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Save on a Family Trip Throughout England with These 7 Budget-Friendly Activities

by Aoife O'Riordan

Aug 7, 2024

© Arenaphotouk | Dreamstime.com

Destinations / Europe

You’ve taken the kids to England to explore the iconic sites in London, Cambridge, Manchester and Liverpool, as well as across Scotland, in Edinburgh, and the Highlands. Of course, such family travels can be a burden on the wallet. Luckily, there’s a plethora of family-friendly activities across England that both let kids experience the beauty and wonders of the country and do it on a budget. Even more, these places can easily be accessed with West Midlands Railway, which offers discounted tickets for children. These 10 activities are all less than £10:

 

Science Garden at Thinktank

Located in Birmingham, the Science Garden in front of Thinktank is free to enter every day from 3 p.m. Kids will love the 30 interactive exhibits covering everything from engineering to transportation to mechanics. Hands-on experiences let kids be fully immersed in the space (there’s even a human-sized hamster wheel and “Terminus” machine), and a water play area is the perfect place to cool down.

 

Solve a Mystery on Bournville Treasure Hunt Trail

Great for families with older kids, Bournville Treasure Hunt Trail is the best way to explore this village in southwest Birmingham. Follow the self-guided walk and solve sneaky clues on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to discover the location of the buried treasure. All correct answers are entered into the monthly £100. The hunt costs £9.99 per booklet, with one booklet good for four–five people.

 

Explore Stratford-upon Avon

A sunny day calls for a trip to this historic town. Walk through the high street with its Tudor houses before venturing along the river and spotting boats and swans. The town’s Recreation Ground offers a playground, paddling pool, mini golf and big wheel. A bandstand with free live performances occurs every Sunday until Aug. 25. If the weather gets gloomy, visit Royal Shakespeare Company for free and take a guided tour.

 

Go Outdoor Swimming at Droitwich Spa Lido

One of the country’s last remaining inland open-air saltwater swimming pools, this pool is open until early September. This spot also includes a Wet Play Area full of fountains and water cannons, as well as an on-site café serving ice cream and light bites. Prices start at £4 for kids.

 

Mini Golf, Funfairs and Tennis Await at Cannon Hill Park

This free open space welcomes kids of all ages to enjoy its 120 acres. Cannon Hill Park features two children’s play areas, mini golf, a train, swan pedalos, and a mini funfair that uses a credit system for all rides. For older kids, make use of the free tennis courts and equipment (be sure to prebook as the courts are popular in summer). Mini golf starts at £5 for children, while the land train starts at £2.50 for children.

 

Climbing Forest at Coombe Abbey Park

Just a short bus journey from Coventry Station, families can stroll through the park and spot wildlife in the 500 acres of lakes, a deer park and open grassland. Two purpose-built play areas for children await, as well as a café offering tasty treats. The Climbing Forest is more challenging and great for young thrill seekers over 8 years old. The park is free to enter.

 

Spot Wildlife at Sheldon Country Park

Spanning 300 acres, this park in Birmingham is a haven for wildlife and the perfect day out for young children to spot cows, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, geese and chickens. Free to enter, there’s even demonstrations showing traditional methods of farming, as well as a playground for toddlers. A café serves ice cream, drinks and lunch items.

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