Sometimes it is easy to take for granted that you live in one of the best places in the UK! It’s only when someone reminds you or brings something to your attention that you begin to appreciate what you have, right on your doorstep!
I recently discovered that Birmingham and The West Midlands has come 3rd in a poll by Rough Guides of the Best Places to go with kids in the world. That’s right – not just in the UK but in the world!!!
This, amazingly beats Florida and the Italian district of Puglia, and has only been pipped to the top spot by Kerala, India and Maribor, Slovenia.
So what is it about the West Midlands that gave it the honour of 3rd on the list?
According to Rough Guides – “The Midlands are perhaps not the obvious destination for a family holiday in the UK, but the region has tons of great activities for kids. See big game in the West Midlands Safari Park, or visit the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley to go back in time to the 1930s and taste the best chips – fried in beef dripping – you’ll ever have! Then there’s Birmingham, which has an excellent Sea Life Centre, and Derby, a pleasant gateway to the Peak District and the Severn Valley Steam Railway, which runs between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.”
I have to say, having lived just outside of Birmingham for my entire life, that this recognition makes me pretty proud to be a Brummie! I have been to the Safari park a great many times, both as a child myself and now with my daughter. I also have fond memories of the Black Country Living Museum – eating fish and chips out the paper and treating myself in the Victorian Sweet shop. The sea life centre is always a hit and although I’ve not taken Erin to the Severn Valley Steam Railway yet, my uncle, a proud train spotter has been known to help out on the railways since his retirement. The Peak District embarrassingly is on my “to do” list, and sounds like it is definitely worth a visit!
What are your thoughts on the list? Have you visited any of the other places?
You can see the full list here – http://www.roughguides.com/special-features/the-30-best-places-to-go-with-kids/#ixzz49K2j5Fab
