The beautiful city of Bath; one of the best day trips to take from Birmingham.

The 25 Best Day Trips From Birmingham That Are A Must In 2025

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Looking for the best one day trips from Birmingham? Then read on!

As a Birmingham local I’m very familiar with all the fantastic day trips you can take from the second city and I have taken many over the years.

The great thing about living in central England is that it’s very easy to travel to any other part of the country in a short amount of time.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip to another big city, a day out in nature or a beautiful village nearby, there’s so many options.

In this blog post I’m going to share with you the best day trips from Birmingham, how to get to each destination, what you can do at each place and more!

In a rush? My Day Tour Recommendations From Birmingham:

Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour
Cotswolds Full Day Tour From Birmingham
Stratford Upon Avon: Daily Town Walking Tour
Oxford University Walking Tour

25 Best Day Trips From Birmingham

So without further ado, let’s take a look at what are the 25 best day trips from Birmingham, in no particular order:

1. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the most famous historical tourist attractions in the world and is definitely worth a day trip from Birmingham!

Stonehenge is a prehistoric megalithic structure near Salisbury, consisting of a ring of 13 foot standing stones which is absolutely awe inspiring to see in person.

There is also a fantastic one day tour to Stonehenge and Bath direct from Birmingham to the site that will give you all the fascinating facts about this monument that dates back to around 4,500 years.

I recently took part in this tour to Stonehenge and can personally recommend it – check out this blog post for more info about it and how to get to Stonehenge from Birmingham.

➡️ Book A One Day Tour of Stonehenge and Bath here

Distance from Birmingham: 124.5 miles – 2 hrs, 36 minutes by car, 4 hrs by train and bus.
How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

2. The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a region in the southwest of England, not too far from Birmingham that is often voted as the prettiest area of the country and for good reason too.

The area of the Cotswolds covers six different counties in total and is full of really beautiful, charming market towns, lovely villages and showcases the best of the English countryside.

The most popular places to visit in the Cotswolds include: Stow-on-the-Wold, Castle Combe and Burton-on-the-Water.

It’s possible to take a full day tour of the Cotswolds from Birmingham, which is absolutely unmissable if you want to discover the most quaint, picturesque part of England.

➡️ Book A Full Day Tour of The Cotswolds Here

Distance from Birmingham: 60 miles, 1 hr 20 mins by car, around 1hr 30 by train.
How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

3. Warwick Castle

Within easy reach from Birmingham is Warwick Castle, which is one of the most impressive castles you can go and visit in England.

Dating back to 1068, this castle is a stunningly beautiful piece of medieval architecture and it is full of amazing history.

There are also some really awesome shows that take place at the castle – such as a brilliant Flight of the Eagles show that runs twice daily and a fireball show that uses the world’s largest working catapult!

➡️ Book Your Admission Ticket to Warwick Castle Here

Distance from Birmingham: 33.6 miles – 43 mins by car, around 1 hour by train.
How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

4. Alton Towers

If you fancy an adrenaline rush for your day trip then you most definitely should visit Alton Towers close by from Birmingham. Alton Towers is the UK’s biggest theme park and is also considered the best.

With several thrilling rollercoaster rides to choose from, such as ‘Oblivion‘, ‘Wicker Man‘ and ‘Nemesis‘, you are absolutely spoilt for choice for rides – that’s if you’re brave enough!

I’ve been on a day trip to Alton Towers and the place is great fun. There’s so many rides and attractions to keep you busy all day and it is a memorable experience!

'The Wicker Man' ride at Alton Towers.
‘The Wicker Man’ ride at Alton Towers.

➡️ Book Your Admission Ticket to Alton Towers Here

Distance from Birmingham: 60 miles – 1 hr 20 mins by car, 2-3 hours by train.
How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

5. Stratford-Upon-Avon

One of the most popular tourist places near Birmingham is the medieval market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon.

It is a lovely place to visit and its claim to fame is for being the birthplace of the world’s most famous playwright; William Shakespeare.

For any literary fans of ‘the Bard’ then Stratford-Upon-Avon is a must place visit, and the town attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world throughout each year.

