coach trips birmingham

20 TOP Day Trips From Birmingham By Train, Car & Coach!

Categories England , U.K

With Birmingham’s wonderful central location, there are so many day trips from Birmingham that can be done.

Whether you are looking for day trips near Birmingham that you can drive to with the family and have some fun at, or you are looking for day trips from Birmingham by train to a different part of the country for cities and culture, I’ve got you covered in this post full of days out in Birmingham!

Coach trips from Birmingham are also incredibly popular so below I have noted popular day trips from Birmingham by coach too!

From historical cities like York and Bath , iconic sights like Stonehenge and family fun attractions like Alton Towers , the Harry Potter Museum and Leicester National Space Centre .

This list of Birmingham day trips has been put together with the help of my fellow travel bloggers to help you explore the best of the Midlands and beyond on a Birmingham day trip!

Day Trips From Birmingham

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Map of Day Trips from Birmingham

Sometimes, it helps to see places on a map so here is a map with all of the below Birmingham day trip ideas on it so you can see how far you want to travel.

Day Trips Birmingham

1. malvern hills.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to a beautiful nature spot just a 1 hour drive out of Birmingham, there is no better place to visit than the Malvern Hills.

Stretching across the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire , there are plenty of different walks to choose from in the Malverns. You can walk the five hours end to end following the top of the Malvern Ridge from Chace End to North Hill taking in the main summits!

How to do a Malvern Hills day trip from Birmingham ?

The Malvern Hills are pretty easily accessible by train so they make one of the great day trips from Birmingham by train !

A train from Birmingham New Street takes you directly to Colwall, Great Malvern or Malvern Link from which you can walk onto the hills pretty easily. However, a car is best if you want to park at the base of the hills for a really easy walk.

The best car parks are at British Camp, Gardiner’s Quarry, or Upper Beacon Road car park.

Suggested by: Faraway Lucy

2. Bibury Village, Cotswolds

One of the best day trips from Birmingham has to be the  beautiful Cotswolds village  of Bibury. This riverside village is often dubbed the prettiest village in England and is famous for being home to Arlington Row.

Owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row, is a small but picturesque row of houses , so quintessentially English that they even feature on the inside cover of the British passport.

Other than this beautiful row of houses, Bibury is also home to Bibury Trout Farm. Spanning 15 acres of land, the trout farm is one of the oldest in England and visitors even have the opportunity to catch their own dinner! If you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, you can always purchase one of the deli products to take back to Birmingham.

How to do a Cotswolds day trip from Birmingham?

Bibury is south of Birmingham and takes 1 hour 20 minutes to reach by car via the M5. If you prefer to visit the Cotswolds by train from Birmingham you can travel to Cheltenham Spa Station and get a 30-minute taxi for the rest of the way.

Suggested by: Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

TRAINS FROM BIRMINGHAM

When it comes to day trips from Birmingham by train , I really recommend booking your tickets in advance on The Train Line so you can get the best price! Tickets are always cheaper further out from your trip date rather than on the day itself. Check out train times and tickets on The Train Line here now!

COACHES FROM BIRMINGHAM

For your coach trips from Birmingham, you can also use The Train Line to make bookings with all the top UK bus and coach providers and the best thing is, coach tickets are often much cheaper than train tickets so this will help you book a cheap Birmingham day out!

Check out coach times and tickets on The Train Line here now!

3. Warwick & Warwick Castle

Warwick is a small town located along River Avon which forms part of the West Midlands Region in England. The very first thing that comes to one’s mind when we hear Warwick is its magnificent castle founded by William the conquerer. To be very honest, Warwick is more than that, and there are many interesting things to do, considering how small the town is.

Seep through thousand years of jaw-dropping history as you walk through the rooms of Warwick Castle.  The castle is huge, sits right next to River Avon and is an unmissable attraction in Warwick. You come to Warwick to marvel at the Warwick Castle and hear about the stories of heroes and warriors.

Right next to the castle is the adorable The Mill Garden – a privately owned garden that allows public access. A great place to take a stroll or catch a glimpse of the castle.

Walk around the town centre admiring the half-timbered houses and myriad cafes and restaurants.  If you are looking for an indoor activity, St. Johns House and Market Hall Museum are lovely little museums that you can spend time in with your family.

How to get to Warwick Castle from Birmingham ?

 Warwick can be explored by car or public transport. It is only 45 minutes drive from Birmingham.

Alternatively, there is a direct train service by Chiltern Railways that connects Birmingham and Warwick and takes around 1 hour to reach. By coach from Birmingham , Warwick is just 30 minutes away.

Suggested by: Country Hopping Couple

4. Shrewsbury

Are you looking for a lovely relaxing place to visit on your day out from Birmingham? Shrewsbury is the perfect place to relax and wander.  The entire town centre is now within easy walking distance, bounded on all sides by the river loop.

The buildings in Shrewsbury are of all ages, many mediaeval and Georgian – and new ones too, all huddled together in a tiny half-square kilometre of space .  Much of the town centre is occupied by local shops, cafes, wine bars and restaurants. 

Some specific Shrewsbury highlights include The High Street , with bookshops, and cafes, Wyle Cop – steeply sloping and lined with jewellery shops, and others specialising in cookware, and fine foods, the vast Quarry Park with tree-lined lawns, and the river, and Mardol : an ancient street where you will discover the town’s most quirky old timber-framed structures, some dating back to the 13th Century.

Find time to enjoy a cup of tea on this Birmingham day trip before catching one of the many trains back to Bham.

How to get to Shrewsbury from Birmingham ?

There is a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury making this one of the easy and cheap day trips from London as the ticket cost is low, and Birmingham to Shrewsbury is around a 1-hour drive too.

It’s also one of the great coach trips from Birmingham because it takes just 1 hour by coach from Birmingham to Shrewsbury .

Suggested by: The Travelling Twins

CAR HIRE FROM BIRMINGHAM

If you need to hire a car for the day so you can go on the perfect day trip from Birmingham, have a look on Rental Cars here as they check for car rental with all off the big companies like Budget, Hertz & Aviv so you only need to check once to get the best price!

The list is long of things to do in Ludlow in this walled medieval town including a river walk, a castle, markets, and great food to try. You will notice the people who live there take very good care of their home with beautiful baskets of flowers everywhere and they keep it neat and tidy.

The castle square market is open daily, except Tuesday . They do vary the stalls with speciality markets on Thursdays and Sundays. The stalls are full of local produce and handmade items. You will find many tempting treasures that may be difficult to resist.

The walk along the river is beautiful, with great views of the castle from Dinham Bridge . There is a circular walk called the two bridges (or for the old times the bread walk) if you like to walk it is highly recommended. 

Ludlow is one of the great Birmingham day trips to enjoy a small-town, great food, beautiful surroundings, and so much more.

How to get to Ludlow from Birmingham ?

It is easier to reach Ludlow from Birmingham by car with a drive of about 1 hour 30 minutes.

There is a train from Birmingham New Street to Ludlow Station with 1 change which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and Ludlow train station is a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

Suggested by: Blue Bag Nomads

6. The Black Country Living Museum

You don’t have to travel far out of Birmingham to have a fun Birmingham day out. For a unique day trip from Birmingham, head to The Black Country Living Museum . The Black Country Living Museum does what it says on the tin; it’s an open-air living museum dedicated to historical life in the Black Country. 

You can walk around Victorian-style houses and speak to its inhabitants (museum staff who are in character and experts on their subject), experience a class from 1912 or visit an old-fashioned pub and have a pint (!). You can even visit the sweet shop and get some vintage sweets!

