West Midlands days out February half term 2017
Please note, this post relates to February half term 2017. If you’ve ended up on this post looking for ideas for half term 2019, fear not! Head to my new post, things to do in the West Midlands February half term 2019.
Now that the Christmas holidays are over, I’m ready to look forward to February half term. We’re planning lots of fun days out so I’ve been researching what’s on. Here are ten brilliant West Midlands days out that I’ve found for the February half term 2017. Let me know if there’s anything I’ve missed!
1. The Snail and the Whale at the National Sea Life Centre
The National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham will be hosting the Snail and the Whale trail this February half term from the 11th to 26th February. There will be snail hats, journey maps and storytellers to make the event magical. The Snail and the Whale is a fabulous book by Julia Donaldson, so this event is perfect for little book lovers. More information will be available on the National Sea Life Centre Website.
2. Flights of fancy at Ironbridge museums
This half term, the Ironbridge museums are hosting a variety of flight themed activities. There will be falconry displays and kite making at Blists Hill Victorian town, and paper plane making at Enginuity. The Coalport China Museum allows children to try out ceramic activities and the Jackfield Tile Museum presents the opportunity to decorate a tile. Information about what’s on at all the museums can be found on the Ironbridge Website.
3. February half term at Rays Farm
Rays Farm has tame animals to pet and stroke, woodland walks and a variety of play areas both indoors and outdoors. During half term, there will also be crafts, a colouring competition, a farmyard treasure hunt and muddy den building in the woods. For more information about Rays farm and the half term events, visit the Rays Farm Website.
4. Half term at Drayton Manor
Drayton Manor will be opening selected areas of the park for February half term from 18th to 26th February. All the rides and attractions in Thomas Land will be open, and the Fat Controller and friends will be putting on regular live shows in there. Selected family rides around the park are also open, as is the zoo. Tickets are much cheaper if you book online, priced at just £15 for an adult. The price doubles if you buy it at the gate, so it’s worth pre-booking on the Drayton Manor Website.
5. On the move at the Black Country Living Museum
From 18th to 26th February, transport is the theme at the Black Country Living Museum. The museum will be looking at the transport heritage of the region from horsepower to land speed records. You can also enjoy family street games like hopscotch, skipping, hoop rolling and cup and ball. You can find more information about the event on the BCLM website.
6. Awesome Archaeology at Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle was one of the grandest buildings in England during Elizabethan times. You can explore the castle, tower and Elizabethan garden. During half term, you can meet intrepid adventurers and see things they’ve gathered from their digs around the world. You can get involved in coin rubbing, facial reconstruction and digging for architectural finds in the sandpit. For more information about the event, visit the Kenilworth Castle Website.
This is an English Heritage property and entry is free for members. They have a special offer on adult membership which is currently £52 with 3 months free if you pay by direct debit. It can be purchased via the English Heritage Website.
7. Half term activities at the RSC Stratford
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford have lots of activities going on during half term. I recently reviewed their family friendly exhibition, The Play’s The Thing. This is ongoing and is complemented during half term by various events on different days. There’s the play in a day, creative writing workshop, cupcake decorating, introducing Julius Caesar, makeup, battles, masks, stories and crafts. To find out what’s on each day and what ages they’re suitable for, see the RSC Website.
8. Wildlife waking up trail at Hanbury Hall
From the 11th to 26h February, there’s a wildlife waking up trail at Hanbury Hall National Trust property. Children can learn about what the local wildlife has been up to over the winter. They can even help to prepare them for the coming year. As well as the garden trail, half term visitors can make bird feeders, bug hotels and hedgehog homes. For more information including opening times and admission prices, head to the National Trust Hanbury Hall Website.
9. February half term at Warwick Castle
From 17th to 25th February there are a plethora of half term activities going on at Warwick Castle. From the first ever Horrible Histories maze to the fireball spectacular and flight of the eagles. You can also see how Warwick Castle came into being in their time tower, or dress up and listen to stories in the princess tower. If you book online, you will get 30% off the ticket price and benefit from their rainy day guarantee. If it rains continually for more than an hour during your time there, you can have a free return visit. For full details and to book, see the Warwick Castle Website.
10. Alton Towers Pirate and Princess Week
Alton Towers theme park isn’t open during half term. However, their hotel resort are holding a Pirate and Princess week from 11th to 26th February 2017. The event includes a treasure hunt, a meet and greet with the CBeebies Land characters and various pirate and princess activities. Children can learn to build a pirate den, watch a pirate show and attend the evening disco and fancy dress parade.
Hotel stays cost from £40 per person and include a day’s entry to the water park, extraordinary golf and Sharkbait Reef by SeaLife. For more information and to book, head over to the Alton Towers Website.
If you’re still stuck for ideas on things to do this half term, see my list of 58 family friendly days out in the West Midlands. There are suggestions for both indoor and outdoor attractions so you’ll find your perfect day out whatever the weather.