It’s possible to visit Shakespeare’s childhood home here, and there are plenty of other places to visit. Other top attractions include the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Anne Hathaway’s cottage and Stratford butterfly farm.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-Upon-Avon.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-Upon-Avon.

➡️ Book A Walking Tour of Stratford-Upon-Avon here

Distance from Birmingham: 38 miles – 53 minutes by car, around 1 hour by train.
How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

6. Ironbridge Gorge

Based in Shropshire not very far away from Birmingham is a world heritage site which is well worth visiting; Ironbridge Gorge.

Ironbridge Gorge is known to be the birthplace of the industrial revolution and its main attraction is the Ironbridge bridge, which is the world’s first cast-iron bridge that was built in 1779.

The town of Ironbridge is a beautiful place as well; you can visit the Ironbridge Gorge museum as well as experience Blists Hill Victorian Town; an open air museum that recreates what life was like during the Victorian era.

Distance from Birmingham: 36 miles – just over 1 hour by car or 2 hours by train and bus.
How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

7. Peak District

If you’re in the mood for a day out in nature and to do a spot of hiking, then I highly recommend a visit to the Peak District.

The Peak District is a fantastic national park that offers stunning countryside views, wildlife, historical sites and several great hiking routes.

It’s a large park that attracts over 13 million visitors a year, with some of the best places to visit including; Hope Valley, Dovedale and Kinder Scout, which is the park’s highest peak.

I’ve been hiking in the Peak District on several occasions and it makes for an absolutely brilliant day out.

Distance from Birmingham: 57 miles, 1 hr 24 mins by car or 2-3 hours by train.
How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

Stunning views from the Peak District National Park.
Stunning views from the Peak District National Park.

8. Black Country Living Museum

One of the best open air living museums in the whole of the UK is just up the road from Birmingham; the Black Country Living museum.

Based in Dudley, the Black Country Living museum covers 26 acres and is full of rebuilt historical houses from the Victorian era that you can explore and interact with costumed characters that bring to life the industrial revolution period.

There are numerous events and countless activities you can participate in; you can see live industrial demonstrations, have a tour of a boat dock and of course try some traditional fish and chips!

Distance from Birmingham: 16.5 miles – just 44 minutes by car or 40 mins to 1 hour by train.
How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

9. Shrewsbury

In my opinion, Shrewsbury is one of the most beautiful towns in the whole of England and is majorly underrated.

Based in Staffordshire not too far away from Birmingham, Shrewsbury is a medieval town full of history and it is a really beautiful place too.

You can visit Shrewsbury Castle, Shrewsbury Abbey, take a boat cruise down the River Severn or enjoy one of the top restaurants or bars in this delightful place.

I live fairly close to Shrewsbury and often visit it on a day trip; it’s offers a relaxed, cosy vibe compared to the busy hectic life of a typical UK city.

Distance from Birmingham: 47 miles – 1 hr 10 mins by car or around 1 hour by train.
How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

10. Malvern Hills

Probably your best option to go for a hike in the West Midlands is to visit the stunning Malvern Hills in Malvern, Worcestershire.

The Malvern Hills offer really beautiful views of the surrounding countryside area and landscapes and is considered an area of outstanding beauty.

I’ve hiked the Malvern Hills several times and can confirm that it is a beautiful walk. To walk the entire route of the hills takes around 5 hours and it’s not too strenuous if you’re in good physical condition.

The views from the top of the hills are breath taking and it makes for a brilliant day of hiking, especially during the sunny summer months.

Distance from Birmingham: 47 miles – 1 hr 12 mins by car, around 2 hours by train.
How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

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    11. Oxford

    Oxford is one of the most famous cities in the UK, well known for it’s world renowned University that has attracted some of the brightest minds to study there.

    The city of Oxford itself is an absolute delight to visit and one of the best cities in the UK in my opinion. I’ve been on day trips to Oxford several times and it is a sublime place with so much history.

    It has some absolutely stunning architectural buildings worth seeing such as the famous Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library and the University grounds too.

    It’s a recognisable place having featured in several movies like the Harry Potter and a visit there makes for an ideal day trip, especially if you want to learn all about its fascinating history.

