Skip the queues, swingball nostalgia & meet a goat
3 peaceful spots to escape the half-term chaos
It’s that time again; half term is peeking around the corner like your kid at bedtime when you finally sit down with a glass of wine.
And while the big attractions start flashing their “pre-book now!” signs and queuing systems that look like airport security… I’m here to reassure you: don’t do it.
You don’t need tickets, wristbands or a remortgage to buy entry. These three gems I’ve dug up that are outside, free (or close to) and not completely rammed with people.
Yet.
The Greenway – Stratford-upon-Avon’s railway-turned-bike-haven
It’s flat. It’s car-free. It’s the kind of path where your kids can bike freely without you internally narrating their potential hospital visit every 30 seconds.
The Greenway is an old railway line turned cycle and walking route that stretches just over 5 miles from Stratford town centre into the countryside.
It’s great for:
Scooters and bikes
Buggies and pushchairs
Wheelchairs
Spotting wildlife
There’s a lovely little café (Carriages Café in an old train carriage) along the route if you fancy tea and cake in a train without the actual moving part.
📍 Park at Seven Meadows Road or Stratford Racecourse car park
New Hall Valley Country Park + Bark Bistro
Right near Sutton Coldfield, New Hall Valley Country Park is peaceful, green and has a lovely little stream running through it.
Tucked away on the edge is the Bark Bistro – a dog-friendly bistro that does really good sandwiches (like, shockingly good), plus...
Connect 4 and swingball in the garden
A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
Courtyard feel with lots of outdoor seating
📍 New Hall Valley Country Park, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1QX
Lizzie’s Farm – Cute animals, zero entry fee, 10/10 peace
If you’re anything like me; happiest outdoors, wellies on, surrounded by nature and preferably a few animals that look like walking teddy bears, you’ll love this place.
Lizzie’s Farm is tucked just near Waseley Hills and it’s got all the countryside, petting farm magic without the price tag.
Seriously; entry is free.
You can wander around, meet the animals and soak up that good muddy-boot, fresh-air energy that makes you forget about screens and snack demands for a while.
There’s something so gentle and simple about it here. Highland cows. Fluffy lambs. Cheeky goats.
If you’re in the area, don’t miss it. And if you’re not? It’s worth the drive.
Here’s what you’ll find at Lizzie’s Farm:
A herd of actual Highland cows (yes, with the shaggy coats and soulful eyes)
Sheep, goats, rabbits and chickens
A sweet little tearoom with fresh bakes and farm-shop
Free entry!
A peaceful countryside setting
Animal-petting opportunities
It’s wholesome, it’s heart-warming and it’s one of those places where your kids will be genuinely excited, and you’ll actually enjoy being there too.
📍 Lizzie’s Farm, Redhill Ln, Bromsgrove B61 0QG (near Waseley Hills Country Park)
💻 Check their Facebook page for opening hours – they can vary slightly!
So there’s three chilled, outdoorsy, crowd-dodging gems for this half term.
Let’s just hope the sun joins in too. ☀️
Aimee x
P.S. If you visit any of these, tag me over on Instagram @gettingoutwestmids – I LOVE seeing your adventures!