Places to visit this year
I’ve been making a list. For my own benefit more than yours but now it’s made I thought I’d share. These are all places relatively close to home that would be suitable for a family day out. I’ve already used it, a number of times. I’m one of those people that thinks “oh that would be a good place to visit one day” then when we have a day free can I think of where to go? Never!
So, this list will come in handy when we have some time.
These are all places that I think will be enjoyable with a toddler and places Littlebit will get something out of and enjoy herself.
Argents Mead, Hinckley – we go here to feed the ducks all the time, but over the summer months they host live bands in the bandstand. On a nice day it’d be lovely to go and sit and listen with a picnic.
Battlefield line railway – done 11-Mar-12, great fun! The volunteers do a fabulous job running the line.
Littlebit enjoying her new Thomas toy on the train
Birmingham sea life centre – done 03-Feb-12. Really visual for little ones. A bit on the expensive side so I don’t think we’d go again until she’s old enough to fully appreciate all of it but she was fascinated by all the colours and movements.
Enjoying the Sealife Centre in Birmingham. We tied this in with a meal at Carluccios in Brindley Place too. It’s the ideal location to fill a day.
Bosworth water – we popped by here this weekend, just for a few minutes, and it looks lovely. I can’t believe we have it on our doorstep. We’ll definitely head here on a sunny day to picnic by the lake. There’s also a brilliant play area in the shape of a castle and ship. I can see hours of fun there to come.
Bradgate park – an old firm favorite. I went there too many times to remember as a child. Littlebit has already been two or three times. On a clear day it’s a fail safe. There’s a nice flat walk so it’s buggy friendly too.
Brocks Hill Country Park and visitor centre, Oadby
Burbage common – various events are held on the common every year and it’s nice for a walk when there’s no event too.
Burton Dasset Hills – like Bradgate Park I was taken here a few times as a child and I can’t wait to take Littlebit like my mum took me.
Cannock Chase, Chasewater and Cannock Chase Forest
Coombe country park – another fail safe and if Littlebit is behaving we could pop into the hotel for afternoon tea too 
Cotswold wildlife park and gardens
Cotswolds – somewhere we go frequently. We wed in Broadway, in the Cotswolds so it holds some lovely memories for us and we find ourselves drawn back there.
Fruit picking – to make jam of course
Gloucestershire to Warwickshire railway
Hartshill Hayes – another country park we’ve frequented a lot. Littlebit’s only been once do far but we’ll be making up for that this year.
Hatton country world – done 26-Feb-12. Brilliant as Littlebit went free (being under 2). You can get up close and personal with lots of different animals and there’s small rides and outdoor play areas. Along with a “play barn” too, an indoor soft play area. We also had a really nice meal in the main restaurant first. They do a daily carvery. Would definitely recommend if you’re there anyway.
Walking on her reigns really well so she can get a proper look at the animals
Heart park – a beach, in the very centre of England. Now that I need to see!
Hinckley museum – I’m ashamed that I’ve lived in Burbage by Hinckley for over 5 years now and never been here. I don’t know how much there is for kids but we’ll find out.
Manor Farm Animal Centre and Donkey Sanctuary
Peak district – Cromford, Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
Picnics – normal picnics, posh picnics and winter picnics – can you tell that picnics are one of my favorite things in the world!
Redwings – Oxhill Rescue Centre
Vintage trains Ltd – Shakespeare Express
Then of course there’s the list I’ve started for places to visit in the future, when Littlebit is a little bit older and will really appreciate these places. We may find that some of the above get moved down to this list as we try them and fail.
Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House
Burton on Trent (Coors Museum)
Donington-le-Heath Manor House
I reckon that’s quite exhaustive really, but if you have any to add please let me know. Don’t want to miss out on something good
I couldn’t see Ironbridge/Blists Hill on your list. That is kind of in your part of the world, and its fantastic!