Hall Green, Birmingham
Sarehole Mill · Photo: Ashley Dace
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.
Landmark · 11:00–12:15 (1h15m)
Tour the mill machinery, then let children loose in the woodland play area.
A working watermill over 250 years old that a young J.R.R. Tolkien lived near and later drew on for the Shire. Inside are millstones and machinery; outside there is a woodland play area for children and grounds that are free to wander.
Photo: Ashley Dace
Nature & gardens · 12:30–13:30 (1h)
Short boardwalk loop; wellies help after rain. Bring a picnic.
A small wooded nature reserve with boardwalks through wet woodland, once a childhood haunt of Tolkien. Free and good for a short muddy explore close to Sarehole Mill.
Food stop · 14:00–16:30 (2h30m)
Play areas and the lake; mini golf or a pedalo if open.
Photo: Oosoom at English Wikipedia
West MidlandsWorcester
A free city museum, a hands-on Civil War house with dressing-up, and an afternoon in ancient woodland with an adventure play area, all close to Worcester city centre.
Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum → Worcester Woods Country Park
West MidlandsTelford
A free day out with paid parking only: historic aircraft and a playground at the RAF Museum, then a walk across the world's first iron bridge in the Ironbridge Gorge.
Royal Air Force Museum Cosford → The Iron Bridge
West MidlandsTrentham, Stoke-on-Trent
A morning around the lake and adventure play areas of the Trentham estate, then an afternoon walking among free-roaming Barbary macaques in the woods next door.
The Trentham Estate (Trentham Gardens) → Trentham Monkey Forest
