Cadbury World, Birmingham

Cadbury World really is the place where chocolate comes to life! With fourteen amazing zones Cadbury World delivers a fantastic fun packed day out for the entire family to devour...

Start your journey in the Aztec Jungle where you will walk through a tropical rainforest of Mayan Indians and discover how the cocoa tree was central to their culture, and see the Aztec Emperor Montezuma whose favourite drink was 'chocolatl'. Then take the journey to Europe, find out who brought cocoa beans back in a fantastic 3D story...

Walk into Bull Street, a full-scale replica of the original street where John Cadbury opened his shop in 1824! Hear about the man himself as he tells you his inspiring story of the early struggles to establish the business.

Learn about how chocolate is made and hold on tight, you could be in for a few surprises! Watch interactive videos and discover how your favourites are made, from Buttons to Crunchies’, to Fry's Turkish Delight and Roses. Then take a sneak peak at how some of the famous products are wrapped and packed!

The trip will then leads you to the exciting Cadabra... step into the Beanmobiles and enjoy a gentle ride through a chocolate wonderland of familiar characters and discover the magic of Cadbury.

If the Beanmobiles aren’t enough then step into the next zone and learn how their friendly demonstrators ‘temper’ chocolate. Try writing you name in chocolate too! Have fun in Advertising Avenue... from dancing clothes to drumming gorillas, how many Cadbury ads will you remember?

Then hop along to the state-of-the-art Purple Planet! Experience chocolate like you never have before. Chase a Cadbury Creme Egg, grow your own cocoa beans, see yourself made out of chocolate and wonder in amazement as it rains virtual chocolate. Fancy treating yourself? Then visit the World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop... jam packed full of goods and memento’s to take home!

However you can’t leave before discovering the history of how Bournville village was founded in an interactive exhibition! And of course paying a visit to Essence and Children’s Playground! Create your own Cadbury magic and stuff yourself with treats! Climb and explore in the outdoor playground; tube slides, climbing frames and rope bridges, great fun for kids!

Treat yourselves this autumn with Cadbury World...

*Why not go check out the “Autumn Campaign” on www.visitheartofengland.com print out the voucher booklet and receive a FREE child voucher to Cadbury World!

Drayton Manor, Staffordshire

Drayton Manor... one of the UK’s best attractions and with their two for one offer this autumn it’s a day out you just don’t want to miss. Whatever your age and whatever you’re into Drayton Manor has it all!

The fun packed and thrilling theme park has several themed areas providing visitors with a different experience where ever you go...

Home to some of the biggest, wettest and scariest rides around, Drayton Manor will not fail to disappoint. These rides were built for thrill seekers! Attempt Shockwave, Europe’s first stand up roller coaster, Stormforce 10 with a backwards water drop, Maelstrom, a stomach-churning gyro-swing facing outwards or if you’re feeling extremely brave there is always Apocalypse, voted the scariest ride in the UK by Channel 4’s The Gadget Show! It’s guaranteed you will not be going home disheartened.

If you’re too young for the fierce roller coasters there’s always the spectacular and renowned Thomas Land! Families can experience the magic of Sodor and interact with their favourite characters as never before. Promising fun and adventure for the young and the young hearted. Thomas Land boasts 12 wonderful themed rides, a spectacular indoor play area and a shop filled with fantastic Thomas & Friends merchandise. It's full steam ahead to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park!

If you’re after something new then Drayton Manor has two new attractions open this year! Ben 10 Ultimate Mission the ride; Ben needs you to stop Vilgax from stealing the Omnitrix and the only way is to board the “Mecha Vehicle”, Good luck on your mission! A 4D Cinema, join Marvin the Martian in the 3^rd Dimension out of this would 4D experience!

If that’s not enough Drayton manor has a brilliant family zoo! With 15 acres of open plan zoo, home to over one hundred species from all over the world, including 12 rare breeds, Drayton Manor Zoo is a fascinating place to explore.

After a long day of discovering and adventure why not check out Drayton Manor’s newly opened Gill Inn. A fantastic new restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and diner! The restaurant prides themselves on quality, sustainability and locality of the produce! A perfect rest break for the family!

