Proudly proclaiming the fact that it is "Europe's largest", the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm affords a peaceful retreat away from all things Shakespearean. Hundreds of butterflies can be viewed at close quarters, many of the species sporting spectacular colors. For those interested in less attractive, more frightening creatures, other insect displays are available, including stick insects, leaf-eating ants and the world's largest spider.
If you are looking for a day out in the open, a bit of drama and the chance to place a bet or two, look no further than the Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse. Steeple chasing has taken place here for almost 250 years with 14 meetings held each year between March and November. In between cheering on your favorite filly, enjoy refreshments from a tempting range of eateries and bars, or at the large picnic area at the center of the course. Although relatively small in size, the course is counted as one of the region's best. The racecourse also offers rental space for a variety of events, including corporate functions, wedding receptions and private parties.
This is the ideal park for the entire family, offering a variety of facilities including boating lakes, playgrounds, tennis courts, tropical greenhouses and nature conservation areas. It is also the home of the Midland Arts Centre. A walking/bicycling route winds through the grounds that has recently been extended. The park also plays host to a variety of concerts, performances and the annual Fireworks Fantasia.
This square has transformed over the past decade from a grassy slope where office workers would picnic on a summer's afternoon to a pedestrian-friendly European plaza accessible all year. Birmingham's Town Hall and Council House are located on the square, but graded steps replace the slope and there's now a large fountain containing a sculpture known fondly by locals as the Floozie in the Jacuzzi. Stone lamps and statues of sphinxes adorn the grounds, as does a statue of Queen Victoria. Victoria Square has now become a popular meeting point and a relaxing place for people to watch.
The National Sea Life Centre is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. One of the most thrilling things about this aquarium is its 360-degree transparent tunnel, which lets you stand in the middle of the ocean while sharks and other aquatic lives swim around you. There are 55 displays in total, including the "Kingdom of the Seahorse" and "Claws," featuring the giant Japanese spider crab. among other fearsome crustaceans.
These fine gardens, opened in 1832, were designed by John Claudius Loudon, a leading garden planner, and horticultural journalist. The gardens offer you the chance to see some of the most beautiful greenery in the world along with stunning glasshouses. Attractions besides plants include indoor aviaries, a restaurant with a fantastic view of the gardens, a children's adventure playground, a gift shop and plant center and a gallery displaying work by local artists.
Firs Gardens, a triangular-shaped garden, bound by Evesham Place and Grove Road, is named after Grove House that stood nearby. Despite the hum of passing traffic, Firs Gardens retains an air of peace and tranquility. What is more, as they are a little way away from the town center, they are rarely crowded. If you find yourself meandering here, look out for the rose bed which is dedicated to the memory of the "Red Beret" airborne divisions.
Bredon Hill is much frequented by cyclists and walkers. The distinct landscape offers several sites of tourist interest and other features to be enjoyed and explored by everyone. Bredon Hill is home to a number of trails and paths offering exciting opportunities for various adventure activities and circular walks. Bredon Hill is also one of England's 176 Marilyns that enjoy a classified status. From Bredon Hill, you get excellent views of Tewkesbury, Evesham and Pershore. Once at Bredon Hill's peak, you also get to soak in some mesmerizing panorama of the Cotswold ridge, Severn Valley, Malvern Hills and the Vale of Evesham.
Glympton Park is a lavish deer park that includes the Glympton house, the village of Gympton, a parish Church of St. Mary, 21 stone cottages and a parkland. The estate is huge and covers an area of 810 hectares (2000 acres) and dates back to the 16th Century. The estate is currently owned by Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia, who later completely restored the house. Today, the structure stands in all its modern glory while still keeping its ancient charm.
Arle Grove is spread across 5 hectare (12 acre) of land in Gloucestershire and serves as a nature reserve for a wide range of rare species. This ancient woodland is enriched with spectacular flora and fauna. The Cotswold Way national trail runs through this site.
The Birmingham Eco Park is a center for environmental education managed by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black County. It is also the site for the PAWS society (People and Services for Wildlife) which is the practical conservation facility of the Wildlife trust. The park offers a wide range of educational activities on environment and wildlife such as natural arts and crafts, animal spotting, pond dipping and sessions on how to grow trees and vegetables. It also has a number of interesting demonstration features on renewable energy such as wind turbines, solar panels and a water treatment plant. The variety of natural habitats located in the park make it a rich and diverse ground for woodlands, grasslands, orchards and wildflower meadows which are sure to delight any nature enthusiast. The park may not always be open to public, so it is advisable to check with the concerned authorities before visiting. Activities for large groups in training and education are charged and not free.
Nestling between Hawthorn Lane and Banner Lane, Tile Hill Wood is a natural enclosure. Located in Coventry’s Tile Hill region, the woodland is a designate Site of Special Scientific Interest. Also serving as a Local Nature Reserve, the region consists of a range of trees including deciduous and coniferous varieties. Tile Hill Wood spans around a region of 69.92 acres (28.30 hectares) and boasts of trees like oak, sycamore, hazel coppice, spruce, chestnut, birch, ash, et al. One of its kinds, the woodland has special paths constructed for disabled visitors.