Shrewsbury

The Museum has a fabulous array of annual events and there is something for people of all ages. Aircraft and artefacts in the Museum collection are used to theme events that are educational and engaging, but above all are great fun! For families, there are lots of holiday activities for you to get hands-on and work together. For enthusiasts, the Conservation Centre Open Week is an absolute ‘must-see’ and the Open Cockpit Weekends allow people access to some of the aircraft. Popular annual favourites include the RAF Cosford Air Show and the Large Model Air Show. These events are held in June and July respectively on the airfield and admission charges apply. https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/

Award-winning corner of the West Midlands is now one of the finest and largest open-air museums in the United Kingdom. After very humble beginnings, a bright idea and 40 years of inspiration, this is twenty six acres worth exploring. Amazing as it may seem, we have created a ‘place’ – a real and lively place, where once there was nothing and nobody. With a village and charismatic residents to chat with. Hear the stories of the people who lived and worked in the Black Country from our friendly Historic Characters. They'll explain what it was really like to be alive at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Visit a fairground - fancy a bit of old-fashioned fun? Why not visit our fairground with original rides dating back to 1910? Have a go on the Brooklyn Cakewalk, test your skills on the 'hook a duck' or hit the right spot with a throw on the the coconut shy. Have a ride on a vintage bus. Museum maintains a selection of vintage vehicles for you to ride throughout the year. Why not hop on the longest trolleybus route in the country? Play some old school street games. Head on down to the cobbled street and try your hand at some classic street games including the 'hoop and stick' and the 'cup and ball' . And also Explore over 40 period shops, houses and industrial areas. Since 1978 we've been recreating buildings from around the Black Country, sometimes moving them here brick-by-brick. Grab and a map and get exploring! https://www.bclm.co.uk/

Chester Zoo is home to over 21,000 endangered and exotic animals based in beautiful, award-winning gardens and is the nearest large zoo to Manchester. With over 500 different animal species in their 125 acres, visitors are sure to have an adventure discovering and learning about the amazing wildlife. Conservation and education are at the heart of everything at Chester Zoo. They are committed to providing the highest standards of care for their animals, as well as protecting native and international wildlife. Their team of expert and knowledgeable staff work hard to prevent extinction and are passionate about connecting visitors to the natural world. Chester Zoo has a variety of tours and hands-on experiences, as well as daily animal talks to guarantee a day full of animal adventure. Stop for a snack at one of their many restaurants - including their recently refurbished contemporary British pub The Oakfield - cafes and kiosks located throughout the zoo or let the kids run wild in one of the adventure play areas. It's a huge zoo, but there are plenty of options for getting around including the Zoofari Monorail and the Lazy River Boat Trip on Islands. Don’t forget to stop in at the gift shop on your way out for a souvenir of your trip. https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/gateway-to-the-north/explore-the-north/chester-zoo-p300891

The gardens cover 15 acres. The Tropical House has a lily pool and lush tropical vegetation. Palms, tree ferns and orchids are displayed in the Sub-tropical House. Outside there is colourful bedding on the Terrace and a tour of the Gardens includes: Rhododendron walks, Rose Garden, Rock Garden, a collection of over 200 trees, Herb and Cottage Gardens, Museum, children's adventure playground, children's discovery garden, aviaries and National Bonsai collection. Sculpture Trail, plant centre, gift shop and refreshment pavilion. https://visitbirmingham.com/things-to-see-and-do/birmingham-botanical-gardens-and-glasshouses-p209761

Visit the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham and get closer than ever before to over 2000 creatures including the UK's only 360 degree Ocean Tunnel. Which sea creatures do you love the most? Magnificent Sharks, colourful Clownfish or perhaps inquisitive Sea Turtles? Does a clever Common Octopus grab your attention or do you prefer playful penguins? Maybe you simply can’t decide! Here at SEA LIFE you can make up your mind and see them all - from the curious and the rescued to the rare and the enigmatic. And you’ll be able to get closer to them than ever before. https://www.visitsealife.com/birmingham/

Tree-lined squares, International cuisine and an enviable canalside location make Brindleyplace one of Birmingham’s most exciting destinations. Brindleyplace is perfectly positioned next to Arena Birmingham (formally the NIA) and the International Convention Centre (ICC) home to the Symphony Hall making it an ideal place for a pre-concert meal and drinks. It is also well connected being just a ten minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station and just off Broad Street which is served by local buses. http://visitbirmingham.com/birmingham-areas/birmingham/brindleyplace/