If you still haven’t had enough of what Drayton Manor has to offer why not stay over in the new Drayton Manor Hotel! With 150 rooms, 11 of which are Thomas and Friends themed family rooms, the hotel is perfect for a weekend away of fun and adventure! You know you won’t want to go home...

*Why not go check out the “Autumn Campaign” on www.visitheartofengland.com print out the voucher booklet and receive a kid’s go FREE voucher!

Dudley Zoological Gardens, Black Country

Dudley Zoological Gardens is so much more than just a zoo - animals inhabit an ancient wooded hillside around the ruins of the 11th century Dudley Castle and share a site with the world's largest single collection of Modernist Tecton structures. There is something for all members’ of the family to explore and enjoy...

Check out the hundreds of animals Dudley Zoo is home to. From mammals to birds, reptiles to amphibians and spiders to even native species! Whether your there to see your favourites or discover new species, Dudley Zoo has one of the largest collection of animals including some of the world’s rarest!

Take a trip to Lemur Wood – a walkthrough experience where you can meet more than 30 free-roaming lemurs and learn about DZG’s conservation programmes in Madagascar. Look out for Saki monkeys, marmosets, emperor tamarins and cheeky squirrel monkeys in Monkey Tails walkthrough rainforest experience. Check out one of the largest colonies, home to Humboldt Penguins; don’t forget to look out for their oldest penguin – 20 year-old Pingu!

If that wasn’t enough stroll to Farmyard Fun – an experience offering young visitors a chance to get really close to a range of farmyard favourites including pygmy goats and kune-kune pigs. Dudley Zoo also has daily shows in their Go Wild Theatre where visitors are introduced to the wonderful world of wildlife and offered a close up view of creatures great and small.

Take a walk to their daily birds of prey displays in the courtyard - Allows visitors to see magnificent birds as they were used in medieval times for hunting. And before you go you can’t miss seeing the renowned Asiatic Lions. They are amongst the rarest animals on the planet with fewer than 500 in the whole world!

There is always something happening at Dudley Zoological Gardens, it’s a must visit attraction for this autumn...

*Why not go check out the “Autumn Campaign” on www.visitheartofengland.com print out the voucher booklet and receive a kid’s go FREE voucher!

Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Shropshire

Jump into your time machine and experience a day out at a recreated Victorian Town, picturesque riverside workshops or inspirational galleries. Take your pick! And if that’s not enough you can travel to the future and visit the interactive design and technology centre, discover how great ideas turn into great products.

A first stop would have to be the historical and extremely realistic Blists Hill Victorian Town. Be amazed on arrival by the giant film show telling the story of the Industrial Revolution in Ironbridge. Meet the Victorians in their shops, cottages and workplaces. See all the animals and enjoy an old fashioned horse and cart ride. Try your luck on the traditional Victorian fair or ride the Chair-o-planes. When you’ve built up your appetite a must try is the traditional fish and chips. And on your way out don’t forget to enjoy the spectacular views from the Incline Lift. Once on-board you glide from the Coalport Canal of the Upper Town to the Green on the Lower Town where you can take a ride on the Clay Mine Railway.

The second stop is the exquisite National Collections of Coalport and Caughley China in the Coalport China Museum. The magnificent listed buildings that were once home to the famous Coalport China Factory until 1926. Reveal displays and demonstrations explaining the history and techniques of china making.  If that’s not enough there is another special gallery for kids! There’s plenty for them to discover from fun puzzles to the chance to dress up. And in the creative workshops have a go at a range of ceramic techniques, decorate a plate with your own designs or sculpt your own mug with clag. The fun is endless!

Next you can stroll along to the Jackfield Tile Museum. Discover the original gas-lit trade show room and galleries. See exquisite examples of individual tiles and period room settings that would have been decorated with tiles. Walk through an Edwardian Tube Station, the bar of a hotel, a children hospital ward and a 1930’s ‘front room’.