This museum works almost like a functioning town. The cherry on top is a visit down into real coal mines. After a full day of time travel, you’ll need some fish and chips from the fish shop… they’re genuinely delicious.

The first time I visited the Black Country Museum , it blew my expectations out of the water, I could have wandered around there for days making it a great family day trip from Birmingham.

How to get there from Birmingham ?

You need to head to Dudley which is just a 30 minute drive from Birmingham , or this works as a great day trip from Birmingham by train because you can catch a train from Birmingham New Street to Tipton which takes around 20 minutes. Once you’re in Tipton, you need to walk about 15 – 20 minutes to the museum .

Suggested by: Ambers Destinology

7. Bourneville

Bourneville is the perfect day trip for families , or in fact, anyone with a love of chocolate! The area was created in the late 18th century when the Cadbury family relocated their chocolate factory there.

The family named the area Bourneville after the local river Bourn and added the French word for town ‘ville’. The area soon grew with the creation of a model village similar to that of Saltaire built by Titus Salt in Yorkshire.

In this village, the Cadbury family built housing, schools, parks, and even a village green for their workers to enjoy. This was revolutionary at the time as it meant the workers at the Cadbury factory were well paid and looked after by their employers. 

Today you can enjoy a stroll through the leafy streets and parks in this popular area of Birmingham .  

You can of course also visit the main attraction in the area – Cadbury World. Enjoy an interactive tour and learn all about chocolate production! And of course, enjoy lots of samples on your way around. Booking is essential especially during school holidays as this is a popular destination for families and chocolate lovers everywhere! 

How to get to Bourneville from Birmingham:

Only 12 minutes after leaving Birmingham New Street station by train you arrive at the pretty suburb of Bourneville.

Suggested by: UK Travel Planning

8. Harry Potter Studio

The   Harry Potter Studio Tour  in Watford is an absolute must for Harry Potter fans. This is where the actual Harry Potter films were made and is now a popular attraction full of old sets, costumes, props and more.

It’s a self-guided tour but it is perfectly designed so you follow the route through some of the most iconic Harry Potter sets including the Gryffindor Common Room , Snape’s Potions Classroom , The Great Hall, The Ministry of Magic and more.

The studios lift the veil on the magic so you can see exactly how they brought Harry Potter to life and it’s a thoroughly insightful and unforgettable experience. There’s a huge amount to look at and read as they’ve covered every little detail down to the sketches that brought these sets to life. What’s more, you get to experience some magic for yourself such as flying a broom in front of a green screen and sipping on Butterbeer. 

It’s estimated that the tour takes anywhere from 3 – 5 hours depending on how long you spend on the optional activities, lunch, gift shop etc, so it makes for the perfect Birmingham day trip!

How to get to the Harry Potter Studios from Birmingham ?

You can go from Birmingham to Watford where the Studios are in just 1 hour 40 minutes by train!

Suggested by: Laura of What’s Hot?

The gorgeous city of Oxford is easily visited on a day trip from Birmingham . The beauty of Oxford is its small, compact nature which means you can easily explore the whole city in just a day.

Oxford is a city with plenty of fascinating history and several buildings dating back over 1,000 years like the Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate. This would have been the viewpoint from the city walls that protected Oxford from its enemies.

Other things to see during a day trip from Oxford include the Radcliffe Camera , Christ Church College where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed, the Bodleian Library which holds a copy of every book in the UK, The Sheldonian Theatre designed by Sir Christopher Wren and the Ashmolean Library, home to the lantern used by Guy Fawkes in the Gunpowder Plot.

While there are lots of things to keep you busy, one of the best things to do is relax in one of the many excellent Oxford cafes , sip a speciality flat white and watch this picturesque city go about its day.

How to do an Oxford day trip from Birmingham?

There is a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Oxford which takes just over 1 hour. Alternatively, you can drive from Birmingham to Oxford down the M40 in around 1 hour 20 minutes making it an easy day trip from Birmingham.

And for coach trips to Oxford from Birmingham you can get a coach there in 1 hour 10 minutes!

Suggested by: Where Goes Rose

10. Castle Combe Village, Cotswolds

One of the top day trips from Birmingham is Castle Come Village in the Cotswolds! Without a doubt, Castle Combe is one of the most beautiful villages in England so it has to be visited at least once.

In fact, in 2001 Castle Combe has even named the most picturesque village in Great Britain so if you are planning a day trip from Birmingham with friends or family – this beautiful village will be really a great choice!

Well-preserved medieval stone houses and a beautiful market square perfectly define the character of the village. No wonder this Cotswold gem is very known amongst photographers from the whole country. Go for a walk around the village, have a pub lunch or one of the local tea rooms for the afternoon tea.

Castle Combe village, with its surrounding beautiful countryside, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Cotswold – a perfect place to visit from Birmingham during summer.

How to get to Castle Combe from Birmingham?

Car is the best way to get from Birmingham to the Cotswolds. The 100 miles journey from Birmingham will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive by car.

Suggested by: Darek and Gosia

11. Stratford Upon Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a medieval town located in the West Midlands . The town is also famous for being the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare is the most famous English writer who is left with an impressive legacy including the plays ‘Romeo and Juliet ‘ and ‘ Hamlet ‘. Therefore, Shakespeare’s Birthplace is the most famous landmark in Stratford-upon-Avon and is also the main reason why many tourists visit the town.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes a wonderful day trip from Birmingham , especially for Shakespeare lovers. Not only can visitors visit his birthplace but they can also watch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The theatre has contemporary plays of Shakespeare and as well as plays written by modern writers.

However, not everything in Stratford-upon-Avon is Shakespeare’s related; The charming town also has local shops, a beautiful church called Holy Trinity Church, a cool museum and even a butterfly farm. Indeed, the town has something to offer for everyone whether you are travelling with friends, kids or as a couple.

How to a Stratford day trip from Birmingham ?

Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon from Birmingham is relatively simple, it is a 45 minutes journey by direct train or you can drive and it will take roughly 45 minutes too . Be sure to use the Stratford Park and Ride option to get into the centre easily.

Suggested by: Luxury Voyager

Only one and half hours away on the fastest train, London is one of the best day trip destinations from Birmingham . There is so much to do and see in London that you will leave wishing you had more than just one day. But sometimes time is short, and luckily, a lot of the main attractions in London are quite close to each other, so it is possible to cover quite a bit of ground in one day. 

If this is your first time in London, you’ll have to start at the Palace of Westminster or Houses of Parliament , of course. Aside from having Big Ben, you will be able to visit Westminster Abbey in the vicinity. Head to Trafalgar Square straight after that, where you will find the National Gallery, and walk through the Admiralty Arch down Pall Mall towards Buckingham Palace.  From the Palace, walk through Green Park to Piccadilly, Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. All these famous areas are within a short distance from each other. 

If, however, this is not your first time in the capital and want to do something a bit different, there are some fun and unique ways to see London . You could have afternoon tea or a gourmet meal on board a bus while you tour London’s famous landmarks.

Or if you are a thrill-seeker , why not take a Thames Rocket and enjoy London from the river with an adrenaline-inducing boat ride? It’ll take you all the way from the London Eye to Tower Bridge. Whichever way you decide to spend a day in London, there are plenty of options on how to do it.

How to do a London day trip from Birmingham?

Getting the train to London is the best and quickest way to get from Birmingham to London and the fast train takes just 1 hour 30 minutes from Birmingham New Street Station to London Euston Station.