At Aston Hall follow in the footsteps of royalty and visit one of the last great Jacobean houses to be built. Built between 1618 and 1635 for Sir Thomas Holte and home to James Watt Junior from 1817-1848, Aston Hall is steeped in history. Now a grade I listed building, the hall is restored to its former Jacobean splendor and is hugely popular with visitors of all ages. Walk through the stunning interiors and see the home that received royalty, was besieged during the English Civil War and inspired an author. https://visitbirmingham.com/things-to-see-and-do/aston-hall-p209911

The museum holds centuries of European history and culture and is home to art collections of international importance, there is also a celebration of local and industrial history in the ever-changing exhibitions. http://visitbirmingham.com/what-to-do/heritage-culture/birmingham-museums-art-gallery/

Half a million people agree; Birmingham’s flagship theatre is the nation’s favourite too. More seats are sold at the Birmingham Hippodrome than by any other British theatre each year including the West End. T http://visitbirmingham.com/what-to-do/heritage-culture/theatre/

Bullring & Grand Central is the glamorous heart of Birmingham and home to one of the country’s most popular shopping destinations. Discover over 240 of the most imaginative and desirable shops, catering for all your fashion and lifestyle needs – including Selfridges, John Lewis and Debenhams department stores – all right here, in the centre of town. https://www.bullring.co.uk/

Cadbury World is a self-guided exhibition tour. Find out how popular Cadbury brands are made, including Creme Egg, Buttons and Roses. What makes Cadbury chocolate so deliciously wonderful? Here's where you'll find out how Cadbury World do it. Discover how it's made and hold on tight, you could be in for a few surprises! Learn about the most important ingredients of milk chocolate... and the way Cadbury combines them to create that unique Cadbury taste. Also practice your chocolate piping skills at Cadbury World new demonstration tables. Doodle your name in chocolate & try your hand at traditional chocolate tempering. The Have A Go zone is not to be missed! https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/en

There are 5 tennis courts, a bowling green and a mini-golf course all located in the central area between the Midland Arts Centre and the Russell Road car park. http://visitbirmingham.com/what-to-do/birmingyum/outdoors/parks-great-places-to-picnic/

These 10 acre walled gardens (listed Grade II) are a rare example of formal English garden design. They are being restored as near as possible to the period 1680 to 1762 when the Bridgeman family moved to Weston Park. The house was built in 1599 by Sir Edward Devereux and extended by Sir John Bridgeman I about 100 years later. The Gardens were developed by several generations of the Bridgeman Family (later to become the Earls of Bradford) reaching peaks of excellence around 1760 and 1900. The Gardens fell into decline during the middle part of the twentieth century until they were rescued by the Trust in 1985. The Holly Maze is a distorted mirror image of the one at Hampton Court Palace designed by George London and Henry Wise. https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/

Discover the spirit of Africa at Akamba Hertiage Centre in Solihull. The centre houses two acres of exotic plantlife and palms, stunning lifesize animal scultptures and the new African Bird walk where you can see some of the world's most colourful birds up close. Be sure to check out the jungle beer garden and tribal restaurant for some premier African and Caribbean cuisine. http://www.akamba.co.uk/index.php

A house filled with treasures and stories, an ancient deer park and a garden for all seasons. Dunham's Lost Years: a Victorian Tale of Love and Abandonment. See the House transformed to revisit its Victorian past. Meet the 7th Earl and his new wife, skilled circus performer Catharine Cox. See their story of love, status and scandal played out throughout the House and discover how they altered the course of Dunham's history forever. The plantsman's garden, one of the finest in the North West, is a tranquil oasis with something to delight in all seasons. The herd of fallow deer wander amongst the tree-lined avenues in the ancient Deer Park. The Park is also home to the fully restored 400-year-old working sawmill powered by overshot water. https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/dunham-massey-hall-p85391

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is Britain's biggest Cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe. The cathedral is free to enter, however the tower and audio tour is highly recommended. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/liverpool-cathedral-p9023

