Gems Of The Midlands - National Memorial Arboretum, Black Country Living Museum & Severn Valley Railway

Itinerary

Day 1

Join your comfortable coach this morning as we make our way north towards Birmingham. Discover the National Memorial Arboretum, the UK’s living and lasting memorial, to commemorate and celebrate those who gave so much to our country. Also spend some time in the charming market town of Lichfield.

On arrival at your hotel later in the afternoon, check in with time to relax and enjoy your included evening meal.

Day 2

After a filling breakfast, we make our way to the fabulous award-winning Black Country Living Museum, where history is brought to life. Leave the 21st century behind for the day and experience sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Black Country as you explore rebuilt, replica or recreated shops, houses and industrial workshops. Covering over three hundred years of British life, this open-air museum tells the story of one of the very first industrialised landscapes in Britain. You’ll meet historic characters who’ll tell you stories of what it was really like to live and work during this revolutionary period of history. There’s plenty for everyone to get stuck into, including taking a ride on one of the heritage vehicles, testing your times tables in a 1912 school lesson, heading underground for a glimpse of life as an 1850s miner, watching a vintage film in the 1920s cinema, having a tour of the Boat Dock, and talking to costumed characters. You can also enjoy 1930s traditional recipe chips, indulge in your sweet tooth with 1950s inspired confectionary and have a pint of Banks’s or a soft drink in one of the two pubs.

After all that fun, rejoin your coach later in the afternoon and head back to your comfortable hotel in time for dinner and then get a good night's rest!

Day 3

After a final hearty breakfast, we check out of our hotel and rejoin the coach to head for the fabulous Severn Valley Railway. Our train journey follows the River Severn through glorious and unspoilt countryside.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey home with time to relax on board.

Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

Tour includes

• 2 nights hotel with breakfast & evening meals
• A visit to the National Memorial Arboretum with some free time in Lichfield
• Admission to Black Country Living Museum
• A journey on the wonderful Severn Valley Railway
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon

National Memorial Arboretum

We visit the National Memorial Arboretum to enjoy free time in this beautiful country park. Discover almost 400 memorials nestled between 25,000 trees as well as a range of tranquil areas throughout the 150 acre site for contemplation and remembrance. 

On site facilities include a restaurant serving a selection of drinks and snacks, a gift shop and restroom facilities.

Lichfield

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationLichfield is a vibrant and historic city and located in the heart of Staffordshire, just north of Birmingham. Perfect for a short break or holiday, Lichfield's streets are lined with museums, independent shops and mouth-watering restaurants. The city has a rich and varied history, with Georgian museums including the Samuel Johnson Birthplace and Erasmus Darwin House, through to the stunning medieval Lichfield Cathedral with over 1,300 years of history to discover. The Close surrounding the Cathedral has its own story to tell, with picturesque gardens, stunning buildings and a vibrant history. A visit to Vicars’ Close will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time as you take in the row of quintessential medieval houses. So whether you are a shopper, history buff, foodie or just like a browse around somewhere new Lichfield is just for you!

Black Country Living Museum

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationThe Black Country Living Museum is a remarkable place to explore, enjoy and spend time. Set in a landscape of 26 acres, it is one of the most extraordinary open-air museums in the UK; it tells the story of the creation of the world’s first industrial landscape. Over fifty authentic shops, houses and workshops have been carefully reconstructed to preserve the character of the region when its manufacturers bought worldwide fame to Black Country Towns. Take a trip on the tram to explore the canal-side village, where you can meet and chat to the costumed characters. Explore the underground mine and experience the authentic sights, sounds, smells and tastes from the past. Starting with Victoria's reign through to the 1930s bring the whole family for a day out with a difference!

Click here for more information on what to see and do.

Severn Valley Railway

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationEmbark on a nostalgic journey through time as you step aboard the Severn Valley Railway, a heritage steam railway that weaves its way through the picturesque Severn Valley in England. This enchanting experience is a voyage into the golden age of steam travel, where the rhythmic chug of the locomotive and billowing clouds of steam transport you to an era of bygone charm. The Severn Valley Railway, with its meticulously preserved vintage carriages and locomotives, offers not just a scenic ride but a living, breathing testament to the rich railway history of the United Kingdom. As you traverse the lush countryside, passing by quaint stations and meandering rivers, every whistle blow carries echoes of a time when steam locomotives ruled the rails.

Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead. Back to top

Accommodation

Holiday Inn Birmingham M6 / Jct. 7 Birmingham

A comfortable, modern hotel on the outskirts of Birmingham. Set in seven acres of landscaped gardens, it has the ideal facilities and perfect setting for you to enjoy a relaxing stay. As the name suggests, it is located just a short drive from Junction 7 of the M6 motorway, which makes it a good touring location. During your stay, why not make full use of the health club including an indoor swimming pool, unwind in the relaxing hotel bar, or enjoy something delicious from the tempting menu in the open lobby and restaurant. Spacious bedrooms are fully air-conditioned, with all the facilities available for your stay to be as comfortable as possible, including 24 hour room service, pillow menu, work space, iron and ironing board on request, bathroom amenities, tea and coffee making facilities, high speed internet and freeview TV entertainment. Family rooms are available.

Please be aware that as the hotel only has 3 floors they do not have a lift and a number of ground foor rooms are available. Please advise us of any specific requirements for your needs when booking.

For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window)

Hotel Location

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