Suggested by: Brogan Abroad

13. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the most popular day trip destination s in the United Kingdom. The mystery behind the prehistoric monument’s origins and purpose is a major draw for tourists.

When you arrive at Stonehenge, take a trip to the visitor’s centre where you can find an exhibition dedicated to the history of Stonehenge and life during the times when Stonehenge was constructed.

After learning a little bit more about the monument’s history, grab a picnic lunch from the café and hop on the shuttle to the Stone Circle. Enjoy your lunch in view of the stones (also a great spot for people watching!) before getting a bit closer to admire the mysterious stones. 

How to get to Stonehenge from Birmingham ?

Stonehenge is just a little bit over 2 hours from Birmingham by car, making it easily visited on a day trip from Birmingham by car. It is possible to visit with public transportation; however, the journey can take around 1 hour longer.

When driving from Birmingham to Stonehenge, the majority of the trip is done by taking the M5 down to Salisbury.

If you’d prefer to use public transportation, you can take a train from Birmingham New Street to Bristol Temple Meads and from there to Salisbury before taking a taxi to the monument.

Suggested by: A World in Reach

14. Bristol

If you’re looking for one of the most exciting cities in the south of England, then Bristol will tick all the boxes and Bristol is an easy day trip from Birmingham! The maritime city is steeped with history, particularly around the dockside. If you’re after something a bit more urban, then you’ll love the street art scene.

Bristol is famous for loads of things beginning with B; Blackbeard, Brunel, Balloons and Banksy. The notorious pirate Blackbeard is said to have resided in Bristol (under the name of William Teach), there are quite a few trails around the city about Bristol and pirateology.

Moving forwards a couple of hundred years, you can’t miss how much street art there is in the city. Bristol is home to Banksy, you can find his work dotted all over the city. However, the biggest hub of street art is in the   autonomous underbelly of Stokes Croft . Each year Bristol hosts UPFest: The Urban Paint Festival.

How to do a Bristol day trip from Birmingham ?

Bristol city is situated just under 90 miles south of Birmingham , journey times should be around 1 hour 30 minutes. You could also travel to Bristol by train, this takes around 1 hour 20 minutes .

Suggested by: Meet Me In Departures

15. Peak District

Get away from it all and escape to the open landscapes of the Peak District National Park on a day trip from Birmingham. The Peak District is split into the green rolling hills of the White Peak and the dramatic escarpments and moorland plateaus of the Dark Peak.

The best way to spend your day in the Peak District from Birmingham is with a long walk in the hills. Dovedale is a popular choice for those visiting from the South, but it can get awfully busy at weekends. Instead, drive a little further into the National Park to Hartington or Monyash. Or if you want dramatic escarpments, head to Curbar or Stanage Edge.

If you prefer a more relaxed day out, head over to the Chatsworth Estate, one of the grandest houses in the country. Or ride the cable car up to The Heights of Abraham and explore the old mining caverns, amongst other  things to do in Matlock .

However you choose to spend your day, the best way to finish up is at a local pub with a pint of Peak Ale. 

How to do a Peak District day trip from Birmingham ?

From Birmingham, the heart of the White Peak is only an hour and a half drive away and if you don’t have your own car you can visit on one of the organised coach day trips from Birmingham.

Suggested by: Jenny from Peak District Kids

York is our favourite city and it would make for a great day trip from Birmingham. The beauty of York is not only its history but its diversity. There is so much to do in York, there really is something to suit everyone.

As a family, we love the free National Railway Museum near to the train station. Other favourites include a visit to the Castle museum that has a historically recreated Victorian street. You can relive the lives and smells of Viking York on a ride through time at Jorvik Viking Centre.

Young and old will love finding out about something with a strong connection to York, chocolate. At the Chocolate story, you will learn all about the history of chocolate in the City and you not only get to taste different kinds of chocolate but you can make your own chocolate lollipop. If that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth how about booking an afternoon tea at the popular Betty’s tea-room.

For lovers of water, you can catch a boat ride down the main river running through the City. For lovers of history, you can visit the stunning York Minster. If you are visiting with teenagers they can be scared silly in York Dungeons. Once you’ve worn yourselves out exploring there is a huge and varied choice of places to eat out. From Italian to Indian and from tea rooms to pubs. You will never go hungry on a visit to York.

How to do a York day trip from Birmingham ?

Birmingham New Street to York is just 2 hours 30 by direct train or you can drive from Birmingham to York in around 2 hours 15 minutes.

Suggested by: Yorkshire To Do With Kids

Bath works well as one of the day trips from Birmingham because once you are there it is easy to walk around Bath and explore this historical city.

Things to do in Bath on a day trip include visiting the Roman Bath Museum, and visiting the iconic circular houses in the Royal Crescent . Take a boat trip or a walk along the River and shop in Bath’s many independent shops.

If you are ready for a full day out you can combine a trip to Bath with a stopover in the Cotswolds or Stonehenge because they are all so close by.

How to do a Bath day trip from Birmingham ?

Birmingham to Bath by car is around 2 hours, it is also 2 hours by train from Birmingham New Street Station to Bath Spa Station with a change in Bristol making it an easy Bham day trip.

Suggested by: The Wandering Quinn

18. Alton Towers Theme Park

Theme Parks in the UK are loved for their world-class rollercoaster rides , and they don’t come much bigger than Alton Towers , the largest theme park in the country and being just over an hour’s drive from Birmingham, Alton Towers is an absolute must-visit for adventure junkies on a day trip from Birmingham !

Situated near the village of Alton near Stoke-On-Trent , the site consists of a sprawling theme park, an indoor and outdoor tropical lagoon-themed water park , a luxury oasis spa, an extraordinary golf course, and a hotel complex.

Alton Towers is arguably the best adventure park in the UK , and boasts The Smiler – the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster , and the Nemesis, perhaps the most memorable rollercoaster ride of my childhood, that carries dangling thrill seekers around 250 tonnes of tangled steel through corkscrews, spins and loops at 50 miles per hour. 

Get your tickets to Alton Towers here and start planning your day trips to Alton Towers from Birmingham!

How to get to Alton Towers from Birmingham ?

By car via the M6 the journey from Birmingham to Alton Towers is around 1 hour and 15 minutes. To get to Alton Towers by train from Birmingham , board the Newcastle-bound Cross Country train from Birmingham New Street Station to Derby which takes 33 minutes.

From Derby Railway Station, catch the X52 bus and step off at the 8th stop at Alton Towers Entrance. The journey is 2 hours and 10 minutes in total.

Suggested by: BRB | Gone Somewhere Epic

19. Bear Grylls Adventure

One of the fun day trips from Birmingham is to the Bear Grylls Adventure , located at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre).

There is a wide range of adventure activities to choose from. If you’re after a whole day experience, you can book ‘ The Big 5 ’ which takes around 9 hours to complete! In this package, you’ll be able to learn archery , go indoor skydiving , scuba diving in a tank with sharks , test your nerves on a high ropes course and climb on an indoor rock climbing wall. All the activities can also be purchased separately, so you can build your own perfect package or just choose one!

All bookings also include free entrance to the ‘ Royal Marines ’ style timed assault course! It’s really tough going with some really tricky obstacles! Most of the activities to require a certain level of fitness, especially if you pick The Big 5 package, it’s like a full-body work out which you’ll definitely feel when you wake up the next day!

The Bear Grylls Adventure is a great day out if you want to challenge yourself and try something new!