The award-winning ‘The Beatles Story’ is the world's largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to telling the story of The Beatles’ rise to fame. Located in the Fab Four’s hometown of Liverpool on the stunning UNESCO World heritage waterfront at the Albert Dock, The Beatles Story takes visitors on an immersive journey through the lives, times, culture and music of the world’s greatest band. Join The Beatles on their journey; first conquering Liverpool, and then the world, through recreations of key locations from the band’s career including The Casbah Club, The Cavern Club, and Abbey Road Studios. A must for any music fan, The Beatles Story features an impressive collection of fascinating memorabilia including the band’s original instruments, John Lennon’s New York piano, Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves, photography and original lyrics. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/the-beatles-story-p8393

With the iconic Royal Albert Dock Liverpool being one of the prime locations to visit during a visit to Liverpool, visitors can take advantage of the impressive retail and leisure offering at the Dock, world class museums and attractions and some of the city’s finest independents. Visitors to Tate Liverpool will find British and international modern and contemporary art, activities for families as well as a Tate café and shop. Uncover objects from the Titanic, find out about life at sea and learn about the port of Liverpool at Merseyside Maritime Museum. The International Slavery Museum tells the untold stories of enslaved people and learn about historical and contemporary slavery. At the award-winning The Beatles Story, the world's largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to the lives and times of The Beatles, visitors can find everything they need to know about four lads from Liverpool who shook the world. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/the-albert-dock-p16143

Submerge yourself in Liverpool’s historic seafaring past at the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Located in the heart of the Albert Dock, it’s the ideal location to explore and uncover the development of the world famous port. Boats, paintings, ship models, ship wrecked objects, uniforms and more. Merseyside Maritime Museum brings Liverpool’s nautical history to life. Discover the city's pivotal role as the gateway to the new world. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/merseyside-maritime-museum-p8987

No trip to Liverpool is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. This dramatic icon of faith, architecture and human endeavour is spectacular in both scale and design. Explore the Cathedral's majestic interior which includes modern works of art and stunning design features, such as its striking Lantern Tower - the world’s largest area of coloured glass. Along with daily Masses and Services, the Cathedral runs a diverse programme of wonderful music concerts, exhibitions and special events. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/metropolitan-cathedral-of-christ-the-king-p8045

The Museum of Liverpool is the world’s first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city and the largest newly-built national museum in Britain for more than a century. In 2018, it will mark 10 years on Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Site waterfront and 10 years of representing Liverpool’s unique and interesting history. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/museum-of-liverpool-p259161

The British Music Experience tells the story of British Music through costumes, instruments, performance and memorabilia. Whatever age you are, and whatever you are into, there is something here for you. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/british-music-experience-p395331

50 years after The Beatles first performed on its stage, the Cavern Club is still one of Liverpool’s top music venues. Today's club has two stages offering a wide variety of live music daily. The iconic stage beneath the brick arches in the front of the club is the image most people associate with the Cavern Club - and this is where visitors can enjoy live music from soloists and cover bands most afternoons and evenings. In addition, the Cavern Live Lounge with its state of the art sound system is the venue for tribute shows and unsigned showcase nights. For details of all live music events, please visit the website. https://www.visitliverpool.com/food-and-drink/cavern-club-p302931

From the sea to the stars, a visit to World Museum reveals millions of years of the Earth’s history through thousands of exhibits and hands-on activities. Travel to distant continents and ancient civilisations in the amazing galleries. The Museum’s brand new Ancient Egypt: A journey through time gallery takes visitors on a 5,000-year adventure to the land of the pharaohs, and reveals one of the UK’s most significant collections of Egyptian objects. There’s no better place to come face-to-face with the past and delve deeper into the myths, mysteries and rituals surrounding the ancient Egyptian afterlife than in the gallery’s atmospheric Mummy Room. Discover the wonders of the natural world in the award winning Clore Natural History Centre. This is the place to get your hands on more than 20,000 of the most unusual items from the huge collections, from a hippopotamus skull to a mammoth tooth. There’s also the Weston Discovery Centre, which offers a range of activities and interaction to provide a fascinating insight into human history throughout the ages. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/world-museum-p8573