You haven’t quite finished your experience yet... don’t leave without seeing the interactive design and technology centre.  Look at familiar objects with new eyes using the giant X ray machine, build an earthquake proof tower and challenge the robotic arm.

Ironbridge Gorge Museums has so much to see and do. Overwhelm yourselves with the beauty, fascination and history Ironbridge possess...

*Why not go check out the “Autumn Campaign” on www.visitheartofengland.com print out the voucher booklet and receive a FREE child passport to Ironbridge Gorge Museums !

Heart of England’s Greatest Boat Trips

Whether you want to learn more about the Heart of England or just fancy a relaxing day out then take a trip with one of our fantastic sightseeing attractions. Each tour is by boat therefore these attractions have their own special quality which we like at Visit Heart of England. Go on; take the journey with us...

Dudley Canal Trust Trips, Black Country
Discover the fascinating underground world of Black Country canals. Allow Dudley Canal Trust to take you on a journey of wonder to captivate your minds with intriguing history. Give yourself a chance to marvel at the fantastic Limestone Caverns carved by man in his search for raw materials. Learn about the formulation of Limestone and the fossilisation of small creates and plant life from the stunning audio visual presentation.

Dudley Canal Trust Trips are full of surprises and interesting ancient facts... discover the art of "legging" in a network of underground canal routes, often forgotten about in our busy modern lives. Sit back and enjoy the skipper guided tour as their experienced boatmen take you on a magical journey that is fun and informative, relaxed and exciting.

A world of wonder beneath your feet...

Bancroft Cruisers, Stratford-upon-Avon
Bancroft Cruisers offers 45 minute sightseeing cruises along the River Avon on our traditional passenger boats, with a crew member on board to point out places of interest along the way, such as Clopton Bridge, the riverside Gardens, the hand operated chain ferry, Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church. 

Kingfisher Cruises, Herefordshire
Symonds Yat is world famous for its natural river scenery. The river winds its way through Symonds Yat gorge and village, dividing it into East and West. Our river trips, which start from Symonds Yat East and last around 40 minutes, start at 11.00 am.

Avon Boating Ltd, Strafford-upon-Avon
Half-hour cruises on the River Avon in a fleet of traditional passenger boats. Regular departures from the Bancroft Gardens adjacent to the theatre. Private charter and extended cruises, buffets, river picnics and corporate events.

*Why not go check out the “Autumn Campaign” on www.visitheartofengland.com and receive special offers and vouchers for great days out like these!!

Heart of England’s Greatest Theme Parks

This autumn you will love what the Heart of England has to offer... after excitement, trill and fun? Then visit one of our fantastic themed attractions! They cater for the entire family and a great day out is guaranteed. Visit now and begin to build the fun family memories...

Cadbury World, Birmingham
Uncover a world of chocolate delights and enjoy a fascinating, fun-packed day out at Cadbury World.

With fourteen amazing zones, there’s so much to see and do at Cadbury World. From learning how your favourite confectionery is made, uncovering the fascinating story of chocolate and the Cadbury business to playing in chocolate rain and writing your name in liquid chocolate.

Whether you’re looking for fun, heritage, a drumming gorilla or just something different, a visit to Cadbury World has something for everyone this autumn. 

Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
Drayton manor is best known for its zoo which stretches over 15 acres and includes over 100 species of animals and its roller coasters which have been up and running for over 60 years.

The theme park has plenty of things for the entire family! Visit Thomas Land where you can have a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine or have flying lessons with Jeremy. Take a trip to “Pirate Adventure” where you can experience battles on sea, or if you’re feeling brave have a ride on Europe’s only standing up roller coaster “Shockwave’’.

At the end of the day you can finish a wonderful experience with a lovely visit to the newly opened Grill Inn restaurant which prides its self on quality and value for money!

However you decide to spend your day, rest assured you will have a fantastic one!

Go Ape, Shropshire
Go ape which is based in a large woodland forest called the Wyre Forest which lies on the border of Worcestershire and Shropshire.  Go ape is a tree top adventure, and the courses are made up of ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire.

