Museums & Landmarks in West Midlands

Four museums across the West Midlands, and they split neatly by size. A guide to kids' days out in the region says most attractions sit within about forty minutes of Birmingham, and that trains work well between the main cities but a car is needed for out-of-town spots. Of these four, Craven Arms is the one where that matters.

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is the full-day option. Reviews consistently single out the ground floor for vehicles, engines and large machinery, and rate the upper floors as less consistent, so start at the bottom. There is an outdoor Science Garden for physical play, a dedicated under-5s play area on the third floor, and planetarium shows that need separate tickets booked ahead. Wikipedia's list of regional museums describes its themes as spanning space travel, technology and Birmingham's industrial history.

The MAD Museum in Stratford-upon-Avon is a different scale: compact, mechanical, interactive, and reviewers say it appeals to adults as much as children aged 5 and up. Ninety minutes covers it, which leaves the rest of the day for the town. It gets crowded with large groups, so mid-week visits suit children who need room. Check train booking sites for 2-for-1 vouchers before paying full price.

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre near Craven Arms pairs a hands-on exhibition with meadow and river walks on firm, pushchair-friendly paths; reviews praise the scenery and cafe but note the play areas need renovation. Dogs are welcome outside and served through a takeaway hatch. Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery is the low-commitment pick: free entry, local history downstairs, art upstairs, a duck-spotting hunt for children, and done in a couple of hours.