See the best views of the Liverpool Waterfront on the world famous Mersey Ferry with our 50-minute River Explorer Cruise. Guided by expert commentary throughout the cruise you can sit back, relax and take in the captivating views of the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront. River Explorer Cruise tickets also include admission to U-boat Story at Woodside terminal. Plus, when you buy a combined River Explorer Cruise and Spaceport ticket you can hop off the ferry at Seacombe Ferry Terminal and visit Spaceport. Here you can enjoy our Sci-Fi Icons exhibition- a private collection of Star Wars memorabilia from one of the UK's biggest collectors and experience our amazing 360° dome show. Following your visit to Spaceport, a short hop back on the River Explorer Cruise takes you to Woodside Ferry Terminal to visit the fantastic U-boat Story. Discover an amazing and unique insight into life on-board U-534 through the exhibition's interactive and audio-visual exhibits. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/mersey-ferries-p408461

Have an adventure at Knowsley Safari this summer! Kick off the day with a tour of the 550 acre Safari Drive and get acquainted with over 700 wild animals, from baboons to camels, wildebeest to lions, all from the comfort of your car. https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/knowsley-safari-p302891

This 21-acre park was acquired as a gift from Alderman Fletcher Moss in 1914. Renowned for their botanical beauty, the gardens contain many antiquated and unusual plants and flowers. The park has retained many of its original features such as the rock and heather gardens, and there is an Alpine house in the gardens adjacent to Fletcher Moss. Together they form a picturesque, tranquil haven for visitors. The park also provides an excellent setting for the annual summer Park Play Performance. https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/fletcher-moss-park-p84881

At SEA LIFE Manchester, get up close to thousands of creatures including majestic sharks, enchanting jellyfish plus Ernie & Cammy – the magnificent green sea turtles! Take a fascinating journey from the coast to the ocean depths through the themed zones and don’t miss the chance to soak up the amazing view from the sea bed in the ocean tunnel! Find out how it feels to touch a starfish, cleaner shrimp and other creatures living in the interactive rockpool experience, then descend 600 metres below sea level and find the giant Japanese spider crab lurking in the deep. Measuring over 3 metres claw to claw, these amazing creatures are not to be missed! With fun talks, animal feeds, special events all year round and behind the scenes tours, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy at SEA LIFE Manchester. https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/sea-life-manchester-p263421

The Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour offers a behind the scenes look at the world’s most iconic stadium; Old Trafford https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/manchester-united-museum-and-tour-centre-p85721

IWM North is part of Imperial War Museums – the world’s leading museum of war. Its unique purpose-built exhibition space gives powerful voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people forced to live their lives in a world torn apart by conflict. Walkthrough a timeline of history from the First World War to the present day. Explore a vast collection of over 2,000 objects, each one with the power to move, surprise and inspire – from the First World War field gun that fired the opening British round on the Western Front, to the twisted rust-ridden steelwork retrieved from the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York. And immerse yourself in the award-winning 360-degree cinematic Big Picture Shows that bring a broad range of perspectives into poignant focus, reflecting not only on the immediate effects of war but also on what happens when the guns stop firing. This is a place where every object on display, every contemporary work of art and every special exhibition is designed to live long in the memory. This is IWM North. https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/iwm-north-p85551

The Albany Theatre is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Coventry, with its impressive Art Deco-style theatre behind a superb façade of the old Coventry Technical College. http://www.visitcoventryandwarwickshire.co.uk/directory_record/213/albany_theatre

Ordsall Hall is Salford's 'hidden gem'! Dating back over 600 years, it is one of the region's finest examples of an Elizabethan black and white half-timbered manor-house. Wander back through time soaking up the atmosphere of our fully-furnished Great Hall and Star Chamber Bedroom. Get the low-down on Tudor lifestyles; maybe reminisce in our Victorian showcase and kitchen; or unearth the wealth of new discoveries to be made in our exciting and informative family events and exhibitions programme. It's all happening at Ordsall Hall! https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/ordsall-hall-p85481

Over the past few centuries, Coventry has been home to several industries of national significance. Watchmaking was first recorded in the city in the 1680s, but it was not until the 18th century that Coventry emerged as one of the main centres of the watchmaking industry in England. By the first half of the 19th century, Coventry had even reached a position of national dominance. Proudly illustrating Coventry's influence within the British watchmaking industry, the Coventry Watch Museum houses a display of clocks, watches, tools, artefacts and family history records and much more. One of the cottages is reputedly haunted and several interesting vigils have been held there! https://www.visitcoventry.co.uk/directory_record/303/coventry_watch_museum_project