Never think you’re too old to climb trees!

Leaps & Bounds, Staffordshire
Leaps and bounds is an indoor play centre in Leek, Staffordshire.  It is a fun and exciting play area for children up to 9 years old (4’9”). Here children can make friends in a safe environment, with extremely helpful and friendly staff. If your little ones birthday is coming up, it is a perfect place to have a party, for a very reasonable price! Enjoy.

The National Forest Adventure Farm, Staffordshire
The NEW National Forest Adventure Farm is an exciting new visitor attraction in the Midlands offering exciting indoor play, outdoor play and farm animals. The adventure farm hosts many events throughout the year. We have teamed up with Aardman Animations, the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, to create the world’s first Shaun the Sheep themed maze!

*Why not go check out the “Autumn Campaign” on www.visitheartofengland.com and receive special offers and vouchers for great days out like these!!

Heart of England’s Greatest Zoos

Let the Heart of England provide you with the best zoological attractions this autumn. Whether you’re in search for rare species, unusual animals or just family favourites our zoos have some of the widest varieties and can please every member of the family. An enjoyable day out guaranteed this autumn. Release your wild side...

Dudley Zoological Gardens, Black Country
Have a fantastic, fun packed day out at Dudley Zoological Gardens. Become acquainted with the hundreds of animals and the surrounding scenic grounds. There’s so much to enjoy and get involved in at Dudley Zoo. Why not step back in time at the castle where you can discover what really happened to the ghosts in the house, or enjoy the land train, fair rides, the bouncy castle and adventure playground. Picnic in the courtyard or dine in the restaurant and pick up a souvenir from the safari gift shop before you leave. And of course what Dudley Zoo is renowned for; it’s fantastic breed of rare animals. Enjoy animal encounters and come close to some of their furry creatures.

There’s something for all ages at Dudley Zoological Gardens.


Blackbrook Zoological Park, StaffordshireWhatever the weather Blackbrook Zoological Park is a fantastic attraction to visit. With a vast collection of rare birds and unusual animals, it entails a fun and educational day out for the entire family!

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm, WarwickshireStratford-upon-Avon's Butterfly Farm is the UK's largest tropical butterfly paradise. Rain or shine, discover many of the world's most beautiful butterflies in an exotic environment of tropical blossom with splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Norwich

Visit rescued horses, ponies and donkeys in beautiful surroundings at the Redwings Horse Santuary. This lovely centre has been granted VAQAS status (Quality Assured Visitor Attraction) and is home to more than 50 rescued residents.

Park Hall – The Countryside Experience, ShropshireA popular destination for young and old alike. With regular hands-on animal activities, two massive indoor play barns, lots of outdoor adventure play and driving activities including quads, kids 4x4 land rovers and Junior Driving School.

*Why not go check out the “Autumn Campaign” on www.visitheartofengland.com and receive special offers and vouchers for great days out like these!!

Heart of England’s Greatest Museums

Surround yourself with culture and traditions this autumn. Discover the Heart of England’s history and learn about stories of past times. Visit one of Heart of England’s amazing museums and reveal something you didn’t know about the heart...

Ironbridge Gorge Museums - Shropshire
A fun packed and enlightening experience comprising of ten museums, Ironbridge Gorge presents a fantastic day out for the entire family to enjoy. Join in with hands-on activities and learn about fascinating past times!

Spanning the Ironbridge Gorge and set either side of the River Severn, the indoor and outdoor museums offer visitors a chance to step back in history and experience the sights and sounds of the Gorge's ancestry.

There’s so much to see and learn giving you more of an incentive to visit this renowned attraction...

Black Country Living Museum - The Black Country
Set in 26 acres of former industrial land the Black Country Living Museum will show you the history of industrial Britain. This village brings you over 50 authentic shops designed to show what made the Black Country famous! Your day will be fun packed as you watch the memories unfold.

Shakespeare Birthplace - Stratford
This timber framed town house, where William Shakespeare was born, contains both original and replica artefacts depicting the house as Shakespeare would have known it. Stroll round the traditional English garden which features many plants and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare's plays and visit the gift shop where every purchase supports and preserves the Shakespeare Houses and Gardens for future generations. 

