Top West Midlands Attractions & Museums

The only museum dedicated to the Tudor era. Interact with the exhibits (such a lying on a Tudor bed, watching a video or writing with a quill). Walk down the only remaining cobblestone courtyard in Stratford upon Avon. Set within a genuine 16th century building visited by William Shakespeare.

Explore Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon without navigating the details on your own. Visit the house where he was born and raised, experience the immersive “Becoming Shakespeare” exhibition, and speak with guides who bring Tudor life to life. Enjoy live excerpts performed by costumed actors in the garden for a memorable and immersive way to connect with Shakespeare’s story.

The Alton Towers Waterpark boasts loads of fantastic interactive water features. Float on lazy rivers, paddle and play in Little Leak enjoying our brand new water ball, or get soaked with crazy cannons and brave the sensational speed of the Master Blaster water coaster. Our wet and wild waterpark is open all year round, offering bucket-loads of fun for all ages. Our indoor waterpark is home to high-speed water slides and interactive play areas. In the summer months, Alton’s water park extends to our outdoor pool area. Enjoy the Bubbly Wubbly bubble pool and Flash Floods flume ride in the sunshine.

Alton Towers Resort appeals to all age groups, from CBeebies Land for the wee ones to thrilling roller coasters for older kids. While visiting Alton, amp up the excitement at the UK’s number-one theme park. Prebook admission to this wheelchair- and stroller-accessible attraction, conveniently located near public transportation.

Step into the world of 16th-century William Shakespeare with this entry to his former schoolroom and the Guildhall. The interactive experience lets you sit in the very room where Shakespeare studied as a boy, taking part in a Tudor-style lesson. Dress up in period costume for a selfie, and check out the council chamber where a young and aspiring Shakespeare watched actors perform. Fun for all the family, the experience includes a guide to give you the lowdown on the playwright and his history in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Enjoy a playful and and creative day out with the whole family at Birmingham’s recently unveiled LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Book your tickets in advance to guarantee your admission to this in-demand attraction, and, once inside, explore the various play areas at your own pace. Birmingham’s LEGOLAND Discovery Centre offers everything from a 4D cinema and rides to play areas where visitors can create their own LEGO cities, so you have your pick of attractions.

Built in 1793, Shrewbsury Prison stands today as a key example of Georgian and Victorian architecture and heritage. Pick a start time that works best for you, make your own way to the landmark, and then spend as long as you’d like discovering its highlights. While exploring, you can take in its interactive elements, learn about its history, and discover its spooky lore on a self-guided tour.

Dive into the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham and come face-to-fin with over 2,000 amazing creatures including the UK’s first and only sea otters, Ozzy and Ola! Marvel at their playful personalities and adorable faces as you get up close to a species never seen before in the UK! Say hello to our cheeky colony of Gentoo penguins before heading to our interactive rockpool where you can learn all about marine life and even stroke a starfish! Immerse yourself in the UK’s only 360° Ocean Tunnel as sharks, rays and our giant green sea turtle, Mo swim around you!

Peek behind the scenes of Stratford upon Avon’s only working distillery on this guided afternoon tour of the Shakespeare Distillery. Learn the secrets of gin making, find out how the spirits are influenced by Tudor-period distillery techniques, and discover all the varied ingredients that create the award-winning Stratford Gin.

Located in Warwickshire and close to Birmingham, you don’t want to miss this rare opportunity to see Warwick Castle in the evening. As the trail glistens and glows, you’re sure to see the castle and its grounds in a different light. Watching the winter sun set beneath the walls of Warwick Castle is one of the most enchanting sights you will see. The night sky is filled with an array of twinkling lights. From a Nutcracker inspired entrance to displays of dancing light on the castle walls, there is something for the entire family, young and old alike. With a fully accessible route, you won’t want to miss the best Christmas experience in the Midlands. As dusk arrives, immerse yourself in breathtaking surroundings lit up with larger-than-life illuminations. Wander the beautiful gardens with twinkling trees and projections that light up the sky. Whatever your age, our castle Light Trail is sure to bring the real magic of Christmas to life

Discover the rich history of Kenilworth Castle and its stunning Elizabethan Garden. Kenilworth’s greatest period began when Elizabeth I’s childhood friend, Robert Dudley took possession of the castle in 1563. He spent fortunes turning it into a showpiece mansion to impress the queen. Climb up to the queen’s apartments for fantastic views over the castle and surrounding countryside. Explore the spectacular garden Dudley created just for his 1575 visit, including a Renaissance aviary, plant beds full of scent, colour and fruit, and an imposing fountain.

The vastness of Alton Towers, a theme park set amid the verdant grounds of a former estate, makes it difficult to explore in just one day. Enjoy the park’s high-octane rides and family-friendly attractions at a relaxed pace with a 2-day admission ticket that allows you to beat the lines of people waiting to purchase their entrance pass. You’ll have access to all of Alton Towers’ signature rides, including Oblivion and The Smiler, as well as to the cable car and the brand-new Wicker Man rollercoaster.

Discover a secluded oasis in the midst of the city on a visit to Birmingham’s Winterbourne House and Botanic Garden. Learn about site’s history as you explore its 7 acres of cultivated gardens and restored Edwardian-style property, and enjoy an intimate glimpse of around 6000 unique floral species. Book ahead to guarantee entry, and take advantage of extended daily opening hours to visit at a time that suits you.

Get your Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World tickets in advance to guarantee entry and enjoy a full day of fun for the whole family. Enjoy a close encounter with meerkats, lemurs, and more, marvel at life-like dinosaurs, run wild in the children’s play areas, and learn more about the zoo’s conservation aims at this family-run animal park in Telford.

Enrich your knowledge of local gin in Stratford-upon-Avon by visiting the award-winning Shakespeare Distillery. Learn about how the Tudor period influenced spirit production and enjoy a guided tour around the distillery. No need to worry about paying for each tasting, as at least three Shakespeare Distillery spirit tastings are included, as well as a gin and tonic to end the experience.

The Lord Leycester is one of the most remarkable medieval sites in Britain — and still home to a community of veterans today. Located on Warwick’s High Street beside the West Gate, the site has over 900 years of history, centred on the Chapel of St James the Great, built in 1123 above the town’s original gateway. Founded in 1571 by Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, it remains a working charitable home for former soldiers, known as the Brethren. Unlike a traditional museum, the Lord Leycester is a living community. Visitors can explore the medieval buildings, courtyard and gardens, and join guided tours led by the Brethren themselves. With a café and gift shop open to all, it offers a rare chance to experience history still being lived.

Unlock the best of Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwickshire with The Explorer Pass by Shakespeare's England. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or family adventurer, this versatile pass lets you create your own perfect itinerary, explore at your own pace, and save money as you go. The more you experience, the more you save! From the iconic Warwick Castle to the charming Shakespeare's Birthplace and Schoolroom, the Explorer Pass grants access to some of the region's top attractions. Discover the magic of Stratford Butterfly Farm, step back in time at Kenilworth Castle, or marvel at the classic cars at the British Motor Museum—there’s so much to see and do! Simple to use and available as a 1, 2, or 3-day pass, all you need to do is scan the pass QR code at participating attractions to gain free entry. Plus, with the Explorer Pass app, you can easily book your visits, manage admissions, and find special offers—all in one place.