    ➡️ Book A Walking Tour of Oxford University Here

    Distance from Birmingham: 81 miles – 1 hr 50 mins by car, or just over 1 hour by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    The Radcliffe Camera building at Oxford.
    The Radcliffe Camera building at Oxford.

    12. Bath

    Another top English city that is full of historical wonders is Bath, based in northern Somerset, very close to Bristol.

    It’s a very popular city with tourists, attracting around 6 million visitors per year and it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage city.

    The reason why its such a popular place is because of the Roman Baths there, which date back to 70AD and is one of the UK’s most fascinating historical sites.

    There’s plenty of other places worth visiting in Bath, such as Bath Abbey and the beautiful Royal Crescent houses. I’ve visited Bath and was very impressed by its gorgeous architecture – its definitely worth visiting for at least a day trip, ideally longer.

    Distance from Birmingham: 109 miles – 2 hrs 26 mins by car, around 2 hours by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    13. London

    Of course, the most popular destination for tourists when visiting the UK is the capital city; London and it’s easily reachable from Birmingham.

    You can catch a train from Brum and be in London by 2 hours, meaning it’s possible to enjoy a full day in the capital if you plan wisely. London is by far the bigger city of the two, with a larger population as well, and there is so much to do there.

    Yes, a lot of people think that London is overrated and too expensive, but there are a surprising amount of things you can do that are cheap or free, such as the following recommendations:

    • Take a stroll around one of the city’s major parks (Hyde Park is my favourite)
    • Go on a food tour at one of the city’s top food markets – I recommend Old Spitalfields market.
    • Visit one of the many free museums in the city – the National Portrait Gallery is ideal if you’re an art lover.

    Distance from Birmingham: 118 miles – 2 hrs 26 minutes by car, or 1 hr 50 minutes by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    14. Cheltenham

    Cheltenham is a glorious town in Gloucestershire and is famous for its many spas as well as the Cheltenham Festival, a world renowned horse riding event that takes place over 4 days every year in March.

    It’s a lovely town full of historical architecture and is known for being a ‘festival town’ as it hosts a lot of festivals each year – including music, science, food and drink festivals and more.

    Distance from Birmingham: 60 miles – 1 hr 28 mins by car, around 45 minutes by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    15. Manchester

    Manchester is one of the top major UK cities after London, with many people having the opinion that it is really England’s second city, rather than Birmingham.

    I’ve visited Manchester on day trips several times and love its’ vibrancy and cultural aspects.

    There’s so much to see and do in the city, here are my top recommendations when visiting:

    • Take a tour of one of the famous Manchester football clubs’ stadiums; either Manchester United’s Old Trafford or Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.
    • Visit Manchester Cathedral, which features beautiful architecture.
    • Take a tour of the John Rylands Library, an amazingly impressive neo-Gothic building dating back to the year 1900.

    Distance from Birmingham: 86 miles – 2 hrs 8 mins by car, 1 hr and 30 mins by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    16. Worcester

    Worcester is a very pretty city in central England which makes for an ideal day trip from Birmingham.

    It is close to the River Severn and has several historical sites worth seeing such as: Worcester Cathedral, the Tudor House museum and the Guildhall Worcester, a building that dates back to 1721.

    Distance from Birmingham: 38 miles – 1 hr 10 mins by car, around 1 hour by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    17. Wolverhampton

    Wolverhampton is a smaller city not too far away from Birmingham and many people don’t consider it as a great place to visit, due to it’s poor economic status in recent years.

    But as a Wolverhampton local, I believe it has plenty to offer and makes for a nice day trip from Birmingham.

    Wolverhampton has a great music scene with some awesome concert venues such as the newly reopened The Halls. It also has an historic Grand Theatre and several traditional pubs that date back hundreds of years.

    Distance from Birmingham: 16.8 miles – 30 minutes by car or around 20 minutes by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    18. Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

    Cannock Chase is one of my favourite forest parks to go to in the whole of the UK and a place I visit whenever I get the chance.

    It is designated as an outstanding place of natural beauty and an absolute must if you want to experience some beautiful nature for the day from Birmingham.