Compton Verney - Warwickshire
Visitors of all ages are warmly welcomed to the Award winning gallery Compton Verney, housed in a Grade I listed Georgian mansion remodelled by Robert Adam, surrounded by 120 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland. Explore over 2000 works of art from around the world including: paintings from the 'Golden Age' of Italian art (1600-1800).

Falstaff Experience, Tudor World Museum – Stratford
Tudor World is an exciting and award-winning museum which brings the 16th century to life! With interesting facts and realistic recreations, this is an atmospheric and fascinating experience. Adding to the ambience; the exhibits are set in a genuine Tudor building, complete with half-timbered wattle-and-daub frontage; a cobblestone carriageway dating back to 1595 and an illustrious history.

*Why not go check out the “Autumn Campaign” on www.visitheartofengland.com and receive special offers and vouchers for great days out like these!!

Best Autumn Places to Visit in the Heart of England...

Autumn time: the weathers dreary and the long build up to Christmas begins. But don’t let that dampen your spirits, Visit Heart of England’s new autumn campaign is delivering stacks of weekend offers and vouchers for great days out. Come rain or shine Visit Heart of England can supply the tools for what you need for a fantastic autumn and half term break!

Ironbridge Gorge Museums - FREE Child Passport
A fun packed and enlightening experience comprising of ten museums, Ironbridge Gorge presents a fantastic day out for the entire family to enjoy. Join in with hands-on activities and learn about fascinating past times!

There’s so much to see and learn giving you more of an incentive to visit this renowned attraction...

Dudley Zoological Gardens - Kids go FREE
Dudley Zoo is incredibly special, not only does it have 40 acres of land filled with over 1,000 animals and 200 unique species; it also has an historic castle that dates back to the 11^th Century. Beware -we’ve heard it’s very spooky and full of ghoulish spirits from the past.

Dudley Zoo is where you should be to have a fun filled family day out this autumn!!

Drayton Manor - 2 for 1
Drayton Manor theme park, home to Thomas Land, located in the rural Staffordshire will not disappoint. There is something for everyone from babies to grandparents and everything in between!

Whatever mood you’re in whether you fancy the excitement of Europe’s only stand up rollercoaster “Shockwave” or if you’d prefer your world to be turned upside down on “Pandemonium” Drayton Manor is the place to be! 

Cadbury World - Kids go FREE

Uncover a world of chocolate delights and enjoy a fascinating, fun-packed day out at Cadbury World. With fourteen amazing zones, there’s so much to see and do. Whether you’re looking for fun, heritage, a drumming gorilla or just something different, a visit to Cadbury World has something for everyone. 

It’s an unmissable day out for chocolate lovers!

Dudley Canal Trust - Kids go FREE
Travel by boat through the Dudley Tunnel, discover canal routes that helped the industrial Black Country and marvel at the fantastic Limestone Caverns carved by man. Learn about the history and formation of Limestone and the fossilization of small creatures and plant life from the stunning audio visual presentation. 

*Why not go check out the “Autumn Campaign” on www.visitheartofengland.com and receive more special offers and vouchers for great days out and weekend breaks!!

Schools Out Campaign 2011



Click here to view our printable online vouchers- http://www.visitheartofengland.com/schools%20out%202011.pdf

Summertime: kids are hyped and parents stressed, whatever the weather - a blend that falls perfectly into the hands of The Heart of England. The Heart is action central, beating out offers and deals that will make this summer one to remember. Our ‘Schools Out’ campaign brings you vouchers for over 25 different attractions and accommodation suitable for rain, sun or shine, making your heart skip a beat.

Drayton Manor- 2 for 1

A fab family day out! Home of Thomas Land, an award winning zoo and adrenalin pumping rides. You simply can’t miss out; the parking’s free so there’s no excuse! There’s something for everyone whether it’s from the Ben 10 Ultimate Mission for the little’ns or Europe’s first stand up roller coaster Shockwave for those daring dads!

