Families across the West Midlands can enjoy a packed Bank Holiday weekend with a host of free events, from a treetop bear-watching experience to outdoor cinema screenings, according to BirminghamLive parenting editor Zoe Chamberlain.
Bear Wood at Bristol Zoo Project
Chamberlain highlights Bear Wood at Bristol Zoo Project, a conservation-focused attraction around an hour-and-a-half from Birmingham. Visitors can walk along a treetop walkway and observe real bears and wolves in a woodland setting. She describes the visit as "amazing" and praises the playgrounds on site. The zoo is located just one mile from the motorway junction, making it easy to reach and park.
Sutton Coldfield's Beach and WaveSurfer
Closer to home, Sutton Coldfield offers a beach experience with a WaveSurfer at The Belfry Hotel & Resort. Activities include bodyboarding, sandcastle building, ice-cream eating and inflatable darts, providing a seaside feel without leaving the Midlands.
Free Events Across Birmingham
For those looking to save money at the end of the school holidays, Chamberlain points to a guide of free things to do over the Bank Holiday. Key highlights include:
- Birmingham Weekender (August 29-31): free shows, installations and pop-up experiences in the streets around Birmingham Hippodrome and Bullring.
- Outdoor cinema at NEC Lakeside: free films including Ratatouille on Friday, Cars on Saturday and Trolls on Sunday.
- Snoopy Trail: a free city centre sculpture trail running until September 1.
- Touchwood Summer Sessions: free activities on Bank Holiday Monday, the final day of the event.
- New Square Shopping Centre: a manmade beach with free summer activities concluding on Sunday August 30.
New Festival in Sutton Coldfield
For those willing to pay, Sutton Coldfield hosts a new festival called Off Grid this weekend, featuring music and wellness activities. Chamberlain encourages families to make the most of the long weekend, noting it marks the last week of the school holidays.