    Covering over 2684 hectares, it’s a huge place with plenty of trails that make it ideal for a nice hike over the course of a day. There’s also a Go Ape adventure activity place which includes a treetop rope course – which is ideal for youngsters!

    Distance from Birmingham: 23 miles – 33 minutes by car or an hour and half by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    19. Nottingham

    Nottingham is located in the East Midlands and is fairly easy to get to from Birmingham. It’s probably the most major city in the Midland region after Birmingham and is famous for the legend of Robin Hood.

    Here are my top 3 things to do on a day trip to Nottingham:

    • Nottingham Castle – Dating back to 1068 and was known to be one of the most important royal castles in England.
    • Sherwood Forest – Home to the legend of Robin Hood and a beautiful place to explore on a walk.
    • City of Caves – This is an amazing historic site made up of a network of original underground sandstone caves, over 800 caves in total!

    Distance from Birmingham: 50 miles – 1 hr 21 mins by car, just over 1 hour by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    20. Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

    Another delightful town worth visiting that’s not too far away from Birmingham is Royal Leamington Spa.

    Based on the River Leam, its famous for its mineral springs since that date back hundreds of years and it is full of impressive architecture.

    You can visit the Royal Pump rooms which was once home to several spa baths in the 18th and 19th centuries which the town is renowned for and is now a dedicated museum.

    Distance from Birmingham: 37 miles – 51 minutes by car, around 30 minutes by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    21. Lichfield

    Lichfield is a historic city based in Staffordshire and is over 800 years old! It is most known for its’ medieval Cathedral, which is a stunning piece of architecture and dates all the way back to 656 AD.

    The city is also well known for its’ beautiful parks and museums and other historical landmarks such as the Wall Roman Site – which is the ancient remains of a Roman settlement.

    Distance from Birmingham: 23 miles – 31 minutes by car, 30 mins to 1 hour by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    22. Clent Hills, Worcestershire

    If you want to see some of the best panoramic views of the West Midlands region then you must visit the Clent Hills.

    Based near Stourbridge, it’s possible to see Birmingham which is just 10 miles away and it’s a beautiful place for a walk on a nice day. There’s plenty of benches to enjoy the views as well as free parking and play areas for children.

    Distance from Birmingham: 12 miles – 32 minutes by car, around 2 hours by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    23. Kenilworth Castle

    Kenilworth Castle dates back to the Norman Conquest of England and is based in Warwickshire.

    Although the castle is now in ruins, it is surrounded by beautiful Elizabethan gardens that has been lovingly recreated by the English Heritage. You do need to book your entry tickets to the castle in advance to avoid disappointment.

    Distance from Birmingham: 22 miles – 34 minutes by car, just over 1 hour by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    24. Liverpool

    Another top major city in north of England which is well worth a day trip to is Liverpool. Just over 30 miles away from Manchester, Liverpool is just as culturally rich and diverse.

    I’ve visited Liverpool on several day trips and love the city; the people are also very friendly! Here are my top 3 recommendations of things to do when visiting:

    • The Cavern Club – see some live music where the Beatles first performed in the early 1960’s.
    • The Royal Albert Docks – the cultural centre of Liverpool where you can find several top museums, art exhibitions, restaurants and more.
    • Anfield Stadium – visit the home of Liverpool football club, one of the most famous historical clubs in world football.

    Distance from Birmingham: 99 miles – 2 hrs 21 mins by car, around 2 hours by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    The Beatles statue at Liverpool.
    The Beatles statue at Liverpool.

    25. Wales

    Instead of going on a day trip from Birmingham to another part of England, you could take a day trip to another country instead; Wales!

    Wales is very close to Birmingham and is such a beautiful country with several top cities, beautiful seaside towns and natural sites worth visiting.

    I’ve visited Wales several times and I’m amazed how underappreciated it is – it’s a lovely country! Here are my top 3 places to visit in Wales:

    • Cardiff – the capital city of Wales and a very lively place, full of history such as Cardiff castle and so much more.
    • Snowdonia National Park – Wales’ largest park, you can go on a mountain railway ride to the top of Wales’ highest mountain; Mount Snowdon.
    • Aberystwyth – a beautiful seaside town on the Welsh coast, ideal for a seaside day trip from Birmingham!