How to get to Bear Grylls Adventure from Birmingham ?

Ideally located in the NEC it is really easy to reach from Birmingham city centre.

You can either drive for approximately 20 minutes or take the train to Birmingham International statio n, for approximately 20 minutes from Birmingham New Street and walk the last little bit.

Suggested by: Between England & Iowa

20. Leicester National Space Centre

The National Space museum is an outstanding attraction easily accessible from Birmingham.

The first thing that strikes you about the Leicester National Space Centre is the rocket tower. The tower is 42 m (138 ft) tall and claims to be the only place to house upright space rockets indoors. It is an impressive introduction to the museum! The real star of the show is Sir Patrick Morre Planetarium.

The Leicester Museum has 6 interactive galleries that explore and educate about Space. Our Solar System gallery has an amazing model of the Mars Rover that you can drive. There are enough fun stuff and learning experiences here to keep kids and adults entertained for a good few hours which is why it makes one of the best day trips from Birmingham!

How to get to Leicester National Space Centre from Birmingham ?

When driving via the A6 from Birmingham you can reach the National Space Museum in around 1 hour .

Suggested by: Wyld Family Travel

FAQs About Day Trips from Birmingham:

Where can i go on a day trip from birmingham.

Because of Birmingham’s brilliant central location in the UK there are lots of places to go on a day trip from Birmingham like Bristol, Bath, Warwick, Cotswolds and the Peak District.

What places are 1 hour away from Birmingham?

For places that are 1 hour away from Birmingham or less you can go to Bourneville, Cadburys World, the Black Country Museum, The Cotswolds, Stratford Upon Avon, and Warwick.

What city is 2 hours from Birmingham?

Cities that are 2 hours away from Birmingham that are good to visit are Bristol, Bath, London by train, York, Sheffield, and Manchester.

I hope you now have lots of ideas of coach trips from Birmingham, day trips near Birmingham and some top Birmingham days out ideas!

If you need to hire a car for the day so you can go on the perfect day trip from Birmingham, have a look on Rental Cars here as they check for car rental with all off the big companies like Budget, Hertz & Aviv so you only need to check once!

• More posts of mine that you will help you see the best of the UK:
• Things To Do On A Day Trip To Oxford!
• Things To Do on a Day Trip to Bath!
• 25+ Day Trips from London By Train Ideas To Cities, Beaches & Europe!

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Take a look at our coach holidays to the North West of England including the Lake District, Liverpool and Isle of Man > More

Take a look at our coach holidays to Yorkshire and the North East of England including Northumbria, Norfolk, Yorkshire and Scarborough > More

Take a look at our coach holidays to Wales including Llandudno, Cardiff and The Vale of Llangollen > More

Take a look at our coach holidays to Scotland including our breaks to the Edinburgh Tattoo, The Trossachs, Fort William and Stirling > More

Take a look at our coach holidays to Ireland including County Clare, Carlow, Belfast, Killarney and The Ring of Kerry > More

Take a look at our holidays to the Channel Islands including Jersey, Guernsey and the beautiful island of Herm > More

Take a look at our holidays by coach to the Continent. We travel to a fantastic choice of destinations including France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and many others! > More

Take a look at our holidays to Europe and Worldwide by air with Coach Transfers > More

Take a look at our holidays in worldwide destinations > More

Take a look at our cruise holidays and river cruise holidays. We work with leading cruise lines such as Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to offer great all inclusive packages. > More

Take a look at all our Single room holiday, ideal for sole travellers > More

Take a look at our Relaxed Traveller Holidays - perfect for those who enjoy a more relaxed and leisurely holiday > More

Take a look at all our coach holidays we have to offer throughout the UK and Europe > More

If you are looking for a top quality coach holiday with free home pick-ups and all excursions included then call Johnsons Coaches.

Why choose johnsons coaches for your coach holiday trip.

Established for over 113 years and based in the Midlands, Johnsons Coaches have a fantastic choice of coach holidays to offer you including new tours and itineraries. We are really proud of the choice of coach holiday itineraries and variety of destinations we have to offer which include many of the best-loved resorts in the UK and a varied Continental programme. 

Johnsons are an award winning coach operator with over 35 years' experience of organising top quality coach holidays and coach day trips from the Midlands region. In 2019 we won 'Coach Operator of the Year (Large Fleet) at the British Coach Tourism Awards and also 'Best Coach Programme of the Year' at the UK Coach Awards. In 2021 we also won, Coach Operator of the Year (Large Fleet) 2020, Coach Tourism Professional of the Year for our Tour Manager, Barry Cobb and Social Media Campaign of the Year. 

A Johnsons coach holiday offers great value for money and always includes our free door to door pick up from the Midlands area, coach travel in our 'Club Class' coaches with extra leg room or our NEW Luxury Traveller Coaches; dinner, bed and breakfast in carefully chosen quality hotels, all excursions and sightseeing listed in the itinerary and our coach holidays are escorted by a friendly courier .

Hotel Mobility Grading

To help you choose your holiday, Johnsons provide a guideline grade for the hotel location accessibility in terms of steps, stairs, lift, hills, walking etc. The grades range from 1 to 5 and the higher the score the easier the hotel is for mobility.

Your Coach Holiday Protection

The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all rights applying to packages; Johnsons Coaches will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by law, Johnsons Coaches have protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that they become insolvent. Johnsons Coaches are members of the Bonded Coach Holiday Group, overseen by The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited.  This is a government approved consumer protection scheme.  This ensures that in relation to the coach package holidays described in this brochure (or website) that a Bond, which may be called upon in the unlikely event of the members Insolvency, protects the clients’ monies.  Clients are recommended to inspect the current membership certificate at our registered office or alternatively go to www.bch-uk.org or telephone 0207 7065 5316 to confirm current membership. Your attention is also drawn to the Bonded Coach Holiday Group Trading Charter that will apply to these coach package holidays. Details of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found at The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 (legislation.gov.uk) 

Please click here to view our Trading Charter and Booking Conditions

Booking Your Holiday Coach Trip is Easy!

Once you have chosen your holiday, booking is easy! Call us on 01564 797000 , visit us at our offices in Liveridge House, Liveridge Hill, Henley-in-Arden, or book online! 

Your Booking Journey:

•   Provisional bookings are held without obligation for 7 days
• To confirm your booking a £75 per person deposit is required for all coach holidays.
• Deposits for all air and cruise holidays are £250 per person.
• Payments can be made by cash, cheque, debit and credit cards.
• The final balance for your holiday is payable 8 weeks prior to the date of departure. The due date and amount is shown on your confirmation invoice.
• Please note that reminders are not sent. The balance due dates on air holidays is 10 weeks prior and for cruise holidays 18 weeks prior.
• Our Trading Charter will be sent with your confirmation.
• You will receive your Holiday Travel Pack 7 to 10 days prior to your holiday. This will contain luggage labels, your home pick-up time, hotel address and telephone numbers and any extra information regarding your holiday.
• On the day of your holiday, pack your case and wait for the doorbell to ring.

Your holiday now begins!

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Travel in style with our  corporate hire service, with experienced drivers behind the wheel of luxurious executive coaches. Furthermore, when you’re taking a flight, our airport transfer service will get you where you need to go, in plenty of time.

Contact our travel company in Birmingham today to hire our coaches or book a trip.

Here at Hollywood Travel, we provide premium coaches to allow our customers to explore every corner of the UK. For more than 28 years, our travel company in Birmingham has provided high-quality travel options throughout the West Midlands. As a family-run business, we’re always happy to go the extra mile to show that we really care about our customers. From holidays and day trips to private hire for your special event, we’re proud to offer the full range of transport services.

