – “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 – Visit the Market Hall Museum with free entry Tuesday to Saturday.(pre-booking essential). “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 – “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
Morgrove Coppice-heart of England Forest.“This is a lovely pushchair, wheelchair, dog friendly walk suitable for little legs. You can add an extra bit to the walk to make it slightly longer. Lots of butterflies and insects to find too.” Lynn
National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham – We have spent many lovely days wandering round the Sea Life Centre, lots to see & do for a few hours including penguins, sea turtles, and lots of fish (obviously haha) Birmingham B1 2HL
Newbold Comyn A vast country park in Leamington Spa, free parking and beautiful walks, it has two playgrounds, a skate park, mountain bike trails & leisure centre on site with swimming pool, gym & clip & climb. CV32 4EW
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
Oversley Wood, Alcester, another lovely one for a big long walk, great if you have dogs too. There’s a few hidden gems off the beaten track if you like to explore 😉
Sat Nav Postcode: B49 6LR
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 – 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 – A plane spotters haven, Sheldon Country Park is perfect for walks, play and plane spotting! Recommended time after time. Technically it’s not Warwickshire, but our mums have spoken! Sheldon Country Park is made up of 300 acres, has free car parking, Old Rectory Farm, a mini farm, which is also free and there’s a playground near the main entrance off Ragley Drive. Ragley Drive, Church Road, Sheldon, Birmingham, B26 3TU
St Nicholas Park, Warwick in the heart of Warwick itself is St Nicks Park. The park has plenty to offer families from a large playground, open space to picnic and play, a cafe, a mini fairground, crazy golf and a skate park and outdoor pool. You can also hire boats and row along the river toward the stunning Warwick Castle. Suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, dogs, scooters & bikes. You can even visit St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre too for swimming & activities. Car parking is on site & payable. Warwick, CV34 4QY
Stanwick lakes If you find a nice day & you fancy a drive, Stanwick lakes has lots to offer, plenty of outdoor play space and activities too. Dogs welcome.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace and other houses, Stratford upon Avon. Discover Shakespeare’s childhood home in the heart of Stratford Upon Avon.
Stoneleigh Abbey, Kenilworth
Think Tank, Birmingham Birmingham’s interactive Science Museum is a must-visit with so much to do and in the warmer months the science garden is so much fun too!
Twycross Zoo, Atherstone Pay for a day at Twycross zoo & get a 12 month pass!
Tudor World, Stratford upon Avon
