A UK trip with the family is never a bad idea, even if the weather is renowned for its unpredictability, but Warwickshire is up there with the very best locations on offer. From exciting rides on a heritage railway to exploring ancient castles, there’s always something to keep all ages entertained (including you). Here at Plum Guide, we pride ourselves on the quality of both our accommodation and our advice, so you'll never have to worry about missing any of the unmissable attractions in this part of the UK. Without further ado, read on for the best family days out in Warwickshire.
Warwick Castle
A view of Warwick Castle et the end of a cobbled street with white, blue and red bunting lining the street, Warwickshire, England, UK
Bursting with things to see and do, a visit to Warwick Castle is easily one of the best family days out in Warwickshire. Step back in time to Medieval England and prepare for battle in The Kingmaker walkthrough experience. Alternatively, get lost in the Horrible Histories maze, solve riddles in the Princess Tower, or experience life in Victorian high society. Or perhaps you’re brave enough to venture deep into the dungeons? This unique experience brings together live actors, shows, and special effects to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Only over 10’s are actually allowed in, so that tells the story. This one isn't for the easily frightened.
On a more light-hearted note, Warwick Castle also has a fun-filled calendar of live shows and events. You don’t want to miss The Falconer’s Quest, the largest bird of prey show in the UK. Watch on as some of the world’s fastest and largest birds engage in show-stopping aerial acrobatics (not literally show-stopping - that would be quite disappointing). Catch other exciting seasonal events throughout the year too, from summer firework shows to creepy Halloween experiences. They certainly specialise in the spooky stuff here.
The Dervish, Plum Guide home in Warwickshire, UK
Stratford Butterfly Farm
A close up of a black and white butterfly on top of a yellow flower
Step into a colourful world of butterflies at the Stratford Butterfly Farm. There are over 1,500 free-flying butterflies from all over the world housed here - watch them flutter around you in this environmentally controlled tropical paradise. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with the beautiful insects, and observe their behaviours and life cycles firsthand. See how they start their lives in the Caterpillar Room, and spot weird and fascinating bugs in Insect City. If you dare, step into Arachnoland, home to various hairy and deadly arachnids, including the world’s largest spider and a scorpion colony (we'll pass on this one, thanks).
Lavender & Chamomile, Plum Guide home in Warwickshire, UK
The MAD Museum
If the kids are really pressing your buttons, take them to the MAD Museum to, quite literally, press some buttons. You won't find any ‘do not touch’ signs here - this is an interactive haven with countless mechanical displays, screws, and general things to touch. As the UK’s only mechanical arts museum, it’s a great way to promote STEM to children (or fidgety adults). There’s so much to see, including a huge collection of robotic birds, sand pictures, 3D faces, and a MAD Marble Wall - definitely try your hand at designing and building your own marble run. You may find it difficult to drag the kids (or yourself) away from this one.
Barndown, Plum Guide home in Warwickshire, UK
Coombe Country Park
When the sun is shining (it does do that in the UK, sometimes), there’s few better places to be than Coombe Country Park. Set over 500 acres in the grounds of the Coombe Abbey, you'll discover a wide array of things to keep you busy. Take a peaceful stroll (is that a possibility with kids?) through ancient woodland and admire the beautiful colours in the wildflower field. Make your way down to Coombe Pool for a relaxing picnic, or check out the bird hide and spot the many different species in this Site of Special Scientific Interest. There’s plenty of space for ball games, as well as a play area for the kids to let off some steam. Alternatively, you could take them to Go Ape Coventry, which is in the park itself. Climb into the treetops and zip-line through the woods, or try out The Plummet, a stomach-churning 12 metre vertical drop (for the thrill-seekers only).
Fern Cottage, Plum Guide home in Warwickshire, UK
Hatton Adventure World
A herd of white sheep grazing on long grass in a field
Continue the fun at Hatton Adventure World - an educational farm offering year-round entertainment with an impressive range of indoor and outdoor activities. Get up close and personal with over 60 breeds of animals, from farmyard favourites to falcons and lizards. Depending on the season you can even pick your own fruit and vegetables, enjoy a tractor safari, watch a sheep race, join in a game of laser combat, or pan for gold. The fun doesn’t stop on rainy days either (because if it did, it certainly wouldn't be on this exclusive list). Take cover in the escape rooms and seek treasure on a pirate ship, or go undercover in gangland Chicago. The kids can swing, slide and climb their way around the huge indoor play centre, or catch a show in the Zoobee family theatre. There’s even retail therapy here, with Hatton Shopping Village offering a variety of fantastic independent shops and outdoor markets.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Rounding off this guide to memorable family days out in Warwickshire, we have the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway - an award-winning heritage railway running along the Gloucestershire Warwickshire border. Jump aboard beautifully restored carriages and journey through 29 miles of superb scenery, taking in the Cotswolds, Malverns, and the Vale of Evesham. Break your journey up with a stop at Winchcombe Station and have lunch in the tree-lined picnic area, or grab a bite at the tea rooms in Toddington Station. There are countless exciting events throughout the year, such as the Easter Eggspress, Fish and Chip Specials, and even visits from Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Now that is some serious railway royalty.
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