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With over a half century of experience transporting groups across North America, Thrasher Brothers Trailways is looking forward to being a part of your next adventure and serving your motorcoach needs. When you're looking for safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation our team at Thrasher Brothers Trailways has you covered. Thrasher Brothers Trailways is one of the independently owned and operated Trailways Transportation System companies around the world. Through this Worldwide Network of Transportation Companies, we have access to backup support that other bus companies do not have access to. Thrasher Brothers Trailways is a founding leader in the Alabama Motorcoach Association, and an active member nationally in the United Motorcoach Association.We invite you to learn more about Thrasher Trailways as you make your decision for Bus Travel in the United States and Canada.  We look forward to seeing you soon and you can get your quote online today.

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25 Best Day Trips From Birmingham — Places Nearby!

Birmingham is the perfect place to go if you’re traveling.

The city in Alabama isn’t just a must-visit for its museums, parks, and historic structures.

It’s also the perfect jump-off point to other beautiful tourist spots.

Located in the north-central region of the state, you can easily access zoos and even other cities from The Magic City

Have you explored every nook and cranny of Birmingham?

Carry on with your adventures with the best day trips from Birmingham I handpicked just for you:

1. Huntsville

Situated in the Appalachian region, this city is the most populous in Alabama.

It’s home to historic districts, museums, and parks.

You can get to Huntsville from Birmingham in 1 hour and 30 minutes if you travel by car.

This is one of the best Birmingham trips to make, whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff.

Explore the Brahan Spring Park, where you can picnic in vast green spaces.

You can also walk the 2.3-kilometer loop trail for your daily dose of exercise.

You won’t get enough of the beautiful birds that are residents of the area.

If you’re a history enthusiast, check out the Old Town Historic District.

You’ll find gorgeous structures dating back to the late 1820s.

The Twickenham Historic District is a must-see, too, with its Federal and Greek Revival architecture.

2. Alabama Museum of Natural History

427 6th Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 (205) 348-7550

This museum celebrates Alabama’s natural history through exhibits, collections, and programs.

Founded in 1831, it’s the oldest museum in the state.

You can reach the Alabama Museum of Natural History in 59 minutes by car.

Looking for the best places to visit near Birmingham with the kids?

Check out the Alabama Museum of Natural History.

The museum tells the story of Alabama from way back 500 million years to the first fossils found in the state.

In the Grand Gallery, you can see the Hodges Meteorite, which fell in Oak Grove on November 30, 1954.

You can also see the impressive vertebrates that lived during the late part of the Cretaceous period when Alabama was below sea level.

Related: Places to Eat in Tuscaloosa

3. Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame

302 Bibb Street Marion, AL 36756 (334) 683-5100

Established in 1970, this museum showcases the achievements of women associated with the state of Alabama.

It’s on the campus of Judson College.

However, the University of West Alabama is set to announce a new site for the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame soon.

At its current location, it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to this tourist spot from Birmingham.

This is one of the best places to see near Birmingham.

You can enjoy an exhibit detailing female role models’ contributions to society.

The list includes Nelle Harper Lee, Maria Fearing, and Julia Strudwick Tutwiler.

But it’s not just the inside of the museum that’s worth seeing.

Even the outside is something you shouldn’t miss.

Housed in a red-brick building with towering white columns, the museum is picture-perfect, too.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Selma

4. Chattanooga Zoo

301 North Holtzclaw Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37404 (423) 697-1322

This zoo, established in 1937, is in Warner Park.

It features over 300 animals, camel rides, and a gift shop on 13 acres of land.

You can reach Chattanooga Zoo in 3 hours if you travel by car from Birmingham.

Are you looking for the best day trips from Birmingham for families?

This zoo should be your destination.

The kids will love the over 200 species exhibited in six distinct habitats.

These are the Himalayan Passage, Warner Park Ranch, Walking Tracks, Deserts & Forests, Corcovado Jungle, and Gombe Forest.

So, they can get up close and personal with chimpanzees or observe reptiles in action.

They can even ride a camel for the perfect day trip.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Read House

5. Majestic Caverns

5181 Desoto Caverns Parkway Childersburg, AL 35044 (256) 378-7252

This series of caves is in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Formerly called the DeSoto Caverns, this tourist attraction has been touted as “Alabama’s Big Cave.”

The Majestic Caverns are 49 minutes away from Birmingham by car.

Don’t look any further for day trips from Birmingham for couples.

The Majestic Caverns are a must-visit, with their natural beauty that will leave you in awe.

Bond with your significant other while exploring the beautiful waterfalls and streams.

Marvel at the gorgeous accumulation of gemstone-quality onyx in the caves, too.

Whatever you do, you’ll create unforgettable memories with your partner for the best daycation.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Days Inn by Wyndham Childersburg

Related: Activities in Birmingham

6. DeSoto State Park

7104 Desoto Parkway Fort Payne, AL 35697 (256) 845-0051

This park, located on Lookout Mountain, spans 3,502 acres of forests, streams, and meadows.

Founded in 1935, the park also features a nature center and a museum.

You can get to DeSoto State Park in 1 hour and 44 minutes if you travel by car.

Visit this place, and you’ll agree it’s one of the most scenic places near Birmingham.

Hike a portion of the park’s 25 miles of trails for an incredible view of wildflowers.

You’re bound to come across squirrel treefrogs and common snapping turtles, so be careful when walking the trails.

The DeSoto Waterfalls are a must-visit, too.

Imagine majestic water in a free fall from 102 feet above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fort Payne, an IHG Hotel

7. Elvis Presley’s Birthplace

306 Elvis Presley Drive Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 841-1245

This historic museum site aims to preserve the birthplace of rock legend Elvis Presley.

It includes a park, which features a statue of the singer.

By car, Elvis Presley’s Birthplace is 2 hours away.

Here’s a one day trip from Birmingham you shouldn’t miss.

After all, Elvis Presley is one of the greatest musicians of all time.

Check out the church the singer went to as a child in the 1940s.

You should visit the house he grew up in, too.

To cap off your day, check out the public park.

You’ll find a beautiful statue of Elvis Presley when he was a young adolescent, with a guitar.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn & Suites Tupelo North, an IHG Hotel

Also See: Best Day Trips From Huntsville

8. Fairhope

This city in Baldwin County is on the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay.

Founded in 1908, the city is home to museums, beaches, and boutique hotels.

Fairhope is a 4-hour drive from Birmingham.

This may be one of the longest Birmingham day trips.

However, it’s worth it.

When you get to Fairhope, you’ll find gorgeous beaches perfect for swimming.

If you’re not a beach person, the city has something to offer, too.

Head to Fairhope Avenue and explore the vast array of boutique shops there.

You can visit the rose gardens, too, if you want a different side of nature.

Check out the Fairhope Museum of History if you prefer to learn more about the city’s past.

You’ll learn about the city’s Native American settlers.

You’ll also see gorgeous artifacts ranging from pottery to old boats.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Fairhope – Point Clear, an IHG Hotel

9. Georgia Aquarium

225 Baker Street Atlanta, GA 30313 (404) 581-4000

This public aquarium houses over 100,000 marine animals in 11 million gallons of water.

The facility takes pride in being one of the biggest aquariums in the country.

You can reach Georgia Aquarium in 2 hours and 15 minutes if you travel by car.

