Telford
Royal Air Force Museum Cosford · Photo: Michael Garlick
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.
Museum · 10:00–13:00 (3h)
Free entry; book ahead. Lunch in the café or bring a picnic.
An indoor and outdoor museum in Shifnal, aimed at ages 0–12.
Photo: Michael Garlick
Landmark · 14:00–15:30 (1h30m)
Walk the bridge and the riverside; ice creams in the village.
The world's first major iron bridge, spanning the Severn in a wooded gorge; free to walk across, with the village's cafés and riverside paths around it.
Photo: Tk420
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
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 MidlandsStratford-upon-Avon
See where Shakespeare was born, take to the river in a rowing boat or a short cruise, then spend the afternoon in the orchards and sculpture trail of Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage.
Shakespeare's Birthplace → Avon Boating → Anne Hathaway's Cottage
