Allesley park, located in Coventry, is a popular recreation area among tourists and adults alike. Dating back to 13th century, it was formerly used as a deer park and a farm, and was eventually turned into a public park by the Coventry City council in the 1960s. There is a 18 hole golf course, a 9 hole crazy golf pitch and a children's play area which makes it popular among families. A historical walled garden maintained by a volunteer group offers historical guided tours and various summer activities for visitors. A mansion named The Allesley hall built in the 17th century is located in the midst of the park and currently serves as a residential house and a retirement home. The large open green space and even laid out paths make the path an ideal spot for joggers and dog walkers. There free car parking available along with public toilets and a park pavilion serving light snacks and drinks. The park is fairly wheelchair accessible with reserved parking spots for disabled persons.
The Public Library and Baths located in Balsall Heath, Birmingham is one of the many unusual baths and libraries house combinations in the city. The building itself is a Grade II listed heritage structure dating back to the late nineteenth century and has served as a social center and a makeshift hospital during World War II. Currently it is being managed by the Birmingham city council who also looks after the maintenance of the building. The library has a large collection of children's titles, teenage magazines, Gay and lesbian literature and books and newspapers in Arabic and Urdu as well. Learning guides for GCSE and A levels, ESOL, basic English skill books are also available along with a designated study space for students. In the other section of the building, the baths and converted swimming pools are now open to the public. Classes and batches teaching various swimming techniques to different age groups are offered. Swimming in the old building with the beautiful interiors and archways is a surreal experience in itself. The library and the baths are managed by two separate organizations and have different contact details and timings that can be viewed on the city council's website.
This is a Tudor manor house that has been restored to its former glory, with a superb Tudor garden and a small gift shop. It was originally saved from demolition 100 years ago by George Cadbury (whose Cadbury World is next door) and authentic furnishings were acquired for the building. There are two houses that form the museum and you are able to have a guided tour if you'd like - these are included in the admission. Pre-booked tours for larger parties are also available. In the words of the staff, "We're small but gorgeous!".
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.
King Edward VI Grammar School set in the heart of Stratford's Old Town is a low, black and white timbered building that dates back to the century before Shakespeare's birth. King Edward VI dispossessed the Guild of the Holy Cross, which founded the school. He subsequently granted it to the borough of Stratford and today it continues to challenge the hearts and minds of Stratford's young people. The buildings are open on Saturdays and Sundays in August and by special request.
Popular with cyclists, ramblers and horse riders, The Greenway is an excellent place for family walks and picnics especially in the summer. The site itself is a five mile stretch of converted railway track, which nowadays is a haven for wildlife and an unspoiled area of rural beauty and tranquility. Parking facilities are available, as are picnic areas en route. Call ahead for opening hours