Looking for things to do outside Birmingham with the kids?

How does seeing marine animals up close and personal sound?

The young ones can interact with charismatic sea lions in the Georgia Aquarium.

They can even come face-to-face with sharks through the museum’s floor-to-ceiling acrylic windows.

Don’t worry.

Cafe Aquaria serves the perfect comfort food, such as burgers and pizzas.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta

Related: Weekend Trips in Alabama

10. Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

1919 9th Street Calera, AL 35040 (205) 668-3435

Established in 1962, this museum showcases Alabama’s railroad history through exhibits and events.

It also houses a gift shop and can serve as a site for birthday parties.

The travel time from Birmingham to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is 33 minutes.

The kids won’t get enough of the gorgeous locomotives and railroad cars highlighted in the museum’s exhibits.

They’ll find rolling stock and equipment that date back to the 1890s.

And the best part?

They get to experience riding a real old train, too.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Calera

11. Lake Lurleen State Park

13226 Lake Lurleen Road Coker, AL 35452 (205) 339-1558

This park on US Highway 82 encompasses 1,625 acres of green spaces.

It also features 23 miles of trails and a nature center.

If you drive a car, you can reach Lake Lurleen State Park in 1 hour and 8 minutes.

Are you a nature lover?

Then make sure you drop by this place.

The park is a nature oasis with its beautiful lake and woodlands.

Hike the park’s multi-use trail with friends for the perfect bonding moment.

If you prefer a more relaxing activity, ride a paddleboat on the lake.

End your day with a fun picnic under the gorgeous Alabama skies on the green grass.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown, an IHG Hotel

12. Little River Canyon National Preserve

4322 Little River Trail Fort Payne, AL 35967 (256) 845-9605

This 15,2888-acre preserve is on top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne.

It also houses the Little River, the country’s longest mountain-top waterway.

By car, the Little River Canyon National Preserve is 1 hour and 30 minutes away.

Immerse in nature in this beautiful green space.

Walk a portion of the 23 miles of dirt and gravel roads, and you’ll find a wide array of fauna.

Marvel at the beautiful raptors and vultures soaring above the river.

You might even come across some of the park’s deer residents.

Not in the mood to walk?

Try whitewater rafting or paddling on the river.

You can even go fishing if you prefer to stay in one place.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Fort Payne

13. Magnolia Springs

Magnolia Springs, AL 36555 (251) 965-9888

This town is in the southern part of Baldwin County.

It encompasses 615 acres of land and has a population of over 800.

You can reach Magnolia Springs from Birmingham in 4 hours and 13 minutes by car.

Magnolia Springs exudes a beautiful small-town vibe you’ll appreciate.

Check out the Magnolia Springs Inn, with its Old Southern charm and white porch.

Head out to the river and see Magnolia Springs’s unique mail delivery service in action, too.

After all, the town boasts the only mail delivery river route in the country.

So you’ll find mail personnel delivering bills and letters in mailboxes — on the water.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites By Hilton Foley

14. Montgomery

Known as the Capital of Dreams, Montgomery is home to the most significant spots for the Civil Rights Movement.

It’s also home to the Maxwell Airforce Base and museums.

If you travel by car from Birmingham, it will take 1 hour and 22 minutes to get to Montgomery.

This is one place you should visit if you’re a history buff.

Montgomery is home to many historic sites, including the home of Martin Luther King Jr. and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Check out the Alabama State Archives and History Museum, too.

The museum tells how Alabama came to be through documents and artifacts.

The museum’s building has historical value, too.

The gorgeous Neoclassical building dates back to 1938.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center

15. Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum

2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery, AL 36110 (334) 625-4900

Built in 1920, this museum is home to over 750 animals.

It also features animal-related special events and a Zoofari Skylift Adventure Ride on 40 acres of land.

It takes 1 hour and 23 minutes to reach the museum from Birmingham by car.

Your kids won’t get enough of the beautiful animals here.

The creatures ranging from giraffes to parakeets are in five habitats named after the continents–Australia, Asia, Africa, South America, and North America.

If you get tired of exploring the zoo, enjoy incredible views of the creatures in green spaces from a skylift hanging above.

If you get hungry, don’t worry.

The Overlook Cafe offers exquisite food your kids will love, too.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Montgomery Downtown

16. Oak Mountain State Park

200 Terrace Drive Pelham, AL 35124 (205) 620-2520

Located 20 miles south of Birmingham, this park is home to mountain trails, a beach, and a wildlife center.

It’s a 27-minute drive from Birmingham to Oak Mountain State Park.

You can have the ultimate nature experience in this gorgeous place.

Take a stroll along a portion of the park’s 25 miles of hiking trails.

You’ll get incredible views of flora, including rare plants, such as the Alabama sandstone oak and Georgia aster.

If you prefer a less strenuous activity, try fishing in Double Oak Lake.

You can ride a boat and float on the lake, too.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Pelham – I-65

17. Red Mountain Park

2011 Frankfurt Drive Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 202-6043

This park encompasses 1,500 acres of land surrounding a 4.5-mile-long section of Red Mountain.

It features a zipline, hiking trails, and a 6-acre dog park.

You can reach Red Mountain Park in 14 minutes if you travel using a vehicle.

There’s no shortage of things to do in this popular park.

Explore a section of the 15 miles of hiking trails here as part of your exercise for the day.

If you’re up for the challenge, climb, rappel and zipline through the courses in the park’s Adventure Area.

Play frisbee with your furry friend in Remy’s Dog Park afterward.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham/Lakeshore Drive

18. Talladega National Forest

9901 AL-5 Brent, AL 34034 (205) 926-9765

Located on the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, this national forest encompasses over 392,000 acres of land.

It features upland hills, low mountains, and streams.

Talladega National Forest is 55 minutes away from Birmingham if you use a vehicle.

The forest is a beauty, so make sure you check it out.

Take a stroll along the trails that cut through the diverse ecosystem for perfect nature views.

You might go face-to-face with beautiful animals, such as woodpeckers and white-tailed deer.

Don’t forget to bring your camera.

You’ll want to take many pictures here.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Econo Lodge Oxford

19. Childersburg

This city is one of the most historic towns in Alabama. It dates back to 1540 when it was a small village that was part of the Coosa Nation. By car, you can get to Childersburg in 44 minutes.

If you’re a history enthusiast, Childersburg should be your destination.

The city has a rich history.

It was home to Spanish explorers in the mid-16th century.

The city is home to other historic landmarks, too.

The Kymulga Grist mill, for instance, dates back to 1854 and remains operational.

The 105-foot covered bridge in the Kymulga Grist Mill Park also traces its roots to the 1860s.

20. Guntersville

This city to the north of Birmingham is the seat of Marshall County.

It’s home to Lake Guntersville, a golf course, and a museum.

If you travel by car from Birmingham, you can reach Guntersville in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Although it’s a relatively small city, Guntersville has a lot to offer.

Go fishing in the clear waters of Lake Guntersville, filled with catfish and crappies.

If you’re not the fishing type, hike the 36 miles of trails and go sightseeing.

Then cool off with a game of golf on a beautiful 18-hole championship course.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Guntersville

21. Mentone

Mentone, AL 35984 (256) 634-4444

This town is in DeKalb County, on top of Lookout Mountain.

It features boutique shops, an art center, and flora and fauna on over 3000 acres of land.

If you drive a car, you can get to Mentone in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Soak in the beautiful views of Lookout Mountain in this charming town.

If you’re more of an adrenaline seeker, go mountain climbing or hiking.

