There are attractions for groups of all sizes and ages, find out now what the West Midlands can offer your groups
Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birth place of William Shakespeare and five areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the West Midlands has an abundance of places to see and visit.
History
History lovers will be in their element here.
The first, and possibly most famous sight groups should visit is Stratford-upon-Avon, the birth place of William Shakespeare.
Groups can ‘walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps’ on a tour with a costumed guide and explore the home which he was born and grew up in.
Group rates for this sight are available for 15 or more, and if you complete and pay for your booking two weeks before arrival, your group will qualify for the Super Saver Rate.
Just a short drive away is a place where you can ‘relive Shakespeare’s love story’ – Anne Hathaway's Cottage.
This beautiful 500-year-old cottage is where Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be.
Other benefits include: Free admission for organisers and coach drivers, exclusive tours, free coach parking at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Mary Arden’s Farm and reserved seating in the café.
Located just 1.5hrs away is Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Known as the birth place of the Industrial Revolution, it offers groups a choice of 10 award-winning attraction in a World Heritage Site.
Very Victorian Tour: Visitors should allow six hours for this tour.
Beginning at Blists Hill Victorian Town, the group will travel back over 100 years and experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Victorian age. Sample some traditional fish ‘n’ chips or have a drink in the pub before you wander the streets of this interactive museum which comes alive around you.
Once finished in the Victorian experience, the group moves on to discover the skills, craft and creativity behind the tiles that helped to decorate Victorian Britain at Jackfield Tile Museum.
Lastly, and certainly not least, the group will complete their day by walking in historic footsteps over the world's first Iron Bridge dating back to 1779.
Other tours include: The Heritage Tour, allow fiver hours; Ceramic Tour, allow four hours; and a Half Day Tour.
There is really something available to suit all time constraints and your groups’ needs.
Nature
There are some stunning natural beauty spots located in the West Midlands perfect for all groups.
Stratford-upon-Avon is home to a pretty wild flower garden in Stratford Butterfly Farm, where visitors can freely wander around the area and watch the butterflies in their natural habitat.
It features butterfly nectar plants and a special butterfly meadow mix of 80 different species which are planted so the garden continually blooms.
Come rain or shine, visitors will always enjoy the unique pleasure of discovering hundreds of the world's most spectacular and beautiful butterflies.
Discounted admission rates are available for groups of 10 or more.
Located in Warwick, Hill Close Gardens is combination of history and nature.
The site offers a rare and unique experience for groups to see a variety of restored Victorian detached gardens with brick built summerhouses, two of which are listed. A large glasshouse and plant displays with period tools are on display. Victorian species of flowers can be seen in the gardens and many different fruit trees, herbaceous borders and historical information.
For £8.40pp, groups of 10 or more can visit the gardens at any time throughout the year for guided tours. The price includes: Entrance, a guide and tea and cake in the Centre.
Situated in Warwickshire, groups can enjoy a garden fit for a queen when they visit Kenilworth Castle’s Elizabethan Garden.
Originally designed for Queen Elizabeth I when she visited the Castle, the Gardens were recreated by English Heritage in 2009.
You will see the magnificent carved arbours; a bejewelled aviary and an 18-foot-high fountain carved from Carrara marble.
Tours are also available into the castle ruins. The group will learn about the history and the development of the castle from a medieval fortress to a Tudor palace.
Groups will receive a 15% discount for groups of 11 or more.
Adventure
A chocolate-lover’s dream is waiting for your groups.
Travel to the historic Bournville village, the site of the original 'Factory in a Garden' in Birmingham, to experience the chocolatey-wonders of Cadbury World. Groups of all ages can get an experience of one of the UK’s most famous chocolate brands.
Everyone’s favourite chocolate frog, along with a whole host of other Cadbury characters whisk visitors away on a sweet journey in Cadbury’s 4D cinema experience – you will ride the Crunchie rollercoaster and ‘dive’ into liquid Dairy Milk, and soar in the air in a Creme egg airship.
Limited wheelchair spaces are available in the 4D cinema and also static, non-moving chairs are available.
As well as the cinema experience, your group will visit a selection of zones dedicated to chocolate and discover the history and the making of Cadbury – and get to sample a few tasty treats.
Group rates are available for 15 or more, and with over 25 years of experience in welcoming groups, Cadbury World is an exciting experience fun for all ages.
From there, travel approximately 50 minutes to arrive at West Midland Safari Park, where you can take a trip on the wild side with four key areas to see on the drive-through safari.
African Plains: Home to a herd of southern white rhinos, the elegant giraffe, a zebra, Ankole cattle
Wild Asia: See a variety of animals from the enormous Asian water buffalo to the dainty blackbuck
Carnivores: Dive through the area home to some of the world’s greatest hunters, from tigers, cheetahs and the king of the jungle, the African lion.
Elephant Valley: Watch African elephants as they explore the surroundings, and the zoo’s new baby elephant Sutton.
Your ticket will give you access, to not only the safari, but to also a wide selection of animals and critters. Including: Land of the Living Dinosaurs; Sea Lion Show; Reptile World; Penguin Cove; African Village; Hippo Lakes; SeaQuarium; Creepy Crawlies; Twilight Cave; Meerkat Mayhem; Lemur Woods and daily feeds, talks and animal encounters.
There is something here at the Safari Park for the entire group to enjoy.
