Coventry city centre
Coventry Transport Museum · Photo: Jim Linwood from London
Three city-centre stops within a few minutes' walk of each other: a giant transport collection, a museum where Dippy the Diplodocus is visiting, and the moving ruins of the old cathedral.
Museum · 10:00–12:30 (2h30m)
Under-5s free; there's a play zone for the youngest.
An indoor and outdoor museum in Coventry, aimed at ages 2 and up.
Photo: Jim Linwood from London
Museum · 13:15–15:15 (2h)
See Dippy and the natural-science galleries.
An indoor museum in Coventry, aimed at ages 1 and up.
Photo: E Gammie
Landmark · 15:20–15:55 (35m)
Walk through the bombed ruins into the new cathedral.
An indoor and outdoor landmark in Coventry, aimed at ages 0–12.
Photo: DeFacto
West MidlandsDudley
A proper Black Country weekend: a day in the rebuilt streets of the living museum and a fossil hunt nearby, then a zoo on a castle hill and a Victorian park with two playgrounds.
Black Country Living Museum → Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve → Dudley Zoo and Castle → Haden Hill Park and Haden Hill House
West MidlandsLudlow
Explore the ruined castle at the top of Ludlow, then head up the valley to Stokesay's fortified manor for lunch and its new playground, finishing with the free meadows and exhibitions at the Discovery Centre.
Ludlow Castle → Stokesay Castle → Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
West MidlandsHall Green, Birmingham
Start at the old watermill that shaped Tolkien's Shire, then follow the boardwalks of the wood he played in as a boy. Finish with playgrounds, boats and mini golf in one of Birmingham's best-loved parks.
Sarehole Mill → Moseley Bog and Joy's Wood Local Nature Reserve