Head downtown and explore the boutique shops after your adventure.

The hand-painted and signed gourds at Gourdie Shop are a must-see in particular.

You’ll want to bring home some of those for the perfect souvenirs.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn Fort Payne I-59 exit 222

This city in northeast Mississippi was the site of a Civil War battle.

It’s also home to Buffalo Park and Zoo, museums, and dining options .

Use a car, and you’ll get to Tupelo from Birmingham in 2 hours and 10 minutes.

This city is the history enthusiast’s go-to place.

After all, it has seen many historic events.

Its rich history dates back to pre-colonial Native American settlements.

It was also the site of the Battle of Tupelo in the 1860s.

Tupelo was the first city to be given electricity by the Tennessee Valley Authority during the Great Depression.

Check out the Oren Dunn City Museum, and you’ll learn more about the city’s many firsts and role in the Civil Rights movement.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Tru By Hilton Tupelo, MS

23. Memphis

Located in southwest Tennessee, this city is the birthplace of rock n’ roll.

It also features historic houses and retro jazz halls.

If you travel by car, you’ll get to Memphis from Birmingham in 3 hours and 38 minutes.

Memphis isn’t just the second-largest city in Tennessee.

It also plays an important role in rock n’ roll history.

This is where you’ll find Elvis Presley’s former home, Graceland, for example.

Graceland also serves as the burial ground of the music icon.

You might want to visit Arcade Restaurant here, too.

It’s where the king of rock n’ roll used to eat his bacon and eggs every morning when he was in town.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: River Inn of Harbor Town

24. Chattanooga

Set along the Tennessee River, this city features beautiful sandstone formations, historic structures, and parks.

It will take 2 hours and 11 minutes to get to Chattanooga from Birmingham by car.

Want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city?

Head straight to Chattanooga.

Although a city, Chattanooga exudes an American town feel with its gorgeous nature views, quaint structures, and rich history.

Check out the Tennessee Riverpark, which houses the grand river that winds for 10 miles until it reaches downtown.

Visit Fort Wood Historic District, with its buildings that date back to the 18th century.

Cap off your adventure with a hike to Point Park, the site of a Civil War battle also documented in the Chattanooga Museum.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Chattanooga

25. Atlanta

The capital of Georgia, Atlanta, is home to the Centennial Olympic Park, botanical gardens and a massive aquarium.

The travel time from Birmingham to Atlanta is 2 hours and 14 minutes.

Here’s one of the best day trips from Birmingham that should be on your list.

After all, there’s a reason big city Atlanta is a popular tourist destination.

You can relive the past in the Atlanta History Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

You can also explore the huge Centennial Olympic Park built for the 1996 Olympics.

Don’t forget to head to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to watch an exciting football game afterward.

After your trip, one thing will be apparent: it’s impossible to get bored in Atlanta.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Atlanta

Map of Day Trips Near Birmingham, AL

25 Best Day Trips from Birmingham, AL for 2024

• Alabama Museum of Natural History
• Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame
• Chattanooga Zoo
• Majestic Caverns
• DeSoto State Park
• Elvis Presley’s Birthplace
• Georgia Aquarium
• Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
• Lake Lurleen State Park
• Little River Canyon National Preserve
• Magnolia Springs
• Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum
• Oak Mountain State Park
• Red Mountain Park
• Talladega National Forest
• Childersburg
• Guntersville
• Chattanooga

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We welcome all enquiries for local and national journeys, airport transfers, tours and contract hire.

Whatever your requirements, you can be sure that your booking will be looked after with the kind of attention to detail and personal service that means you'll travel with us again and again. With over 30 years experience in the Industry we can provide you with a professional service.

We are located near Birmingham, and are ideally placed to deliver local and national coach hire services to customers in Birmingham, Tamworth and the wider West Midlands. We operate throughout the UK, and are also happy to quote for work originating in other areas.

Should you require a long term / contractual hire please feel free to call to discuss further how Clarkes Travel can help.

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We are ideally placed to provide Coach Hire in Birmingham with Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International Rail Station at short notice and within most areas around the West Midlands M5, M6, M42.

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Endeavour Coaches

Endeavour Coaches has been a family run business for over 35 years. We have strong core values, which place our customers above anything else.

Endeavour Coaches takes pride in being Birmingham’s premier coach company for disabled facilities. Disabled access is available on several of our 50-seater coaches as well as one of our 70-seater coaches. This includes Tail lift access and wheelchair clamping facilities to aid access on and off the coach whilst ensuring passenger safety. This facility is available with up to 10 wheelchairs being clamped at one time on a single vehicle.

We offer a range of vehicles to suit all requirements. We offer a range of services from day trips to tours, private hire and school services.

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Onsite Parking Available including Match Days at £5.00 per car & £20.00 per coach per day

Endeavour Coaches Limited, 30 Plume Street, Aston, Birmingham, B6 7RT Tel No: 0121 326 4994 E-mail: [email protected]

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Birmingham Coach Station

Find station opening hours, facilities and more....

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Outbound date

Select time, outward journey, return date.

Select a return within 3 months of your outward travel.

Return Journey

Children under 14 years of age are not permitted to travel without being accompanied throughout the journey by a responsible person aged 16 years or over. Children aged 14 - 15 years old may travel unaccompanied, as from 5am, arriving at their booked destination no later than 10pm. Unaccompanied children will be asked for proof of age or a signed letter of permission from their parent/guardian. (sms or chat based messages are not permissible)

One infant aged 0-2 travels free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Additional infants aged 0-2 must be paid for. If you are travelling with more than 1 infant aged 0-2, please book the additional infant as 'Children (3-15).

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Mill Lane, Birmingham B5 6DD

Opening hours

Monday to Sunday: 24 hours

Please note that the station opening hours will not affect your journey.

Ticket machines: Only available between station opening hours

Clean Air Zone notice

Please note that as of 2021, Birmingham Coach Station sits within the city's Clean Air Zone.

This means if you are driving to the station and your vehicle does not meet the requirements of the zone, you will need to pay a fee to drive within its boundaries.

For more information, including vehicle requirements, please visit   BrumBreathes.co.uk .

Further information

It's always important to arrive early before travelling, so be sure to arrive 10 minutes before your coach is due to depart.

Please check your ticket is valid only for the coach you want to travel on.

Want to know where your coach is?   Use Coach Tracker   from your mobile or desktop to track your coach in real-time.

For accessibility information on Birmingham Coach Station please visit   AccessAble . 

There is a passport photo booth available in the coach station.

Birmingham facilities

At Birmingham Coach Station you can find the following facilities to make your time as comfortable as possible:

• Automated ticket machines
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• Toilet facilities
• Onsite coffee shop
• Onsite newsagents *
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*Currently closed

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Other National Express coach stations include:

• Bournemouth
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Open Return Information

Book your return

Your Open Dated Return is valid for 3 months from your outbound journey. To guarantee your seat on your return you need to confirm your ticket before you travel on www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call 0371 781 8181.

Open Dated Return Information

If your return date is not yet known, open return tickets provide flexibility. When travelling within the UK, the return journey can be made within 3 months of the outward date of travel. To guarantee your seat on your return journey you need to confirm your ticket before you travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call us on 03717 81 81 81. Lines open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm (calls to this number are charged at local rate). Valid on any day throughout the year.

Open returns are not available on European journeys.

Wheelchair accessibility

Accessible coaches.

The majority of stops along the routes listed below are accessible to wheelchair users but are subject to change. Please call us to check the latest situation before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

To see a list of accessible coach routes please visit our Accessibility page.

