What's on

Take a look at what is happening at the Birmingham museums over the next few weeks here.

Details of the top ten attractions for kids here.

The Birmingham Nature Centre

See exciting species like red pandas, meerkats, lemurs and otters. The centre also has a wide collection of endangered reptiles, and it plays an important role in international breeding programmes for them. Birmingham Nature Centre, Pershore Road, Birmingham, B5 7RL. Telephone / Textphone: 0121 472 7775 Small fee for adults. Children FREE (must be accompanied by an adult). Find out more about the centre animals here.

The Lickey Hills Country Park lies 11 miles south west of Birmingham city centre and covers an area of 524 acres. The hills are covered by a mosaic of mixed deciduous woodland, conifer plantations and heathland. All are rich in a variety of wildlife. The park has achieved The Green Flag Award for its facilities and management for the last two years.

Facilities available at the Visitor Centre include information, cafe, toilets, picnic area, adventure playground, souvenirs, and wheelchair pathway with viewing gallery. On the park: bowls, tennis, putting, 18-hole golf course, cafe, permanent orienteering course, nature trail, and toposcope.

Lickey Hills Country Park

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

If you’re hunting for somewhere to spend a summer’s day in the West Midlands, that both you and the kids will enjoy, look no further than Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Opened back in 1832, this was originally a place for the gentile folk of Edgbaston to soak up the sun and see some green places during a time when both industrial and family housing seemed to be taking over what was once a lush area. According to staff at the Botanical Gardens, it’s pretty much the same in 2006 as it was then. The proprietors of the nineteenth century gardens made it their life long work to source as many exotic and semi-exotic plants as possible, leaving us 170 odd years later with a glorious historical collection of ‘New World’ species; many of which date back to the 1500’s.

The gardens are spread over 15 acres, this seems like a huge area to visit and expect to see everything but it’s possible. Different areas are clearly signed, with any special displays or exhibitions being well promoted both outside and within the gardens. Also the paths through the grounds are laid out in such a way that you’re gently shepherded through the gardens to ensure you see as much as you want to see.

Stepping through the front entrance you’ve overcome with a sense of peace. Sounds twee I know, but there’s a busy road which more or less circles the Botanical Gardens yet from the first glimpse of all the green lushness you can forget the noise of modern Birmingham. The place is just peaceful and such a change from the Whacky Warehouse approach of kids' entertainment.

Most of the plants are kept and displayed in huge glasshouses, which are all temperature and humidity regulated to the collections requirements. Every single one of these glass houses is a work of art. My 7 year old son went for his school trip and loved it. To find out more visit their website.

Restaurant

We would also like to know of any good family events that are taking place over the coming months. Once again email here.

Check out the Birmingham Whats On website, giving you information on everything that is going on in the City over the forthcoming months.

Red Yellow and Green Ballons

Family Holidays

Have you been to a good family destination. If so let us know and we will feature the destination of the week. Just Click.

Ashridge Farm is a traditional bed and breakfast, located in the parish of Sandford and close to historic Crediton.

The 190-acre organic farm, which is described as a “working nature reserve”, has a wide range of farm animals, including sheep, cattle, chickens and pigs.

Owners Richard and Jill Burston are very environmentally minded, which is reflected in the fact that they have been awarded the Ottery Trophy for Conservation.

Guests are encouraged to get involved with everyday farm life, making Ashridge a great place for families with children to spend a weekend away and experience life down on a real farm.

Richard and Jill encourage people to join in with farming activities, including feeding the animals, haymaking and lambing. There are also many walks available to guests on the farm, who are free to roam and explore the surrounding countryside.

Because the farm is in such a central location, guests also have easy access to Dartmoor, Exmoor and the rest of Devon’s beautiful countryside.

Richard said: “I am sure that the people of Exeter would really enjoy coming out to us and spending a few days in quiet, relaxed surroundings.”

Earlier this year, the family converted some old farm buildings into very comfortable en-suite accommodation. This includes a family room, a twin room with full disabled facilities, including a wet room, and a single room.

There is also a functions room perfect for business events and meetings.

The conversion was carried out in a very environmentally friendly way. The walls have been insulated with wool, while only natural paints and wood preservatives were used in the restoration work. The central heating system is also powered by wooden pellets, so is carbon neutral.

And after a good night’s sleep, guests at Ashridge Farm can look forward to home-cooked food, often made from Richard and Jill’s own garden or farm produce. Details on staying at the farm can be found on the website http://www.ashridgefarm.co.uk/

Ecocabin provides the ideal setting for your enviromentally friendly self-catering Shropshire holiday in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ecocabin nestles in a peaceful, secluded valley in the South Shropshire Hills, and offers stunning glimpses of the landscapes beyond. Ecocabin supports the local economy and environment. Ecocabin's self catering Shropshire holiday accommodation was purpose-built following ecological design and building principles. A 'buy local' shopping service is available and local artists' work is on display in the cabin.

For further details please check this link.

Statue of Liberty

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