    Distance from Birmingham to Cardiff: 115 miles – 2 hrs 30 mins by car, 2 hours by train.
    How To Get There From Birmingham: Google Maps Link

    The amazing Cardiff Castle in Cardiff.
    The amazing Cardiff Castle in Cardiff.


    Recommended Day Tours From Birmingham

    Let’s look in a little bit more detail at the best one day tours you can take from Birmingham:

    ✅ Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour

    This is an awesome full day coach trip from Birmingham to two of the best UK destinations: Stonehenge and Bath.

    You can expect to spend plenty of time at both destinations and learn all about the amazing history of these two sites by an expert guide.

    Read this 5 star review from Selina:
    “Booked this for my mom and aunt who were visiting UK from Malaysia. They really enjoyed it and everything was on time, Daniel was a very kind and good guide, kept them well informed and everything.”

    ➡️ Click here to book your ticket to Stonehenge and Bath

    ✅ Cotswolds Full Day Tour From Birmingham

    This is an amazing day trip from Birmingham to the heart of the English countryside.

    Get to explore the Cotswolds fully and discover 4 of the best villages that the Cotswolds has to offer; Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.

    ➡️ Click here to book your tour of the Cotswolds


    Best Day Trips From Birmingham FAQs

    Still not sure which day trip from Birmingham is best for you? Let’s answer some commonly asked questions about this topic:

    What are the best seaside day trips from Birmingham?

    It is relatively easy to go on a seaside day trip from Birmingham. You can reach seaside towns in Wales such as Aberystwyth, Llandudno or Swansea from Birmingham within a few hours.

    The nearest English coastal town from Birmingham you can reach is Weston-Super-Mare, which takes around 2 hours by car or train.

    What are the best day trips from Birmingham by train?

    You can reach all of the 25 day trips listed in this blog post from Birmingham by train. Most are direct trains but some you have to catch multiple trains and can take longer.

    Ideally you want a train ride that doesn’t last longer than 2 hours each way, such as a train journey from Birmingham to Shrewsbury, Nottingham or Oxford.

    Are there any steam train day trips from Birmingham?

    It is possible to travel on a vintage steam train from Birmingham to a few different locations, which is definitely a unique and memorable experience.

    You can take steam train rides such as: ‘The Shakespeare Express‘ to Stratford-Upon-Avon, ‘The Red Dragon‘ that travels to Cardiff, and: ‘The White Rose‘ which goes to York and Scarborough. Click here for more info on these rides.


    Conclusion: Best Day Trips From Birmingham

    So that concludes everything you need to know about the 25 best day trips from Birmingham in 2025.

    I’ve enjoyed many day trips from Birmingham over the years – there are so many options to choose from. It’s relatively easy and straightforward to reach some of the best cities, villages and tourist destinations that England has to offer.

    I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through this post and that it’s inspired you to plan your next day trip from Birmingham!

    You might also like these blog posts about Birmingham:

    ➡️ Why Birmingham At Christmas Time Is The Best UK City To Visit
    ➡️ The Best Canal Trips That Are A Must When Visiting Birmingham
    ➡️ Why A Peaky Blinders Tour Is A Must When Visiting Birmingham
    ➡️ The Best Canal Walks In Birmingham and Beyond: From A Local
    ➡️ Things To Do In Digbeth: Birmingham’s Trendiest Neighbourhood
    ➡️ The Top 13 Birmingham Walking Tours In 2025 – From A Local
    ➡️ 15 Things To Do In Birmingham Alone: The BEST Solo Travel Guide
    ➡️ Birmingham vs London: Which City Is Better To Visit In 2025?
    ➡️ Is It Better To Visit Wolverhampton or Birmingham? Review By A Local
    ➡️ Is Birmingham Worth Visiting? Top 27 Things To Do – By A Local

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    ➡️ Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources:

    🏨 Accommodation: I recommend using Booking.com
    🚙 Rental Car: Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices
    ❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
    ✈️ Flights: Use Kiwi.com for the best prices on flights

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