Assisted Travel Helpline

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

03717 81 81 81 - ( option 3)  (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week). Calls to this number are charged at local rate.

For more information please visit our Disabled travellers page.

Passengers & Wheelchair accessibility

Passenger descriptions.

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult (16+) and Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by an adult (16+). Please note, you may be required to show proof of age at any point during your journey. Failure to do so, may result in the full adult fare being charged.

Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).

Disabled Children

Should be booked as Children. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our Assisted Travel Helpline.

We strongly recommend that you bring a car seat appropriate to your child's age, but ask you to take responsibility to fit the seat.

Booster Seats

Children aged between approximately 4-11 years old, or up to 150cm tall, may use booster seats. We carry a limited number onboard most coaches.

If travelling with a child, you may be required to show proof of age when buying tickets or at any point during your journey. Failure to do so may result in the child being required to pay the full fare for the journey on that day.

Booster seats

Children aged between approximately 4 years and 11 years or up to 150cm tall may use booster seats, we carry a limited number onboard most coaches along with our comfort fit seat belts.

Disabled children should be booked as children rather than 'Disabled'. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or you wish to book assistance with travel please call our Assisted Travel Helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

You can find a list of accessible coach stops on our Accessibility page .

Please call us 36 hours prior to travelling to check the latest status.

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance we recommend that you contact us on the following local rate telephone number: 03717 81 81 81 (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week) 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

Adult (26 - 59)

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged between of 26 and 59 inclusive.

Child 0 - 12 inclusive

Children aged 12 or under travelling on any European service must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Unaccompanied children will not be carried

Young persons (13 - 25)

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Young persons aged 16 or 17 years can travel alone on European services but only if they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Senior (60 and over)

Passengers aged 60 and over are entitled to receive a small discount on European journeys. On European journeys a 50% discount is given to carers, please call us on 08717 818177 to book.

Please select your passenger type first and then add your coachcards.

We have three different Coachcards available, each offering savings of 1/3 on all of our Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares all year round.

Prices shown include your coachcard discount, your coachcard number will be required during the booking process.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

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Coronation Street - The Tour

Accommodation.

• Joining Points

Albert Dock

Calling all Corrie fans! Coronation Street : The Tour has been transformed with the addition of a brand-new exhibition centre, cinema and on-site café. Highlights include original costumes and iconic props, along with replica interiors of the Rovers Return, The Dobbs’ and Roy’s Rolls, giving fans of the show more of an immersive experience than ever before. We also explore the vibrant city of Liverpool on this fantastic two-day trip.

Included Excursions

We begin with an en-route visit to Liverpool. From the impressive Liver Building to the renovated Albert Dock, there are plenty of iconic sights to tick off and stories to discover around every corner. Fans of the Beatles can explore some of the locations frequented by the famous band, such as the Cavern Club or why not indulge in a spot of shopping in Liverpool’s Met Quarter?

Coronation Street Experience

Step onto Britain’s most famous street while listening to fascinating filming secrets from the expert studio guides. Be sure to stroll down the cobbles and take a selfie behind the bar as you head behind the scenes to discover the wonders of the production process and take in the iconic locations that have graced our screens for 60 years!

A city steeped in history, culture and attractions, Liverpool is one of the most popular city break destinations in the UK and makes a great destination for a coach break.

Liverpool's most famous sons “The Beatles” are celebrated across the city; from the exhibition in the Albert Dock to the famous Cavern Club where the lads once played, you can map out their incredible journey amongst the vibrancy and history that radiates throughout this city. 

The Coronation Street Experience

Get in amongst the drama and enjoy a guided tour of Britain’s most famous street at its home in MediaCityUK, Manchester.

The Coronation Street Experience offers fans the chance to take a guided tour of the external sets where this iconic soap is filmed, walking down the cobbles of Coronation Street, past iconic landmarks such as the Rovers Return and The Kabin, Rosamund Street and Victoria Street.

The tour has also enjoyed an exciting expansion and now features an exhibition centre, cinema and café. Don’t miss the chance to see original costumes and props, along with replica interiors of the Rovers Return, The Dobbs’ and Roy’s Rolls.

Listen to stories from yesteryear, hear filming secrets, take a selfie on the street and walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters.

What's Included?

• Return coach travel
• Overnight stay at the Britannia Hotel, Bolton (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• Admission to The Coronation Street Experience at MediaCityUK, Manchester
• En-route visit to Liverpool

Britannia Hotel, Bolton (JG2 rating) Britannia Hotel, Bolton (JG2 rating)

The Britannia Hotel, Bolton is conveniently located for our tour, two miles from Bolton town centre. The comfortable en-suite bedrooms offer tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryers, phones and TV. The hotel also features a restaurant and free Wi-Fi in public areas.

View Joining Points

• Sat 4 May 2024 - from £159.00
• Sat 18 May 2024 - from £159.00
• Sat 1 Jun 2024 - from £159.00
• Sat 22 Jun 2024 - from £159.00
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• Sat 3 Aug 2024 - from £169.00
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• Sat 5 Oct 2024 - from £169.00
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Sylacauga High School football coach who disappeared during Florida fishing trip located

by ABC 33/40

Sylacauga High School Head Football Coach Chris Smelley was located safe Thursday evening after he was reported missing in Florida the same morning.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office said Smelley went fishing in his blue and black kayak around 8:30 a.m. in the Gulf of Mexico off Grayton Beach, but had not been seen since.

The sheriff's office said Smelley was found miles from the shore. He was reportedly in good spirits when he was found.

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He was spotted by a coast guard helicopter around 7:12 p.m. still in his kayak about two miles off Grayton Beach. A friend was contacted by radio to pick up Smelley by boat.

The sheriff's office said it searched the area along with the South Walton Fire District and had jet skis in the water.

In the absence anything and everything else, hope can be the factor that changes an outcome.

The community is rejoicing over Smelley's safe return. It's the outcome they prayed for.

"He is just a tremendous man, great leader in the community. He loves our students you can see a passion in what he does," said Sylacauga Football Chaplin Chris Theilacker.

The U.S. Coast Guard joined the search with a small boat along with an NH60 Jayhawk helicopter out of New Orleans. The Bay County Sheriff's office also sent a helicopter to help in the search.

A spokesperson for the Walton County Sheriff's office said crews were prepared to be out overnight if needed. Public Information Officer Corey Dobridnia said the waters appeared calm, but the way the wind was blowing it's difficult for people to get back to shore.

Smelley was last seen wearing a camo print swimsuit. He did not have a phone or a life jacket with him on the trip.

The sheriff's office said Smelley's outing was only supposed to be an hour. He was last seen 9:30 am about 1.5 miles off the beach.

The sheriff's office said Florida Fish and Wildlife also launched from the Inlet at Destin Pass and is heading east towards Grayton.

Sylacauga City Schools Superintendent Dr. Michele Eller released the following statement before he was located:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Smelley and his beautiful family along with all search and rescue personnel as they look for him during this time.”

Smelley is a former University of South Carolina quarterback who played under coach Steve Spurrier during the 2006-2008 seasons. He was also on the University of Alabama's baseball team from 2009-2010. Smelley is a Tuscaloosa native. He and his wife have four children.

Smelley began his coaching career as an assistant at Hillcrest High School. He was head coach at American Christian Academy before taking over at Sylacauga High School as head coach. Smelley also spent time as the quarterbacks coach at Hoover High School.