Shustoke Travel Guide

These historic gardens, located in Edgbaston, offer a calm retreat from the city with over 15 acres of beautiful plantings, glasshouses, serene lawns, and fragrant herb beds. It’s a wonderful place for leisurely walks, photography, or a quiet picnic among seasonal flowers. The Gardens also host regular events and educational displays. A peaceful green oasis to recharge.

Arbury Hall is an impressive Elizabethan country house, heavily remodelled in Gothic Revival style in the 18th century. Set in over 100 acres of parkland, gardens, and lakes, it’s rich in architectural detail and historical connections, including the birthplace of author George Eliot. Ideal for those who appreciate history, literature, gardens, and picturesque landscapes.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just curious, this museum in Coventry has the greatest collection of British road transport in public ownership. Expect interactive galleries, historic vehicles, and displays tracking Coventry’s influence on automotive and industrial history. Good for family visits or those interested in engineering and design.

SnowDome is an indoor snow/leisure complex offering year-round snow for skiing, snowboarding, and other “winter” fun even in summer. There’s also ice-rinks, activities for kids, a café/restaurant, and fitness facilities. It’s a fun option if you’re looking for something more active or novel, especially in bad weather.

Edgbaston is a leafy, upscale area of Birmingham known for its mix of cultural, sporting, and natural attractions. Highlights include Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Winterbourne House & Garden, charming gardens that offer peaceful walks and colourful plant collections. You’ll find Edgbaston Stadium here, famous for its cricket fixtures, plus boutique shopping, independent cafés, and good dining options in Edgbaston Village. Great for visitors wanting a relaxed yet refined side of Birmingham.

Set on the River Avon in Warwickshire, Warwick Castle is a medieval castle steeped in history. Explore grand state rooms, ramparts, towers and dungeons. The grounds include extensive gardens, a maze, falconry displays, and live shows. It offers panoramic views from Guy’s Tower and plenty of photo opportunities. A full-day visit works best, with something to interest families, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys well-preserved heritage sites.

Located in Bournville, Birmingham, Cadbury World is a family favourite for those curious about chocolate. The attraction offers a self-guided tour through numerous “zones” covering Cadbury’s history, how chocolate is made, interactive exhibits, and themed play areas. Highlights include a 4D cinema experience, zones like the Bournville experience, and chocolate-making displays. It’s both educational and fun, especially appealing to children or anyone with a sweet tooth.

Symphony Hall is one of the UK’s premier concert venues, located on Broad Street in central Birmingham. With a seating capacity of over 2,200, it hosts a very broad repertoire — from classical and orchestral performances to jazz, pop, comedy, and more. Renowned for its superb acoustics and impressive architectural features, the Hall is also surrounded by restaurants and public spaces, making it a nice stop even if just for a tour or shopping in the area.

Twycross Zoo is a leading conservation charity and visitor attraction, home to hundreds of animals from across the world. Highlights include The Gruffalo Discovery Land, daily keeper talks, and immersive habitats featuring monkeys, big cats, and endangered species. Families enjoy play areas like Wet ’n’ Wild and seasonal events. With its strong focus on education and conservation, it offers both entertainment and meaningful wildlife experiences.

On the edge of Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston, this 6.5-acre conservation park is home to many small mammals, primates, reptiles, and birds. Expect to see red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, otters, Komodo dragons, European lynxes, tamarins and more. The park is involved in breeding programmes, educational talks, and conservation work, making it both a fun family visit and an opportunity to learn about endangered species.

Situated in the heart of Coventry, next to the historic Cathedral, the Herbert offers a rich mix of art, culture, and history. Its permanent galleries feature visual art, archaeology, social history, and natural history, while temporary exhibitions showcase national and international work. The museum also hosts workshops, events, and displays exploring Coventry’s heritage. A welcoming café and free-to-children access make it ideal for family or solo explorations.

Thinktank is Birmingham’s award-winning science museum, combining interactive exhibits with inspiring galleries. Highlights include a planetarium, the Spitfire Gallery showcasing Birmingham’s engineering heritage, and displays exploring space, medicine, and natural history. Hands-on zones let children and adults experiment with technology and science concepts in engaging ways. It’s a great option for curious minds, with changing exhibitions and plenty of activities to keep families entertained for hours.

The White Horse in Curdworth is a charming country pub with rustic character and a welcoming, cosy atmosphere among picturesque surroundings. Expect hearty classic pub fare — think sizzling burgers, ribs, and grill specials — alongside a seasonal menu with lighter and international-inspired touches. Warm interiors, outdoor garden seating, and friendly service make it a relaxing spot to unwind. Perfect after countryside walks or as a comfortable evening stop.

Sky Bar & Restaurant is a stylish rooftop dining destination on the fifth floor of Resorts World Birmingham, offering sweeping views over the lake and NEC woodland. It’s great for all-day dining, from brunches and afternoon tea to refined dinner options. The menu includes creative small plates such as sticky chicken wings and halloumi fries, more substantial meals like burgers and tacos, plus imaginative cocktails, mocktails, and indulgent desserts. Outdoor seating, a “Secret Garden” and balcony add to the ambience.

The Wheatsheaf in Coleshill is a traditional English pub and restaurant offering a warm setting for drinks and dining. Its menu features hearty pub classics, Sunday roasts, and rotating seasonal dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. Guests can enjoy a casual meal with locally sourced ales, fine wines, and friendly service. Known for its cosy atmosphere, it’s a comfortable spot to relax and refuel after exploring nearby attractions.