Dawes Bikes will provide you with two wheels on which to explore the Malvern Hills and the Wye Valley. Keep the energy up at Redpoint Rock Climbing, Worcestershire’s biggest climbing centre. Catch the countryside by train on the Severn Valley Railway. Or ride the snow whatever the weather at Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre.
Enjoy four wild miles of self-drive heaven past lions and leopards at the West Midlands Safari Park. Find gentler animals at Old King Street Farm and trek with the llamas. And meet rabbits, guinea pigs, and goats at the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre. Then follow the flower trails to the indoor play at Dick Whittington Farm Park.
Go Ape in the Forest of Dean on the high ropes and zip wires. Tackle any water sport you can think of at Cotswold Water Park, and plenty of dry ones, too. Take a river cruise through Symonds Yat Gorge, make your own maze at Amazing Hedge Puzzle, and spot river birds on an Avonbelle river trip.
Churchfield’s Farmhouse is the place for ice cream: maybe you’ll try Seriously Stilton or Ground Coffee. Ride the outdoor go-karts at Weobley quad-bike at Oaker Wood Leisure or roman-fantasy mini-golf at Wye Valley. Paddleboard with Yofi from The Old Ferrie Inn. Or walk to King Arthur’s Cave and feel the mythological magic.
Wander down to the river to canoe from the river launch, dip your toes in the water or walk the serene riverbank path to wobbly Biblins Bridge on your way to Symonds Yat Rock. Go further afield in Welsh border country to explore the Wye Valley, Worcester Woods, the Forest of Dean, and Eastnor Deer Park.
Reminders of history live here in the shape of lovely cathedrals at Worcester, Hereford (don’t miss The Mappa Mundi) and Gloucester. Castles at Eastnor, Hampton Court, Richards and Snodhill remind us of a violent past, but there’s a more serene time on offer at Croome Court and Witley Court and Gardens.
Head over the border to see the red kites get fed daily at Gigrin Farm. Stick around for cake and coffee and the mountain-bike trails. Dodge the bunkers at Puckrup Hall Golf Club. Recover with some pampering at The Malvern Spa or The Greenway and a night out at The Stagg, the first pub to gain and retain a Michelin star.
Fly-fish for trout at Kingfisher Lake, try to stay upright on stand-up paddleboards with Avon River Activities, or wobble along quiet lanes with Phil Prothero Cycles. Ride the farmland and woodlands with Tipton Hall Riding School. Catch some culture at Malvern Theatre. Or head south to the timeless villages and tearooms of The Cotswolds.