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum- 25% off

Ever wanted to fly through the galaxy? Thinktank’s state of the art planetarium will make sure you travel safely what could be better? You won’t have to move an inch! Not forgetting 200 hands-on displays on science and technology from the past, present and future. An extraordinary experience that will leave you bulging with knowledge!

Dudley Zoo- Kids go Free

A fun packed experience moulded to bring giggles and smiles to all family members. From Bears to Baboons to the Brazilian Tapir! The list is endless. It’s a chance for your kids to see the world’s rarest animals up close for free! A chance that would be rude to refuse!

Spetchley Park Gardens-2 for 1

A time to chill out and take a breather. Indulge in surrounding yourselves with beautiful gardens and parkland set in the wonderful Worcestershire Countryside. And with a little imagination the woodland becomes an enchanted forest, the footbridge becomes a castle drawbridge, and paths become jungle trails. See you there!

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens- 2 for 1

Get out and explore the vast medieval fortress of Kenilworth Castle. With fighting knights and a Grand Medieval Joust all embedded in historical depths of the spectacular castle ruins. Don’t forget sugar boosts are on the menu in the perfectly situated Tudor stables, home baked cakes sound good to us!

Black Country Living Museum- 2 for 1

Jump into your time machine and whiz back to the times of eerie coalmines, vintage costumes and famous fish n chips! Go and grab yourself the finest selection of sweets from pear drops to fruit pips. And find yourself munching away in the 1920’s cinema but don’t munch too loud, the movies used to be silent!

Ironbridge Gorge Museums- Free Child Passport

A beautiful valley packed with so much that can transform a boring day to one overflowing with firing furnaces, ten fascinating museums and the world’s first ever cast iron bridge! Welcome to the birthplace of industry. An opportunity to relive this historical phenomenon. Why not join in today?

The Belfry- £99 per room including breakfast and kids go free

Want some time to unwind? Get away for a bit? Or just a change of scene for the kids? The Belfry will ensure you have perfect night’s sleep cocooned in the bliss of the Hearts countryside. A selection of restaurants and bars suited for a family meal or a relaxing drink for the parents.

The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum- 10% off

Check out and get involved in celebrating the creative culture from the past, present and future. Experience Walking with Beasts, Visual Art or the History Centre. Coventry’s own entertainment central, keeping the kids intrigued whilst mum laughs at dad who found the dressing up room again!

Warwick Castle- up to 20% when you book online

See with your own eyes the kingmaker prepare for battle and a magical world where princesses rule. But can your eyes survive the Castle Dungeon? Decaying bodies to chanting monks. Go on, we dare you! But don’t worry; humans are no longer harmed in the process… Well. Go and see for yourself if you’re brave enough. Wedgwood Visitor Centre- kids go Free

A state of the art museum holding superb collections of house paintings and some of the finest ceramic pieces. Very Je ne sais quoi if you ask us! Pottery demonstrations are a real winner. You can even have a go, although white t-shirts aren’t a good idea! Of course you can’t forget to grab yourself some memorabilia.

Coventry Sports Trust- under 8’s can swim for free

Fancy getting active this summer? This is the place to be. Jungle junction is worth stopping at, a fantastic play area for those exploring minds. A fab of choice of three swimming pools tailored for the athletic kind to the daring slide and splashing lovers! Coventry Sports Trust offers plenty to keep those little limbs going!

City Sightseeing Stratford Tours- Kids go free

Hop on and have the most educational fun ride of your life! Learn all about the beautiful Stratford-Upon-Avon and how much history it’s urging to show you. You can even see where our Shakespeare’s ‘Missus’ lived and the award winning garden which truly compliment the essence of Stratford.

Village Hotel Dudley- from £22 pnpp

The crisp contemporary atmosphere and interior of this conveniently situated hotel reveals the perfection of a good night’s sleep. From tranquil rooms to buzzing bars you simply have to go. It’s an offer you just can’t refuse. Some of the best attractions in the Heart are just on the doorstep!  

http://www.visitheartofengland.com/